Can You Put a Paper Towel in the Air Fryer Find Out Now

No, you should never put a paper towel in the air fryer—it poses a serious fire hazard due to the appliance’s high heat and rapid air circulation. Instead, use air fryer-safe liners or parchment paper designed for high temperatures to keep your basket clean without risking damage or dangerous flare-ups.

Key Takeaways

• Never use regular paper towels – They can catch fire or release harmful chemicals in air fryers.
• Choose air fryer-safe liners – Use parchment paper or silicone mats designed for high heat.
• Elevate food when needed – Use racks or foil balls to prevent sogginess without paper towels.
• Check manufacturer guidelines – Confirm if your model allows any absorbent materials before use.
• Clean regularly instead – Wipe the basket post-use to avoid relying on disposable liners.
• Prioritize safety first – Avoid shortcuts that risk damage or health hazards with hot appliances.

Can You Put a Paper Towel in the Air Fryer? Let’s Settle This Once and For All

You’re standing in your kitchen, air fryer preheated, ready to make crispy fries, golden chicken tenders, or maybe even some gooey mozzarella sticks. But as you reach for the paper towel to blot excess oil or grease, a thought hits: “Can I put a paper towel in the air fryer?” It’s a question I asked myself years ago—after a near-disaster involving a flaming paper towel and a very startled cat. (Spoiler: the cat survived. The paper towel did not.)

Since then, I’ve done my research—tested, burned, and learned—and I’ve discovered the real answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on how you use it, what type of paper towel you use, and what you’re cooking. In this guide, I’m breaking it all down for you, not just to answer the question, but to help you cook smarter, safer, and with fewer kitchen fires. Whether you’re a new air fryer owner or a seasoned pro, this is the kind of kitchen wisdom you’ll want to keep handy—right next to your favorite recipe.

The Science Behind Air Fryers and Paper Towels

How Air Fryers Work (And Why It Matters)

Before we dive into paper towels, let’s quickly talk about how air fryers function. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on radiant heat, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes it around the food at high speed. This creates a crispy, golden exterior—almost like deep frying—but with little to no oil.

Because of this high-velocity airflow, anything lightweight or loose inside the basket is at risk of being blown around or even ignited if it gets too close to the heating element. That’s why loose parchment paper, foil that isn’t secured, or—yes—paper towels can become a fire hazard.

Why Paper Towels Are a Fire Risk

Paper towels are made from cellulose fibers, which are highly flammable. At temperatures above 450°F (232°C), paper can ignite in seconds. Most air fryers reach temperatures between 350°F and 400°F during normal cooking, but the heating element itself can get much hotter—especially during preheating or in models with intense heating zones.

Here’s the real issue: if a paper towel touches or gets too close to the heating element, it can catch fire. Even if it doesn’t ignite, the airflow can push it into a position where it blocks ventilation or smolders. I once tried to use a paper towel to absorb grease under a basket of chicken wings. The basket was elevated, but the towel fluttered up during cooking and brushed the heating coil. Smoke, panic, and a very smoky kitchen followed. Lesson learned.

When a Paper Towel Might Seem Like a Good Idea

Despite the risks, many people consider using paper towels in air fryers for practical reasons:

• Absorbing excess oil from greasy foods like bacon or sausages
• Preventing splatter from marinades or sticky sauces
• Keeping food from sticking (though this is better solved with other methods)
• Easier cleanup after cooking fatty meats

These are all valid concerns—but there are safer, more effective ways to handle them. We’ll explore those alternatives shortly.

When It’s Safe (And When It’s Not) to Use a Paper Towel in the Air Fryer

The Golden Rule: Never Let It Touch the Heating Element

The single most important rule is this: never allow a paper towel to come into direct contact with the heating element or the top of the air fryer basket. That’s where temperatures are highest and airflow is strongest.

If you must use a paper towel, here’s how to do it safely:

• Place it under the air fryer basket (on the drip tray), not inside it.
• Use it to catch grease drips from foods like bacon or chicken thighs.
• Ensure it’s flat and secured—not crumpled or loose.
• Use only one layer—no stacking.
• Remove it immediately after cooking to prevent smoldering.

For example, when I cook bacon in my air fryer, I line the bottom tray with a single sheet of paper towel. The grease drips down, the towel absorbs it, and cleanup is a breeze. No fire. No mess. Win-win.

When It’s a Big No-No

There are several situations where using a paper towel is absolutely not safe:

• Inside the cooking basket—even if it’s under the food. The airflow will lift it.
• On top of food—to “soak up oil” while cooking. The heat and air will push it around or ignite it.
• With high-fat foods at high temps—like duck or fatty sausages. More grease = more smoke = higher fire risk.
• In models with exposed heating elements—some older or budget models have the coil clearly visible. Avoid paper towels entirely in these.

I once saw a viral TikTok where someone used a paper towel to “soak up” oil from a rack of ribs while cooking. The towel caught fire within 90 seconds. The video ended with someone yelling, “Fire extinguisher!” It’s a cautionary tale.

What About “Air Fryer Paper” or “Parchment Liners”?

You’ve probably seen those perforated parchment paper liners made specifically for air fryers. These are different from paper towels—and much safer.

• They’re made from heat-resistant paper (up to 425°F).
• They have pre-cut holes for airflow.
• They’re designed to stay in place under the basket.

While paper towels are not designed for this, air fryer liners are. I keep a pack in my drawer and use them for messy foods like marinated chicken or fish. They don’t catch fire, they absorb grease, and they make cleanup a dream.

Safer Alternatives to Paper Towels in the Air Fryer

Use Air Fryer Liners (The Right Kind)

As mentioned, perforated parchment liners are your best bet. They’re affordable, reusable (if not soaked in grease), and widely available. I buy them in bulk on Amazon—around $10 for 100 sheets.

Pro tip: Cut a small hole in the center if your liner doesn’t already have one. This helps the air circulate better and prevents the liner from lifting.

Blot Food Before Cooking (Not During)

If you’re worried about excess oil, blot your food before putting it in the air fryer. For example:

• After marinating chicken, pat it dry with a paper towel.
• For frozen fries, lightly dab them to remove ice crystals.
• For bacon, lay it on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute before cooking.

This reduces oil content before the food hits the fryer, which means less grease and less risk. It also helps food crisp up better—no soggy results.

Use a Drip Tray or Aluminum Foil (Safely)

Instead of paper towels, line the bottom tray with aluminum foil. It’s heat-safe, easy to clean (just toss it), and won’t catch fire. Just make sure:

• The foil is flat and smooth—no crumples that could block airflow.
• It’s not touching the heating element.
• You don’t cover the entire tray—leave gaps for air to circulate.

I use foil when cooking large batches of sausages or ribs. After cooking, I fold it up, toss it, and wipe the tray clean. No scrubbing, no fire risk.

Choose the Right Cooking Basket

Some air fryers come with non-stick or mesh baskets that reduce sticking and splatter. If yours is prone to mess, consider upgrading or using a silicone liner (more on that below).

Also, look for baskets with raised ridges or feet. These elevate food slightly, allowing grease to drip down without pooling. Less pooling = less need for paper towels.

Try Silicone Air Fryer Liners

These are reusable, heat-safe (up to 480°F), and non-stick. They fit snugly under the basket and are perfect for sticky foods like honey-glazed chicken or BBQ ribs.

I have a set of silicone liners I’ve used over 50 times. They’re dishwasher-safe, don’t retain odors, and eliminate the need for paper towels entirely. The only downside? They’re a bit pricey ($15–$20), but they pay for themselves in a few months.

Common Mistakes People Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Using Too Much Paper Towel

One sheet is enough. Two sheets increase the risk of blockage or fire. I’ve seen people line the entire basket with multiple layers—don’t do it. The more paper, the higher the risk.

Forgetting to Check the Heating Element

Before using any liner (paper or otherwise), inspect the heating element. If it’s exposed, dirty, or has grease buildup, skip the liner. Clean it first with a damp cloth (when cool), then proceed.

Grease on the coil is a fire hazard all on its own. Add a paper towel, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Ignoring Airflow

Air fryers need space to breathe. If you block airflow with paper towels, foil, or liners, your food won’t cook evenly. You might end up with undercooked centers and burnt edges.

Always leave gaps around the sides and bottom for air to circulate. Think of it like a mini wind tunnel—air needs to move freely.

Leaving the Paper Towel In After Cooking

Even after you turn off the air fryer, the heating element stays hot for minutes. If a paper towel is left in, it can smolder or catch fire as it cools. Remove it immediately—don’t wait.

I keep a pair of tongs by the fryer just for this. Quick grab, quick toss. No second chances.

Using Scented or Colored Paper Towels

Stick to plain, white, unbleached paper towels. Scented or colored varieties may contain chemicals or dyes that release fumes when heated. Not only is that unhealthy, but it can also taint the taste of your food.

I once used a lavender-scented towel (don’t ask why). The kitchen smelled like a spa gone wrong, and my chicken tasted faintly floral. Not ideal.

Real-Life Scenarios: When to Use (or Avoid) Paper Towels

Cooking Bacon

Do: Place a single paper towel on the drip tray. Cook bacon in batches. Remove towel after cooking.

Don’t: Put the towel inside the basket or on top of the bacon.

Air Frying Chicken Wings

Do: Pat wings dry before cooking. Use a silicone liner or foil on the tray.

Don’t: Try to soak up grease with a paper towel during cooking.

Reheating Greasy Leftovers

Do: Place food on a wire rack inside the basket (if your model allows). Use a foil-lined tray underneath.

Don’t: Wrap leftovers in paper towels and toss them in. The towel will burn.

Making “Fried” Cheese Sticks

Do: Use perforated parchment liners. They prevent sticking and catch drips.

Don’t: Use paper towels to “absorb oil” while cooking. The air will lift them.

Data Table: Paper Towel Use in Air Fryers – What’s Safe?

Scenario	Safe?	Why/Why Not	Better Alternative
Paper towel on drip tray (under basket)	✅ Yes	Absorbs grease, doesn’t touch heating element	Foil or air fryer liner
Paper towel inside cooking basket	❌ No	Airflow lifts it, risk of fire	Perforated parchment liner
Paper towel on top of food	❌ No	Will burn or fly into heating element	Blot before cooking
Multiple layers of paper towels	❌ No	Blocks airflow, increases fire risk	Single layer only
Scented or colored paper towels	❌ No	May release harmful fumes	Plain white unbleached
Paper towel in preheating air fryer	❌ No	Heating element is hottest during preheat	Wait until after preheat

Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line

So, can you put a paper towel in the air fryer? The answer is: sometimes, but only if done safely and with caution. The safest use is a single, flat layer on the drip tray—never inside the basket, never on top of food, and never near the heating element.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to take the risk. With affordable, reusable alternatives like perforated parchment liners, silicone mats, and foil, you can achieve the same results—grease absorption, easier cleanup, and crispier food—without the fire hazard.

Think of it this way: your air fryer is a powerful kitchen tool, not a deep fryer. It’s designed for speed, efficiency, and safety. By respecting its limits and using the right accessories, you’ll get better meals, fewer messes, and a much lower chance of setting off the smoke alarm.

Next time you reach for that paper towel, pause. Ask yourself: Is this worth the risk? Or is there a smarter, safer way? Nine times out of ten, the answer is yes—there’s a better way. And now you know what it is.

Happy air frying—safely!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a paper towel in the air fryer safely?

Yes, you can put a paper towel in the air fryer, but only if it’s weighed down by food (like greasy bacon) to prevent it from flying into the heating element. Avoid using it during high-heat preheating or empty cooking cycles.

Why do people use paper towels in air fryers?

Paper towels help absorb excess oil from foods like bacon or fried chicken, reducing splatter and improving crispiness. Always ensure the towel is secured under the food to avoid fire hazards.

Is it safe to put a paper towel in the air fryer basket without food?

No, never place a loose paper towel in the air fryer basket without food. The high-speed fan can blow it into the heating element, creating a fire risk.

Can you use parchment paper instead of a paper towel in an air fryer?

Yes, parchment paper is a safer alternative for lining the air fryer basket. Unlike paper towels, it’s less likely to blow around, but avoid letting it hang over the edges.

What’s the best way to use a paper towel in an air fryer?

Layer the paper towel under greasy foods (e.g., bacon) to catch drips, ensuring it’s fully covered by the food. Never use it during preheating or with lightweight ingredients.

Are there air fryer-safe alternatives to paper towels?

Yes, reusable silicone mats or air fryer liners are great options. They’re heat-resistant, easy to clean, and eliminate the risk of paper towels catching fire.