Can You Put Paper Towels in Air Fryer The Truth Revealed

No, you should never put paper towels in an air fryer—they can catch fire due to the appliance’s high heat and rapid air circulation. Even if briefly exposed, paper towels may ignite or release harmful fumes, creating a serious safety hazard. Always use air-fryer-safe alternatives like parchment paper or silicone liners instead.

Key Takeaways

• Never use paper towels in air fryers—they pose serious fire risks.
• Remove all loose liners to prevent contact with heating elements.
• Opt for air fryer-safe alternatives like parchment paper with holes.
• Check food moisture levels first—many dishes don’t need liners.
• Clean baskets regularly to avoid residue buildup without paper towels.
• Use silicone mats for non-stick, reusable, and safe cooking surfaces.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure safe air fryer operation.

Can You Put Paper Towels in Air Fryer The Truth Revealed

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With their ability to crisp food to perfection using minimal oil, these countertop appliances are now a staple in many kitchens. However, as with any kitchen tool, questions about best practices and safety arise. One of the most frequently asked questions is: Can you put paper towels in an air fryer?

The short answer is it depends—but there’s much more to unpack. While paper towels can be useful for absorbing excess oil or preventing food from sticking, their use in an air fryer comes with significant caveats. Misusing paper towels can lead to fire hazards, damage to your appliance, or even ruined meals. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the science, risks, and best practices surrounding paper towel use in air fryers. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or a curious beginner, this post will equip you with the knowledge to use your appliance safely and effectively.

The Science Behind Air Fryers and Paper Towels

How Air Fryers Work

Air fryers operate on the principle of rapid air circulation. A high-powered fan circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while cooking the inside. This process mimics deep frying but uses significantly less oil—often just a teaspoon or two. The heating element, located at the top of the appliance, can reach temperatures between 300°F and 400°F (150°C to 205°C), depending on the model.

The key to air frying is even airflow. Any obstruction—like a crumpled paper towel—can disrupt this airflow, leading to uneven cooking. For example, if you’re air frying chicken wings, a paper towel blocking the basket’s perforations could result in soggy wings on one side and charred wings on the other.

Properties of Paper Towels

Paper towels are designed to absorb liquids, making them useful for tasks like blotting excess oil from fried foods. However, they have a low ignition point (around 450°F/230°C) and can catch fire if exposed to direct heat. While most air fryers won’t reach this temperature, the heating element itself can get hot enough to ignite a paper towel if it’s in direct contact.

Additionally, paper towels are often treated with chemicals or dyes to enhance absorbency and strength. These additives can release fumes when heated, potentially contaminating your food. For instance, chlorine-based bleaching agents in some paper towels may produce harmful compounds like dioxins when burned.

Risks of Using Paper Towels in Air Fryers

Fire Hazards

The most significant risk of using paper towels in an air fryer is fire. Here’s why:

• Direct Contact with Heating Element: If a paper towel touches the heating element, it can ignite within seconds. Even a small flame can spread quickly in the enclosed space of an air fryer.
• Hot Air Circulation: Air fryers blow hot air at high speeds. A loose paper towel can be sucked into the heating element or fan, creating a fire hazard.
• Grease Ignition: If the paper towel is saturated with oil, it can act as a wick, increasing the risk of combustion. For example, placing an oil-soaked paper towel under salmon fillets could lead to flare-ups.

Real-world example: In 2021, a Reddit user shared a video of their air fryer catching fire after they placed a paper towel under chicken tenders to absorb oil. The towel ignited within 30 seconds, requiring immediate intervention.

Appliance Damage

Beyond fire risks, paper towels can damage your air fryer:

• Clogged Airflow: Paper towels can block the basket’s perforations, reducing airflow and causing the appliance to overheat.
• Residue Buildup: Burnt paper fibers can stick to the heating element or fan, leading to reduced efficiency and unpleasant odors.
• Scratched Surfaces: Crumpled paper towels may scratch non-stick coatings on the basket or tray, shortening the appliance’s lifespan.

Food Quality Compromise

Using paper towels can also affect your food’s taste and texture:

• Steam Buildup: Paper towels trap steam, which can make food soggy instead of crispy. This defeats the purpose of air frying.
• Chemical Contamination: As mentioned earlier, heated paper towels may release fumes that alter the flavor of your food.
• Uneven Cooking: Blocked airflow leads to hot and cold spots, resulting in partially cooked or burnt food.

When Paper Towels Might Be Safe (With Caveats)

Indirect Use for Oil Absorption

While placing paper towels inside the air fryer basket is risky, there are safer ways to use them:

• Post-Cooking Blotting: After air frying, transfer food to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. This is especially useful for greasy foods like bacon or fried tofu.
• Between Cooking Batches: If you’re cooking multiple batches of oily food (e.g., French fries), wipe the basket with a paper towel between batches to prevent smoke from accumulated grease.

Tip: Use unbleached, chlorine-free paper towels for post-cooking tasks to minimize chemical exposure.

Alternative Methods for Oil Control

If you want to reduce oil in your air fryer without using paper towels, try these methods:

• Use a Trivet or Rack: Elevate food with a metal trivet or silicone rack to allow oil to drip away. For example, place chicken wings on a rack so excess fat drains into the basket.
• Pre-Cook Oil Removal: Pat foods dry with a paper towel before air frying. This reduces moisture and oil splatter.
• Line with Parchment Paper: Food-safe parchment paper (not wax paper) can be cut to fit the basket. It’s heat-resistant and won’t catch fire. Just ensure it doesn’t cover the entire basket—leave edges open for airflow.

Special Cases: Reheating Fried Foods

When reheating fried foods like leftover chicken tenders or onion rings, a paper towel can help:

• Place the Paper Towel on the Plate: After air frying, transfer the food to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb reheating oil.
• Use a Paper Towel as a Lid: Cover the basket with a paper towel (secured with tongs or a clip) to prevent oil splatter. However, never let the towel touch the heating element.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels

Reusable Liners

Silicone or metal liners are excellent alternatives to paper towels. They’re heat-resistant, non-stick, and easy to clean. For example:

• Silicone Mats: These flexible mats can be cut to size and placed in the basket. They’re ideal for sticky foods like marinated meats or cheese.
• Perforated Metal Trays: These trays elevate food and allow oil to drip away. They’re perfect for cooking fatty meats like sausages or ribs.

Tip: Look for liners labeled “air fryer-safe” to ensure they won’t warp or emit fumes at high temperatures.

Natural Oil Absorbers

Instead of paper towels, consider these natural options:

• Cornstarch or Flour: Dust foods with cornstarch or flour before air frying to reduce oil absorption. This also adds crispiness.
• Vegetable Skins: Place potato or sweet potato skins at the bottom of the basket to catch drippings. They can be discarded after cooking.

Proper Air Fryer Techniques

Mastering air fryer techniques can eliminate the need for paper towels:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: A preheated air fryer reduces cooking time and oil splatter.
• Shake or Flip Food: Midway through cooking, shake the basket or flip items to ensure even crisping and oil distribution.
• Use a Light Oil Spray: A quick spritz of oil (instead of pouring) reduces excess oil without sacrificing crispiness.

Data and Expert Insights

To better understand the risks and alternatives, here’s a comparison of common air fryer lining options:

Material	Heat Resistance	Risk of Fire	Reusability	Best For
Paper Towel	Up to 450°F (230°C)	High (direct contact)	Single-use	Post-cooking blotting
Parchement Paper	Up to 450°F (230°C)	Low (if secured)	Single-use	Sticky foods, reheating
Silicone Mat	Up to 500°F (260°C)	None	Reusable	All foods, especially sticky
Metal Trivet	Up to 500°F (260°C)	None	Reusable	Fatty meats, vegetables
Aluminum Foil	Up to 500°F (260°C)	Medium (if crumpled)	Single-use	Lining basket (with caution)

Expert Insight: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), kitchen appliances cause over 17% of home fires annually. Air fryers, while generally safe, require careful use of materials to avoid hazards. The NFPA advises against placing combustible materials near heating elements.

Conclusion

The debate over paper towels in air fryers boils down to safety, functionality, and common sense. While paper towels have their place in the kitchen, using them inside an air fryer basket is a risky proposition. The potential for fire, appliance damage, and compromised food quality far outweighs any short-term convenience.

Instead, opt for safer alternatives like silicone mats, metal trivets, or parchment paper. These options provide the benefits of oil absorption and stick prevention without the dangers. Remember, air fryers are designed to work best with unrestricted airflow—so keep your basket clear and focus on mastering the appliance’s core features.

When in doubt, follow this golden rule: If it’s not food-safe or air fryer-approved, don’t put it in the basket. By adopting these best practices, you’ll enjoy crispy, delicious meals while keeping your kitchen and appliance safe for years to come. So, the next time you fire up your air fryer, leave the paper towels on the counter—and let the magic of hot air do the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put paper towels in an air fryer?

No, you should never put paper towels in an air fryer. The high heat and powerful fan can cause the paper to catch fire or blow around, creating a serious safety hazard.

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

Even for oil absorption, paper towels are unsafe in an air fryer. Their fibers can ignite or get pulled into the heating element, potentially damaging your appliance or starting a fire.

What can I use instead of paper towels in my air fryer?

Opt for air fryer-safe alternatives like a thin layer of oil, parchment paper with holes, or a reusable silicone mat. These options prevent sticking and excess oil without the fire risk associated with paper towels.

Why do some people suggest using paper towels in air fryers?

Some believe paper towels help absorb grease or prevent messes, but this advice is dangerous. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation and high temperatures make paper towels a fire hazard, not a practical solution.

Can you put paper towels in an air fryer basket to prevent sticking?

Never line the air fryer basket with paper towels. Unlike oven-safe parchment, paper towels can block airflow, overheat, or ignite. Use perforated parchment paper or lightly oil the basket instead.

What happens if paper towels get into the air fryer’s heating element?

If paper towels contact the heating element, they can smolder or catch fire, releasing smoke and toxic fumes. This may also damage your air fryer permanently—always keep flammable materials away from the heating components.