Can I put paper towels in the air fryer?

Author: Abel Robel  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

Is it safe to put a paper towel in an air fryer?

It's generally not recommended to put paper towels in an air fryer. Here are a few reasons why: Fire Hazard: Paper towels can catch fire if they come into direct contact with the heating element. Airflow Issues: Air fryers rely on proper airflow to cook food evenly.

What material can you not put in an air fryer?

Plastic and certain types of glass should never be placed in an air fryer. The high temperatures can cause those materials to warp, melt, or shatter, resulting in a seriously annoying and potentially dangerous cleanup.

What kind of paper can you put in an air fryer?

Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is a popular choice for lining the bottom of an air fryer. It can handle the heat inside the air fryer, typically up to 428°F (220°C) (2). You can tear a piece of parchment paper from a roll and cut it to size for your fryer basket.

What can I line my air fryer basket with?

Line Your Air Fryer Basket With Pre-Cut Parchment

They are best for lining standard air fryer baskets, not air fryers that look like toaster ovens. The holes allow hot air to circulate around the food while still providing a base to trap some of the grease and food bits that usually fall through the basket.

When to Use and NOT to Use Air Fryer Parchment Paper - How To Use Your Air Fryer

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

What can I use instead of paper liner in air fryer?

Parchment paper is good for food that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, making clean up a bit easier. If you're tempted to use parchment every day or are simply waste-conscious, consider instead a silicone liner for air fryers. They're reusable and dishwasher safe, cutting down on both waste and worry.

Why put water in the bottom of an air fryer?

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer can create steam, which keeps the inside of the food tender while allowing the outside to crisp up. For baked goods, such as pastries or bread, a little water can mimic the humid environment of a traditional oven, giving a softer texture or a better rise.

Is it better to use parchment paper or foil in an air fryer?

It's also a more sustainable option than lining your air fryer with aluminum foil. Lining your air fryer basket with a round of parchment paper is the perfect way to keep your air fryer squeaky clean and slash the time it takes to clean up. It just got a whole lot easier to make air fryer chicken drumsticks!

What can ruin an air fryer?

  • Liquids. There have been plenty of hacks circulating on the internet for cleaning an air fryer, but not all of them are a good idea. ...
  • Wet batter. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Commercial spray oils. ...
  • Bread for toasting. ...
  • Sauces. ...
  • Raw rice or grains. ...
  • Burnt food.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?

  • Wet Batters. Those beer-battered onion rings, fries, fish cutlets, and tempura veggies and more are not well suited for a crisp in the air fryer. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.

Is there anything you can't put in an air fryer?

There are also some food items that shouldn't be air fried for safety reasons, such as popcorn, sauce-based dishes and more. Find out which of your kitchen appliances are bumping up your energy bill, plus get tips to help you reduce energy use - see the free Which?

Can air go through paper towels?

Paper towels are permeable and porous

They also contain small spaces that both liquid and air can pass through.

Can I use a paper towel in an air fryer on Reddit?

If grease or oil is left behind, I wash the basket and basket shell. If it's just crumbs, I wipe them our with a paper towel. I use perforated fitted parchment paper sheets and that helps with the amount of cleaning needed.

Can you put tin foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

Can you put a liner in the bottom of an air fryer?

We do not recommend the use of air fryer liners (or parchment paper) in this oven when using the Air Fry model. If you feel a liner is needed when using the Air Fry mode, we strongly recommend using the Baking Sheet, either replacing the basket or under the basket.

Can you boil pasta in an air fryer?

"For dry pasta, simply add your favourite sauce and water, then cook at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through." He also suggested using the air fryer for more than just noodles, recommending crispy, cheesy pasta bakes and even air fryer pasta chips.

Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

Is it worth using liners in an air fryer?

'People choose to buy air fryer liners for a variety of reasons but mostly for the time saved on cleaning up,' explains Dennis Digwa, appliance expert at RGBDirect. 'By preventing food from sticking directly to the basket, liners can contribute to keeping the air fryer in better condition over time. '

Do and don'ts for air fryer?

The do's and don'ts of air frying
  • ✓ Do ditch your microwave.
  • ✗ Don't bother preheating.
  • ✓ Do shake the basket once or twice during cooking.
  • ✗ Don't block airflow.
  • ✓ Do keep an eye on your food while it cooks.
  • ✗ Don't use batter—stick to breading.
  • ✗ Don't douse your food in oil.
  • ✓ Do use it to bake and roast.

Can I put a glass plate in the air fryer?

Depending upon the sturdiness of the glass dish, you can decide whether Glass Pyrex can be used in an air fryer. If the dish is oven-safe, made of borosilicate or tempered glass, it can work in an air fryer. However, if the dish is made of soda-lime glass, it can't withstand high temperatures in an air fryer.

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