Air Fryer Thermal Shock, Oven-Safe Ceramic Inserts Prevent Cracks
Air fryer heating can stress clay or ceramic inserts, but you can prevent cracking by using heat-safe ceramics, preheating gradually, and strictly following cookware ratings.
Use heat-safe ceramics
Choose inserts explicitly labeled oven-safe to at least 450°F and verify they are suitable for dry heat, not just microwave or dishwasher use. Look for stoneware or high-fired porcelain with manufacturer instructions that mention conventional ovens, as these materials typically have lower thermal expansion and better resistance to thermal shock. Avoid low-fired earthenware and any pieces with visible hairline cracks or crazing, and never use glaze-damaged or unglazed clay in an air fryer to reduce moisture absorption and uneven heating that can initiate fractures.
Preheat gradually
Place the ceramic insert in the air fryer while it is cool, then preheat in small temperature steps to give the material time to expand evenly. Increase set temperature in increments of about 25°F every few minutes until you reach the target cooking temperature, and keep the insert centered with adequate airflow so one side does not heat faster than the other. Do not move a hot insert to a cold surface or add cold food to a hot insert, and avoid adding liquid to a hot dry ceramic to prevent thermal shock from sudden temperature gradients.
Follow cookware ratings
Match the air fryer temperature strictly to the maximum oven-safe rating printed by the manufacturer and check whether the insert is approved for direct dry heat and convective airflow. Confirm thickness and dimensions fit the basket or tray without touching heating elements or walls, and ensure that any accessories like racks do not create point loads or hotspots beneath the insert. If the manual specifies a preheat procedure, temperature cap, or cooling method, follow it exactly, let the insert cool inside the air fryer with the door ajar before handling, and use dry oven mitts to avoid moisture contacting hot ceramic surfaces.
Explore our top 3 recommended models in the table below to find units and inserts that align with these guidelines.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- SPACE SAVER: Ninja’s latest air fryer design allows you to save even more space on your countertop without compromising capacity.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
- MASTER GRILL, BBQ SMOKER, & AIR FRYER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor..Voltage: 120 volts
- MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing.
- FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
- OUTDOOR AIR FRYER: Add smoky flavor to your air fried favorites and cook all your side dishes outdoors.
- NINJA WOODFIRE TECHNOLOGY: Powered by electricity, flavored by real burning wood pellets. Create rich smoky flavor you can see and taste with any cook function.
- EXCLUSIVE NINJA WOODFIRE PELLETS: Comes with 2 blends of 100% real hardwood Ninja Woodfire Pellets that pair great with anything you make. Used for flavor, not fuel, so you only need 1/2 cup.
- WEATHER-RESISTANT: Cook and store outdoors year-round.
- 1760-WATT ELECTRIC POWER: No charcoal, propane, or flareups. Balcony & apartment friendly.
- COOK FOR A CROWD: Grill 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs, air fry up to 3 lbs of wings, or BBQ smoke a 9-lb whole brisket.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 141-sq-in. nonstick grill grate, crisper basket, pellet scoop, Ninja Woodfire Pellets Robust Blend and All-Purpose Blend Starter Packs, & Quick Start Guide with 15 recipes.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 10 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Roast, Broil, Bake, Whole Roast, Pizza. Toast, Bagel, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: Fits up to 2 9x9 baking trays; bakes up to 20 cookies, fit and cook 9 slices of toast or 9 bagel halves on a rack, fits up to a 12 lb. Turkey and allows for up to 8 lb. air fry capacity.
- QUICK FAMILY MEALS: 90-second oven preheat time and up to 30% faster cooking versus a full-size convection oven.
- PRESTIGE DESIGN: Superior performance with elegant style that fits in any home.
- AIR FRY HEALTHY MEALS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY HANDLE: The optimal oven rack positions will illuminate based on the selected function. When the door is open, display settings freeze to prevent any accidental changes to the cook cycle.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Prestige Smart XL Air Fryer & Countertop Oven, (2) wire racks, (2) sheet pans, roast tray, removable crumb tray, air fry basket, 15 chef created recipes and cooking charts.