Air fryers have quickly become a kitchen staple, revolutionizing the way we cook our favourite meals with little to no oil. But as more people get creative with their air fryer recipes, the question often arises: should you use foil or parchment paper in your air fryer? The short answer? Yes and no—it depends on what you’re cooking and how you’re doing it.
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Why it might be a bad idea
The main purpose of an air fryer is to circulate hot air around your food, ensuring an even, crispy result. If you line your air fryer with foil or parchment paper incorrectly, you could block that crucial air circulation. This leads to uneven cooking and, in some cases, a less-than-crispy finish. Plus, the wrong type of paper could cause a fire hazard if it flies up and touches the heating element—yikes! That said, using these liners the right way can be handy for certain recipes.
When you can use foil or parchment paper
You can absolutely use foil or parchment paper in your air fryer when following specific recipes that call for it, especially if you’re cooking foods that can be messy, like marinated chicken wings or cheesy casseroles. The foil helps trap any sauces or oils, making for easy cleanup. Just be mindful that the foil or parchment shouldn’t completely block the bottom of the fryer basket—this is where that precious hot air flows.
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So what’s safe?
- Foil: Great for foods like potatoes or veggies that you want to steam inside the foil. It’s also helpful for creating partitions when cooking multiple items at once. However, avoid acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus when using foil—these can react with aluminium and alter the flavour of your food.
- Parchment paper: Perfect for baked goods like cookies or fish that need a non-stick surface. It prevents sticking and burns without disrupting the air circulation too much.
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How to protect your air fryer and use liners correctly
To get the best results without sacrificing safety or performance, there are some modifications you can make when using foil or parchment paper in your air fryer. Here are some handy tips:
- Cut holes in your parchment paper or foil. This allows the hot air to still circulate while protecting your fryer from greasy messes. You can cut a few small holes in the paper or foil to mimic the shape of the basket’s base. Doing this ensures the air flows freely around the food for even cooking.
- Weigh down your paper. If you use parchment paper, make sure to weigh it down with food before turning on the air fryer. This will prevent it from flying around inside the basket and touching the heating element.
- Avoid using too much foil. Only line the basket where necessary—don’t cover the entire surface. For example, if you’re cooking a batch of sticky wings, just line the bottom beneath them and leave the sides open for airflow.
- Pre-made liners. If cutting holes in parchment sounds like a hassle, you can also buy pre-perforated parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers. These come with holes already in place, so you can enjoy the benefits without the extra step.
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