Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer Safely and Effectively

Yes, you can put paper towel in an air fryer, but only under the right conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Use it to absorb excess oil or catch crumbs by placing it beneath the basket or under food—never let it touch the heating element or block airflow. Always opt for unbleached, non-waxed paper towels and monitor closely to prevent fire hazards.

Key Takeaways

• Never use loose paper towels in air fryers—fire risk is high.
• Only use parchment paper with holes for safe, effective air frying.
• Place paper under food to catch drips without blocking airflow.
• Avoid wax-coated paper—it melts and damages your air fryer.
• Check manufacturer guidelines before using any liner or paper.
• Clean regularly to prevent grease buildup and fire hazards.

The Burning Question: Can You Really Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

Let’s be honest—air fryers are a kitchen game-changer. They promise crispy fries, juicy chicken, and even baked desserts, all with little to no oil. But as we experiment with these handy appliances, a common question keeps popping up: Can you put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Maybe you’ve seen a TikTok hack where someone lines the air fryer basket with a paper towel to catch grease. Or perhaps you’ve accidentally dropped one in while cleaning up a greasy mess. Your heart skipped a beat, right? You’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen, staring at a slightly singed corner of a paper towel stuck to the heating element, wondering if I just ruined my air fryer or worse, started a fire. That moment sparked my curiosity: Is it ever safe to use paper towels in an air fryer?

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the science, safety, and smart alternatives. Whether you’re trying to reduce mess, absorb excess oil, or just keep your air fryer clean, we’ll answer your burning questions—without the literal flames. By the end, you’ll know exactly when (and if) to use paper towels, how to do it safely, and what to use instead when you shouldn’t.

Why People Want to Use Paper Towels in Air Fryers

1. To Catch Grease and Reduce Mess

Air frying is all about convenience, but the aftermath? Not so much. When you cook bacon, chicken wings, or marinated meats, the basket can get greasy fast. Paper towels seem like a quick fix—just lay one at the bottom, and voilà, no more scrubbing!

I tried this once with a batch of spicy buffalo wings. I thought, “Why not? It’ll catch the drips.” The first few minutes went smoothly. Then I heard a faint crackle. I opened the basket and saw a corner of the paper towel curling up near the heating element. My heart sank. While the paper didn’t catch fire, it definitely started to brown and smoke. Not ideal.

The truth is: grease is a natural byproduct of air frying. But using paper towels to catch it can backfire. The intense heat (often 350°F to 400°F) can scorch the paper, especially if it touches the heating element or gets too close to the air vents. Plus, paper towels aren’t designed to withstand that kind of heat—they’re meant for spills, not high-temperature environments.

2. To Absorb Excess Moisture from Food

Ever pulled out a soggy batch of air-fried veggies or fish? Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Some home cooks use paper towels to blot food before air frying, hoping to speed up the process. Others even place a paper towel *on top* of food (like fish or chicken) to wick away steam during cooking.

Blotting food before air frying? That’s perfectly safe—and smart. Dry food crisps better. But placing a paper towel inside the basket during cooking? That’s risky. The air fryer works by circulating hot air at high speeds. A loose paper towel can get sucked into the fan or heating coil, potentially causing smoke, damage, or even a fire.

One user on a cooking forum shared: “I put a paper towel on my salmon to absorb steam. Five minutes in, the whole kitchen smelled like burnt paper. The towel had blown into the heating element.” Lesson learned—the hard way.

3. For Easier Cleanup

Let’s face it: scrubbing a greasy air fryer basket isn’t fun. Paper towels seem like a shortcut. But here’s the catch: air fryer baskets are typically made of non-stick, dishwasher-safe materials. A quick rinse or a run through the dishwasher often does the trick. Adding a paper towel might seem easier, but it’s like using a Band-Aid on a broken pipe—it doesn’t solve the real issue and can create new problems.

Pro tip: If you hate cleanup, try lining the basket with parchment paper (more on that later). Or, invest in a reusable silicone liner. These are heat-safe, non-stick, and can be wiped clean in seconds.

The Science and Safety Behind Using Paper Towels in Air Fryers

How Air Fryers Work: Heat, Airflow, and Safety

To understand why paper towels are risky, you need to know how air fryers work. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speed. This creates a convection effect, crisping the outside while cooking the inside.

Key components:

• Heating element: Located at the top (or back, in some models), it reaches temperatures up to 400°F.
• Fan: Pulls hot air down and around the food, creating a swirling vortex.
• Basket: Perforated to allow airflow but small enough to contain food.

Now, imagine a paper towel inside that basket. If it’s loose, the fan can suck it toward the heating element. Even if it’s weighted down, the edges can lift due to airflow. Once near the heating coil, the paper can:

• Smolder and produce smoke
• Ignite (especially if oily or damp)
• Damage the heating element or fan

Most air fryer manufacturers, including Ninja, Cosori, Instant Vortex, and GoWISE, explicitly state in their manuals: Do not use paper towels, tissues, or other flammable materials inside the cooking chamber. Why? Because it’s a fire hazard.

When Paper Towels Can (and Can’t) Catch Fire

Paper towels don’t burst into flames at 350°F. But they can:

• Smolder: Slow, smoky burning without a flame. This releases harmful fumes and leaves residue.
• Ignite: If the paper is dry and touches the heating element directly, it can catch fire. This is more likely with prolonged exposure or higher temperatures.
• Char and stick: Even without flames, paper can burn and fuse to the basket or heating coil, making cleanup harder.

Factors that increase risk:

• Paper type: Thinner, more porous paper (like cheap paper towels) burns faster. Recycled paper may contain inks or dyes that emit toxic fumes when heated.
• Moisture: A damp paper towel might not ignite immediately, but steam can damage internal components. Plus, oil-soaked paper is more flammable.
• Airflow: Stronger fans (in larger air fryers) can lift paper more easily.

Real-world example: A Reddit user reported their air fryer caught fire when a paper towel got stuck in the fan. The fire was small but melted part of the interior. They were lucky no one was hurt, but the appliance was ruined.

What the Manuals Say (And Why It Matters)

Manufacturers aren’t just being picky. Their warnings are based on real incidents. For example:

• Ninja Air Fryer Manual: “Do not use paper towels, tissues, or other flammable materials inside the basket.”
• Cosori Air Fryer Manual: “Never place paper towels, foil, or other materials that can catch fire in the cooking chamber.”
• Instant Vortex Guide: “Avoid using any material that can obstruct airflow or come into contact with the heating element.”

Ignoring these warnings can void your warranty. Worse, it puts your home at risk. If a fire starts and you’re not home, the consequences could be devastating.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels in Air Fryers

1. Parchment Paper Liners (The Gold Standard)

Parchment paper is heat-safe up to 420°F–450°F, making it perfect for air fryers. Unlike paper towels, it’s designed to withstand high temperatures without smoldering or catching fire.

How to use:

• Cut a round or square piece to fit the bottom of your basket.
• Cut small holes or slits to allow airflow (this prevents steam buildup).
• Place food on top. The paper will catch grease and prevent sticking.

Pros:

• Reusable (if not too greasy) or biodegradable.
• Reduces cleanup time by up to 70%.
• Safe for all air fryer models.

Cons:

• Can block airflow if not perforated properly.
• Not ideal for very high temperatures (above 450°F).

Tip: Buy pre-cut parchment liners (available on Amazon or kitchen stores) or make your own with a hole punch.

2. Silicone Mats and Reusable Liners

Silicone is another heat-safe option. Mats can withstand temperatures up to 480°F and are non-stick, making them perfect for sticky foods like marinated chicken or caramelized veggies.

How to use:

• Place the mat in the basket before adding food.
• After cooking, wipe it down or toss it in the dishwasher.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly (can be reused hundreds of times).
• Non-stick surface prevents food from sticking.
• No risk of fire or smoke.

Cons:

• Can be pricey ($10–$20 per mat).
• Some users report food doesn’t crisp as well (test with your model).

Pro tip: For best results, lightly spray the mat with oil or use it with parchment paper for extra crispiness.

3. Aluminum Foil (Use with Caution)

Foil is safe in air fryers—if used correctly. It won’t catch fire, but it can block airflow and create hot spots.

How to use safely:

• Shape a loose foil “nest” in the basket, leaving the sides open.
• Never cover the entire basket or let foil touch the heating element.
• Use for messy foods (like saucy ribs or baked potatoes).

Pros:

• Cheap and widely available.
• Can be molded to fit oddly shaped foods.

Cons:

• Can block airflow if not used properly.
• Not eco-friendly (single-use).
• Can react with acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus).

Warning: Never use foil in the bottom of the basket if your air fryer has a drip tray. It can block airflow and cause overheating.

How to Use Paper Towels *Safely* (If You Absolutely Must)

1. Only Use Them Outside the Cooking Chamber

There’s one safe way to use paper towels: outside the air fryer. Here are some smart uses:

• Blot food before cooking: Pat dry chicken, fish, or veggies to remove moisture. This improves crispiness.
• Wipe the basket after cooking: Use a damp paper towel to clean the basket while it’s still warm (not hot).
• Line a plate: Place a paper towel under food when serving to catch drips.

Example: Before air frying salmon, I blot each fillet with a paper towel. The skin crisps beautifully, and the fish doesn’t steam.

2. Emergency Grease Absorption (With Extreme Caution)

If you’re cooking something super greasy (like bacon) and don’t have parchment paper, you can use a paper towel—but only if:

• The paper is completely covered by food (e.g., place bacon strips on top).
• The food is heavy enough to weigh it down (no lightweight veggies).
• You monitor the air fryer the entire time.
• You use the lowest temperature setting (300°F–325°F).

Why this works: The food acts as a barrier, protecting the paper from direct heat and airflow. But this is still risky—don’t leave the kitchen unattended.

3. Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Don’t: Place a paper towel under the basket to catch drips. The basket gets hot, and the paper can smolder.
• Don’t: Use paper towels to “steam” food (e.g., place on top of fish). The paper can blow into the heating element.
• Don’t: Use recycled or printed paper towels. The inks and dyes can release toxic fumes when heated.

Data Table: Comparing Paper Towels vs. Alternatives

Option	Max Temp	Fire Risk	Cleanup Ease	Best For	Cost
Paper Towel	350°F (risky)	High	Easy (but dangerous)	Never recommended	$0.02–$0.05 per sheet
Parchment Paper	450°F	None (when used correctly)	Very Easy	Greasy foods, sticky marinades	$0.10–$0.20 per sheet
Silicone Mat	480°F	None	Very Easy (wipe or wash)	Reusable, eco-friendly cooking	$10–$20 (one-time)
Aluminum Foil	500°F+	Low (if used properly)	Easy (but blocks airflow)	Messy sauces, baked potatoes	$0.01–$0.03 per sheet

Conclusion: Play It Safe, Keep It Crispy

So, can you put a paper towel in an air fryer? The short answer: No, not safely or effectively. While it might seem like a quick fix, the risks—smoke, fire, damage—far outweigh the benefits. Paper towels aren’t designed for high-heat environments, and air fryers are all about high heat and fast airflow.

Instead, opt for safer, smarter alternatives:

• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and grease absorption.
• Try a reusable silicone mat for eco-friendly, non-stick cooking.
• Use aluminum foil sparingly and only when airflow isn’t blocked.
• Blot food with paper towels before air frying—but keep them out of the basket.

Remember: air fryers are meant to make cooking easier, not more dangerous. A little extra effort in cleanup is worth it if it keeps your kitchen safe. And hey, if you’re ever in doubt, just ask yourself: “Would I put this in a 400°F oven?” If the answer is no, don’t put it in your air fryer.

Happy air frying—and stay safe, friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put paper towel in air fryer without starting a fire?

Yes, but only if the paper towel is weighed down by food and doesn’t contact the heating element. Loose paper towels can ignite due to the air fryer’s high heat and airflow.

Why would someone use a paper towel in an air fryer?

Paper towels help absorb excess grease from fried foods like bacon or burgers, reducing splatter and improving crispness. They’re especially useful when cooking greasy items on parchment paper or liners.

Is it safe to use paper towel in air fryer with parchment paper?

Yes, combining a paper towel with parchment paper (or air fryer liners) is safe if the edges are secured under food. This setup absorbs oil while preventing direct contact with the heating element.

Can you put paper towel in air fryer to reheat greasy food?

Absolutely. Placing a paper towel beneath reheated fried chicken or french fries helps soak up oil, preventing sogginess. Just ensure the towel is fully covered by food to avoid fire risk.

What type of paper towel is best for air fryer use?

Use plain, unbleached paper towels without dyes or patterns, as additives may smoke or burn. Fold or layer them to fit the basket and always anchor them with food.

Are there safer alternatives to using paper towel in an air fryer?

Yes, reusable silicone mats, air fryer liners, or a single layer of aluminum foil (with food on top) are safer options. These eliminate fire risk while still managing grease.