Yes, you can safely use food-grade silicone in an air fryer as it withstands typical cooking temperatures up to 220°C. High-quality silicone won't melt, catch fire, or release harmful chemicals when used properly in air fryers. Many home cooks regularly use silicone liners, moulds, and baskets to make air frying easier and cleanup quicker.
Silicone has become a popular material for kitchen tools due to its heat resistance and non-stick properties. Food-grade silicone, the type approved for cooking, can generally tolerate temperatures between -40°C to 230°C. Since most air fryers operate between 160°C to 200°C, silicone accessories fall well within safe ranges. At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we recommend checking your specific air fryer model's maximum temperature before using silicone.
Not all silicone products are created equal though. Look for items specifically labelled as food-grade and heat-resistant up to at least 220°C. Some cheaper silicone products might contain fillers that could degrade at high temperatures. For recipe ideas using silicone accessories, visit our recipes section featuring everything from muffins to roasted vegetables.
The most common silicone items used in air fryers include liners, baking cups, and moulds. Silicone liners prevent food from sticking to the basket while allowing proper air circulation. Baking cups work brilliantly for individual portions like egg bites or mini cakes. Silicone moulds let you create shaped foods like doughnuts or tartlets directly in your air fryer.
Silicone liners are thin mats that fit in your air fryer basket. They're excellent for messy foods like chicken wings or sticky glazes, making cleanup a breeze. When using liners, ensure they don't block the air fryer's vents as this affects cooking performance. Our cleaning guide shows how to maintain both your air fryer and silicone accessories.
From muffin cups to specialised shapes, silicone moulds expand what you can cook in an air fryer. They're perfect for baking small batches of treats without heating your full-sized oven. When using moulds, place them on a trivet or the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow underneath.
While silicone is generally safe for air frying, there are important precautions to follow. Always check the manufacturer's temperature ratings before use. Avoid letting silicone touch heating elements directly, and never use damaged or discoloured silicone. Some air fryer models like the Ninja series may have specific guidelines about accessory use.
It's also wise to do a test run with new silicone items. Place them empty in the air fryer at 180°C for 5 minutes to check for any odd smells or changes. If you notice anything concerning, discontinue use immediately. For more air fryer safety tips, browse our comprehensive guides at airfryerrecipe.co.uk.
One of silicone's biggest advantages is how easy it is to clean. Most silicone items can go straight in the dishwasher or be hand washed with warm soapy water. For stubborn residues, soak in baking soda solution before scrubbing gently. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the surface.
Proper storage helps extend silicone's lifespan too. Store items flat or rolled, not folded, to prevent creasing. Keep them away from sharp objects that might puncture the material. Our dessert recipes showcase many ways to use silicone moulds for sweet treats in your air fryer.
If you prefer not to use silicone, parchment paper makes a good liner alternative for certain foods. Perforated parchment designed for air fryers allows proper airflow while preventing sticking. Metal accessories like racks or pans also work, though they may require adjusting cooking times and temperatures.
When experimenting with different materials, always monitor your air fryer during the first few minutes of cooking. The conversion chart on our site helps adjust traditional recipes for air fryer cooking with various accessories.
