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5 from 11 votes

Can You Put Tin Foil in the Air Fryer? Yes! Here's How!

Can you put tin foil in the air fryer? Yes, you can! Here I'll show you how to use foil in the air fryer safely and effectively.
Prep Time1 minute
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time2 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Author: Alison Corey
Cost: $.25

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 piece aluminum foil size will vary depending on the size of your air fryer basket

Instructions

  • Tear off a piece of aluminum foil that is smaller than the basket.
  • Place a single layer on the bottom of the basket. Do not cover the foil all the way to the basket edge. Alternatively, you can wrap your food in aluminum foil, and place it in the air fryer.
  • Do not place the foil underneath the basket to catch the drippings. This could block airflow and end up damaging or breaking your appliance. See notes below regarding the types of foods to use with foil, and the types of food to avoid.

Notes

Foods to Use with Aluminum Foil:
  • Vegetables that have some heft and weight. Broccoli, peppers, zucchini, squash, are all excellent vegetables to prepare.
  • Frozen breaded foods such as mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, battered shrimp, etc. If the food is already battered, it will crisp and brown.
  • Frozen french fries, tater tots, and other potatoes.
Foods to Avoid Using with Aluminum Foil: 
  • Acidic foods.
  • Foods dipped in a wet batter. It's too messy, and will not fry up the way it would in a deep fryer. All the batter will simply fall off the food and drop to the bottom of the pan.
  • Leafy green vegetables. They will stick to the sides of the air fryer and not cook evenly.
  • Anything with a lot of cheese. The cheese will cook and melt more quickly than the rest of the food, and if you put it into the air fryer without it being breaded, it will result in an ooey-gooey mess.
  • Uncooked pasta, or grains. An air fryer does not cook pasta and grains. They need to be precooked if added to the air fryer, for a crispy texture.