Kmart Glass Air Fryer: Cooking and Cleanup Guide

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The Kmart glass air fryer (sold under the Anko brand) cooks food with rapid hot air circulation inside a tempered glass bowl, so you can watch your food crisp up without opening the drawer. Expect even browning and a crispy exterior on most foods, but plan for a slightly longer cook time than a traditional basket air fryer and be ready to hand-wash the glass bowl and lid. Cleanup is straightforward if you soak the bowl promptly, but the glass surface shows grease splatters more visibly than a dark nonstick basket.

Background: Why a Glass Air Fryer?

Most air fryers use a dark, nonstick-coated metal basket. The Kmart glass version replaces that basket with a transparent borosilicate glass bowl, letting you monitor food as it cooks. This design is marketed as a healthier alternative to deep frying, using little to no oil while still producing a crispy texture. The glass bowl is also free of the nonstick coating that some people prefer to avoid. Kmart has sold several models under the Anko brand, typically with a 5–6 liter capacity, a digital touchscreen, and preset cooking functions.

How It Works: Hot Air Circulation in a Glass Bowl

Inside the air fryer, a heating element and a high-speed fan sit in the lid. The fan pushes hot air down and around the food, creating a convection effect that removes surface moisture and browns the exterior. The glass bowl is thick and retains heat well, but glass is a poorer conductor of heat than metal, so the air temperature inside may drop slightly when you open the lid to check or shake the food.

Preheating: Most models recommend a 3–5 minute preheat for best results, though some presets do this automatically.
Shaking: For even cooking, shake or stir the food halfway through the cook time, especially for fries, nuggets, or vegetables.
Oil: A light spray of oil (1–2 teaspoons) helps browning, but it is not required for most foods.

What to Expect from Cooking Performance

In practice, the glass air fryer cooks food evenly but often takes 10–20% longer than a basket-style air fryer. For example, frozen french fries that take 15 minutes in a metal basket might need 18–20 minutes in the glass version. The glass bowl also holds heat well, so the exterior gets crispy, but you may need to shake the food more frequently to avoid hot spots near the heating element.

Here are typical cook times for common foods (always check with a food thermometer):

Chicken wings: 25–30 minutes at 180°C, shake halfway, until internal temperature reaches 74°C.
Frozen fries: 18–22 minutes at 200°C, shake every 5–7 minutes.
Fish fillets: 12–15 minutes at 180°C, until internal temperature reaches 63°C.
Roasted vegetables: 15–20 minutes at 200°C, stir halfway.

Because the glass bowl is transparent, you can see when the food is browning without opening the lid, which helps avoid heat loss. However, the glass gets extremely hot during cooking, so never touch the bowl with bare hands—always use the handles or oven mitts.

Cleanup: What You Need to Know

The glass bowl and the metal trivet (if included) are dishwasher safe, but the lid with the heating element and fan must never be submerged in water. The lid should be wiped with a damp cloth after it cools. The glass bowl is heavy, so handle it carefully when washing.

Common cleanup issues and solutions:

Grease splatters: Glass shows oil marks clearly. Soak the bowl in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
Baked-on food: Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stuck-on spots, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently.
Cloudy residue: Hard water or detergent residue can leave a film. Wipe with a vinegar-water solution (1:1) and rinse thoroughly.
Lid grease: Wipe the lid’s interior with a soft, damp cloth after each use. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the heating element.

Choosing the Right Model and Accessories

Kmart has released several glass air fryer models over the years, with slight variations in capacity, wattage, and presets. When choosing one, consider:

Capacity: A 5-liter bowl fits a whole small chicken or about 1.5 kg of fries. A 6-liter version is better for families.
Wattage: Higher wattage (1700–1800W) heats up faster and cooks more evenly. Lower wattage (1400W) is slower.
Presets: Look for presets like fries, chicken, fish, and bake, but know that manual temperature and time controls give you more flexibility.
Accessories: Some models include a metal trivet for baking or a rotisserie spit. Check what is included before buying.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Owners report a few recurring issues with glass air fryers. Here are the most common and practical fixes:

Food not crispy enough: Increase the temperature by 10°C or add 3–5 minutes. Also, pat food dry before cooking—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Glass bowl cracking: Do not put a hot glass bowl directly on a cold or wet surface. Always place it on a trivet or heat-resistant mat. Sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock.
Lid not closing properly: Make sure the bowl is seated correctly and the lid is aligned. If the lid is misaligned, the safety switch may prevent it from turning on.
Smoke or burning smell: This can happen if food particles or oil are on the heating element. Clean the lid regularly and avoid overfilling the bowl.

Safety Tips for Using a Glass Air Fryer

Glass air fryers are safe when used correctly, but the glass bowl and lid get very hot. Follow these safety guidelines:

Always place the air fryer on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from walls and curtains.
Use oven mitts when handling the glass bowl or lid during and after cooking.
Do not immerse the lid in water or put it in the dishwasher—only the glass bowl and trivet are dishwasher safe.
Never use metal utensils that could scratch the glass. Silicone or wooden utensils are safer.
Do not operate the air fryer without food in the bowl, as this can overheat the heating element.

Comparing Glass vs. Basket Air Fryers

If you are deciding between a glass and a traditional basket air fryer, consider the trade-offs:

Visibility: Glass lets you see the food, which is helpful for monitoring browning. Basket fryers require opening the drawer.
Cleanup: Glass is easier to inspect for cleanliness, but it shows grease more and is heavier to wash. Nonstick baskets are lighter and easier to wipe, but the coating can chip over time.
Durability: Glass can break if dropped or subjected to thermal shock. Metal baskets are more forgiving.
Price: Glass air fryers are often slightly cheaper than comparable basket models from the same brand, but prices vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the glass bowl in the dishwasher?
Yes, the glass bowl and the metal trivet are dishwasher safe. The lid with the heating element is not—wipe it with a damp cloth only.

Why is my food taking longer than the recipe says?
Glass conducts heat less efficiently than metal, so the air temperature inside the bowl may be slightly lower than the set temperature. Increase the cook time by 10–20% or use a food thermometer to check doneness.

Can I bake a cake in the glass air fryer?
Yes, you can bake using a small cake pan that fits inside the glass bowl. Reduce the temperature by 10°C compared to a conventional oven and check frequently, as cooking times vary.

How do I clean burnt-on food from the glass bowl?
Fill the bowl with warm water and a drop of dish soap, let it soak for 20–30 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn spots, use a baking soda paste.

Is the glass bowl safe to use in a microwave or oven?
No, the glass bowl is designed only for use with the air fryer base. It is not suitable for microwave or conventional oven use.

Why does my air fryer smoke when cooking fatty foods?
Fat dripping onto the heating element can cause smoke. Use leaner cuts, trim excess fat, or place a small amount of water in the bottom of the bowl to catch drips.

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