Air fryers have had a rise in popularity in recent times. The reason is mainly that they can fry food without the use or minimum use of oil.
This means you can enjoy all your favorite deep-fried treats without worrying about their calories. They also serve many other purposes, like dehydrating, broiling, and defrosting food. That’s why some people wonder whether they can put plastic in an air fryer.
No, plastics cannot be used in an air fryer as they can melt due to high temperatures. Just remember that anything that can’t go in an oven can’t go into an air fryer.
What happens when you use plastic in an air fryer
Some people think that using microwave-safe plastic in an air fryer is safe. It isn’t; this is because microwaves and air fryers both work in different ways. If you use any kind of plastic in an air fryer, it will, most of the time, melt and make a huge mess.
Can you put toothpicks in an air fryer too or will they cause a mess?
This is because, like an oven, air fryers usually heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and most of the plastics used in plates or containers have a maximum temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that they can easily melt. This can even damage the air fryer sometimes and cause it to malfunction.
In some cases where plastic does not melt in an air fryer, it can cause other problems. Many chemicals leak into your food, making it harmful to eat and sometimes even inedible. Plastic contains many chemicals which are harmful to your body! Learn what could happen if you ingest plastic, but more importantly how you can avoid it.
Other materials that can be used in an air fryer
Here is a list of things that can safely be used in an air fryer:
- Aluminum foil
- Metals like iron or steel containers
- Parchment paper
- Pyrex glass dishes
Curious about whether you can put ceramic in an air fryer? If so, read this article!
Conclusion
Any kind of plastic should not be used in an air fryer. Air frying plastic usually makes the plastic melt, which can lead to the air fryer malfunctioning. It also leaks several dangerous and toxic chemicals into your food. Alternatively, you can use other materials like Pyrex glass or steel bowls.