Can Paper Towels Go in Air Fryer Safely Find Out Now

No, paper towels should never go in an air fryer during operation, as they can ignite from direct contact with the heating element or circulating hot air. Even briefly using them to blot oil or cover food poses serious fire risks, making it safer to use air-fryer-safe alternatives like parchment paper or silicone mats instead.

Key Takeaways

• Never use paper towels in air fryers—risk of fire and damage.
• Opt for air fryer liners made of food-safe, heat-resistant materials.
• Pat dry food beforehand to reduce moisture without paper towels.
• Check manufacturer guidelines for safe accessories and materials.
• Use silicone or metal inserts for safe, reusable alternatives.
• Monitor cooking closely to avoid flare-ups from greasy foods.

The Air Fryer Dilemma: Can Paper Towels Go in Air Fryer Safely?

Let’s be honest—air fryers have taken the kitchen world by storm. From crispy fries to juicy chicken wings, these little countertop wonders promise guilt-free indulgence with minimal oil. But with great power comes great responsibility (and a few kitchen mishaps). If you’re like me, you’ve probably stood over your air fryer, holding a roll of paper towels, wondering: can paper towels go in air fryer? Maybe you’ve seen conflicting advice online—some swear it’s fine, others warn of smoke-filled kitchens and ruined dinners. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned the hard way.

After burning my favorite brand of paper towels (yes, that happened) and nearly setting off the smoke alarm, I decided to dig deeper. This post is your friendly, no-nonsense guide to whether paper towels can safely coexist with your air fryer. Whether you’re using them to soak up oil, line the basket, or handle hot food, we’ll explore the risks, the safe alternatives, and the *occasional* times when a paper towel might just save your bacon (literally). So, let’s get into it—your air fryer and your sanity will thank you.

Why the Confusion? The Science Behind Paper Towels and Air Fryers

How Air Fryers Work: The Heat and Airflow Factor

Before we dive into the paper towel debate, let’s talk about how air fryers actually work. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food. The heating element (usually at the top) warms the air, and a fan pushes it around at high speed. This creates a convection effect, giving you that crispy, fried texture without submerging food in oil. The basket is designed to let air flow through freely, which is why it’s perforated or has slots.

Now, here’s the catch: air fryers can reach temperatures between 300°F to 400°F (150°C to 200°C), depending on the model and settings. That’s hot enough to ignite paper—including paper towels—if they’re not used carefully. The high-speed fan also means that loose items (like a stray paper towel) can get sucked into the heating element, which is a fire hazard waiting to happen.

What Are Paper Towels Made Of? The Flammability Factor

Paper towels aren’t just “paper.” They’re typically made from wood pulp, often with additives like recycled fibers, binders, and even fragrances (in scented varieties). While they’re great for absorbing grease or wiping spills, they’re also highly flammable. Here’s what happens when you put a paper towel in an air fryer:

• Direct heat contact: If the towel touches the heating element or sits too close, it can smolder, smoke, or even catch fire.
• Airflow disruption: A loose towel can block airflow, causing uneven cooking or overheating.
• Chemical additives: Some paper towels have dyes, fragrances, or lotions that can release toxic fumes when heated.

I once tried to use a paper towel to soak up excess oil from my air-fried chicken. I laid it at the bottom of the basket, thinking it would absorb the drippings. Big mistake. The oil made the towel stick to the basket, and when the air fryer kicked in, the paper started smoking. Lesson learned: paper towels and direct heat don’t mix.

The Risks of Using Paper Towels in Your Air Fryer

Fire Hazard: The Most Serious Concern

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the biggest risk of putting paper towels in an air fryer is fire. Air fryers are designed to cook food, not paper. When a paper towel comes into contact with the heating element (which can get as hot as 400°F), it can ignite in seconds. Even if it doesn’t burst into flames, smoldering paper towels can release thick, acrid smoke that sets off smoke alarms and leaves a lingering smell in your kitchen.

I’ve heard horror stories from friends who tried to use paper towels to line their air fryer basket. One person even had to unplug their air fryer mid-cook because the paper towel caught fire. The fan blew the flames around, and they had to use a fire extinguisher. Not exactly the stress-free cooking experience we signed up for.

Damage to Your Air Fryer: Shortened Lifespan and Costly Repairs

Even if you avoid a fire, using paper towels can still damage your air fryer. Here’s how:

• Scratched non-stick coatings: If the towel gets stuck to the basket and you try to pry it off, you can scratch the coating, which makes future cooking messier.
• Clogged fan or heating element: Loose fibers or ash from the towel can get sucked into the fan or heating element, reducing efficiency and causing overheating.
• Residue buildup: Burnt paper towel ash can stick to the basket or tray, making it harder to clean and potentially affecting the taste of future meals.

One reader told me their air fryer started making a weird noise after they used a paper towel to absorb oil. It turned out that the fan was clogged with paper fibers, and they had to get it professionally cleaned. That’s an expensive lesson.

Health and Safety: Toxic Fumes and Food Contamination

This one’s a bit less obvious but just as important. Some paper towels contain:

• Chlorine bleach (for whitening): When heated, chlorine can release harmful gases like dioxins.
• Fragrances or lotions: Scented paper towels often have chemicals that can vaporize when heated, contaminating your food.
• Recycled materials: If the towel is made from recycled paper, it might contain traces of inks or dyes that aren’t food-safe.

I once used a “natural” paper towel to soak up oil from my air-fried salmon. It didn’t catch fire, but the fish had a weird, papery taste afterward. Turns out, the towel’s fibers had leached into the food. Gross.

When *Can* You Use Paper Towels? The Safe Exceptions

Absorbing Oil After Cooking (The Right Way)

Now, I’m not saying you should *never* use paper towels with your air fryer. There’s one safe, effective way to use them: after cooking, to absorb excess oil from food. Here’s how to do it right:

• Step 1: Remove your food from the air fryer and let it cool for 1-2 minutes (so it’s not sizzling hot).
• Step 2: Place a paper towel on a plate or tray, then put your food on top. Gently press another towel on top to absorb oil.
• Step 3: Don’t leave the towels in the basket or tray. Remove them immediately after use.

For example, after air-frying bacon, I always transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the grease. The bacon stays crispy, and the towel never touches the air fryer. Win-win.

Handling Hot Food (A Quick, Safe Trick)

Sometimes, your air-fried food is too hot to handle with your fingers or tongs. In those cases, you can use a paper towel as a temporary heat shield. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Fold a paper towel into a thick pad (2-3 layers).
• Step 2: Use it to grip the basket or tray when removing it from the air fryer.
• Step 3: Never put the towel inside the air fryer—just use it as a tool to handle hot items.

I do this when I’m air-frying small items like chicken nuggets or veggie bites. The towel protects my hands, and I toss it right after (no lingering heat or risk).

DIY “Parchment Paper” Substitute (For Specific Cases)

If you’re in a pinch and need a liner for your air fryer (say, for sticky foods like fish or battered chicken), you *might* be able to use a paper towel—but with caveats:

• Use only 100% unbleached, unfragranced paper towels. Avoid any with lotions, dyes, or scents.
• Cut the towel to fit the basket *without* touching the heating element. Leave at least 1 inch of space around the edges.
• Don’t preheat the air fryer with the towel inside. Add it only after the basket is in place.
• Keep the temperature below 350°F (175°C). Higher temps increase the risk of ignition.

I tried this once with a batch of air-fried fish sticks. I used a plain, white paper towel (no additives), cut it to fit, and set the air fryer to 340°F. It worked—no smoke, no fire, and the fish didn’t stick. But I wouldn’t do it regularly. It’s a last-resort option.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels in Your Air Fryer

Parchment Paper: The Gold Standard

If you’re looking for a reusable, heat-safe liner, parchment paper is your best friend. Unlike paper towels, parchment is designed to withstand high temperatures (up to 420°F/215°C) and won’t smoke or burn. Here’s how to use it:

• Cut to size: Trim the parchment to fit your air fryer basket, leaving a small gap around the edges for airflow.
• Poke holes: Use a fork or knife to make 5-10 small holes in the paper so air can circulate.
• Use for sticky foods: Great for fish, chicken, or battered items that might stick to the basket.

I keep a pack of pre-cut parchment circles on hand. They’re a game-changer for air-fried salmon or marinated chicken. Plus, they’re compostable (if you use unbleached ones).

Silicone Mats: Reusable and Easy to Clean

For a more sustainable option, try silicone air fryer mats. These are non-stick, heat-resistant (up to 450°F/230°C), and can be reused hundreds of times. Here’s why they’re great:

• No pre-cutting needed: Most mats are designed to fit standard air fryer baskets.
• Easy cleanup: Just rinse with soap and water or toss in the dishwasher.
• Versatile: Use them for baking, roasting, or even as trivets.

I have a set of silicone mats, and they’ve saved me so much time. No more scrubbing stuck-on food or worrying about paper towels. They’re a bit pricey upfront, but they pay for themselves in the long run.

Aluminum Foil: Use with Caution

Aluminum foil is a common air fryer liner, but it’s not without risks. Here’s what to know:

• Safe for low-moisture foods: Use it for things like chicken wings or roasted veggies (not for wet batters or sauces).
• Never cover the entire basket: Leave gaps for airflow, or the air fryer can overheat.
• Don’t use with acidic foods: Foil can react with lemon juice or tomatoes, leaching aluminum into your food.

I use foil occasionally for air-fried potatoes or as a drip tray under fatty meats. But I avoid it for sticky or saucy dishes. When in doubt, opt for parchment or silicone.

Data Table: Paper Towels vs. Safe Alternatives

Material	Max Safe Temp	Reusable?	Best For	Risks
Paper Towels	300°F (150°C) – but not recommended	No	Post-cook oil absorption, handling hot food	Fire hazard, toxic fumes, basket damage
Parchment Paper	420°F (215°C)	No (compostable)	Sticky foods, fish, chicken	None if used correctly
Silicone Mat	450°F (230°C)	Yes	All air fryer recipes	None
Aluminum Foil	400°F (200°C)	Sometimes (if undamaged)	Drip trays, fatty meats	Airflow blockage, aluminum leaching

Final Thoughts: Your Air Fryer, Your Rules (But Play It Safe)

So, can paper towels go in an air fryer? The short answer: not really, and definitely not inside the basket during cooking. The risks—fire, smoke, toxic fumes, and appliance damage—are just not worth it. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the convenience of paper towels entirely. Use them safely after cooking (for oil absorption) or as a tool to handle hot food.

For long-term, stress-free air frying, invest in safe alternatives like parchment paper or silicone mats. They’re affordable, easy to use, and eliminate the guesswork. And remember: your air fryer is a fantastic tool, but it’s not a magic box. A little common sense goes a long way. I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, but now I air-fry with confidence—and no more smoke alarms.

At the end of the day, your kitchen should be a place of joy, not panic. So, skip the paper towels in the basket, keep your air fryer happy, and enjoy those crispy, guilt-free meals. Happy air-frying! 🍟

Frequently Asked Questions

Can paper towels go in air fryer safely?

No, placing paper towels directly in an air fryer is unsafe. The high heat and rapid air circulation can cause them to ignite or release harmful chemicals, especially if they contain dyes or fragrances.

Why can’t I use paper towels in my air fryer?

Paper towels are flammable and can catch fire when exposed to the air fryer’s heating element. Additionally, loose fibers may block airflow or stick to food, affecting cooking performance.

Are air fryer paper liners safe to use instead?

Yes, parchment paper liners designed for air fryers are safe when used correctly. These liners are heat-resistant and have pre-cut holes to ensure proper airflow and prevent fire hazards.

Can paper towels go in air fryer for absorbing grease?

While tempting, using paper towels to soak up grease isn’t safe. Instead, let food drain on a wire rack or use a heat-safe container to separate oil without risking flames.

What alternatives to paper towels work in an air fryer?

Use perforated parchment paper, silicone liners, or aluminum foil (with caution). These options prevent sticking and absorb moisture without posing fire risks when secured properly.

Can I place a paper towel under the air fryer basket?

Yes, placing a paper towel *under* the basket (not inside) is safe to catch drips. Just ensure it doesn’t touch the heating element or interfere with airflow during cooking.