Xiaomi's aerogril is not just a kitchen gadget, it's a real assistant for those who appreciate speed, health and versatility. But even the most advanced technology can fail if you pick up the wrong dishes: glass, ceramics, metal or silicone? What sizes are suitable for your model - Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L Xiaomi Youpin Air Fryer 5.5L? And why some materials can spoil not only the dish, but also the device itself?
In this article, we will examine all the nuances of choosing aerogrillware Xiaomi: from the official recommendations of the manufacturer to life hacks of experienced users. You will learn which containers are safe for high temperatures, how to avoid deformation of the basket, and why non-stick cookware is not always the best choice for aerogrill.
Xiaomi’s Official Guidelines: What Does the Instruction Say?
The manufacturer Xiaomi in the manuals to models Mi Smart Air Fryer and Youpin Air Fryer clearly indicates: the dishes must withstand temperatures up to 200°C and not warp under the influence of hot air, but that's just the tip of the iceberg:
1. Basket material. Most models have a stainless steel basket with non-stick coating, which means that metal utensils (unless they scratch the coating) are the best option. Xiaomi warns: avoid abrasives that can damage the interior.
The maximum diameter of the dishes should not exceed the diameter of the basket minus 1-2 cm For Mi Smart Air Fryer 3.5L it ~18cm for Youpin 5.5L — ~22 cm Excess size blocks air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
- 📄 Documentation: In the instructions for Xiaomi Mi Air Fryer Pro, it is indicated that the use of heat-resistant glass (for example, Pyrex) and ceramics without metal inserts is allowed.
- ⚠️ Warning: Plastic containers are prohibited, even if they are labeled as "heat resistant." at 180°C+ Many plastics emit toxins.
- 🔍 Nuance: In models with the function of Dehydrate (drying) can not use dishes with high side - it disrupts the air flow.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi aerogrill model is equipped with touch controls (e.g. Mi Smart Air Fryer) 4L), Avoid metal dishes with magnetic properties, which can affect the operation of temperature sensors.
Allowed materials: what can be put in aerogrills?
Not all dishes that are suitable for the oven are safe for aerogrills, but the main difference is the intense circulation of hot air, which puts additional stress on the materials.
1.Stainless steel and aluminum
✅ Pros: Heat quickly, distribute heat evenly, do not deform, suitable for frying, baking and even steaming (if there is a perforation).
❌ Cons: Aluminum can oxidize when it comes into contact with acidic foods (like tomato sauce).Stainless steel is heavier, which can make it harder to extract hot dishes.
2. Fireglass (e.g. Pyrex or Duralex)
✅ Pros: It allows you to watch the cooking process, does not react with food, is easy to wash.
❌ Cons: Thick glass can crack when the temperature drops sharply (for example, if you put a cold shape in a heated aerogrill). Not suitable for models with Grill function - the glass cannot withstand direct heating of the spiral.
3. Ceramics and clay pots
✅ Pros: Keep warm, slow-pressing, glaze-free ceramics don't absorb smells.
❌ Cons: Heavy and fragile. Some types of ceramics can crack at 180.°C+. Before using, check the marking - there should be a mark on heat resistance up to 220.°C.
4.Silicon shapes
✅ Pros: Light, flexible, not sticking to food, suitable for baking muffins or mouss.
❌ Cons: Only food silicone labeled 200°C+. Cheap fakes melt and emit harmful substances.
| Materials | Max, temperature. | Suitable for | Not suitable for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | 250°C+ | Frying, baking, steaming | Sour dishes (if uncoated) | Use molds with perforation for better air circulation |
| Glazing glass | 200°C | Burning, heating. | Grill, sudden temperature changes | Pre-heat the form together with the aerogrill |
| Ceramics | 220°C | Extinguishing, baking | High-temperature frying | Check the integrity of the glaze before use |
| silicone | 200–230°C | Baking, mousse. | Butter frying | Only certified food silicone |
| aluminum | 200°C | Fast-baking. | Sour and salty dishes | Do not use aluminum foil without perforation. |
Prohibited dishes: what can not be put in a Xiaomi aerogrill?
Some materials don't just ruin the dish -- they can disable the heating element or even cause a fire.
- 🔥 Plastic (including containers labeled "microwave") at 160°C+ They're carcinogens.
- 🧨 Paper and cardboard (even parchment without perforation) light up when hit by a heater.
- ⚡ Copper and brass oxidize, change the taste of food and can damage the nonstick coating of the basket.
- 🍳 Cast iron. It's too heavy and it takes too long to heat up, which disrupts cooking.
- 🧊 Glass without heat-resistant labeling (such as conventional cans) cracks when heated.
And the thing that's really important is aluminum foil, and it can be used, but only if you follow the rules.
- The thickness is not more than 0.02 mm.
- Perforation (holes) is required for air circulation.
- Do not cover the heating element with foil on top.
⚠️ Warning: If you use non-stick cookware (Teflon, ceramics), avoid metal blades and forks. Scratches cause the coating to detach, which enters food and releases toxins when heated.
💡
Before the first use of new dishes in aerogrill, conduct a test: put it in a cold appliance, heat it to 200°C for 10 minutes and check for deformity or smell.
How to choose the size of the dishes: why is it important?
Even the perfect material can't save you if the dishes don't fit. In Xiaomi's aerogrill, the air spirals around, and any obstacle leads to:
- 🔥 Uneven cooking (one side of the dish burns, the other is raw).
- ⚡ Overheating of the heating element (reduces the service life of the device).
- 💨 Deterioration of the fan (increased noise, overheating of the engine).
How to choose the optimal size?
- Measure the diameter of your model basket (indicated in the instructions or on the bottom). 3.5L it ~20cm for Youpin 5.5L — ~24cm.
- Subtract 1-2 cm, which is the maximum diameter of the dishes. 3.5L models take forms up to 18-19 cm.
- The height of the side should not exceed 5-6 cm (otherwise the airflow is blocked).
For models with Double Layer function, use dishes no higher than 3 cm high at each level.
Measure the diameter and height of the dishes|Check the maximum temperature markings|Make sure the material does not scratch the basket|Test on an empty appliance (heating to 200)°C. 10 minutes)|Check if the utensils block the vents.-->
Life hacks: how to use non-standard dishes?
Sometimes you want to cook in a container that's not on the "permitted" list, and let's look at the safest ways to adapt.
1. Banks and glass containers
Can only be used if:
- 🧪 Marking 200°C+ (For example, Le Parfait banks).
- 🔓 The cover is removed (so that vacuum is not created).
- 🌡️ Temperature no higher than 160°C.
Suitable for making yogurts or soufflé.
2. Metal oven bacon
If the pan does not fit in diameter, use it diagonally (angular forward), the main thing is not to block the central fan.
3.Silicon mats
You can put a basket on the bottom to protect against burning, but:
- ✂️ Cut the size of the basket (should not hang).
- 🕳️ Make holes for air circulation.
What happens if you use the wrong dish?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes.-5 mistakes and their solutions:
- Use of pen-operated dishes → The handles can melt or block the lid from closing. Solution: Remove the removable handles or use the molds without them.
- Closed lids on containers → Pressure is created, which leads to an explosion (especially dangerous for glass jars). Solution: Always leave the lid ajar or remove it.
- Overloading the basket → Food is cooked unevenly, and the motor is running at wear. Solution: Fill the basket with no more than a full load. 2/3.
- Use of wet silicone forms → Drops of water hit the heater causing corrosion.Solution: Wipe the molds dry before using.
- Frying in aluminum foil without holes → Food is boiled in its own juice, not baked. Solution: Perforate with a fork.
💡
The most common failure of Xiaomi aerogrills is the failure of the heating element due to the use of inappropriate dishes. The average life of the heater when properly operated is 5-7 years, with errors - 1-2 years.