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Additionally, let's explore other air fryer liners such as foil and silicone.
Air fryers make cooking easier, but cleaning can be a hassle. Using parchment paper as a liner could help solve this problem, but is it safe? This article answers the question, "Can parchment paper be used in an air fryer?" It also offers safety tips and compares alternative liners (including foil).
Is it safe to use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, parchment paper is perfectly safe for your air fryer, provided you trim it to fit and place it under food to keep it weighed down. This prevents it from coming into contact with the heating element and reduces the risk of fire.
How to Use Parchment Paper in the Air Fryer
Is it okay to use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, you can safely use parchment paper in an air fryer. Parchment paper is a light, heat-resistant material treated with silicone for a non-stick surface. It's safe for use in an air fryer as long as you trim it to fit the basket or tray and weigh it down with food. If the parchment paper is loose and touches the heating element, it could become a fire hazard, but with these simple precautions, you can avoid that risk.
How to Properly Line Your Air Fryer with Parchment Paper
Cut the parchment paper to fit smaller than the air fryer tray or basket. This helps prevent the edges from rising up and possibly touching the heating element. Additionally, leaving space around the tray allows for better airflow, which promotes more even cooking.
Make holes in the parchment paper using a wooden skewer. Since parchment paper usually comes in solid sheets, it may block some airflow, which can lead to longer cooking times. Adding holes before using it will allow air to circulate better.
- If you prefer not to cut or poke holes in your parchment paper, you can buy perforated parchment paper air fryer liners. These are ready-to-use pieces that are pre-cut to fit most air fryers.
Don't put parchment paper in the air fryer during preheating. The airflow while preheating can blow the parchment paper around, making it more likely to touch the heating element and burn or even catch fire. Wait until the air fryer has finished preheating and has reached your desired temperature before adding parchment paper.
Weigh down the parchment paper inside the air fryer. Since parchment paper is so light, the air fryer can easily blow it around if it's not secured. Make sure the food you're cooking is heavy enough to hold the parchment paper in place inside the air fryer basket or tray. Dense foods like chicken, fish, and potato wedges should do the trick.
- For lighter items like chips or thin apple slices, you can place pie weights on the parchment to keep it from shifting.
Alternative Air Fryer Liners to Parchment Paper
Spray cooking oil to create a non-stick surface inside your air fryer. If you're concerned about food sticking to the air fryer, a light spray or brush of cooking oil on the bottom of the basket or tray can solve the problem. This method not only prevents sticking but promotes airflow and helps your food become crispy.
- Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or beef tallow, for high-temperature cooking (above 400°F or 204°C) to avoid a bitter taste.
Use aluminum foil in an oven-style air fryer to catch grease. Aluminum foil is great for lining the bottom of an oven-style air fryer to catch grease and drippings. However, it’s not suitable for lining the tray in an oven-style air fryer or the basket in a basket-style air fryer as it can restrict airflow, leading to soggy food instead of crispy results.
- If you're cooking acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, or vinegar, it's best to avoid foil, as the reaction between the acid and aluminum, combined with high heat, could cause aluminum to leach into your food.
- Experts say the amount of aluminum that could leach into your food is minimal and generally not a health concern, but it’s worth noting if you’re worried about heavy metal exposure.
Consider silicone liners when you want easy cleanup. Silicone liners are non-stick and easy to clean, with some already perforated for better airflow. They're made of a plastic considered safe for cooking, though research shows that high temperatures can cause the release of a small amount of chemicals into your food. Experts suggest heating silicone before use to release any potentially harmful substances before cooking your meal.
Is it a good idea to line your air fryer with parchment paper?
Give it a try if you want an easier and faster cleanup. Parchment paper will help prevent food from sticking to the basket or tray, making cleaning the air fryer a breeze. For safe use, trim the paper to a size just smaller than your air fryer tray or basket, and poke holes in it with a wooden skewer to ensure proper cooking.
- For a greener choice, consider using unbleached parchment paper. This brown version hasn’t been treated with chlorine, reducing its environmental impact and minimizing the chemicals in your kitchen.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should you choose parchment paper or foil for your air fryer? Parchment paper is the better option for your air fryer. Foil tends to block more air, which can lead to uneven cooking and result in food that's soft rather than crispy. Additionally, foil can leach aluminum into your food.
Is it safe to use a paper towel in an air fryer? No, it’s not safe to put paper towels in an air fryer. The high heat can cause them to catch fire.
Should you place parchment paper below or above the grill grate in an air fryer? Parchment paper should be placed above the grill grate. Never put it near or on top of the heating element in either a basket-style or oven-style air fryer, as this can significantly increase the risk of fire.
