Since the first air fryer was manufactured in 2010, they have steadily gained popularity due to its versatility in the kitchen along with the benefits of low-fat frying.
If you’re new to this innovative kitchen gadget, you’re probably wondering if you can use parchment paper in an air fryer.
We compiled all the information you need to know into this handy guide. Keep reading to learn all about parchment paper in air fryers.
Table Of Contents
Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
The quick answer to this question is yes. You can use parchment paper in an air fryer.
It is perfectly safe to use parchment paper in your air fryer, and in fact, it may be beneficial.
Now, you may be wondering whether you should always use parchment paper in your air fryer or when is the appropriate time to do so. We will answer all of your questions about parchment paper and air fryers.
Do You Need to Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
Using parchment paper in your air fryer is optional, which means that you do not have to use it every time you use your air fryer.
With that said, we strongly endorse putting parchment paper in your air fryer! There are many reasons why you might want to do so, and several benefits from it.
The reasons for using parchment paper in your air fryer are as follows:
- Easier clean-up: Parchment paper will keep crumbs and bits of food from falling through the basket or sticking to it. It’s much easier to clean your air fryer without burnt pieces of food stuck to it.
- Prevents sticking: Using parchment paper in an air fryer prevents certain foods from sticking to the holes in the basket. These foods are anything that uses a raw dough (like cookies, cinnamon buns, and more) or foods with a sticky or thick sauce, like chicken wings.
- Protects food from falling: If you are using your air fryer for something very small, parchment paper can act as a barrier to keep the food from falling. For example, some people dehydrate herbs in their air fryer. When dry, herbs will fall through the holes in the basket.
There may be more reasons to use parchment paper in an air fryer.
Since the air fryer has so many uses in the kitchen, surely there are other ways that parchment paper can help make the air frying experience even easier.
What Kind of Parchment Paper to Use in an Air Fryer
Many people get confused about this, because there are two different types of parchment paper that we often see marketed.
One is the regular parchment paper that we are all familiar with, and the other is air fryer parchment paper.
Before we get you too confused, you can use either type of parchment paper. Both are appropriate and will work in an air fryer.
Air fryer parchment paper is the same as regular parchment paper, except that it has holes or perforations for better circulation. Many types of air fryer parchment paper come in precut shapes so that it fits more easily into the air fryer basket.
Air fryer parchment paper is preferred because it fits into the air fryer basket better and has holes. However, you can use regular parchment paper in your air fryer.
If you want to, just cut the regular parchment into the desired size and shape to make your own air fryer parchment paper. You can also use a hole punch to make perforations for circulation.
How to Use Parchment Paper in Air Fryer
Since you know when to use parchment paper in an air fryer, here are some best practices:
Make Sure It’s the Right Paper
Double-check your paper before putting it into the air fryer basket. You want to make sure that you are using parchment paper, not wax paper or anything similar.
Check Your Temperature for Safety
Different brands of parchment paper have different maximum temperatures. Make sure to read the box and be sure not to heat your air fryer beyond that temperature.
Parchment paper is pretty hardy, but it is still paper. Therefore, it is flammable. You want to take caution so that it does not ignite.
Measure Accurately
Measure your parchment paper accurately. If your paper is too big or too small, it could cause problems during frying.
Parchment paper liners that are too big could bunch up or fold over the food. Liners that are too small may not fulfill their purpose.
Preheat Before Lining
Preheat your air fryer before putting the parchment paper liner into the basket.
If you add the liner while preheating, the air circulation will push the paper into the fan and cause it to burn.
Put the parchment paper into the basket when you add the food. The food will weigh it down.
FAQs
If you still have questions about using parchment paper in an air fryer, keep reading.
Where can I buy parchment paper for the air fryer?
Parchment paper is sold anywhere that kitchen supplies are sold. You can purchase it at the grocery store, online, or even the dollar store. You may have to order specialty air fryer parchment paper from the internet if you do not see it in stores.
Are wax paper and parchment paper the same thing?
No. They serve similar purposes (providing non-stick surfaces and easy clean-up), but parchment paper is heat safe while wax paper is not. You should always use parchment paper for air fryers.
Can I use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?
Aluminum foil can also be used in an air fryer, but it’s usually not the best option. Parchment paper is preferred for air fryers.
Bonus tips: Tips to Reheat Steak in Air Fryer
Final Words
Air fryers are really handy tabletop co-chefs that are becoming staples in kitchens worldwide.
As more people begin to use this appliance, they will have questions about using parchment paper in the air fryers. In this guide, we have covered the necessity of using parchment paper in air fryers and how to do so safely.
Now that you know all about parchment paper in air fryers, it’s time for you to go try it out.
