Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms
You probably wonder, “Can you bake polymer clay in an air fryer?” At some point, I was too! But I finally found the answer, yes, you can, and it’s so easy and convenient.
Polymer clay is valuable in many things, from jewelry making to art projects. It’s incredibly versatile and indeed instrumental in all homes. You, therefore, need hundreds of polymer clay creations. The challenge is, however, will you make a perfect polymer clay in an air fryer?
I created this article to help you understand how to bake polymer clay in an air fryer.
Can you use an air fryer for baking polymer clay?
Unlike ceramic clay, a natural mixture, polymer clay is purely synthetic, making it suitable to bake in an air fryer. However, with the following consideration:
- Temperature settings
It would be best if you baked polymer clay in an air fryer that has an adjustable temperature to bake polymer clay.
Polymer clay baking requires a temperature range of 2650- 2750, so you should ensure that your air fryer can steadily operate in the correct temperature range.
It would be best if you had a thermometer also to confirm whether the polymer is operating at the required temperatures.
Remember- Air fryers can get very hot under very high temperatures, so you must be extremely careful not to burn your polymer clay.
- Space
Polymer clay baking may require a bigger space than the average food you have been baking inside. Air fryers have different sizes, so maybe you need one with a higher capacity depending on your clay. Otherwise, using a very small air fryer is not economical as you will only bake tiny pieces of clay. It, in turn, will be time and energy-consuming.
- Accessories
The polymer clay will extract colored fumes coating the interior of the air fryer. You do not want this because an air fryer is primarily for cooking food. You, therefore, need baking accessories like aluminum foil and parchment paper.
How to bake polymer clay in the air fryer
Before we dig deep into baking polymer clay in an air fryer, follow the manufacturer’s guide on the precise temperature and time setting. That is because different types of clay require varying times and temperatures.
Below are the steps for baking polymer clay in an air fryer:
1. Preheat the air fryer
Ensure you achieve the correct temperatures of a range between 2650 F-2750 F.
2. Temperatures Confirmation
You can confirm the temperatures using a thermometer despite setting a temperature between 2650 and 2750. Adjust the temperatures until you get to the required baking temperatures depending on the clay you use.
3. Project Preparation
Cover the air fryer basket with the baking sheet and parchment paper. Place the unbaked clay project on the top. The standard baking size of most types of clay is ¼ an inch (6mm). Arrange them properly, ensuring that you do not overcrowd the basket for even baking.
Cover the project with aluminum foil. Tuck the aluminum foil properly to avoid blowing due to the circulating air. Ensure it does not touch the heating element, as it will start the fire.
4. Bake your clay
Under the temperature of 2750 F, Bake the polymer clay for about 30 minutes. Check your clay during baking at around halfway. Make sure you do not burn the clay and if you underbake, consider adding some more minutes highly monitored.
5. Remove your polymer clay.
Carefully remove your baked polymer clay from the air fryer basket.
Is it possible to bake polymer clay without an air fryer?
Yes, because there are other options you can use to bake perfect polymer clay. They include:
- Regular Oven
The baking steps in a regular oven are almost similar to that of the air fryer. You only need to be extremely sensitive to the temperatures as the traditional oven can run on too low or too high. You will never go wrong if you use an oven thermometer for the correct temperatures.
- Convection Oven
An air fryer is a smaller, more compact version of a convection oven. Therefore, the process is precisely the one used in the air fryer.
How do you know if polymer clay is done baking?
Method 1:
- Let the polymer clay cool
- Press the clay with the tip of your fingernail
- It will leave a mark, but it will not penetrate the clay
Method 2:
- Let the polymer clay cool
- Try bending it depending on the size
- It will turn, but it will not break or crumble
Can I Harden Clay In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can harden different brands of clay in an air fryer. You only need a super air fryer model that will adjust temperatures to about 2750F and have a timer of 30 minutes. Ensure the air fryer is stable enough to maintain the required temperatures for better results.
It is also good to note that the clay is non-toxic, so no harmful fumes are produced in the baking process. You can bake your polymer clay and still air fryer your food in a couple of minutes.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Can you bake polymer clay in an air fryer? The conclusion is that yes, you can indeed bake polymer clay in an air fryer. It’s a lot of fun, and the results can be fantastic, depending on how keen and careful you are with the temperatures.
Whether you’re a seasoned polymer clay expert or a beginner, the air fryer is a great way to ensure that your baked polymer clay is next to perfection. Do not forget to follow the instructions on the type of clay you are using, especially on temperatures requirement and time.