Can I use a plastic bowl in my Air fryer? The obvious answer is No.
You cannot use a plastic bowl in an air fryer as the temperature of the air fryer gets very high (up to 400 F). It’ll melt and shrivel up. Microwaveable plastics are also prone to meltdown.
Now you’ve got your answer, but one thing that you must be thinking about is how microwaveable plastic can withstand the temperature without a meltdown. Right?
The microwave working principle is different than a conventional oven and air fryer.
According to FDA, Microwaves are produced inside the oven by an electron tube called a magnetron. The microwaves are reflected within the metal interior of the oven where they are absorbed by food. Microwaves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, producing heat that cooks the food.
Air fryers work by using a heating element and a fan that circulates air inside the fryer. The temperature reaches around 400 F to give those brown look to your food.
Plastic Bowl Alternatives
While you cannot put a plastic bowl inside the air fryer, there are many other things that you can put inside an air fryer that will serve the purpose of using a plastic bowl.
#1- Metal Bowls
Metal bowls are great when you want to put something in your air fryer. They can withstand the temperature easily, without emitting chemicals Oven-safe steel bowls can be purchased from Amazoforom for as low as $5. You can check the recent price here.
#2- Air Fryer Basket
Many air fryers come with a basket that can be helpful when air frying fries, potato chips, and chicken thighs. You can even buy an air fryer with stainless steel basket if you don’t want to use a ceramic-coated air fryer basket.
Perforated baskets are preferred when cooking food as they can cook food evenly and don’t disrupt the airflow.
#3- Perforated Parchment Paper
Perforated parchment paper is another useful thing that you can use in your air fryer basket if you’re concerned about ceramic coating. It can prevent those chemicals from entering your food.
Conclusion
As we’ve already told you that you cannot use a plastic bowl in your air fryer as the bowl will melt down and shrivel up. It can release harmful chemicals in your food at higher temperatures. Also, it can leave an unpleasant smell of your food after cooking.