9 Best Cast Iron Pans for Air Fryers (October 2026)
The best cast iron pans for air fryers include the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet for deeper skillet cooking, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet for compact baskets, and the Backcountry Iron 12 Inch Round Large Pre-Seasoned Cast for wide air fryer ovens.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which cast iron pans for air fryers suit different jobs?
- Cast iron pans for air fryers: the picks
- How do you choose cast iron for an air fryer?
- Should you choose a skillet, griddle or Dutch oven?
- What should you check before using cast iron in an air fryer?
- How do you care for a cast iron pan after air frying?
- Which cast iron pan should you choose for an air fryer?
The best cast iron pans for air fryers depend on basket clearance and the food you plan to cook. The Lodge deep skillet is our top pick for a roomy air fryer oven, while the 6.5 in Lodge skillet is a more practical starting point for compact baskets.
Cast iron can hold heat for roasting, baking and searing, but its weight and shape matter inside a small appliance. Measure the basket's usable space and check the manual before you choose a pan.
For a shallow dish with room for baked foods, compare the Best Air Fryer Baking Dish. If you'd like to bake a cake, see our Best Air Fryer Cake Pan.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for deeper skillet cookingLodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for wide air fryer ovensBackcountry Iron 12 Inch Round Large Pre-Seasoned Cast
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itKICHLY Combo Cooker Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Best for pot and skillet functions - 5
Check itBackcountry Iron 8 Inch Round Medium Pre-Seasoned Cast
Best for two-person portions - 6
Check itMercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Best for a standard skillet shape - 7
Check itCuisinel 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle Dosa
Best for flatbreads and pancakes - 8
Check itUno Casa 2-in-1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Best for a removable skillet lid - 9Check it
Backcountry Iron 6-1/2 Inch Round Small Pre-Seasoned Cast
Best for dips and desserts
Which cast iron pans for air fryers suit different jobs?
The Lodge deep skillet is the most versatile pick in this group, while smaller skillets make more sense when basket space is limited. Choose a pan by its full footprint, depth and cooking shape.
We compared the stated dimensions, handles, included pieces and care needs against common air fryer uses. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Inside diameter | Depth | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet | deeper skillet cooking | 3 qt | 10.25 in | 3 in | 9.7 |
| Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | compact baskets | 9.6 | |||
| Backcountry Iron 12 Inch Round Large Pre-Seasoned Cast | wide air fryer ovens | 9.4 | |||
| KICHLY Combo Cooker Cast Iron Dutch Oven | pot and skillet functions | 3.2 qt | 9.2 | ||
| Backcountry Iron 8 Inch Round Medium Pre-Seasoned Cast | two-person portions | 1 qt | 9.0 | ||
| Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | a standard skillet shape | 8.8 | |||
| Cuisinel 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle Dosa | flatbreads and pancakes | 8.5 | |||
| Uno Casa 2-in-1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven | a removable skillet lid | 5 qt | 8.3 | ||
| Backcountry Iron 6-1/2 Inch Round Small Pre-Seasoned Cast | dips and desserts | 8.0 |
Cast iron pans for air fryers: the picks
The picks below range from a deep skillet to compact pans and specialty shapes. Check your air fryer's manual and measure available space before using any cast iron cookware.
For an oven-style air fryer option, read the Cuisinart TOA-70 review.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet: Best for deeper skillet cooking
- 3 qt capacity
- 10.25 in inside diameter
- 3 in deep
- Cast iron cover
A deeper skillet with a cast iron cover gives you room for braising or roasting when the air fryer basket has enough clearance. Measure the pan and basket, including handle space, before buying.
Pros
- Deeper than a standard skillet
- Cast iron cover included
- Pre-seasoned cooking surface
Cons
- May be too wide or tall for smaller baskets
- Heavy at 8 lb
The Lodge deep skillet is the best fit here when you want a deeper pan for braising or roasting and have a large air fryer oven. Its inside cooking area is 10.25 in wide and 3 in deep, with a cast iron cover included.
That depth gives you a different option from a shallow tray, but it also raises the clearance requirement. Measure from the basket or rack to the heating element, and account for the cover if you plan to use it.
Lodge pre-seasons the cooking surface with vegetable oil. The brand says cast iron heats slowly and retains heat longer, so use mitts when removing the pan and let it cool before cleaning.
At 8 lb, this is the heaviest pick in the group. Choose it for a spacious air fryer and deeper cooking tasks; skip it if your appliance has a narrow basket or low ceiling.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: Best for compact baskets
- 6.5 in diameter
- Pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil
- Hand wash only
- Oven safe
Its compact diameter may suit smaller air fryer baskets or individual portions. Check the basket's usable width and leave room for air to move around the pan.
Pros
- Compact 6.5 in size
- Pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil
- Oven safe
Cons
- Small cooking surface for family portions
- Hand wash only
The Lodge 6.5 in skillet is a sensible choice for compact baskets and individual portions. Its small diameter can leave more open space around the pan than a full-size skillet, though you still need to account for its handle.
The skillet is pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil and is described as oven safe. Its 1.9 lb weight is easier to manage than the larger cast iron picks here.
Use it for a small bake or side dish when the air fryer manual permits metal cookware. Hand wash it and dry it fully after cleaning.
Backcountry Iron 12 Inch Round Large Pre-Seasoned Cast: Best for wide air fryer ovens
- 12.25 in diameter
- Pre-seasoned
- Protective mitt included
- Hand wash only
This large skillet is a candidate for an air fryer oven with a broad rack or tray. Its 12.25 in diameter rules it out for many basket-style models, so measure first.
Pros
- Large cooking surface
- Pre-seasoned
- Protective mitt included
Cons
- Too wide for many air fryer baskets
- Needs prompt drying and oiling after cleaning
The Backcountry Iron 12 in skillet is the wide-surface option for an air fryer oven with a broad rack. Its cooking diameter is 12.25 in, so it is unlikely to suit many basket-style air fryers.
The skillet arrives pre-seasoned and includes a protective mitt. Backcountry Iron says its cast iron retains heat for even cooking, and the pan is intended for uses such as roasting, baking, braising and frying.
At 7 lb, it is substantial even before adding food. Measure the widest point, including the handle and spouts, and verify that air can circulate around the pan.
KICHLY Combo Cooker Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Best for pot and skillet functions
- 3.2 qt capacity
- 10.25 in diameter
- Skillet lid
- Pre-seasoned
The deep pot and skillet lid offer two cooking surfaces in one set. Check the air fryer manual and available height before using either piece.
Pros
- Lid doubles as a skillet
- Pre-seasoned
- Useful as a pot and frying pan
Cons
- Two-piece set needs more clearance than a shallow pan
- Heavy cast iron needs careful handling
The KICHLY combo cooker gives you a deep pot and a lid that doubles as a skillet. That two-piece design offers more cooking options, but its 10.25 in diameter and extra height make clearance especially important.
KICHLY describes the cooker as pre-seasoned and suitable for baking, braising, frying and roasting. The stated temperature rating is 260 °C, but your air fryer's manual should guide whether and how cookware can be used.
Choose this set if you want a Dutch oven and skillet in one cookware set, and if your appliance has the room for the piece you plan to use. Check each piece separately before cooking.
Backcountry Iron 8 Inch Round Medium Pre-Seasoned Cast: Best for two-person portions
- 8 in diameter
- 1 qt capacity
- Pre-seasoned
- Protective mitt included
An 8 in skillet offers more cooking area than a miniature pan while remaining smaller than a full-size skillet. It can suit sides or modest portions if the basket leaves space around it.
Pros
- Middle-size 8 in cooking surface
- Pre-seasoned
- Protective mitt included
Cons
- Measure the handle and pan together
- Needs prompt drying and oiling
The Backcountry Iron 8 in skillet is a middle-size pick for modest servings, sides or appetizers. It gives you more cooking area than a miniature skillet without taking up as much space as a 10 in pan.
Its listed diameter is 8 in, and the pan comes pre-seasoned with a protective mitt included. Backcountry Iron recommends hand washing, drying immediately and applying a light layer of oil after cleaning.
Measure the pan and handle against your basket. This size can be a useful compromise when a 6.5 in pan feels too small but a full-size skillet will not fit.
Mercer Culinary Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: Best for a standard skillet shape
- 10.25 in cooking surface
- Assist handle
- Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
- Hand wash only
The 10.25 in cooking surface and assist handle make this a familiar skillet option for air fryer ovens with enough room. Confirm the whole pan fits, not just its cooking surface.
Pros
- Assist handle
- Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
- Suitable for baking, frying and searing
Cons
- 10.25 in surface is large for many baskets
- Hand wash only
The Mercer Culinary skillet pairs a 10.25 in cooking surface with an assist handle. That handle can help with lifting, but its full width must fit your air fryer along with enough space for airflow.
Mercer Culinary pre-seasons the cast iron with natural vegetable oil. The skillet is intended for baking, frying and searing, and its hand-wash care instructions call for thorough drying and a light coat of oil.
Pick it for a standard skillet shape if your appliance is roomy enough. For tight baskets, the compact Lodge or Backcountry Iron pans are easier sizes to consider.
Cuisinel 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle Dosa: Best for flatbreads and pancakes
- 10.5 in flat surface
- Low rim
- Silicone handle cover included
- Pre-seasoned
The low rim and flat surface suit foods such as tortillas, dosa, roti and pancakes. Its 10.5 in width needs a roomy air fryer oven or basket.
Pros
- Flat surface for flipping
- Low rim
- Silicone handle cover included
Cons
- Wide for many air fryers
- Handle cover can get hot
The Cuisinel griddle has a flat surface and low rim for foods you flip, such as tortillas, dosa, roti and pancakes. Its 10.5 in diameter makes it a better candidate for a large air fryer oven than a compact basket.
The pan comes pre-seasoned and includes a silicone handle cover. Cuisinel cautions that silicone grips can get hot, so use an oven mitt when handling the griddle.
Choose this shape when a flat cooking surface matters more than a deeper rim. Check the total width and airflow space before using it.
Uno Casa 2-in-1 Cast Iron Dutch Oven: Best for a removable skillet lid
- 5 qt pot
- 10.2 in skillet lid
- Pre-seasoned
- Silicone trivet and handle covers included
The lid converts to a skillet, so you can use the shallower piece when it fits your air fryer. The 5 qt pot is a bulky option that needs careful clearance checks.
Pros
- Lid converts to a skillet
- Pre-seasoned
- Trivet and handle covers included
Cons
- Pot is bulky for many air fryers
- Set weighs 11.6 lb
The Uno Casa set has a 5 qt pot and a lid that converts to a 10.2 in skillet. The skillet lid may fit where the full pot does not, but check dimensions and clearance for each piece.
The set is pre-seasoned and includes a silicone trivet and two handle covers. Its cast iron pieces are intended for use across cooktops and other heat sources, but the air fryer manual still determines whether they are suitable in your appliance.
At 11.6 lb, the set is the heaviest in this roundup. Consider it if the removable skillet lid is useful in your kitchen beyond air frying, and your air fryer oven has ample space.
Backcountry Iron 6-1/2 Inch Round Small Pre-Seasoned Cast: Best for dips and desserts
- 6.25 in diameter
- Pre-seasoned
- Protective mitt included
- Hand wash only
This small skillet is sized for dips and desserts, with a 6.25 in diameter. Check its full dimensions and handle clearance against your air fryer basket.
The Backcountry Iron 6.5 in skillet is the smallest pick here and is described for dips and desserts. Its 6.25 in diameter may suit compact baskets, although the handle still needs room.
The pan comes pre-seasoned and includes a protective mitt. Backcountry Iron recommends hand washing, drying immediately and applying oil to help protect the iron from rust.
Choose it for small portions where a larger skillet would take up too much space. Check the full pan dimensions before buying, especially if your basket has a narrow or rounded base.
How do you choose cast iron for an air fryer?
Choose cast iron by measuring your air fryer first, then match the pan shape to the food you cook. A pan that fits the basket should still leave room for the appliance's airflow and safe handling.
Start with three measurements: basket or rack width, usable depth, and vertical clearance to the heating element. Include handles, spouts, lids and any cover in the measurement.
A shallow griddle can work for flat foods, while a deeper skillet or combo cooker is intended for dishes that need more sides or volume. For another flat cooking surface, see pizza stones for air fryers.
For a different flat cooking surface, compare best cast iron plates for air fryers.
Should you choose a skillet, griddle or Dutch oven?
Choose a skillet for foods that need a rim, a griddle for flat foods, and a Dutch oven when you need deeper sides. For a baking sheet, compare cookie trays for air fryers.
The dimensions of the piece you plan to use matter more than the cookware set's overall versatility.
A 6.5 in skillet is the smallest option here. An 8 in skillet is a middle size, while 10.25 in and larger pans need a roomy appliance.
A combo cooker adds a second usable piece, but that doesn't mean both parts fit your air fryer. Measure the pot and lid separately, and consider whether a shallow lid gives you enough cooking depth.
For a pan with ridges or grill-style cooking, see the Best Air Fryer Grill Pan. If pizza is your goal, our Best Air Fryer Pizza Pan covers another pan shape.
What should you check before using cast iron in an air fryer?
Check the air fryer manual, pan clearance and handling needs before cooking. If the manual doesn't address cast iron or metal cookware, ask the appliance maker before use.
Cast iron is heavy and retains heat. Use oven mitts to remove it, set it on a heat-safe surface, and avoid touching handles or lids without protection.
Air needs room to circulate around food, so avoid filling the basket edge to edge with a pan. Keep the appliance's vents clear and follow its instructions for loading and cleaning.
For a fuller safety overview, read Can You Put A Cast Iron In Air Fryer?. That guide can help you check compatibility before choosing a pan.
How do you care for a cast iron pan after air frying?
Hand wash and dry cast iron thoroughly after use, then follow the care directions for your specific pan. Many picks here advise prompt drying and a thin coat of oil to help protect the surface.
Don't soak cast iron overnight or leave it to air dry. If food sticks, use warm water and a suitable utensil to loosen it, then dry the pan fully.
Which cast iron pan should you choose for an air fryer?
Choose the Lodge deep skillet if you have a roomy air fryer oven and want deeper cooking space. Pick the 6.5 in Lodge skillet for a compact basket, or the Cuisinel griddle when a flat surface suits your food.
For wide air fryer ovens, the Backcountry Iron 12 in skillet offers the largest cooking area in this group. Whatever you choose, measure the pan and check your appliance manual before use.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for deeper skillet cooking
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Deep Skillet
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for wide air fryer ovens
Backcountry Iron 12 Inch Round Large Pre-Seasoned Cast
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can you use cast iron in an air fryer?
Yes, if the pan fits and your air fryer manual allows cookware inside. Measure the basket or oven interior, including the handle, and leave room for airflow.
Cast iron gets hot, so use oven mitts when moving it.
What size cast iron pan fits an air fryer?
The right size depends on the usable width and height of your air fryer. Small pans around 6.5 in may fit some compact baskets, while 10 in and 12 in skillets need a larger air fryer oven or basket.
Measure the pan at its widest point, including handles.
Is a skillet or griddle better for an air fryer?
Choose a skillet for foods that need a rim, such as vegetables or a small bake. A flat griddle with a low rim suits flatbreads and pancakes.
Either shape needs enough clearance for the air fryer and must be allowed by its manual.
How do you care for cast iron after air frying?
Follow the pan's care directions. Many cast iron pans need hand washing, thorough drying and a light coat of oil to help prevent rust.
Avoid soaking cast iron or leaving it wet, and let it cool enough to handle safely before cleaning.
