We all know how handy the air fryer is as an appliance. However, this relatively new product comes with questions. You want to take care of your appliance so that it lasts a long time while also ensuring that cooking and clean-up are a breeze! Parchment paper in the air fryer is one way to prevent food from sticking to the basket, making clean-up quick and easy. Here, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to correctly use parchment paper in the air fryer!
Parchment paper is a handy tool whether baking cookies, roasting vegetables like air fryer squash, or preparing any recipe you want to keep from sticking to your baking pan. It can also be super helpful when you use your air fryer for easy cleanup.
One of the most popular air fryer accessories is pre-cut parchment paper which is made to fit snuggly inside your basket with small holes to allow for airflow. But do you need this accessory? Or can you use the parchment paper that is in your kitchen drawer?
Read on to find out why you want to use parchment paper when preparing food in the air fryer, how to do so safely, and whether you can save money on fancy air fryer parchment paper accessories.
Jump to:
- What is Parchment Paper?
- Can You Use Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer?
- Benefits of Using Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
- Expert Tips for Using Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Parchment Paper vs. Regular Parchment Paper
- Is parchment paper safe in the air fryer?
- Can I use wax paper in the air fryer?
- Where do I buy parchment paper sheets?
- What is an alternative to parchment paper in the air fryer?
- More Helpful Air Fryer Articles!
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What is Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is used to prevent food from sticking to your pan. Its food-safe coating allows it to pull away from baked food easily. It lines cookie sheets to prevent cookies from sticking to the pan. In addition, it is also used to line cake tins and loaf pans so that baked goods are quickly released from the pan. Parchment paper can also be used to line baking sheets while roasting vegetables. It is a heat-resistant paper with a non-stick surface. It is sold everywhere. You can also buy precisely cut sheets for your air fryer basket. You can order custom parchment paper from Parchment Crafters and buy it in a roll or pre-cut size.
Can You Use Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use parchment paper in an air fryer. Because it is lightweight, you may be concerned about using it. The hot air that blows in the air fryer can cause something light to blow around in your air fryer, which means if you choose to use it, you must place foods that are heavy enough to keep it down at the bottom of the basket.
There is another challenge when it comes to using parchment paper. The air fryer requires air circulation. Using parchment paper can potentially block the air flow. Also, if you are preparing a greasy recipe, the purpose of the air fryer is to allow the grease to drip and fall, making your recipes healthier. If you use parchment paper, you can impede this process. Instead of using parchment paper sheets, it is recommended to use the kind made specifically for the air fryer. These sheets have small holes that allow the grease or fat to drop from your food to the bottom of the basket and allow air to flow easily.
Benefits of Using Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
- It makes clean-up a breeze!
- There are fewer dishes to do.
- Your food won’t stick to the bottom of your basket.
- You won’t need to use as much oil or fat, making your recipes healthier.
Expert Tips for Using Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
Don’t Heat Past the Maximum Temperature
While parchment paper is heat-resistant, it still has a temperature limit. Read the instructions on your form to see what the temperature limit is. Most are around 425° Fahrenheit. Since my air fryer only goes up to a temperature of 400° Fahrenheit, I know that I will never heat my food beyond the point of safety.
Use the Right Paper
There are several different kinds of cooking paper, including wax paper. Be sure to use cooking-grade parchment paper. Even better, use the precut parchment paper sheets for your air fryer. You can’t go wrong with those!
Measure the Paper and Cut to Fit
If you aren’t using pre-cut parchment paper made for your air fryer oven, then you need to measure and cut a piece of parchment paper to fit. You don’t want the paper going up the sides of the air fryer. You want it to lay flat in the basket. If part of the parchment touches the heating element, you could cause damage or even a fire in your air fryer.
Make Sure Food is Heavy Enough to Keep the Paper Down
Use parchment paper with heavy foods to keep it secured to the bottom of the basket. When you turn on the air fryer, a lot of air circulates. If you are using very light food, for example, popcorn kernels, then the paper can fly around the basket, causing damage to your machine and potentially a fire hazard. You also don’t want the paper to get caught in the fans. This can cause your device to break.
Consult Your Air Fryer Manual
Before adding any accessory to your air fryer, consult your owner’s manual. It will give you everything you need to know to safely air fry your favorite foods.
Air Fryer Parchment Paper vs. Regular Parchment Paper
Air fryer parchment paper consists of several pre-cut liners with small holes for airflow. Regular parchment paper can come in a long sheet or pre-cut sheet. However, the pre-cut sheets are not made for your air fryer. Instead, they are made for baking sheets.
Both are made of the same material. Both are safe to use in your air fryer if cut down to the correct size to fit your machine. Air fryer liners are slightly better because they have holes for airflow. You can use a hole puncher to perforate parchment paper sheets, but this takes extra time and is another step during cooking.
Is parchment paper safe in the air fryer?
It is safe to use parchment paper in the air fryer as long as you follow the recommended safety precautions. Only use parchment paper. Cover the bottom of the basket. No more! Use heavy foods so it doesn’t release and fly around the basket. Use pre-cut paper with holes for best results.
Can I use wax paper in the air fryer?
No, it is not recommended to use wax paper in your air fryer or your oven. Wax paper is coated with a waxy surface. When heated, the wax melts. This wax can get into your food and coat your air fryer with an undesirable substance that will be difficult to clean.
Where do I buy parchment paper sheets?
You can purchase parchment paper sheets at your local grocery store, Target, Wal-Mart, or Amazon. I prefer to buy mine on Amazon because they have the largest selection. Here are a few of my favorites…
1. Jzzuuask Air Fryer Parchment Paper Square Basket
2. Air Fryer Parchment Paper for Round Basket
What is an alternative to parchment paper in the air fryer?
You could use aluminum foil in the air fryer, or you can use a silicone liner that is designed for use in the air fryer. Silicone mats are reusable and dishwasher-safe. For more tips and air fryer recipes, check out the Air Fryer category of my recipe index!
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