Air fryers are exceptional and offer a wide array of features for modern users.
They can make preparing meals a breeze. While an air fryer is always going to be a wonderful addition to your kitchen it’s important to use it safely.
This includes asking key questions such as – Can you use aluminum pans in an air fryer?
You can use aluminum pans in an air fryer. To do so safely, it’s best to place the aluminum pan on a holding accessory to avoid it touching the heating element. This will ensure the pan doesn’t melt from the heat.
It’s also recommended to avoid placing acidic foods in an aluminum pan. These foods will melt in the air fryer and burn through the aluminum.
It’s best to stay safe and avoid heating acidic foods in this type of pan.
Here is a look at some of the tips of using an aluminum pan in an air fryer safely.
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Tips On How To Use Aluminum Pan In An Air Fryer
1. Use A Holder
The first thing you should do is place the aluminum pan on a holder.
The premise is to have something to place between the aluminum pan and the heating element. If the pan makes contact with the heating element for a sustained period, it might start to melt.
It’s not guaranteed but it’s something you should not take a chance with.
A melted aluminum pan will create quite the mess inside the air fryer and it’s best to avoid such a mistake. By having the holder in place, you can ensure the pan is not going to melt and the food will come out the way you want it to.
It’s a simple accessory that is going to make your air frying experience better.
Air frying with an aluminum pan is possible but it is best to use a good holder inside the appliance.

2. Avoid Acidic Foods
When air frying with an aluminum pan, you will also want to account for what is being placed inside the pan.
You don’t want to use acidic foods inside this type of pan.
The reason is simple and it comes down to the acidic food burning through the aluminum. It won’t react when the food isn’t heating but the acidity can become a problem inside the air fryer.
It will start to carve through the pan and make a mess inside the air fryer. It is important to look for alternatives when air frying acidic ingredients or foods.

3. Avoid Touching the Sides With Pan
You should never look to use an aluminum pan inside an air fryer when it’s touching the sides.
This is a common mistake made by air fryer owners and it comes down to assuming the pan is good to go in any condition. Just like you shouldn’t have the aluminum pan touching the heating element, it’s also important to not have it touching the sides.
This can cause the pan to melt and will lead to issues you don’t want to deal with.
Take the time to see how the air fryer holds the aluminum pan. This includes ensuring it is only making contact with the holding accessory and nothing else.
4. Don’t Overheat
You don’t want to overheat the aluminum pan in an air fryer.
This means taking the time to start with a low heat setting to see how the pan responds. If you overheat the pan, it might start to melt and that is going to be difficult to clean up later on.
What is the highest setting you should be going for with an air fryer?
You can look to aim for a maximum temperature of 400 degrees F for appropriate results. The pan will be able to handle this inside the air fryer and maintain its structural integrity.
Final Thoughts
Can you use aluminum pans in an air fryer?
You can use aluminum pans in an air fryer. It’s best to have a holding accessory in place to ensure the aluminum pan does not make contact with the heating element. This can cause the pan to melt.
It’s also recommended to avoid placing acidic foods inside the aluminum pan. These foods will melt and burn through the pan leading to a mess inside the air fryer.
All other food types are fine with the air fryer and aluminum pan. Just make sure the pan is in good shape and doesn’t touch the sides for maximum results. This will allow you to air fry the aluminum pan without trouble.
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