Yes, if the mold is rated for high heat. Check the temperature limit and leave room around it for air to circulate.
Silicone bakeware has become an air fryer favorite because it is flexible, easy to clean, and does not react with acidic foods the way some metal pans can.
What actually matters is whether that specific mold was made for high, moving heat, since not every silicone product on the market is.
Food-grade silicone bakeware is commonly rated up to about 425 to 500°F, which covers most air fryer settings that typically run between 350 and 400°F. Cheaper or novelty silicone items, like some ice cube trays or craft molds, are not always tested to the same standard. Check the packaging or manufacturer listing before assuming a random silicone item qualifies.
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, so a mold that fills the entire basket can trap steam and cook unevenly instead of crisping the surface. Leave roughly half an inch of space around the mold where possible, and avoid stacking multiple molds on top of each other, which blocks airflow to whichever one sits underneath.
Silicone molds are useful for egg bites, mini muffins, small cakes, frozen snack shapes, and reheating soft or saucy leftovers that would otherwise drip through the basket holes and create smoke on the heating element below.
Most air fryers have the heating element at the top of the cooking chamber, so a mold that sits too close to it can scorch on top even while the rest cooks normally. Placing the mold in the lower half of the basket, when the design allows it, usually gives more even results.
Overfilling a mold can cause batter to expand over the edges and drip onto the heating element, which produces smoke and a burnt smell. Using a mold with no visible temperature rating, especially thin or overly flexible silicone, is also a common way to end up with warped bakeware after just one or two uses.
Most food-grade silicone molds are dishwasher safe, but hand washing with warm soapy water tends to extend their life, especially around any printed designs or seams. Let a mold cool completely before washing it in cold water, since a fast temperature swing can stress silicone the same way it stresses glass, just to a lesser degree.
A properly rated silicone mold is one of the easier upgrades for air fryer cooking. Just confirm the heat rating and give it room to breathe.
Low-quality or unrated silicone can warp or soften at air fryer temperatures. Food-grade silicone rated to about 425 to 500°F generally holds up fine.
A light coat of oil or spray helps with easy release for eggs and baked goods, even though silicone is naturally non-stick.
Yes, as long as it does not block too much airflow. Leave gaps around the mold rather than covering the entire basket surface.
Both work well when rated correctly. Silicone is easier to clean and flexible for release, while metal typically browns food more.