What to use instead of aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Author: Fausto Swaniawski  |  Last update: Sunday, April 26, 2026

You can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but with many of the same caveats as with foil (never use wax paper, as its coating can melt at high temperatures). Again, it's important to make sure the parchment is heavily weighted down by food to avoid it getting sucked into the heating element and burning.

How to cook in an air fryer without foil?

ALTERNATIVES TO ALUMINUM FOIL IN THE AIR FRYER Parchment paper is a wonderful alternative to aluminum foil for both oven baking/roasting and air-frying. Unbleached parchment paper carries none of the toxicity concerns of aluminum foil and can be used in all the same applications as foil.

What is the best thing to line your air fryer 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 bake directly in the air fryer basket?

Yep! ``Air fryer'' is just a fancy name for tabletop oven. Anything you can do in an oven, you can do in an air fryer, and vice versa. Just wait till the plate cools down before removing it, it's very easy to burn your wrists on the basket even if you're wearing a glove.

Is it better to air fry with foil or parchment paper?

Laurence says she always chooses parchment paper over aluminum foil in the air fryer. Parchment paper is more versatile because it is non-reactive. "Whatever food you're putting on that aluminum foil is going to react with aluminum," Laurence says.

Do liners really affect airfrying?

Why can't you use aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Air frying uses the rapid circulation of hot air to cook and crisp your food. While lining your air fryer with foil might seem like a convenient way to minimize cleanup, it's not recommended. Foil can disrupt the airflow within the appliance, preventing food from cooking evenly.

Should I use silicone or parchment paper 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 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 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.

How do I keep food from sticking to my air fryer basket?

How to Prevent Food from Sticking to Your Air Fryer Basket
  1. Use a Small Amount of Oil. One thing you should do both for crispy texture and to prevent sticking is use a small amount of oil. ...
  2. Spray the Basket Lightly with Vegetable Oil Spray. ...
  3. Make a Foil Sling.

What containers not to use in an air fryer?

1) Plastic Containers or Plastic Takeaway Containers

Any kind of plastic, even if it's labeled “microwave-safe” or “oven-safe”, should never be used in an air fryer.

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 put at the bottom of my 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.

What can I use in the air fryer instead of foil?

Parchment Paper. You can use foil or parchment paper in your air fryer to make cleanup easy. However, parchment paper is probably a better option. Some acidic foods should not be air-fried with foil—we're looking at you, tomatoes and citrus fruits.

What is 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.

What is unhealthy about an air fryer?

The two biggest concerns are potential carcinogens called acrylamides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are created in the process of cooking.

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer?

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

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 do chefs not like air fryers?

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 replacing the air fryer?

A convection oven has the same advantages over an air fryer as a regular oven—size. If you're making multiple dishes or batches of food, a convection oven can help prepare it all at once.

Why are air fryers banned in college?

Fire hazards are often a major concern with air fryers and so they may be prohibited from dorms unless used in the kitchen. Air fryers cook food much faster than a traditional oven or toaster, allowing college students to quickly prepare a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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

Nothing kills the fun more than having to rinse breadcrumbs out of a million little plastic holes. For this reason we love using parchment paper to keep air-frying convenient, healthy and delicious. It's also a more sustainable option than lining your air fryer with aluminum foil.

Can you do bacon in the airfryer?

Set the air fryer to 200C and cook streaky bacon rashers for 6-10 mins – just-cooked bacon will take 6 mins, but crispier bacon will take 9-10 mins. Cook back bacon rashers for 4-8 mins, depending on your preference.

What accessories do I need for my air fryer?

The 9 best accessories to get the most out of your air fryer
  • Oil spray and brush. Great for adding the right amount of oil. ...
  • Silicone liners. The air fryer accessory that helps with the washing up. ...
  • Tongs. Important for turning. ...
  • Oven mitts. Don't get burnt. ...
  • Bakeware. ...
  • Silicone spatula. ...
  • Roasting rack. ...
  • Thermometer.

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