What to use as base for an air fryer?

Author: Prof. Kyleigh Moore III  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Air fryers generate powerful hot air currents, and an unstable base could cause accidents. A sturdy, heat-resistant surface like a heat-resistant cutting board or wood countertop is the best option to keep everything safe. Leave enough space around your air fryer for proper airflow.

What can I put under my air fryer?

You can use parchment paper or a silicone liner. Parchment paper is really cheap and lessens the mess that will be left in the air fryer. But if you want one that is reusable definitely buy the silicone liner which definitely doesn't leave any grease or mess in the air fryer, totally worth it.

What can I stand my air fryer on?

What Surface Can I Put My Air Fryer On? Remember to put your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface. Marble, granite, or stainless steel countertops are excellent choices. Alternatively, you can use heat-resistant mats for wooden or laminate counters to protect the surface from damage.

What can I use to line the bottom of my 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.

What can you use instead of an air fryer pan?

Silicone trays and aluminum foil are solid options for your air fryer. Just make sure they fit and allow airflow.

24 Air Fryer Do's & Don'ts | Tips & Tricks You Need To Apply!

What can I use as a base for my air fryer?

“You can use any vessel you would use in an oven to cook in an air fryer. The shape and size can be a bit tricky. I find using a cake tin works really well for most cooking – just make sure it's not a loose base one.”

What can I use as a tray in air fryer?

You can use any ovenproof dish or mold in the Philips Airfryer, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone.

What is best to line an air fryer?

Line Your Air Fryer Basket With Pre-Cut Parchment

The perforated parchment paper liners work for air frying, too! They are best for lining standard air fryer baskets, not air fryers that look like toaster ovens.

Can you use air fryer without bottom tray?

No not really. You can buy liners for it and cook without it, but most things you are better off using it, because of the air flow to cook it evenly. I use the silicone liners with it, to protect the basket, but I have also cooked without them.

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.

Where should air fryers not be placed?

Worst places to put an air fryer in a kitchen
  • Under low cabinets. As we just mentioned, yes, air fryers need proper ventilation to release hot air during cooking. ...
  • Too close to other appliances. ...
  • Against a wall. ...
  • Near water sources. ...
  • Near flammable items. ...
  • On an unstable surface.

Is there a negative to using air fryer?

Studies show that using an air fryer can increase the levels of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in fish. COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions.

What can an air fryer sit on?

Air fryers should also be positioned on a stable, heatproof surface when in use, so keep an eye on your benchtop to prevent potential damage. "You may want to invest in a heatproof board the air fryer can sit on," she adds.

Can you put parchment paper in the bottom of an air fryer?

With holes to help the hot air circulate and cook your food to perfection, our air fryer liners suit the job perfectly. Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients.

Should I put foil in the bottom of my air fryer?

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.

Should I line the bottom of my air fryer?

Don't block airflow

Lining the bottom of the cooking basket with foil or parchment paper will block the airflow necessary for air frying and result in undercooked or unevenly cooked food. It's best to cook directly on the bottom of the nonstick basket whenever possible.

Can pyrex go in an air fryer?

Pyrex® dishes are ideal for use in "air fryers" . Our glass dishes can withstand extreme temperatures, from -40°C to +300°C. They won't retain stains or odours, preserving the purity of flavours. So you can cook evenly directly in our dishes.

What can you use instead of liners for air fryer?

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.

Can I line my air fryer with foil or parchment paper?

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 type of liners are best for an air fryer?

For the best fit, we recommend finding a silicone liner that matches up with the shape of your fryer, though round liners can be used in square fryer baskets.

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 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.

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.

Previous article
What is the fastest growing privacy plant?
Next article
How many square feet will a 500-watt heater heat?