First, cut a rectangle of paper that is slightly smaller than the basket – this is better to let the air flow on the side of the basket. Next, punch holes in the paper using a skewer, chopsticks, or paper puncher. Finally, place your food on the piece of paper and carry it to the air fryer basket.
Like most people, if you also hate cleaning your air fryer after cooking, then air fryer liners are what you need. This air fryer accessory is mainly designed to protect the air fryer basket from crumbs & greasy build-ups. Liners are a fantastic way to do cleaning after cooking easier.
Only put a layer of foil in the bottom of the air fryer basket where your food sits, not on the bottom of the air fryer itself. 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.
Aluminum foil is often preferred over other materials because it's relatively durable and resilient. One of the most popular uses for aluminum foil is to replace parchment paper in air fryers. Aluminum foil provides excellent heat stability and is less likely to buckle or melt in high temperatures than parchment paper.
In your oven, you often use parchment paper to prevent food from sticking to the baking pan. But in your air fryer, you don't have to because a simple spray of oil is enough. So I only recommend using parchment paper to carry food that loses shape when transferred from your kitchen working surface to the basket.
Lining your air fryer with parchment paper is the best way to keep your appliance clean and your food delicious. Nothing beats cooking with an air fryer to get you crispy, tender food with a fraction of the oil.
You let fatty foods drip
Before you hit the start button, make sure you put water in the bottom of the cavity under the frying basket. This way, when the fat drips onto the hot surface, it will hit water—not hot metal, where it will burn, smoke, and smell.
Never Use Nonstick Spray
Spraying the basket in the air fryer with nonstick spray can damage the air fryer's nonstick coating and can make the pan unsafe for use. If you need to use a cooking spray, like when cooking breaded food items like chicken tenders, only spray the food directly before turning on the air fryer.
Compared to parchment paper, silicone typically makes for a better air frying experience: These liners are usually heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Air Fryer Cook, so you can safely crisp up most foods without worrying about the inside of your device catching on fire.
However, placing a liner within your air fryer could disrupt the flow of air which could impact the overall cooking process.
"Within our recipes we do recommend using parchment to line the baking sheets." Rodgers said. "I use parchment often to line the basket and/or the baking pan. I find it useful especially for ease in cleaning up." She does note that you should always cut the parchment paper to fit the basket of your air fryer.
An air fryer liner is a pre-cut paper that sits in the bottom of the air fryer to absorb grease and trap crumbs. Tiny pre-cut holes allow hot air to circulate and crisp up food—something you won't get if you cut your own parchment paper into circles.
Adding a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket in a basket-style air fryer is generally safe and can even be beneficial. It can help prevent excessive smoke when cooking greasy foods and keep your food from drying out.
It is safe to use parchment paper in the air fryer, just as it is in the oven. The same precautions should be taken. As an added safety check, never leave the air fryer unattended when using parchment paper in the basket and make sure the paper doesn't touch the heating element.
Add 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon of the oil of your choice to a mister or spray bottle. Open the air fryer basket. Holding the mister or spray bottle a couple of inches away, spritz the inside with a light coating of oil. You can also use a basting brush to apply an even, thin coating of oil onto the bottom of the basket.
What temperature should you cook at? An air fryer is basically a small convection oven / fan oven, and so you should use the same temperature as when cooking in this type of oven. A general rule of thumb is 50°F (20-25°C) below the temperature you would use in a regular oven.
Air Fryer Liners 6.3inch 100PCS Parchment Paper Disposable Liner. Basically a giant cupcake case, these non-stick liners sit perfectly in your air fryer and make clean up a million times easier.
If any of your food is sticking to the air fryer, feel free to spritz a little oil into the basket before placing your food in. You can also use a small amount of coconut oil and rub it in the basket before turning it on.
Laurence says she always chooses parchment paper over aluminum foil in the air fryer. Parchment paper is more versatile because it is non-reactive, whereas aluminum foil is reactive.
Similar to tin foil, parchment paper–or wax paper–are also perfectly safe to use in your air fryer. In fact, Dennis explained that “similar to tin foil, parchment paper can also be a great way of locking in flavor.” However, it too should also be kept out of the direct heat of the air fryer.
Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer, but it should only go in the basket. Acidic foods react with aluminum, so avoid using foil when air frying tomatoes, peppers, or citrus. Using parchment paper or a bare basket is better because it won't interfere with cooking.
YOU'RE NOT ADDING OIL
With all that air movement, the food starts to lose moisture, which takes away the delicious flavors you love in fried food. You only need 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of oil each time you use your air fryer to help bring that flavor and moisture back.