Can You Use Metal Tins in an Air Fryer?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use a metal tin in your air fryer, the answer is yes.
In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions about air fryers is that they need special cookware. The truth is, an air fryer is essentially a compact fan oven, so most cookware that’s safe to use in a conventional oven is also safe to use in an air fryer.
Whether you’re baking a cake, cooking a pie or making a pasta bake, metal tins work brilliantly, provided they fit comfortably inside your air fryer drawer.
Are metal tins safe to use?
Yes.
As a general rule, if it’s safe to use in a conventional oven, it’s usually safe to use in an air fryer too.
That includes:
Cake tins
Loaf tins
Brownie tins
Pie dishes
Muffin tins
Roasting tins
Yorkshire pudding tins
The most important thing is to make sure the tin fits inside your air fryer without touching the heating element.
Does the size of the tin matter?
Absolutely.
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around your food.
If your tin completely fills the drawer, there’s very little room for that hot air to move around, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Leave a little space around the edges wherever possible so the air can circulate properly.
Can you bake in an air fryer?
Definitely.
I regularly bake in mine.
From brownies and cakes to cookie pies and traybakes, an air fryer works surprisingly well for baking.
Just remember that baking times are often a little shorter than in a conventional oven, so start checking your bake a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.
Can you use disposable foil trays?
Yes.
Disposable foil trays that are designed for oven use are perfectly safe to use in an air fryer, provided they fit comfortably inside the drawer.
They’re particularly handy for things like lasagne, pasta bakes or meals you’re taking to friends and family.
Can you use aluminium tins?
Yes.
Aluminium baking tins are perfectly safe to use in an air fryer, just as they are in a conventional oven.
Again, just make sure they fit comfortably inside the drawer and don’t interfere with the heating element.
My favourite tins to use
I use both silicone and metal, depending on what I’m cooking.
For cakes, I often reach for silicone because they’re flexible and it’s easy to remove the finished bake.
For Yorkshire puddings, I always use metal tins because they heat up much faster, helping the batter rise beautifully.
For brownies, cookie pies and traybakes, either works well.
What shouldn’t you use?
The easiest rule to remember is this:
If it’s safe to use in a conventional oven, it’s generally safe to use in an air fryer too.
That means you can use:
Metal tins
Oven-safe glass
Ceramic dishes
Silicone bakeware
Oven-safe foil trays
Ready meal containers that are labelled as oven-safe
What you shouldn’t use are containers that aren’t designed for high temperatures, such as:
Microwave-only plastic containers
Melamine dishes
Standard food storage tubs
Cardboard or paper packaging (unless it’s specifically labelled as oven-safe)
If you’re ever unsure, check the manufacturer’s instructions. If it isn’t suitable for the oven, don’t use it in your air fryer either.
Air Fryer Girl Tip 💡
Before buying air fryer-specific bakeware, have a look through your kitchen cupboards.
You might already own everything you need.
Most of the tins and dishes I use in my air fryer are ones I already had for the oven. As long as they’re oven-safe and fit comfortably inside the drawer, they’ll usually work just as well in your air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a cake tin in an air fryer?
Yes. Cake tins work brilliantly in an air fryer as long as they fit comfortably inside the basket or drawer.
Can you use a loaf tin in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Loaf tins are great for baking bread, loaf cakes and even meatloaf in an air fryer.
Can metal touch the sides of an air fryer?
As long as the tin fits properly and doesn’t interfere with the heating element or fan, this isn’t usually a problem. If you’re unsure, check your manufacturer’s guidance.
Can you use ready meal trays in an air fryer?
If the tray is labelled as oven-safe, then yes, you can usually use it in an air fryer too. Many ready meals are designed to be cooked in a conventional oven, so they work perfectly well in an air fryer as well.
Do metal tins affect cooking times?
Not significantly, although very thick tins may take a little longer to heat up than thinner ones.
Can you use enamel tins in an air fryer?
Yes, provided they’re oven-safe and fit comfortably inside your air fryer.
The Bottom Line
Metal tins are a fantastic addition to your air fryer and open up so many more cooking possibilities.
The simplest rule to remember is this:
If you’d happily use it in your oven, you can usually use it in your air fryer too.
Just make sure it fits comfortably inside the drawer, leave enough space for the hot air to circulate and always use cookware that’s designed for oven use.
