If you love making things with air-dry clay but don’t have the patience to wait for them to cure, you might be wondering: Can I use my air fryer to speed things up? 
And, I’m happy to report ….. the answer is yes, you can.
Before air fryers were around, I relied on my oven to hurry things along. It’s not very energy efficient, and our government tends to just switch the power for a few hours a day. Tsk, most inconvenient. Anyways, we’ve got a small generator, but it just splutters and laughs at the idea of powering an oven. It doesn’t even notice when we use the air fryer, though.
It’s been a game changer for me. Not only is it small and efficient, but I can dry rusty nail hedgehogs and fairy mushrooms in about 15 minutes instead of waiting a whole day. For something bigger, like these clay arum lilies, I went from 2 days to 35 minutes. YES!!! So, I thought I’d share all my tips and tricks for curing air-dry clay in an air fryer, just in case you want to give it a go. But, before we get there, do me a favor and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
Let’s walk through how to do it, what to watch out for, and how to get the best results.
What Is Air-Dry Clay?
Air-dry clay is an inexpensive and fun material for crafters of all ages. Unlike traditional clay, you don’t need a kiln or special oven, just some time and air. But if you’re anything like me, waiting for your project to dry can feel like forever.
Why Try an Air Fryer?
Air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries and chicken nuggets. They’re basically mini convection ovens that circulate hot air, which helps clay dry faster. And they don’t take up a lot of space or pull too much power.
How to Cure Air-Dry Clay in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Clay Piece for Baking
Place your clay creations on an oven-safe dish in the middle of the air fryer basket. You don’t want the clay touching the basket. It gets too hot. For small pieces I normally use a slate coaster. For something bigger, a Pyrex dish or aluminium container works well.
Heat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature possible. The lowest setting on mine is 70°C. Anywhere between 70 and 93°C should be fine (160–200°F for my American friends). Don’t preheat your air fryer before putting your clay creation inside. It will lead to cracks.
Dry in Short Intervals
Set the timer and let it run for 10–15 minutes. When you hear the beep, check to see if your creation has cured. If it’s still soft, give it another 5 minutes and check again. Repeat until it’s dry to the touch.
Let It Cool Slowly
Once your clay feels dry, turn off the air fryer, but leave your cured masterpiece inside to cool down slowly. If you remove it straight away, the temperature difference may cause cracks.
Tips for Success
Keep It Thin: Thick pieces are more likely to crack. Try to keep your clay under 1 cm thick for best results.
Go Low and Slow: High heat can cause cracks or even burn your clay. Always use the lowest temperature.
Check Often: Every air fryer is different. Keep an eye on your project to avoid surprises. My air fryer has a small window, which makes it easier to see what’s happening.
FAQs: Drying Air-Dry Clay in an Air Fryer
Can I put any type of air-dry clay in the air fryer?
Most air-dry clays (natural, paper, cold porcelain, homemade, lightweight) can be dried in an air fryer, but always check the packaging for any manufacturer warnings or special instructions. I haven’t tried baking my Polymer clay creations in the air fryer. Sculpey needs consistent oven temperatures to cure properly and can release chemicals if you overheat it.
Do I need to worry about harmful fumes when drying air-dry clay in my air fryer?
You usually don’t have to worry about harmful fumes. Most air-dry clays, are non-toxic and won’t release fumes when heated at low temperatures. If you do smell something strange, it’s probably old food. And if it smells really funny, maybe there’s something wrong with your air fryer.
Is ventilation important when drying clay in an air fryer?
Mmmmm, not really. Air-dry clay is safe and doesn’t have a yucky smell either.
How long does it take for the clay to dry in an air fryer? How do I know when it’s cured?
Drying times vary depending on the clay manufacturer and the thickness of your piece. Thin projects dry in a few minutes, while thicker ones may need several cycles. Your clay is fully cured when it feels hard, room temperature (not cool), and your fingernail doesn’t leave little indents.
How important is it to keep my air fryer clean? Can I use it for both food and clay?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to clean the air fryer thoroughly before and after you use it. If you’re going to use your air fryer often to bake clay, it’s probably a good idea to get another one. I see them often at second-hand shops. I’m guessing people upgrade to a later model and don’t have the space for two.
Why does my air-dry clay crack or burn in the air fryer? How can I prevent it?
Cracking can happen if you put your creation in a preheated air fryer or the clay dries too quickly. To help prevent this, let your clay cool slowly inside the air fryer after drying. Burning can happen when you use too much heat. Always use the lowest temperature setting and dry your pieces in short intervals.
What should I do if my clay cracks after drying?
Cracks in air-dry clay are common. You can fill them with a wet mix of the same clay, let it dry again, and then sand or paint as usual. You can see how it’s done in this vintage embossed container tutorial.
Will small or lightweight clay pieces move around in the air fryer?
Yes, it’s quite windy inside an air fryer. If you’re working with really small pieces, like little mushrooms for fairy playgrounds, stick one end of a toothpick inside a ball of tin foil and the other end in your masterpiece to keep them from blowing all over the place. The toothpick also comes in handy when you want to paint your creation later.
You can also use a small mesh rack to keep them in place. As long as the air can flow around your masterpiece, you should be good.
Can I speed up the drying process even more?
Nope, some things are worth waiting for. You want the water in the clay to evaporate gently, and while the air fryer does speed things up (a lot), it’s not going to be instantaneous. Always use a low heat to avoid cracks or burning. Rushing the process can damage your project.
Is air-dry clay waterproof or food-safe after drying in an air fryer?
No, air-dry clay is not waterproof or food-safe, whether you cure it in an air fryer or fresh air. Keep your finished pieces away from water until you’ve sealed them with thin coats of a polyurethane varnish, outdoor mod podge, or epoxy resin.
Any tips for storing air-dry clay?
To keep air-dry clay soft and workable, airtight storage is a must, IMHO. Once I’ve opened a package, I wrap any leftover clay in cling film or pop it into a zip lock bag before sealing it in a clear container. That way I can see what I’ve got. For an eco-friendly twist, I try reusing food packaging whenever I can. The lettuce doesn’t need it anymore, and it’s a wonderful way to reduce plastic waste.
Final Thoughts
Using an air fryer to cure air-dry clay is a fun hack for impatient crafters like me. Just remember to keep the heat low, check your project often, and let it cool slowly. Have you tried drying clay in your air fryer? Do you have any other tips to share?
If you like the idea of using an air fryer to cure air-dry clay, don’t forget to pin the tutorial for later.
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And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with laughter and love Thank you for popping in for a visit.
