Air fryers have become a trend in the kitchen appliance market. This machine presents a healthy alternative to deep-frying food, gaining a positive response from the public. Some questions arise about cooking with air fryers, like can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?

It is considered safe to use parchment paper in the air fryer but only by following proper guidelines.

This article will tell you how to use parchment paper in an air fryer and share some tips and reminders to note.

Can I Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?

Follow the guidelines below to use parchment paper safely in an air fryer. 

• Use the Right Parchment Paper

Be sure that you have the correct parchment paper. You can buy pre-made, perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. Search for liners that fit your specific model’s shape and size. If you cannot get these liners, you can make your own.

• Confirm the Maximum Temperature

Before using parchment paper, measure the maximum temperature it can manage against the temperature at which you normally cook food in the fryer.

• Do Not Put Loose Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have a heating element and a fan that blows hot air from above the food, so anything lightweight can get stuck in the blower and the heating element and cause a fire.

Therefore, never put loose paper in the basket while preheating the fryer. Add the paper only when you put food on top of it to weigh it down.

• Do Not Cover the Whole Basket with Parchment Paper

Your parchment paper is probably larger than the basket of your air fryer. Cut the paper slightly smaller than the size of the basket. This helps the full amount of air pressure to flow so your food cooks uniformly without the possibility of burning.

• Use Parchment Paper in the Food Basket Only

Air fryers have a food basket and a drawer to collect grease drips. Although all parts can be difficult to clean, you can only use parchment paper safely in the basket safely.

Some air fryers allow you to cover the grease drawer with aluminum foil so it is easy to clean. But this may interrupt the airflow resulting in uneven cooking. Before putting anything in the drawer, read the machine’s manual.

• Consult the Air Fryer’s Manual

Although using parchment paper in an air fryer is deemed safe, it may not apply to all cases. Check the air fryer’s manual first before putting anything inside. 

Many models of air fryers are designed to cook with a perforated liner in the basket. However, some models may not tolerate this adjustment. To avoid any harm to you, your machine, and your food, it pays to be extra careful.

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is a common kitchen item used by home cooks and skilled bakers. It is a type of silicone-coated, oven-safe paper treated to make it non-stick. Additionally, parchment paper can handle high oven temperatures.

Parchment paper offers many benefits. Aside from protecting baking sheets or cooking appliances, it also allows you to easily remove cakes and other foods from their pans.

One reason to use parchment paper in an air fryer is to make the machine easier to clean after cooking. Using it when cooking sticky and greasy food in the air fryer is recommended. Foods that might stick to the basket will not stick to the parchment paper.

Using parchment paper is also advisable if you are cooking dishes with bread crumbs because it helps them stay on the food while air frying.

How to Make Perforated Parchment Paper

If you choose to make your perforated parchment paper, you can easily do it with just a few materials and steps to follow. All you need are parchment paper, a pair of scissors, and a rotary cutter.

• First, cut the parchment paper based on the required size.
• Next, layer some sheets on top of each other.
• Then run the rotary cutter over the sheets. This method is easier and faster than perforating one sheet at a time.

The Bottom Line

Get the best out of your air fryer by knowing the dos and don’ts. You can safely use parchment paper in an air fryer. That said, remember to follow the guidelines to achieve delicious results.