Can You Put Cooking Paper in Air Fryer Find Out Now

Yes, you can safely use cooking paper in your air fryer—parchment paper and air fryer liners are heat-resistant and help prevent sticking without releasing harmful chemicals. Always ensure the paper is cut to size and weighed down with food to avoid contact with heating elements or fans for safe, mess-free cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use cooking paper in air fryers if it’s heat-safe and perforated.
• Always check the temperature rating to avoid melting or fire hazards.
• Use parchment paper with holes to ensure proper air circulation and crisping.
• Never cover the air fryer basket completely—it disrupts airflow and cooking performance.
• Silicone-coated paper works best for non-stick, high-heat cooking without residue.
• Avoid wax paper at all costs—it melts and releases harmful chemicals when heated.

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

You just pulled a batch of golden, crispy chicken tenders out of your air fryer, and the cleanup? A nightmare. Grease splattered everywhere, stuck-on bits clinging to the basket—sound familiar? We’ve all been there. That’s why the idea of using cooking paper (also called parchment paper or baking paper) in an air fryer feels like a dream. No scrubbing, no mess, just pop in a sheet and let the air fryer do its magic. But wait—can you actually put cooking paper in an air fryer? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, and the last thing you want is a kitchen fire or a ruined meal because you didn’t do your homework.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about using cooking paper in your air fryer. From safety concerns to the best types of paper, and even how to avoid common mistakes, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to save time on cleanup, a health-conscious cook who wants to reduce oil, or just someone who loves crispy food without the hassle, this post has your back. Think of it as a friendly chat with your kitchen-savvy friend who’s tried (and sometimes failed) every trick in the book. By the end, you’ll know exactly when, why, and how to use cooking paper in your air fryer—safely and effectively.

What Is Cooking Paper, and Why Do People Want to Use It in Air Fryers?

Understanding Cooking Paper: More Than Just Parchment

Cooking paper, often called parchment paper or baking paper, is a heat-resistant, non-stick paper designed for the kitchen. Unlike regular paper, it’s coated with silicone, which gives it its non-stick properties and allows it to withstand high temperatures (usually up to 420°F–450°F, depending on the brand). You’ve probably used it in the oven for cookies, roasted veggies, or even to line cake pans. But air fryers? That’s where things get interesting—and sometimes risky.

The main reason people want to use cooking paper in air fryers is simple: convenience. Air fryers circulate hot air at high speeds, which is great for crisping food but can also lead to messy cleanup. Grease and crumbs get stuck in the basket’s crevices, and scrubbing it after every use is a chore. Cooking paper promises to act as a barrier, catching drips and crumbs while making cleanup as easy as tossing the paper in the trash. Plus, it can help prevent food from sticking, which is a win for anyone who’s had a burger patty fall apart mid-cook.

The Air Fryer’s Unique Challenge: Airflow and Heat

Here’s the catch: air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food at high speeds. This airflow is what gives food that crispy, fried-like texture without all the oil. But if you block that airflow—say, with a piece of paper—you risk uneven cooking, soggy food, or even safety hazards. Imagine placing a regular piece of paper in your air fryer. The powerful fan could blow it around, potentially touching the heating element and causing a fire. That’s why not all cooking paper is safe for air fryers.

Another thing to consider: weight. If your cooking paper is too light or flimsy, the air fryer’s fan might lift it, causing it to flutter or even stick to the heating coil. This not only ruins your food but could also damage your appliance. So, while the idea of using cooking paper is appealing, it’s crucial to use the right kind and follow the right steps.

Is It Safe to Use Cooking Paper in Your Air Fryer? The Truth

Yes, But Only Under the Right Conditions

The short answer: yes, you can use cooking paper in an air fryer—but only if you do it correctly. The key is choosing the right type of paper and using it in a way that doesn’t interfere with airflow or create fire hazards. Regular parchment paper from the grocery store might not cut it. Instead, look for air fryer-specific parchment paper or perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. These papers have small holes or slits that allow air to circulate freely while still catching drips and crumbs.

For example, brands like If You Care and Reynolds offer air fryer parchment paper with pre-cut holes. These are safe because the perforations prevent the paper from being lifted by the fan. They’re also made with food-grade silicone, so they won’t release harmful chemicals when heated. Regular parchment paper can be used too, but only if you weigh it down properly (more on that below).

When Cooking Paper Becomes a Fire Hazard

The biggest danger with cooking paper in air fryers is fire. Air fryers use high heat (often 350°F–400°F), and if paper touches the heating element or gets blown into it by the fan, it can catch fire. This is more likely with unperforated, lightweight paper or if you use paper that’s too large, allowing it to flap around. I once made this mistake with a piece of regular parchment paper. The fan blew it up, and within seconds, it was stuck to the coil, smoking and smelling terrible. I had to unplug the air fryer and let it cool down for an hour. Lesson learned!

Another risk? Overheating. If your air fryer runs hotter than the paper’s temperature limit (usually 420°F–450°F), the silicone coating can degrade, releasing fumes or making the paper brittle. Always check your paper’s packaging for its maximum temperature. If it’s rated for 420°F but your air fryer runs at 450°F, it’s not safe to use.

• Do: Use perforated or air fryer-specific parchment paper.
• Don’t: Use regular parchment paper without weighing it down.
• Do: Check the paper’s temperature rating before using.
• Don’t: Let paper hang over the edges of the basket (it can blow up).

How to Use Cooking Paper in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Choose the Right Paper

Not all cooking paper is created equal. For air fryers, you have a few options:

• Perforated air fryer parchment paper: Pre-cut with holes for airflow. These are the safest and easiest to use.
• Regular parchment paper: Can be used if you weigh it down with food (e.g., a burger patty or chicken breast).
• Silicone baking mats: Reusable, non-stick, and safe for air fryers. They’re more expensive but last for years.

Pro tip: If you’re using regular parchment paper, cut it to fit the air fryer basket snugly. A piece that’s too big can flap around and cause issues.

Step 2: Prep the Paper and Food

Once you’ve chosen your paper, it’s time to prep. Here’s how:

1. Cut the paper to match the size of your air fryer basket. If using perforated paper, the holes should align with the basket’s airflow.
2. If using regular parchment, place your food directly on top. The weight of the food (e.g., a 4-oz burger patty or a chicken breast) will keep the paper in place.
3. For foods that might stick (like fish or eggs), lightly grease the paper with oil or cooking spray. This prevents sticking without adding too much fat.

Example: When I cook salmon in my air fryer, I use a piece of perforated parchment paper. I lightly brush it with olive oil, place the salmon on top, and season it. The paper catches the drips, and the salmon cooks evenly without sticking.

Step 3: Cooking and Safety Checks

Now, the fun part—cooking! But keep a few safety tips in mind:

• Preheat your air fryer: Some models recommend preheating. If yours does, do it without the paper. Preheating with paper in the basket can cause it to overheat or burn.
• Don’t overfill the basket: Leave space around the edges so air can circulate. If the paper is too close to the sides, it might touch the heating element.
• Check mid-cook: After 5–10 minutes, peek inside. If the paper is lifting or flapping, pause the air fryer, rearrange the food, and press the paper down.

Bonus tip: If you’re cooking multiple batches, replace the paper between batches. Grease and crumbs can build up, reducing the paper’s effectiveness and increasing fire risk.

Best Cooking Paper Options for Air Fryers (And What to Avoid)

Top Picks: Safe and Effective Choices

After testing several brands, here are my top recommendations for cooking paper in air fryers:

Brand	Type	Temperature Limit	Pros	Cons
If You Care	Perforated air fryer parchment	420°F	Eco-friendly, compostable, holes for airflow	Only fits specific basket sizes
Reynolds	Perforated parchment	425°F	Affordable, widely available	Not compostable
Silpat	Silicone baking mat	480°F	Reusable, durable, non-stick	Expensive upfront
Kirkland Signature	Regular parchment	420°F	Cheap, bulk options	Not perforated; must be weighed down

For most people, If You Care or Reynolds perforated paper is the best balance of safety, convenience, and price. If you’re eco-conscious, go with If You Care. If you cook often and want a long-term solution, invest in a Silpat mat.

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes

Not all “cooking paper” is safe for air fryers. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Wax paper: Melts at low temperatures and can catch fire. Never use it in an air fryer.
• Aluminum foil: While not paper, many people try it. Foil can block airflow and damage the heating element. Avoid it.
• Paper towels: These can disintegrate or catch fire. Not safe.
• Unrated parchment: If the packaging doesn’t list a temperature limit, don’t use it. It might not withstand high heat.

I once tried using a generic parchment paper from the dollar store. It didn’t have a temperature rating, and halfway through cooking chicken nuggets, it started smoking. I had to stop the air fryer and throw it out. Always check the label!

Creative Uses for Cooking Paper in Your Air Fryer (Beyond the Basics)

Messy Foods: Burgers, Bacon, and More

Cooking paper shines when you’re dealing with greasy or crumbly foods. Here are some examples:

• Hamburgers: Place a patty on perforated paper, and the grease drips through the holes while the paper catches crumbs. Cleanup is a breeze.
• Bacon: Lay bacon strips on the paper. The paper soaks up excess fat, and you get crispy bacon without the splatter.
• Fish fillets: Delicate fish like cod or salmon can stick to the basket. Cooking paper prevents this and catches any falling crumbs.

My go-to bacon recipe: I use If You Care perforated paper, lay out 6 strips, and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. The bacon comes out perfectly crispy, and the basket stays clean.

Baking and Roasting: Cakes, Veggies, and Beyond

Yes, you can bake in your air fryer! Cooking paper makes it even easier:

• Mini cakes or muffins: Line a silicone mold with parchment paper. The paper prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
• Roasted veggies: Toss veggies in oil, place them on parchment paper, and air fry. The paper catches drips, and the veggies roast evenly.
• Reheating pizza: Place a slice on parchment paper and air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. The crust stays crispy, and the paper catches melted cheese.

Fun idea: I once made mini chocolate chip cookies in my air fryer using a silicone mold lined with parchment paper. They cooked in 6 minutes and were perfectly gooey. The paper made cleanup effortless.

Common Questions and Final Thoughts

When to Skip the Cooking Paper

While cooking paper is great for many foods, there are times when it’s better to go without:

• Foods that need to crisp up: If you want a super-crispy exterior (like chicken wings or fries), skip the paper. The airflow is crucial for crispiness.
• Small, loose foods: Things like nuts or popcorn can slip through perforated paper. Use the basket directly.
• High-fat foods: If a food is extremely greasy (like sausages), the grease might pool on the paper, making cleanup messy.

For example, when I cook chicken wings, I use the air fryer basket without paper. The wings get perfectly crispy, and I just wash the basket afterward. It’s worth the extra cleanup for the texture.

Final Verdict: Is Cooking Paper Worth It?

Absolutely—if you use it right. Cooking paper in air fryers is a game-changer for reducing mess, preventing sticking, and making cleanup easier. Just remember the golden rules:

1. Use perforated or air fryer-specific parchment paper.
2. Weigh down regular paper with food.
3. Never let paper hang over the edges.
4. Check the temperature rating.

At the end of the day, cooking paper won’t replace your air fryer basket, but it’s a fantastic tool for certain foods. It’s like having a safety net—one that catches the mess while you enjoy perfectly cooked food. So go ahead, give it a try. Just do it safely, and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put cooking paper in an air fryer?

Yes, you can safely use cooking paper (like parchment paper or air fryer liners) in an air fryer. Just ensure it’s cut to fit the basket and doesn’t block airflow or touch the heating element.

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

Parchment paper is safe for air fryers as long as it’s labeled heat-resistant and doesn’t exceed 420°F (220°C). Avoid wax paper, as it can melt and release harmful fumes.

What type of cooking paper works best in an air fryer?

Perforated air fryer liners or unbleached parchment paper with small holes are ideal for even air circulation. Always trim the paper to match your air fryer basket size to prevent fire risks.

Can cooking paper damage your air fryer?

Properly sized cooking paper won’t damage your air fryer, but oversized or crumpled paper can block airflow or touch the heating element, causing smoke or fire. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.

Do you need cooking paper for air fryer meals?

While not mandatory, cooking paper reduces mess and prevents food from sticking. It’s especially helpful for delicate items like fish or sticky sauces, but ensure it doesn’t cover too much of the basket.

Can you reuse cooking paper in an air fryer?

Reusing cooking paper is possible if it’s clean and undamaged. However, once it’s torn, overly greasy, or charred, replace it to avoid smoke or contamination during cooking.