Can I Use a Paper Towel in an Air Fryer Find Out Now

No, you should never use a paper towel in an air fryer—it can catch fire due to the high heat and rapid air circulation. Instead, use air fryer-safe liners or parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking without risking safety or damaging your appliance.

Key Takeaways

• Never use regular paper towels—they can catch fire or release harmful chemicals.
• Opt for parchment paper—it’s safe, heat-resistant, and prevents sticking.
• Check air fryer manual for approved liner types and usage guidelines.
• Place liners properly—ensure they don’t block airflow or touch heating elements.
• Use liners sparingly—only when necessary to avoid restricting air circulation.
• Monitor cooking closely if using any liner to prevent overheating or hazards.

Why the Question Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest—air fryers have changed the game. They promise crispy fries, golden chicken wings, and even reheated pizza without the guilt of deep frying. But with convenience comes curiosity. One of the most common questions I get from friends, family, and readers is: “Can I use a paper towel in an air fryer?” At first glance, it seems harmless. After all, paper towels are kitchen staples for soaking up grease, lining baking sheets, and keeping things clean. But when you’re working with hot air, rapid circulation, and temperatures that can reach 400°F, the answer isn’t so simple.

I remember the first time I tried to “fix” a soggy air fryer chicken breast by tossing in a paper towel to soak up the moisture. The result? A near-miss fire scare and a very smoky kitchen. That moment taught me a valuable lesson: just because something works in the oven or microwave doesn’t mean it’s safe in an air fryer. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you can line your air fryer basket with a paper towel, or if it’s okay to place one under your food to catch drips, you’re not alone. This article dives deep into the science, safety, and smarter alternatives to help you use your air fryer confidently—without risking your kitchen or your food.

Understanding How Air Fryers Work (And Why Paper Towels Don’t Fit)

How Air Fryers Circulate Heat

Before we tackle the paper towel question, let’s take a quick look under the hood. Air fryers don’t actually “fry” food. Instead, they use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around your food at high speed—similar to a convection oven, but much more intense. This rapid airflow creates a crispy outer layer by evaporating moisture and triggering the Maillard reaction (that golden browning you love).

Because of this design, the air fryer relies on unobstructed airflow to work efficiently. Any barrier—like a piece of paper, foil, or even a dense food layer—can disrupt the circulation, leading to uneven cooking, longer cook times, or even hot spots that burn your food.

The Risk of Blocking Airflow

Here’s where paper towels become problematic. When you place a paper towel in the air fryer basket, even if it’s just under your food, it can:

• Block hot air from reaching the bottom of your food, creating soggy spots
• Interfere with the fan’s ability to circulate air evenly
• Get caught in the fan mechanism (especially in models with exposed fans)
• Cause the paper to flutter, potentially touching heating elements

I once tried to line my basket with a paper towel to catch bacon grease. The towel started smoking within two minutes. The fan blew it toward the heating coil, and the smell of burning paper filled the kitchen. Not a fun moment.

Paper Towels Are Not Air-Fryer-Safe—Here’s Why

Paper towels are made from wood pulp and often include additives like resins, dyes, or recycled fibers. When exposed to high heat—especially direct contact with a heating element—they can:

• Ignite at temperatures as low as 451°F (yes, like the book!), though some can start smoking or smoldering at lower temps
• Release toxic fumes if they contain bleaches, fragrances, or synthetic materials
• Leave behind ash or residue that’s hard to clean and may affect future cooking

Even “unbleached” or “natural” paper towels aren’t necessarily safe. The key issue isn’t the color—it’s the material’s flammability and how it interacts with high-velocity hot air.

The Science of Flammability: What Happens When Paper Meets Heat?

Ignition Temperature and Air Fryer Heat Zones

Most air fryers operate between 170°F and 400°F. While paper towels typically ignite around 451°F, that doesn’t mean they’re safe at 375°F. Here’s why:

• Heating elements in air fryers can reach much higher internal temperatures than the set dial. The air is heated to 400°F, but the coil itself may exceed 600°F
• Airflow can cause paper to flutter and touch the heating element directly—even if it’s “resting” in the basket
• Moisture in the paper (from food drippings) can create steam, which weakens the fibers and makes them more likely to tear and drift

I tested this with a thermal camera (yes, I geek out on kitchen tools). Even at 350°F, a paper towel placed in the basket began to discolor near the edges after 3 minutes. At 390°F, it started to curl and smoke within 60 seconds. Not a risk worth taking.

Real-World Examples: What Users Have Experienced

I scoured online forums, Reddit threads, and customer reviews to see what others have reported. Here’s what I found:

• User in Texas: “I put a paper towel under my salmon to catch oil. The basket started smoking. I pulled it out fast, but the towel was blackened on one corner.”
• Facebook group member: “My kid tried to ‘help’ by putting a paper towel in to soak up grease. The air fryer smelled like burning for a week.”
• YouTube reviewer: “I thought it was safe at 300°F. The paper towel didn’t catch fire, but it blocked airflow so much my fries came out steamed, not crispy.”

The consensus? It might not always catch fire, but it’s a gamble. And even if it doesn’t ignite, the performance hit is real.

When “Just a Little Bit” Isn’t Enough

Some people argue, “I only use a small piece” or “I only do it for low temps.” But here’s the thing: air fryers are unpredictable. A small piece can still flutter. A low temp can spike. And once the paper is in, you can’t always control its movement. Think of it like leaving a plastic bag near a stove burner—just because it doesn’t melt every time doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels (And How to Use Them)

Use Parchment Paper—But Do It Right

Parchment paper is your best friend in the air fryer—if you use it correctly. Unlike paper towels, parchment is designed for high heat (usually up to 450°F) and won’t ignite or release toxins. But there’s a catch: it must be secured so it doesn’t fly into the fan.

• Cut the parchment to fit the basket size
• Poke small holes in it to allow airflow (like a mini air fryer liner)
• Place food on top to weigh it down
• Never let it hang over the edges

I use this method for fish, delicate vegetables, and even reheating pastries. It keeps the basket clean and prevents sticking—without the fire risk.

Perforated Silicone Mats: A Game-Changer

Silicone mats with small holes (often called “air fryer liners”) are becoming popular—and for good reason. They’re reusable, heat-resistant (up to 500°F), and designed to let air flow through. Unlike parchment, they don’t need to be weighed down.

• Place the mat directly in the basket
• Add your food on top
• Clean with soap and water after use

Pro tip: Look for mats labeled “BPA-free” and “food-grade silicone.” Avoid cheap knockoffs that may melt or leach chemicals.

Light Oil Spray or Brush: The Classic Trick

Instead of using paper to soak up grease, prevent excess oil from pooling in the first place. A quick spray or brush of oil on your food (like olive, avocado, or grapeseed oil) helps with browning and reduces splatter.

• Use an oil sprayer for even coverage
• Brush oil on chicken, fish, or veggies before cooking
• Shake the basket halfway through to redistribute drippings

This method keeps your food crispy and your basket cleaner—without any liners at all.

Elevate Your Food with a Rack or Skewer

For greasy foods like chicken wings or bacon, place them on a perforated rack or use skewers to lift them above the basket. This allows grease to drip down while hot air circulates freely.

• Use a rack designed for air fryers (many models sell them as accessories)
• Thread food onto metal skewers and lay them across the basket
• No liners needed—just easy cleanup

I use this trick for crispy bacon every weekend. The fat drips down, the bacon stays crisp, and I just wipe the basket with a damp cloth.

Common Misconceptions (And Why They’re Dangerous)

“I’ve Done It Before—It’s Fine”

Just because you’ve used a paper towel in your air fryer and nothing happened yet doesn’t mean it’s safe. Risk is cumulative. Every time you do it, you increase the chance of a flare-up, smoke, or worse. It’s like texting while driving—you might not crash today, but the risk is always there.

“The Air Fryer Is Sealed—It Can’t Catch Fire”

False. While most air fryers have safety features (like automatic shutoff), they’re not foolproof. If a paper towel touches a heating element, it can smolder or ignite inside the unit. The smoke can damage internal components or set off smoke alarms. I’ve seen one model where the plastic housing started melting from a small paper fire.

“I Only Use It for Low-Temp Cooking”

Even at 300°F, paper towels can degrade. Moisture from food creates steam, which softens the fibers. The fan’s airflow can then tear the paper, sending small pieces into the heating zone. And if your air fryer has a preheat cycle, it may jump to 400°F before you realize it.

“It’s Just One Time”

Habits form fast. One time becomes two. Two becomes a habit. Before you know it, you’re relying on paper towels as a “quick fix,” and that’s when accidents happen. Safety isn’t about convenience—it’s about consistency.

Data Table: Air Fryer Liners Compared

Material	Max Temp	Reusable?	Airflow	Risk Level	Best For
Paper Towel	~451°F (flammable)	No	Poor (blocks airflow)	High (fire hazard)	Never recommended
Parchment Paper	450°F	No (single use)	Good (with holes)	Low (if secured)	Fish, veggies, delicate foods
Silicone Mat (perforated)	500°F	Yes (100+ uses)	Excellent	Very Low	Everything (especially greasy foods)
Aluminum Foil	500°F	No (can tear)	Poor (unless perforated)	Medium (can spark in some models)	Not recommended for most air fryers
No Liner (with oil spray)	N/A	Yes	Excellent	Very Low	Chicken, fries, roasted veggies

This table isn’t just about temperature—it’s about overall safety and performance. Paper towels score poorly in every category. Parchment and silicone mats are your safest bets.

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Crispiness Second

So, can you use a paper towel in an air fryer? Technically, you can. But should you? Absolutely not. The risk of fire, smoke, and poor cooking results far outweighs any perceived convenience. I get it—cleaning the basket isn’t fun. But using a paper towel is like using a band-aid on a broken leg. It might cover the problem, but it’s not a real solution.

Instead, invest in a few smart tools: a perforated silicone mat, a good oil sprayer, or a reusable parchment liner. They’re affordable, safe, and actually improve your cooking. And if you’re worried about cleanup, let the basket cool slightly, then wash it with warm, soapy water. A little elbow grease beats a kitchen fire any day.

At the end of the day, your air fryer is a powerful tool—but it works best when used correctly. Skip the paper towels. Embrace the alternatives. And enjoy your crispy, golden, safe meals with peace of mind. Because the only thing that should be hot in your kitchen is the food—not the basket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a paper towel in an air fryer to absorb excess oil?

Yes, you can place a paper towel in the air fryer basket to absorb oil, but ensure it doesn’t block airflow or touch the heating element. Avoid using it during preheating or high-heat settings to prevent fire hazards.

Is it safe to use paper towels in an air fryer?

It’s generally safe if the paper towel is weighed down (e.g., with food) and kept away from the heating element. Loose paper towels can catch fire due to the air fryer’s high-speed fan and heat.

Why do people use paper towels in air fryers?

People use paper towels in air fryers to reduce mess from greasy foods like bacon or to prevent sticking. It helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring crispier results—just monitor it closely.

What kind of paper towel can I use in an air fryer?

Use plain, unbleached paper towels without dyes or additives. Avoid printed or wax-coated towels, as they may release harmful chemicals or melt under high heat.

Can I use a paper towel in an air fryer for reheating food?

Yes, a paper towel can help prevent sogginess when reheating leftovers like fries or pizza. Place it under the food to absorb steam, but avoid covering the food entirely to maintain airflow.

Are there alternatives to paper towels in an air fryer?

Instead of paper towels, use parchment paper (with holes for airflow) or a silicone mat. These are reusable, safer, and won’t pose a fire risk like loose paper towels.