The best air fryers are a great way to give your favorite foods the crispy coating you would get from deep-frying without all the oil and mess. The results can be just as tasty as they look, but with far less of an impact on your waistline.
Air fryers work by circulating heated air around whatever food you're cooking so it gets evenly cooked and crisped. It's important to note that not every model is capable of grilling too, so make sure to check out our buying guide below if you have any specific requirements.
The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options available – ideal for those looking to try out this new way of cooking without shelling out hundreds of dollars right off the bat. In fact, many models cost well under $100 - a small price to pay for healthier eating! Most come with attachments like grill pans and baskets that allow you to cook more than just fries in them too, giving even more versatility when it comes to meal prep time.
How We Choose
There are a lot of things that go into an air fryer grill pan, but we've narrowed it down to the most important ones.
First and foremost, you want a product that's easy to clean. Air fryers generate a lot of mess while they're in use—you don't want to have to spend your time scrubbing at it later on! An excellent air fryer grill pan should be dishwasher-safe or otherwise very easy to clean.
Secondly, you'll want one with plenty of space for cooking. If you plan on using your air fryer for more than just frying (e.g., baking cookies), make sure your chosen product has enough room for all your needs!
Finally, consider what kind of materials you'd like your air fryer grill pan made out of. Stainless steel is great if you want something durable and non-stick; silicone is better suited for those who need their cookware more flexible and less fragile; finally, glass is perfect if you're looking for an eco-friendly option free from harmful chemicals!
Silicone Air Fryer Basket Liners Square
The Palksky Silicone Air Fryer Basket Liners Square are a great option if you're looking for an air fryer basket liner that's easy to clean. These liners are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is simple.
The square shape of the basket fits perfectly in most air fryers, and they have handles on both sides, making it easy to pick up the pan without burning your fingers. They also come with a lifetime guarantee, so you can be sure that you're getting a quality product when you buy these liners.
They do tend to get hot while in use, but they're not as hot as metal baskets would be if used on an air fryer. Overall, we think these are a great value for the price and would recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable air fryer basket liner.
Air Fryer Silicone Air Fryer Liner Basket
The Shye Silicone Air Fryer Liner is a great choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of cleaning their air fryer basket but still want to get the most out of their frying experience.
These liners are made from BPA-free food-grade silicone, which means they can handle high temperatures without deforming or breaking down. They're also dishwasher safe, so you don't have to worry about handwashing them after use.
The raised lines on these liners help ensure even heat distribution and prevent your food from sticking to the pan. While not quite as durable as some other options we tested, these did hold up well in our tests and are a good value considering how many you get per purchase.
Air Fryer Reusable Silicone Basket
The LMTNNB Square Silicone Pot is a great choice for people who want to air fry but don't have much space in their kitchen. It's made from food-safe silicone, so it's safe for use with your air fryer and won't affect the taste of your food.
It also has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to clean and store, making this a great addition to any home cook's toolbox. The square shape of the pot allows you to fit more food in at once, while still leaving room for seasoning before cooking.
The lid also helps keep oil splatters from spreading around the pan, which can help reduce fat intake when frying foods like chicken wings or fish fillets. Overall, we think this is one of the best pots for an air fryer on the market right now - especially if you're looking for something that can handle larger batches of food without getting too messy.
Reusable Air Fryer Silicone Bowl Fits 4 To 7QT
The Tachwd 2 Pack Square Silicone Air Fryer Liners are a great addition to any air fryer. They're designed to fit perfectly in the pan and ensure even cooking, so you get great results every time.
They're made from durable silicone, which means they can be used again and again without losing shape or sticking. You also won't need to replace parchment paper with these liners as they're reusable - making cleanup even easier!
These air fryer liners are perfect for baking, frying, steaming and more - so whatever you want to cook in your air fryer can be done right here in this set.
Air Fryer Grill Pan FAQs
Air fryers can make cooking fun, but it's hard to know where to start with all of the different options available.
There are hundreds of different air fryer grill pans out there, and it seems like every one is claiming that they're the best. It's enough to give you a headache! To help clear up some of this confusion for you, we've put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions about air fryer grill pans so that you can make an informed decision when making your purchase.
Do I Need A Grill Pan For My Air Fryer?
While you can use your air fryer to grill food, it's not recommended unless the pan that came with your appliance is being used. While it will work, your food won't be as crisp as it would be on an outdoor grill and there's also a chance of flare-ups if the fat drips into the vents.
If you're looking for an alternative way to grill in your air fryer, consider getting a grill pan. These are specially designed pans that are safe for use in any indoor oven or stovetop and they have raised ridges so the grease can drain away from your food without causing flare-ups. They're easy to clean too which means you won't have to worry about toxic fumes when you burn off any stubborn grime after cooking.
How Do You Use An Air Fryer Grill Pan?
An air fryer grill pan is a handy accessory for your air fryer that allows you to cook your food on the stovetop in addition to deep frying, which is ideal if you want to create classic fried foods like chicken tenders and onion rings. The pan fits perfectly into the base of most air fryers so long as it has a flat bottom with 4-inch diameter or less.
To use an air fryer grill pan, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place an inch or two of water in the base of your air fryer followed by the grill pan and then add your food. Close the lid and set a timer for 10 minutes or until done. Use pot holders when handling the hot pan from inside of the oven as it will be very hot! Note that using an air fryer grill pan will increase cooking time compared to a deep fat fryer but still result in crispy, delicious results!
What Cannot Be Cooked In Airfryer?
The Airfryer is made to cook smaller, more manageable portions of food. It's not a deep fryer and won't be able to handle large pieces of meat or other foods that take up a significant amount of space. For example, you can't cook an entire Thanksgiving turkey in an Airfryer because it won't fit. Likewise, most cookies aren't meant for the frying process due to their size and shape.
While you can use an Airfryer to make smaller batches of fries and other side dishes, this appliance is not ideal for cooking whole chickens or roasts unless you are looking for something small enough to serve as a main dish on Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Do You Need Special Pans For Air Fryer Oven?
While it is true that air fryers are designed to work with their own special cookware, you can use regular pots and pans in them. There are only a few air fryers on the market that come with specially designed cookware, but this doesn't mean you have to buy these for your current appliance if you don't already have them.
If you'd like to get some of your own, check out what Amazon has available for sale online. In general, any type of pot or pan will do as long as it's non-stick so the food won't stick and burn. Silicone is another good option since it's heatproof up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 205 Celsius).
Can You Put Aluminum Foil In Air Fryer?
While aluminum foil is safe for use in an air fryer, there are a few reasons why you may not want to include it in your cooking.
For one thing, aluminum foil is a metal and therefore reaches very high temperatures while cooking. While this can be helpful if you're making fried potatoes, it can also create uneven cooking results if included in recipes that call for baking at lower temperatures. Additionally, the sudden change in temperature when removing the lid from an air fryer can cause a fire – something that many people have experienced firsthand.
While we don't recommend using aluminum foil in your air fryer (unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturer), there are some instances where it could still be useful. For instance, wrapping food with parchment paper can result in soggy crusts and bland flavors; however, covering with aluminum foil will trap heat inside of the cooker so you'll get more consistent results compared to other methods. We recommend testing out your preferred method first before including it as part of your regular rotation!
What Is The Best Way To Use A Grill Pan?
A grill pan will transform your gas or electric stovetop into a makeshift BBQ – perfect for when you don't want to go through the trouble of firing up an outdoor barbecue. The best way to use a grill pan is by preheating it over medium heat, and then adding any type of oil (such as olive oil) over the surface before cooking. Adding oil first helps prevent foods from sticking to the pan, which can be a real pain to scrape off afterwards!
Once the pan is hot enough, add your food directly on top of it (or if your grill pan comes with removable plates, place them inside first). Then let the food cook for about 5-10 minutes on each side or until you get that delicious sear we all love so much. You'll know when it's time to flip your food when little bubbles start forming on its surface. Make sure you don't overcrowd the pan either!
Can You Put Raw Meat In Airfryer?
Yes, you can. You just need to be aware that it'll take a little longer to cook than if you were frying in a pan on the hob as there's less space and less oil/fat in the appliance.
It's also worth checking how your Airfryer model handles raw meats – some may have specific instructions for handling raw meats, so check the instruction manual first. Other models may not be suitable for handling raw meats at all, so do check before putting any chicken or other meat into your machine.
Can You Cook Raw Bacon In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can. To do so, line a plate with paper towels and place bacon strips on the plate. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6-8 minutes or until desired crispness is achieved. Remove from the fryer and drain on paper towels.
We recommend cooking no more than 4 slices of bacon in a 400° air fryer at one time as it will cause the machine to overheat, potentially causing damage to your appliance.
How Do You Keep Food From Sticking To The Grill Pan?
While it's true that a grill pan is not as non-stick as an electric skillet or saucepan, there are some things you can do to keep food from sticking. First of all, make sure to spray your grill pan with a light coat of cooking oil before heating it up. This will create a thin layer of moisture on the surface that will prevent food from sticking. If food does stick anyway, use an oven mitt and give the pan a little shake back and forth while it's still hot; the stuck-on bits should come right off. Finally, if your new grill pan is extra prone to sticking compared to other brands you've tried in the past, consider making this simple seasoning tweak. Coat your pan with equal parts kosher salt and baking powder; you won't believe the difference!
Is A Grill Pan Healthier Than A Frying Pan?
A frying pan will result in the food being surrounded by oil, but a grill pan uses raised ridges to keep the food up off the base. This means there is less contact between the food and oil, which is healthier.
The ridges also allow some of the flavor to escape before it reaches your taste buds so you can get that smoky flavor without all of that excess fat. The small size of a grill pan also means it heats up faster than a regular frying pan, so when you're cooking for larger groups this could be an advantage.
Conclusion
Selecting an air fryer grill pan is essential when purchasing an air fryer. It will help you create delicious meals with little to no oil and can be used for a variety of recipes. Before making your final decision, make sure to take into account things like size, material and shape as well as features such as temperature controls and digital displays. Doing research ahead of time will help ensure that you get the perfect product for your needs!
