Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer Find Out Now

No, you should never put a paper towel in an air fryer during cooking, as it can pose a serious fire hazard due to the appliance’s high heat and rapid air circulation. However, placing a small, weighed-down paper towel underneath food after cooking is safe and effective for absorbing excess oil—just never let it contact heating elements or move freely in the basket.

Key Takeaways

• Never use regular paper towels—they can catch fire or release harmful chemicals.
• Opt for parchment paper—it’s safe, non-stick, and withstands high air fryer temps.
• Prevent food sticking with a light oil spray instead of paper towels.
• Check manufacturer guidelines—some air fryers prohibit paper products entirely.
• Use air fryer liners—silicone or perforated parchment options are reusable and safe.
• Monitor cooking closely—loose paper can blow into heating elements and burn.

The Air Fryer Dilemma: Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized modern kitchens, offering a faster, healthier, and more convenient way to cook everything from crispy fries to juicy chicken wings. Its popularity stems from its ability to mimic deep frying using significantly less oil, making it a favorite among health-conscious home cooks. However, as with any kitchen appliance, questions about proper usage and safety arise. One common query that has sparked debate among air fryer enthusiasts is: Can you put paper towel in an air fryer? This seemingly simple question has a nuanced answer, and understanding it could save you from potential hazards or ruined meals.

At first glance, using paper towels in an air fryer might seem like a practical solution—absorbing excess grease, preventing food from sticking, or even speeding up cleanup. But the high heat, rapid air circulation, and enclosed environment of an air fryer create unique conditions that can turn everyday kitchen items into risks. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or a curious beginner, knowing when and how to use (or avoid) paper towels is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the science behind air fryer safety, the risks of using paper towels, and safer alternatives to ensure your cooking experience is both delicious and hazard-free.

Understanding Air Fryer Mechanics and Safety

How Air Fryers Work

Air fryers operate on the principle of rapid air circulation. A powerful heating element at the top of the appliance generates high temperatures (typically ranging from 175°F to 400°F), while a high-speed fan circulates the hot air around the food. This process creates a convection effect, crisping the exterior of food without submerging it in oil. The cooking basket is designed with perforations to allow hot air to flow freely, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Because air fryers rely on constant air movement, any obstruction—such as a paper towel blocking airflow—can disrupt the cooking process. For example, if you place a paper towel under a batch of frozen fries, the towel may trap steam, leading to soggy results instead of the desired crisp texture. Additionally, the intense heat can cause the paper to ignite if it comes into direct contact with the heating element.

Key Safety Considerations

• Heat Resistance: Air fryers can reach temperatures up to 400°F. Most standard paper towels are not designed to withstand such heat and may char, smoke, or catch fire.
• Airflow Disruption: Paper towels can block the perforated basket, reducing airflow and leading to uneven cooking or longer cooking times.
• Chemical Coatings: Some paper towels are treated with bleach or other chemicals that could release harmful fumes when heated.
• Flammability: Loose or crumpled paper towels near the heating element are a fire hazard. Even if the towel doesn’t ignite immediately, it can smolder and create smoke.

For instance, a 2022 Consumer Reports test found that placing a paper towel in a preheated air fryer at 375°F caused the towel to ignite within 90 seconds. This highlights the importance of understanding the appliance’s mechanics before introducing unconventional materials.

The Risks of Using Paper Towels in Air Fryers

Fire Hazards and Smoke

The most significant risk of using paper towels in an air fryer is fire. When paper is exposed to high heat in an oxygen-rich environment (like the air fryer’s cooking chamber), it can easily combust. Even if the towel doesn’t ignite immediately, it may smolder and produce acrid smoke, which not only ruins your food but can also set off smoke alarms or damage the appliance.

Real-life examples abound: In one Reddit thread, a user reported placing a paper towel under chicken wings to absorb grease. Within minutes, the towel caught fire, forcing them to unplug the air fryer and extinguish the flames. Another user noted that a crumpled paper towel placed near the heating element created thick smoke, leaving a lingering odor in their kitchen for days.

Chemical Contamination and Health Risks

Not all paper towels are created equal. Many brands use chlorine-based bleaching agents or fragrances to make their products whiter or more appealing. When heated, these chemicals can break down and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxins into the air and onto your food. For example, a 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that heating bleached paper products at high temperatures released trace amounts of dioxins, a class of carcinogenic compounds.

While the health impact of short-term exposure is debated, repeated use of paper towels in air fryers could pose long-term risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Damage to the Air Fryer

Beyond safety concerns, paper towels can physically damage your air fryer. As the towel chars or ignites, it may leave behind residue that’s difficult to clean. Over time, this buildup can clog the appliance’s vents or damage the non-stick coating on the basket. In extreme cases, melted paper or ash can interfere with the heating element, reducing the air fryer’s efficiency or causing it to malfunction.

For example, a user on a popular cooking forum shared that after using a paper towel to line their air fryer basket, the appliance’s performance declined. The manufacturer’s inspection revealed that the heating element was coated with carbonized paper, requiring costly repairs.

When Paper Towels Might (Cautiously) Be Used

Post-Cooking Grease Absorption

While paper towels should never be used during cooking, they can be helpful after the air fryer cycle is complete. Once the food is cooked, you can place a paper towel on a plate or tray beneath the basket to absorb excess grease as the food cools. This method avoids direct contact with the heating element and minimizes fire risk.

Tip: For optimal results, remove the food from the basket first, then place a paper towel in the basket to soak up residual grease. This also makes cleanup easier without compromising safety.

Using Paper Towels for Specific Recipes

In rare cases, some recipes (e.g., microwave-style cooking in the air fryer) might benefit from a paper towel to cover food and prevent splatters. However, this should only be done under strict conditions:

• Use microwave-safe paper towels (check the packaging for heat resistance).
• Ensure the towel is securely placed and not touching the heating element.
• Limit usage to low-temperature cycles (below 300°F).
• Monitor the air fryer closely and remove the towel as soon as cooking is complete.

For example, when reheating leftover pizza, a paper towel draped loosely over the slices can prevent cheese from splattering. But if the air fryer is set to 375°F or higher, the towel should be removed immediately after the first minute to avoid overheating.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels

Reusable Silicone Mats

Silicone baking mats are a durable, heat-resistant alternative to paper towels. Designed to withstand temperatures up to 480°F, they can be placed in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and absorb grease. Unlike paper towels, they won’t catch fire or release chemicals, and they’re reusable hundreds of times.

Pro Tip: Look for mats with a non-stick coating and perforations to maintain airflow. Brands like Silpat and Kitzini are popular choices among air fryer users.

Perforated Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is another excellent option, but it must be perforated to allow air circulation. Standard parchment paper can block airflow and trap steam, leading to soggy food. Pre-cut, perforated parchment paper rounds (available online or in kitchen stores) are designed specifically for air fryers.

Example: When cooking greasy meats like bacon, a perforated parchment round absorbs excess fat while ensuring the bacon crisps evenly. Just trim the paper to fit the basket and avoid overhang near the heating element.

Air Fryer Accessories

Many manufacturers sell accessories designed to replace paper towels:

• Air fryer liners: Reusable silicone or metal inserts that fit the basket.
• Oil sprayers: Instead of relying on paper towels to absorb oil, use a sprayer to lightly coat food before cooking, reducing grease buildup.
• Grease catchers: Attachable trays that collect drippings without blocking airflow.

For instance, the GoWISE USA air fryer line includes a silicone liner that can be washed and reused, eliminating the need for disposable paper products.

DIY Solutions

If you’re out of parchment paper or silicone mats, here are two safe DIY alternatives:

1. Aluminum foil with holes: Poke small holes in a sheet of foil to mimic perforated parchment. Place it under food (e.g., chicken wings) to absorb grease. Note: Never let foil touch the heating element.
2. Olive oil spray + basket seasoning: Lightly spray the basket with oil or rub it with a paper towel before preheating. This creates a non-stick surface without risking fire.

Data and Expert Recommendations

Comparative Safety Table

Material	Max Safe Temp	Airflow Impact	Reusability	Risk Level
Standard paper towel	300°F (charring begins)	High (blocks airflow)	Single-use	High (fire hazard)
Microwave-safe paper towel	350°F (brief use)	Medium (partial blockage)	Single-use	Medium (with caution)
Perforated parchment paper	425°F	Low (allows circulation)	Single-use	Low
Silicone mat	480°F	Low (perforated designs)	Reusable (200+ uses)	Very low
Aluminum foil (with holes)	400°F	Medium (depends on hole size)	Single-use	Low (if no contact with heating element)

Source: Consumer Reports, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and manufacturer guidelines (2023).

Expert Opinions

According to Dr. Lisa Chen, a food safety specialist at the University of California:

“Paper towels in air fryers are a recipe for disaster. The combination of high heat and flammable materials creates an unnecessary risk. Safer alternatives like silicone mats or perforated parchment are just as effective and eliminate the guesswork.”

Meanwhile, Chef Marco Ruiz, a culinary instructor and air fryer advocate, notes:

“I’ve seen too many home cooks ruin their appliances by using paper towels. Invest in a $10 silicone mat—it pays for itself after a few uses and keeps your air fryer in top shape.”

Final Verdict: Should You Ever Use Paper Towels in an Air Fryer?

After examining the mechanics, risks, and alternatives, the answer to “Can you put paper towel in an air fryer?” is a resounding no—with a few caveats. While paper towels pose significant fire, health, and appliance damage risks during cooking, they can be used cautiously in specific post-cooking scenarios or with strict safety measures. However, the potential dangers far outweigh the convenience.

The key takeaway is to prioritize safety and performance over short-term convenience. By switching to reusable silicone mats, perforated parchment paper, or manufacturer-approved accessories, you’ll protect your air fryer, your health, and your kitchen from avoidable hazards. Remember: An air fryer’s design is optimized for airflow and heat distribution. Introducing paper towels disrupts this balance, leading to subpar results at best—and disasters at worst.

Next time you reach for a paper towel to line your air fryer basket, pause and ask yourself: Is the risk worth it? With so many safer alternatives available, the answer is clear. Embrace the air fryer’s potential without compromising on safety, and enjoy crispy, delicious meals with peace of mind. Your future self—and your smoke alarm—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put paper towel in an air fryer safely?

No, placing a paper towel directly in an air fryer is unsafe. The high-speed airflow can cause the towel to catch fire or block the heating element.

Why do people ask if paper towels can go in an air fryer?

People often want to absorb excess oil or prevent messes, but paper towels aren’t designed for direct air fryer use. Alternatives like silicone mats or parchment paper are safer options.

Can you use paper towel under the air fryer basket to catch drips?

Yes, placing a paper towel *under* the basket (not inside) is safe. It helps catch oil drips but keep it away from the heating element and fan.

Is there a way to use paper towel in an air fryer without risk?

Never place it directly on the basket or tray. If needed, use a small piece under food (secured with a weight) to absorb moisture, but monitor closely to avoid fire hazards.

What are safer alternatives to paper towel in an air fryer?

Use perforated parchment paper or silicone liners designed for air fryers. These absorb oil and withstand high heat without fire risks.

Can you put paper towel in an air fryer for reheating food?

It’s not recommended. Instead, lightly spritz food with oil or use a damp paper towel *outside* the air fryer (e.g., wrapping food) to retain moisture safely.