Hey Naija, how are you doing these days? The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen superstar, right up there with Jollof rice and pepper soup! Whether you’re crisping up your plantains or reheating that delicious leftover Agege bread, it’s no wonder so many Nigerians are jumping on the air fryer bandwagon.

But here’s the big question that pops up every time: “Can you really put a plate inside an air fryer?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered—let’s dive into this!

Can You Put a Plate in an Air Fryer

Can You Put a Plate in an Air Fryer?

The simple answer is yes, but with a few important rules to follow! Before you start tossing any old plate into the air fryer, let’s talk about what’s safe and what’s not!

First off, ceramic plates are a solid choice—just make sure it’s labelled “oven-safe,” there’s no gold rim (that’s a no-no), and it can handle temperatures up to 200°C. Easy peasy!

Now, thick glass plates like Pyrex can also be safe, but please, don’t throw them in straight from the fridge! The sudden shift in temperature could cause them to crack like a bad joke. So, give them a little time to warm up before they go in.

Metal skillets? No problem! Aluminium or stainless steel are great options, but always make sure there are slits or holes for the hot air to circulate properly. Don’t jam the fryer like it’s Oshodi market on a Friday afternoon!

Plastic plates? Big NO! At temperatures above 100°C, plastic melts, releases harmful chemicals, and is as dangerous as a bad NEPA line. Don’t even think about it!

And paper plates—only if they’re labelled air fryer-safe. Otherwise, you’ll end up with burnt edges and food that tastes like... burnt akara. Nobody wants that, trust me.

Bottom line: Always check the label, ensure your plate is heat-resistant, and leave some space for hot air to flow. Let your plates dance the Alingo in the air fryer, not get burnt to a crisp!

Recommended Cookware and Accessories for Air Fryers in Nigeria

Naija fam, want your air fryer game as smooth as mum's stew? Well, beyond air-fryer safe plates, you can’t go wrong with these must-have treasure:

• Food-grade silicone mat: It can handle up to 230°C, is non-stick, and super easy to clean. Plus, it keeps your food from sticking like a Lagos traffic jam.
• Foldable metal rack: Perfect for stacking chicken pieces, this rack lets hot air move like a Danfo driver navigating through the alleys, ensuring an even, golden-brown finish on every piece.
• Brand ceramic plates: When choosing a ceramic plate, go for one that’s 2-3 cm smaller in diameter than your air fryer basket. This way, there’s room for the hot air to circulate and crisp up every bit of food!

Pro tip:

• Before buying accessories, measure the inside diameter of your air fryer basket. If the plates are too big, they won’t leave enough space for proper air circulation, which can affect the cooking.
• Also, round plates generally heat more evenly than square ones, so they’re a better choice.
• Lastly, opt for plates with shallow edges to ensure that every piece of food gets cooked evenly and crisps up perfectly.
  

Essential Safety Tips When Using an Air Fryer

How do you use an air fryer safely to keep it running smoothly for years? Here are a few key safety habits to follow.

• Don’t overload the fryer: Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate. Think of it like Lagos traffic—if everything’s packed in too tight, nothing moves.
• Avoid plastic: Never use plastic boxes or wraps inside the air fryer. They can’t handle the heat and will melt, just like when NEPA goes out in the middle of a hot afternoon.
• Preheat and clean regularly: Always give your air fryer a few minutes to preheat before use. Afterwards, wipe it clean while it’s still warm to avoid grease buildup.
• Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface: Make sure your air fryer sits on a smooth, heat-resistant countertop, away from any plastic tablecloths. This keeps the machine stable and safe while cooking.
  

Essential Safety Tips for Using an Air Fryer

How to Use an Air Fryer Safely for Nigerian Dishes

Hey, my friends, ready to bring some serious Naija flavour into your air fryer? Whether it’s crispy dodo, smoky suya, or crunchy yam chips, follow these simple steps to get it just right!

Fried Plantain (Dodo):

• Choose firm, ripe plantains (not too soft).
• Slice them diagonally into 1 cm pieces, brush with palm oil and a pinch of salt.
• Set the air fryer to 180°C for 8 minutes, flip them over, and cook for another 5 minutes.

You’ll get crispy plantain on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside.

Suya:

• Cut beef into strips and marinate in suya powder and peanut oil.
• Place the strips on a metal rack and set the air fryer to 200°C for 10 minutes.
• Flip them, brush with oil, and cook for another 5 minutes.

The result? Suya with that smoky aroma we all love!

Yam Chips:

• Slice yams into thin coins and rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch.
• Lightly grease the slices, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
• Set the air fryer to 190°C and cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

You’ll get golden, crispy yam chips, just like the ones you snack on with your pepper sauce.

As you explore the joy of air frying your favourite Naija dishes, the right air fryer can make all the difference. The oraimo has got what you need to level up your cooking!

The oraimo SmartAirFryer 1500W is built to help you cook crispy and delicious meals with less oil. Whether you're preparing a hearty meal for the family or a quick snack for yourself, its 5L basket gives you plenty of space for bigger portions. Plus, you won’t have to worry about plastic smells—this air fryer features an all-metal interior that makes the true flavours of your food shine.

With precise temperature controls, you can customise your cooking for perfect results every time. It’s an air fryer that’s not only efficient but also fun to use!

oraimo SmartAirFryer 1500W with 5L Capacity

Conclusion

Dear friends, today we’ve covered some key air fryer tips and safety advice. Remember, using the right cookware and following safety tips will help you cook delicious meals and keep your air fryer running smoothly for longer.

Why not step up your cooking game with the oraimo SmartAirFryer 1500W? It’s perfect for healthier, crispy meals every time. Enjoy cooking, eat healthy, and I’ll see you next time!

FAQ

1. Can I use plastic containers in the air fryer?

No, plastic containers aren’t safe in the air fryer. They can melt at high temperatures and release harmful chemicals.

2. What type of plates are best for air frying?

The best plates for air frying are ceramic, metal, and heat-resistant glass. Make sure the plate is smaller than the basket and can handle high temperatures (up to 200°C).

3. How to prevent air fryer smoke?

To prevent smoke, make sure your air fryer is clean and free from excess oil buildup. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause food to burn and smoke.

4. Are there affordable air fryer accessories available in Nigeria?

Yes, there are affordable air fryer accessories like silicone mats, metal racks, and ceramic plates available in Nigeria. You can find them at local kitchenware stores or online.