Can paper towels go in an air fryer?

Author: Miss Lucie Roob PhD  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

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.

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.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer or air fryer oven, but it should only go in the basket. Think foil in air fryer equals small piece that does not block air flow! The air fryer pushes hot air all around the food. If the air is blocked by foil, it cannot cook the food properly.

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

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Grace Forell - What You Shouldn't Put in an Air Fryer
  1. Broccoli. This vegetable in particular isn't great because it's so easy to get wrong. ...
  2. Pasta. ...
  3. Popcorn. ...
  4. Wet Batter. ...
  5. Rice.

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.

Which liners are best for an air fryer?

Our top picks for the best silicone air fryer liners
  • Best overall: Wavelu Air Fryer Silicone Pot — See at Amazon.
  • Best for low-fat cooking: Lotteli Kitchen Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Liners — See at Amazon.
  • Best flat: Infraovens Air Fryer Liners — See at Amazon.

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 you use instead of liners for 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.

Can you air fry paper towels?

5. Liners, like wax paper or paper towels. Firm nos from Fabulessly Frugal include the use of wax paper and paper towels to line the basket. They'll burn!

Do air fryer liners need holes?

Using air fryer liners without holes restricts air flow, resulting in soggy food and uneven cooking. Our perforated parchment liners will not affect the flavor of your food. No more sacrificing the quality of your food over cleanliness. These liners are air fryer essentials and make clean up a breeze.

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 should you never cook bacon in your air fryer?

According to the food expert, “bacon is a fatty food, and when it is cooked in an air fryer, the fat can drip down and cause smoke or splatter”. “This can make the bacon difficult to cook evenly, and it can also produce a lot of smoke and odours,” she explained.

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 containers can you use in an air fryer?

Here are some air fryer-safe containers:
  • 1) Metal Containers. Oven-safe containers like small metal baking pans, stainless steel pots, or aluminum muffin tins can be used in air fryers. ...
  • 2) Ceramic Dishes. ...
  • 3) Glassware. ...
  • 4) Silicone Molds. ...
  • 5) Stoneware Containers. ...
  • 6) Porcelain Containers.

What paper to use in an air fryer?

Air Fryer Parchment Paper/Butter Paper Compatible with All Types of Air Fryers, Comes with A Silicon Brush (Shape: Circle, Size: Large Holes. Introducing our Air Fryer Parchment Paper – the secret to hassle-free, healthier cooking in your favorite kitchen gadget!

Can I 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.

What can you put in the bottom of an air fryer?

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. This will help make the cleanup even easier while still allowing the hot air to circulate and heat your food.

Do air fryer liners prevent crisping?

They are incredibly lightweight, so if not weighed down by heavy food, they can float up or cover your food– reducing crispiness and at worst, catching fire. Plus, marinades, crumbs and oil still leaked through to the basket – I had to clean the air fryer basket after every use.

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.

Is it safe to put paper towels 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.

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