I’ll admit it. The first time I tried putting a glass bowl in my air fryer, I stood there like I was about to perform a science experiment. I half expected sparks. Or at least dramatic cracking noises.
Spoiler alert: nothing exploded. But I did learn a few things the hard way.
If you’ve been wondering “Can you use glass bowls in an air fryer?”, you’re not alone. I get this question constantly, especially from people who want to bake, reheat leftovers, or cook saucy dishes without making a mess.
So let’s talk about it — honestly, practically, and without kitchen myths.
The Short Answer: Yes… But Only the Right Kind of Glass
You can use glass in an air fryer, but only if it’s oven-safe glass.
That means:
- Tempered glass
- Borosilicate glass
- Labeled oven-safe by the manufacturer
If your bowl says “microwave-safe only,” don’t risk it. Air fryers circulate intense hot air fast. That rapid heat can crack weak glass. And trust me, cleaning shattered glass out of an air fryer basket ranks high on my “never again” list :/
What Type of Glass Works in an Air Fryer?
1. Borosilicate Glass (Best Option)
Borosilicate glass handles thermal shock better than regular soda-lime glass. It resists cracking when temperatures change quickly.
I use Pyrex Smart Essentials Glass Mixing Bowl Set:
https://amzn.to/4r0JgZa
These bowls handle oven heat up to 450°F. I’ve baked mini casseroles in my air fryer with zero issues.
2. Tempered Oven-Safe Glass
If the bottom of your bowl says “oven-safe,” you’re usually good.
Still, check the temperature limit. Most air fryer recipes run between 350°F–400°F, so make sure the glass can handle that.
3. Glass Storage Containers (With Caution)
Some meal-prep containers claim oven safety. I’ve used Ello Duraglass Glass Food Storage Containers:
https://amzn.to/46n9RYO
They work fine, but I always remove the plastic lid and silicone sleeve before cooking. Ever tried melting silicone by accident? It smells terrible.
When Should You NOT Use Glass in an Air Fryer?
Let’s be clear. Not all glass deserves a spot in your air fryer.
Avoid:
- Thin decorative glass bowls
- Dollar-store glassware
- Cold glass straight from the fridge
- Cracked or chipped glass
Rapid temperature changes crack glass fast. If you pull a bowl from the freezer and drop it into a 400°F air fryer, you gamble with physics. Physics usually wins.
Why People Want to Use Glass in the First Place
I totally get it.
Glass bowls:
- Hold sauces better
- Prevent food from falling through the basket
- Make cleanup easier
- Work for small casseroles and dips
When I started testing glass bowl in air fryer cooking, I wanted to make buffalo chicken dip without scrubbing melted cheese off metal grates. Glass saved my sanity.
How to Safely Use a Glass Bowl in an Air Fryer
Let me walk you through what actually works in real kitchens.
Step 1: Preheat First
Preheat your air fryer empty for 3–5 minutes.
Then place your room-temperature glass bowl inside.
Never preheat with empty glass inside.
Step 2: Bring Glass to Room Temperature
If your bowl sat in the fridge, let it sit out 20–30 minutes first.
Thermal shock cracks glass. You avoid that by keeping temperature changes gradual.
Step 3: Leave Space Around the Bowl
Air fryers cook with circulating hot air. If the bowl blocks airflow, food cooks unevenly.
Leave at least:
- ½ inch space on sides
- Open space above food surface
Crowding kills crispiness.
Step 4: Stay Below Temperature Limits
Check manufacturer guidelines. Most oven-safe glass handles 425°F safely.
I rarely go above 400°F when using glass.
Best Air Fryers for Using Glass Bowls
Basket size matters more than brand, but I’ve tested a few.
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer
I love the wide basket. It fits 6-inch glass bowls easily.
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
This one runs slightly hotter IMO, so I reduce temperature by 10 degrees when using glass.
If your air fryer feels cramped, skip glass and use foil instead.
What Foods Work Best in a Glass Bowl?
Not everything benefits from glass.
Great for Glass Bowls
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Baked mac and cheese
- Small casseroles
- Brownies
- Oatmeal bakes
- Reheating pasta
Not Great for Glass Bowls
- French fries
- Chicken wings
- Anything you want crispy on all sides
Ever wondered why fries turn soggy in a bowl? Air can’t circulate underneath. That defeats the air fryer’s whole purpose.
Common Questions About Glass in Air Fryers
Will Glass Shatter in an Air Fryer?
It can if you use the wrong kind or shock it with temperature changes.
Does Glass Affect Cooking Time?
Yes, slightly.
Glass holds heat longer than metal. Food may cook a minute or two slower initially but stays warm longer after.
Is Glass Better Than Metal?
For saucy dishes? Yes.
For crispy foods? Absolutely not.
Different tools for different jobs.
Final Thoughts
So, can you use glass bowls in an air fryer?
Yes — if you use oven-safe tempered glass, avoid temperature shock, and allow airflow.
I use glass regularly for dips and small bakes. I avoid it for crispy foods. Simple rules. No drama.
Next time you stare at your air fryer wondering if that glass bowl can handle the heat, remember this: choose the right glass, treat it gently, and let airflow do its job.
Cooking should feel easy. Not like defusing a bomb.