Do air fryers need liners?

Author: Dr. Demetris Ruecker  |  Last update: Thursday, October 23, 2025

'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.

Is it worth using liners in an air fryer?

helps prevent food sticking Whether your liner is silicone or parchment, they both help to prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket. Food sticking to the basket not only creates a slightly more involved clean up process, but it also affects the food.

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

  • Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is a popular choice for lining the bottom of an air fryer.
  • Aluminum Foil: Another option is to use aluminum foil to line the bottom of your air fryer.
  • Silicone Liners: Silicone liners are also suitable for lining the bottom of an air fryer.

What should I line my air fryer with?

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.

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!

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

What can I use instead of an air fryer liner?

If you don't have parchment paper in the kitchen, aluminum foil can make a good alternative. You'll want to follow the same rules: cut the foil to fit in the basket and make sure to weigh the foil down with food. You can also purchase silicone liners designed to fit in an air fryer basket.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

Air fryer buying mistakes – appliance experts reveal 4 errors to...
  • Going too big or too small.
  • Not prioritizing ease of use.
  • Disregarding cleaning and maintenance.
  • Overlooking multifunctionality.

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.

Should I put parchment paper in the bottom of my air fryer?

Parchment paper is the most efficient and versatile liner for an air fryer. It prevents sticking, keeps food from getting stuck, and makes cleanup faster. To ensure food is surrounded by hot, dry air, measure your parchment paper to only use as much as the food requires underneath.

Should I use silicone or paper liner in air fryer?

The paper should not be used multiple times, as it becomes brittle after heating, and the brittle pieces can flake off and lodge in the vents or heating element. While silicone is the overall better option, it's a good idea to have both types of liners on hand, as they're each suited for different types of cooking.

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.

Do air fryer liners go in the basket?

An air fryer silicone liner is a flexible mat that you place at the bottom of your air fryer basket. It keeps food from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. All you have to do is remove the liner and wash it in the sink. No more scrubbing for hours trying to get the basket clean!

Can I use Airfryer without liner?

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.

What's the best liner 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.

How to clean an air fryer?

After using your fryer, let it cool down and unplug it. Pull out the basket, pan, or tray and wash it in your sink with warm water and dish soap. Set it aside to dry overnight. Wipe down the interior of the fryer, including the heating element, with a damp, soapy cloth, sponge or paper towel.

Why do chefs hate air fryers?

Air Fryers Reduce Taste Quality

Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.

What is the downside of an Airfryer?

Price: Air fryers can be expensive, especially if you choose a high-end model. Dimensions: Air fryers can be bulky, so it is important to make sure you have the space to place them in your kitchen. Cooking time: In some cases, cooking time in an air fryer may be longer than in a conventional oven.

What are people buying instead of an air fryer?

Toaster ovens: Toaster ovens can bake, broil, roast, and toast. In our tests, they heated food quickly and evenly and were great for leftovers. Toaster ovens are typically more petite than air fryer toaster ovens, making them a good fit for small kitchens.

What makes Airfryer unhealthy?

The Bottom Line. Acrylamide is a chemical that can be created by cooking processes including baking, air frying, and toasting. Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals.

Can you put raw meat in an airfryer?

Yes, that's right. You can cook raw meat in the air fryer. As a suggestion, what you want to do is take out the meat you would like to prepare out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or so.

What I wish I knew before I bought an air fryer?

  • What you need to know before buying an air fryer. ...
  • Air fryers are actually quite big. ...
  • You can't sit an air fryer right against your walls. ...
  • Air fryers aren't foolproof. ...
  • Air fryers don't actually fry. ...
  • Air fryers are more versatile than I first thought. ...
  • You can't use oil sprays in an air fryer.

What can I use to line the bottom of my air fryer?

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 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.

What can I use if I don't have an air fryer basket?

If you don't have a perforated tray or basket, use a dark or nonstick tray with low sides, or an oven-safe cooling rack. Place a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper on the lower rack to catch drippings. Learn more about using aluminum foil in an air fryer oven.

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