Can You Put Pyrex in an Air Fryer

Can you put Pyrex in an air fryer? If you’re worried about the same thing, then the following details on Pyrex glassware will help you.

Using Pyrex in an air fryer is a topic that sparks a lot of curiosity among home cooks. With air fryers becoming a kitchen staple for quick, healthier meals, it’s natural to wonder if your trusty Pyrex dishes can join the party. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of whether Pyrex is safe for air frying, what precautions you need to take, and how to make the most of your glassware in this trendy appliance.

Is Pyrex Safe for Air Fryers?

The short answer is yes, you can use Pyrex in an air fryer, but it comes with some important caveats. Pyrex is a well-known brand of glass cookware celebrated for its durability and heat resistance. Most Pyrex dishes are made from either borosilicate glass or tempered soda-lime glass, both of which are designed to handle high temperatures. However, not all Pyrex is created equal, and understanding the type of glass your dish is made from is critical to ensuring safety.

Borosilicate glass, used in older Pyrex products and some international versions, is highly resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking. Tempered soda-lime glass, more common in modern Pyrex sold in North America, is also heat-resistant but less resilient to sudden temperature shifts. Both types are generally oven-safe up to 425°F, which aligns with most air fryer temperature ranges (typically 350°F to 450°F). However, you must verify that your Pyrex dish is labeled as oven-safe before using it in an air fryer. Check the bottom of the dish for an “oven-safe” stamp or consult the manufacturer’s guidelines on the Pyrex official website.

Key Precautions for Using Pyrex in an Air Fryer

While Pyrex can be air fryer-safe, there are several precautions to follow to avoid mishaps like cracking or shattering:

• Avoid Thermal Shock: Never place a cold Pyrex dish directly into a preheated air fryer, or a hot dish into cold water or onto a cold surface. Thermal shock—caused by rapid temperature changes—can cause even tempered glass to crack. To prevent this, let a refrigerated or frozen Pyrex dish come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. Similarly, allow a hot dish to cool gradually on a heat-safe trivet before washing.
• Preheat Gradually: To minimize the risk of thermal shock, place the Pyrex dish in the air fryer before turning it on. This allows the dish to heat up slowly as the air fryer preheats, reducing stress on the glass. For example, when making a dish like a Pyrex air fryer apple tart, place the dish in the cold air fryer, then set it to 180°C for even heating.
• Check for Damage: Inspect your Pyrex dish for cracks, chips, or scratches before use. Even minor damage can weaken the glass, making it more likely to break under heat. Hold the dish up to light to spot hairline fractures or irregularities. If you notice any damage, opt for a different container.
• Ensure Proper Fit: Air fryers rely on rapid air circulation to cook food evenly, so your Pyrex dish must fit comfortably inside the basket without touching the heating element or blocking airflow. Shallow dishes, ramekins, or pie plates are ideal because they allow hot air to circulate freely. Deeper or oversized dishes can lead to uneven cooking and may even damage the air fryer.
• Know Your Air Fryer’s Temperature: Most Pyrex dishes are safe up to 425°F, but some air fryers can reach higher temperatures. Always check your air fryer’s maximum temperature and stay within the safe range for your Pyrex. If your recipe calls for temperatures above 425°F, consider using metal or silicone cookware instead.
• Handle with Care: Pyrex gets extremely hot in an air fryer. Use thick oven mitts or silicone grips to remove the dish safely. Avoid placing it directly on a cold countertop; instead, use a heat-resistant surface to let it cool.

Borosilicate vs. Soda-Lime Glass: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the type of glass in your Pyrex dish is key to safe air frying. Borosilicate glass, originally used in Pyrex when it was introduced in 1915, is renowned for its ability to handle extreme temperatures (up to 400°C for short-term exposure) and resist thermal shock. This makes it ideal for air fryers, as it’s less likely to crack under rapid heating. However, since the 1980s, Pyrex sold in North America, South America, and Asia has largely shifted to tempered soda-lime glass, which is cheaper to produce but slightly less resistant to thermal shock.

While both types are oven-safe, borosilicate glass is the safer bet for air frying due to its superior durability. If you’re unsure which type you have, check the packaging or manufacturer’s details. Older Pyrex dishes (pre-1980s) or those made in Europe are likely borosilicate, while newer ones are typically soda-lime. If your dish is soda-lime glass, extra caution is needed to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Why Use Pyrex in an Air Fryer?

Pyrex offers several advantages for air frying. Its non-porous surface doesn’t absorb odors or flavors, making it perfect for cooking a variety of dishes without cross-contamination. Glass also retains heat well, ensuring even cooking for recipes like casseroles, lasagnas, or desserts. Plus, Pyrex’s clear design lets you monitor your food’s progress without opening the air fryer, which can disrupt cooking. For instance, a French toast casserole can be beautifully baked in a Pyrex dish, with the glass allowing you to check for that perfect golden crust.

Another perk? Pyrex is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, simplifying post-cooking cleanup compared to the air fryer’s basket. It’s also versatile, letting you cook, serve, and store meals in the same dish, reducing the need for extra cookware.

Alternatives to Pyrex for Air Frying

If you’re hesitant to use Pyrex or don’t have an oven-safe dish, there are other air fryer-friendly options:

• Metal Pans: Aluminum or stainless steel pans are excellent for air frying. They’re durable, heat-resistant, and allow for optimal air circulation.
• Silicone Bakeware: Silicone is non-stick, heat-resistant up to 425°F, and lightweight, making it a safe and affordable alternative. Silicone liners or baskets are also great for easy cleanup.
• Ceramic Dishes: Like Pyrex, ceramic is oven-safe and non-reactive, but ensure it’s labeled for high-heat use.

Each option has its pros and cons, but Pyrex stands out for its versatility and aesthetic appeal, especially for dishes you want to serve directly from the air fryer.

Tips for Success with Pyrex in Your Air Fryer

To get the best results when using Pyrex in your air fryer, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Choose the Right Recipe: Pyrex is ideal for baked dishes like lasagnas, frittatas, or cakes, where even heat distribution is key. Avoid using it for recipes requiring high airflow, like fries, where metal racks work better.
• Test with an Empty Dish: If you’re unsure about your Pyrex’s compatibility, place an empty dish in the air fryer and run it at 350°F for a few minutes to test its heat tolerance.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space around the Pyrex dish for air to circulate. This is crucial for even cooking and preventing hot spots.
• Use a Silicone Grip: Some Pyrex air fryer kits, like those from BIG W, include silicone grip pads to make handling easier and safer.

To conclude, as long as your Pyrex dish, jug, or bowl is ovenproof, it may be used in the air fryer. If you prefer to use something else, pick anything that you would normally use in the oven.