Can a Paper Towel Go in an Air Fryer Find Out Now

No, you should never put a paper towel in an air fryer—it poses a serious fire hazard due to the appliance’s high heat and rapid air circulation. Even briefly exposed, paper towels can ignite or block airflow, damaging your air fryer or creating a dangerous situation. Always use air-fryer-safe accessories like silicone mats or parchment paper with holes for safe, effective cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Never place paper towels directly in an air fryer during cooking—they can ignite or cause fire hazards.
• Use air fryer-safe liners like parchment paper with holes to avoid blocking airflow.
• Remove excess oil first to minimize mess without risking towel combustion.
• Pat food dry before air frying to reduce splatter without needing towels inside.
• Clean the basket properly after use to prevent residue buildup and future flare-ups.
• Monitor cooking closely if using any liner to ensure safety and even results.

Can a Paper Towel Go in an Air Fryer? Find Out Now

Let’s be honest—air fryers are one of the best kitchen inventions in the last decade. They promise crispy fries, golden chicken wings, and even reheated leftovers without the oil or mess of deep frying. But with great power comes great confusion. One question I hear *all the time* from fellow air fryer fans is: Can a paper towel go in an air fryer?

You might be tempted to toss a paper towel in to soak up grease, prevent splatter, or speed up cleanup. After all, paper towels are a staple for handling greasy foods. But before you do, let’s pause. Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds—up to 400°F (205°C) or more. That’s a lot of heat, and even a small misstep can lead to smoke, fire, or damage to your appliance. So, is it safe? Is it effective? And are there better alternatives? In this post, we’ll dive deep into the dos, don’ts, and smart hacks for using (or avoiding) paper towels in your air fryer. Whether you’re a new owner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you cook smarter, safer, and cleaner.

How Air Fryers Work and Why Paper Towels Matter

To understand whether a paper towel can go in an air fryer, it helps to know *how* an air fryer works. Unlike ovens that rely on radiant heat, air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air rapidly around food. This creates a convection effect that crisps the outside while cooking the inside—without needing much (or any) oil. The key? Unobstructed airflow.

Why Airflow Is Everything

Imagine blowing a balloon with a tiny hole in it. It won’t inflate well. The same goes for your air fryer. If something blocks the airflow—like a crumpled paper towel—the hot air can’t circulate properly. This leads to:

• Uneven cooking (some parts burnt, others raw)
• Longer cooking times
• Potential hot spots that overheat materials

Paper towels are light and fluffy. In a high-velocity air environment, they can easily lift, flutter, or even get sucked into the heating element. That’s where safety concerns kick in.

What Happens When Heat Meets Paper?

Paper towels are made of cellulose fibers—basically wood pulp. At around 450°F (232°C), paper starts to smolder and can ignite. Most air fryers operate between 320°F and 400°F. While that’s *below* the flashpoint, here’s the catch: air fryers have heating coils and fans that can create localized hot spots. If a paper towel gets trapped near the coil, it could catch fire—even if the set temperature is “safe.”

I once saw a friend try to “dry” frozen dumplings by placing a paper towel under them. The dumplings cooked fine, but the paper towel curled up and touched the heating element. Within minutes, the air fryer filled with smoke. No fire, but definitely a kitchen alarm moment. That taught me: just because something *can* work doesn’t mean it *should*.

The Risks of Using Paper Towels in an Air Fryer

So, can you *technically* put a paper towel in an air fryer? Yes—but should you? Let’s break down the risks.

Fire Hazard: The #1 Danger

This is the big one. Paper is flammable. Even if your air fryer never reaches 450°F, the heating element can get hotter than the food. If a loose paper towel touches it, it can ignite. Here’s what could happen:

• Smoke: The paper smolders, releasing acrid smoke. Your kitchen smells like a campfire gone wrong.
• Fire: In rare cases, flames can start. Most modern air fryers have safety shut-offs, but you still need to act fast.
• Damage: Burnt paper can leave residue on heating coils, reducing efficiency and shortening the appliance’s lifespan.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, small kitchen appliance fires often start from flammable materials left too close to heat sources. A paper towel might seem harmless, but in a confined, high-heat space, it’s a risk not worth taking.

Airflow Disruption: The Silent Saboteur

Even if you avoid fire, blocking airflow hurts your food. For example:

• Fries may steam instead of crisp.
• Chicken skin won’t get golden and crunchy.
• Baked goods (like muffins) may cook unevenly.

Air fryers rely on turbulence—the swirling motion of hot air. A paper towel, especially if it’s thick or crumpled, acts like a dam. It traps steam and redirects airflow, leading to soggy, disappointing results.

Chemical Concerns (Yes, Really)

Some paper towels are treated with chemicals to make them softer or more absorbent. When heated, these additives can:

• Release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air
• Transfer residues to your food (especially if the paper melts or disintegrates)
• Create an odd smell or taste

While most paper towels are food-safe at room temperature, high heat is a different story. Think of it like microwaving a plastic container not labeled “microwave-safe.” It *might* be fine, but why risk it?

When *Can* You Use Paper Towels (Safely and Smartly)

Now, before you swear off paper towels forever, there’s good news: there are safe ways to use them—if you follow a few golden rules.

Rule 1: Use Them *Outside* the Air Fryer

The safest way to use paper towels is *after* cooking. Here’s how:

• Drain grease: After cooking bacon or chicken wings, place the food on a paper towel-lined plate. The towel absorbs excess oil, reducing mess and calories.
• Wipe the basket: Let the air fryer cool slightly, then wipe the basket with a damp paper towel to remove stuck-on bits. (Never use abrasive scrubbers!)
• Prep food: Pat dry chicken, fish, or veggies with a paper towel *before* air frying. Dry surfaces = better browning.

Example: When I make air fryer salmon, I pat the fillets dry with a paper towel first. This removes surface moisture, helping the skin crisp up beautifully. No paper towel in the basket—just better results.

Rule 2: Use a *Weighted* Paper Towel (If You Must)

If you’re *desperate* to use a paper towel inside the air fryer (say, to catch dripping oil from a whole chicken), here’s how to do it *safely*:

1. Use a **single layer** of paper towel.
2. Place it at the **bottom of the basket** (not on the rack).
3. **Weigh it down** with heavy food (e.g., a whole chicken, a cast-iron press, or a metal trivet).
4. Set the temperature **below 350°F** to reduce fire risk.
5. Monitor the air fryer closely—no distractions!

Note: This method is best for short, low-heat cooks. Avoid it for long sessions (over 20 minutes) or high temps.

Rule 3: Choose the Right Paper Towel

Not all paper towels are equal. For air fryer use, pick:

• Unbleached, uncoated towels (fewer chemicals)
• Thin, flat sheets (less likely to flutter)
• No lotions or fragrances (avoid “ultra-soft” varieties)

I recommend brands like Bounty Basic or Seventh Generation for their simplicity and durability.

Better Alternatives to Paper Towels (And Why You Should Use Them)

Instead of risking paper towels, try these safer, more effective options:

1. Parchment Paper (Perforated or Cut-to-Size)

Parchment paper is heat-resistant up to 425°F (218°C)—perfect for air fryers. Here’s how to use it:

• Cut to fit the basket, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for airflow.
• Poke holes with a fork or knife to let steam escape. (No holes = soggy food!)
• Use for sticky foods like fish, battered items, or marinated meats.

Pro tip: Buy pre-cut parchment rounds or make your own. I use a bowl as a template to trace circles on parchment sheets. Store them in a drawer for easy access.

2. Silicone Liners or Mats

Silicone is non-stick, reusable, and heat-safe up to 450°F (232°C). Benefits:

• No cutting or poking—just place it in the basket.
• Easy cleanup—wipe or rinse with soap and water.
• Reusable—saves money and reduces waste.

Downside: Some silicone mats can block airflow if they’re too thick. Look for **perforated mats** designed for air fryers.

3. Aluminum Foil (With Caution)

Foil can be used in air fryers, but with rules:

• Don’t cover the entire basket—blocking airflow is a no-no.
• Use small pieces to catch drips (e.g., under a whole chicken).
• Never let foil touch the heating element—it can cause sparks or short circuits.

Foil is great for catching grease, but it’s not a substitute for non-stick surfaces. Pair it with a parchment liner for best results.

4. Air Fryer-Specific Accessories

Many brands sell accessories like:

• Non-stick baking cups for muffins or cupcakes
• Silicone egg rings for fried eggs
• Reusable mesh baskets for small items (e.g., shrimp)

These are designed for airflow and safety. They cost more upfront but pay off in convenience and durability.

Real-Life Examples: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Let’s look at real scenarios to see how these tips play out in practice.

Example 1: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Problem: Bacon drips grease everywhere. Paper towels seem like a quick fix.

Solution: Line the basket with perforated parchment or use a reusable silicone mat. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. The grease drains through the holes, and the bacon stays crispy. No paper towel needed.

Example 2: Reheating Fried Chicken

Problem: Leftover fried chicken gets soggy in the air fryer.

Solution: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel *before* reheating. Place it directly in the basket (no liner) at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. The skin re-crisps perfectly.

Example 3: Whole Chicken (With Dripping Juices)

Problem: A whole chicken releases a lot of juice. You want to catch it without blocking airflow.

Solution: Use a small piece of foil at the bottom of the basket. Weigh it down with the chicken. Or, skip the liner and clean the basket after—it’s worth it for juicy, evenly cooked meat.

Data Table: Air Fryer Liner Comparison

Material	Max Temp	Reusable?	Best For	Risks
Paper Towel	400°F (with caution)	No	Emergency grease catch (weighed down)	Fire, smoke, airflow blockage
Parchment Paper	425°F	No (but compostable)	Sticky foods, baking	Can block airflow if not perforated
Silicone Mat	450°F	Yes	Daily use, easy cleanup	Thick mats may reduce crispiness
Aluminum Foil	450°F	Yes (if undamaged)	Drip catch, small items	Can cause sparks if touching heating element

Final Thoughts: The Smart Way to Handle Grease and Cleanup

So, can a paper towel go in an air fryer? The short answer: not really—and definitely not without risks. While you *might* get away with a weighted, single-layer towel at low temps, the dangers (fire, smoke, ruined food) far outweigh the benefits. And let’s be honest—there are better, safer tools out there.

Instead of reaching for a paper towel, try:

• Using parchment paper for sticky foods
• Investing in a reusable silicone mat for easy cleanup
• Patting food dry *before* cooking (a simple paper towel trick that works wonders)
• Cleaning the basket promptly with warm, soapy water (most are dishwasher-safe!)

Remember: Air fryers are designed for speed and crispiness. Anything that blocks airflow—like a paper towel—works *against* that. By choosing the right tools, you’ll get better results, avoid kitchen disasters, and extend the life of your appliance.

Next time you’re tempted to toss a paper towel in the basket, pause. Ask yourself: “Is this worth a smoke alarm?” (Spoiler: It’s not.) Stick to the safer options, and your air fryer—and your taste buds—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a paper towel go in an air fryer without catching fire?

Yes, a paper towel can go in an air fryer if it’s weighed down by food and not touching the heating element. The key is ensuring it stays in place to avoid direct exposure to high heat, which could cause a fire.

Why do people use paper towels in an air fryer?

People use paper towels in an air fryer to absorb excess oil, reduce mess, and prevent food from sticking. This trick is especially helpful when cooking greasy items like bacon or reheating fried foods.

Is it safe to use a paper towel in an air fryer for crispy results?

Using a paper towel in an air fryer is safe for crispiness if placed under the food basket or beneath a single layer of food. It soaks up moisture and oil, helping food cook evenly and stay crispy without burning.

Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer with marinades or sauces?

It’s not recommended to place a paper towel in an air fryer with wet marinades or sauces, as they can make the towel soggy and increase fire risk. Instead, pat food dry first or use a non-stick basket.

What type of paper towel is safe for an air fryer?

Only use plain, unbleached paper towels without dyes or additives in an air fryer. Avoid printed or scented towels, as they may release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat.

Can a paper towel go in an air fryer during preheating?

Never put a paper towel in an air fryer during preheating, as the intense heat can ignite it. Always add the paper towel after preheating and only when food is present to weigh it down.