Yes, you can put oven-safe metal in an air fryer. Stainless steel pans, metal racks, cake tins and metal skewers are all fine, because an air fryer is really a small convection oven, not a microwave. The only real rules are to keep metal off the heating element and to leave room for hot air to move around it. That’s very different from a microwave, where metal should never go.
Why metal is fine in an air fryer but not a microwave
An air fryer cooks with hot air, blown around the chamber by a fan, exactly like a convection oven. Metal handles that heat without any problem — the same way a metal baking tray does in your regular oven.
A microwave works completely differently. It cooks with microwave radiation, and metal reflects those waves and can cause sparks or arcing. That’s why the “no metal” warning you know from the microwave simply doesn’t apply here. If it’s safe in a conventional oven, it’s safe in an air fryer.
What kinds of metal are safe
| Metal item | Safe to use? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel pan or bowl | Yes | Oven-safe stainless is ideal |
| Metal cooling/crisping rack | Yes | Great for a second layer of food |
| Aluminum cake tin or ramekin | Yes | Must fit with airflow around it |
| Metal skewers | Yes | Trim so they don’t touch the element |
| Aluminum foil | Yes, with care | See the notes below |
| Thin decorative or non-oven metal | Check first | Only use oven-safe cookware |
The guiding question is always the same one you’d ask before using something in a regular oven: is this piece oven-safe? Cookware sold as oven-safe stainless steel or bakeware is the safest choice. Avoid anything with plastic parts, a non-stick coating that isn’t rated for high heat, or metal you’re unsure about.
The two rules that actually matter
1. Don’t block the airflow
An air fryer crisps food because hot air circulates freely around it. A metal pan that covers the whole basket floor, or fills the chamber edge to edge, stops that air from moving — so food cooks unevenly and takes longer. Choose a pan or tin that’s smaller than the basket, leaving a gap around the sides so air can flow past.
2. Keep metal off the heating element
The element sits at the top of most basket-style air fryers. Tall pans, long skewers or metal racks that reach too high can touch it, which risks scorching. Keep everything well below the element and below the basket’s max-fill line. If you’re using a rack, make sure the food on it still clears the top.
How to use a metal pan or rack in your air fryer
- Pick an oven-safe piece that fits inside the basket with space around the edges.
- Preheat if your recipe calls for it, then place the pan or rack in carefully.
- Keep food below the max line and away from the heating element.
- Leave airflow gaps — don’t line the whole floor or wall off the fan.
- Use tongs or oven mitts to remove it, since metal gets very hot.
Metal pans are handy for foods that would fall through the basket or make a mess: eggs, saucy dishes, cakes, small casseroles and marinated meats. A metal rack lets you add a second layer so you can cook a little more at once. For more everyday technique, see how to use an air fryer.
A note on internal temperatures
Metal cookware changes how you present food, not whether it’s cooked through. Air-fryer times and temps are starting points — always check for doneness, and times vary by model and portion size. Cook to safe internal temperatures: poultry to 165°F (74°C), ground meats to 160°F (71°C), whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb to at least 145°F (63°C) with a short rest, and fish to 145°F (63°C). An instant-read thermometer is the reliable check.
Related questions
Can I put a metal bowl or ramekin in an air fryer? Yes, as long as it’s oven-safe and small enough to leave airflow around it. Ramekins are great for eggs, dips and single-serve bakes.
Is aluminum foil safe in an air fryer? Yes, with care — keep it weighed down by food so it can’t lift into the element, and don’t cover the whole basket floor. See can you put foil in an air fryer for the full rundown.
My metal pan discolored — is that a problem? Light discoloration from heat is cosmetic and common with aluminum and stainless steel. If a pan warps, chips a coating, or you’re unsure it’s oven-safe, stop using it. For any question about the appliance itself, contact the manufacturer.
Metal cookware opens up eggs, cakes and saucy dishes in your air fryer — just mind the airflow. For thin sheets and liners, read can you put foil in an air fryer, and for everyday basics see how to use an air fryer.