Can You Put Parchment Paper in Air Fryer? | Midea Canada

In this guide, we will show you how to use parchment paper safely, what type works best, and when other options like silicone liners or foil might be a better choice. Let’s make air frying easier and safer! 

Can You Use Parchment Paper in Air Fryer? 

The short answer is yes, you can put parchment paper in air fryer, as long as you use it correctly. Parchment paper for air fryers is a nonstick cooking paper that handles high heat well, which is why many people use it to stop food from sticking. 

Most parchment papers are safe up to 420–450°F (216–232°C), and most air fryers cook at 400°F (204°C) or below, so the temperature is usually not a problem. If the paper gets hotter than its limit, it won’t release anything harmful, but it can darken or become brittle. It’s always a good idea to check the label to be sure. 

How Do You Use Parchment Paper for Air Fryers Correctly? 

Using parchment paper the right way helps your food cook well. It also stops burning and keeps the air moving in your air fryer. With a few easy steps, the paper becomes safe to use. 

1. Check the heat limit first. Look at the box to see how much heat the paper can handle, because each brand can be different. Most paper is safe up to about 420–450°F, which is fine for most air fryers and helps you avoid burning the paper.

2. Cut the paper to fit the basket. Make it a little smaller than the basket so the hot air can move around your food the right way. A smaller piece stays in place more easily and avoids blocking airflow.

3. Use paper with holes when you can. The holes let the hot air move better, which helps the food get crisp and evenly cooked. Air flows through more smoothly, and your food turns out nicer.

4. Add the paper after the air fryer is hot. The paper is light and can blow around during preheat, which can be unsafe. Putting it in only when the fryer is ready keeps it steady.

5. Make sure the food keeps the paper flat. The paper should not lift or move once the food is on it. A steady sheet stays safe and avoids touching the heating area.

6. Try not to use parchment with very wet food. Too much liquid makes the paper soggy, and the food won’t crisp up the way it should. Wet paper can also tear and lose its shape, which makes cooking harder. 

Benefits of Using Air Fryer Parchment Paper 

Parchment paper can do more than make cleanup easier. It can protect your basket, keep food from sticking, and make everyday cooking feel more relaxed. See how much easier cooking feels when you use it. 

• Easier Cleanup: Parchment catches crumbs, drips, and oil, so the basket stays much cleaner. You don’t have to scrub as hard, and cleaning feels faster and lighter after each meal. 
• Better Nonstick Performance: Soft foods like fish, pastries, and cheesy items come off the paper easily. They stay whole, and you don’t have to worry about pieces sticking or breaking apart when you lift them out. 
• Protects the Basket’s Coating: Parchment sits between the food and the basket, so the coating doesn’t get scratched or worn down. 
• Helps Keep Seasonings on Food: Herbs and spices stay on your food instead of falling through the holes. Your food keeps more flavor, and seasoning becomes easier because you don’t lose half of it at the bottom. 

Which Parchment Paper Should You Choose (Perforated vs. Regular)? 

Perforated and regular parchment paper both work in an air fryer, but they don’t work the same way. Perforated paper has small holes that let hot air move more easily, so your food can crisp better and cook more evenly. Many people use it with air fryers because these machines are now common small appliances for the kitchen, and perforated paper makes them even easier to use. 

Regular parchment paper has no holes. It can still work, but it blocks more airflow and can make food cook a little slower. It’s mainly useful for baking, for foods that are soft, or when you want a smoother base. 

Perforated paper is usually the safer and easier choice for everyday air fryer cooking. Regular paper still works, but you need to place it carefully and make sure it doesn’t block the air. 

Alternatives to Parchment Paper 

If you run out of parchment paper for air fryer or want something you can use many times, there are a few good options that work well in an air fryer. 

1. Silicone Air Fryer Liners: These liners are reusable, flexible, and nonstick. They handle sauces and marinades very well, and they’re easy to wash after cooking. They also hold their shape, so food stays in place.

2. Silicone Mats with Holes: These mats are made for high heat and last a long time. The holes let the air move the right way, so your food can crisp while still avoiding sticking. They’re a good pick for everyday cooking.

3. Aluminum Foil: Foil can help with messy or heavily seasoned foods. Use only a small piece and keep it flat so air can move around the basket. Try not to use foil with foods like tomatoes or citrus because the acid can react with the metal.

4. Air Fryer-Safe Baking Cups: These cups work well for muffins, meatballs, or small snacks. They collect any drips and hold each portion in its own spot, which makes cooking tidy and simple.

5. Light Oil Spray: A light spray of oil gives the basket a smooth surface, so food comes off more easily. It keeps the airflow open and works well when you just need a little help with sticking. 

Conclusion

Now you know parchment paper can go in air fryers and it makes cooking easier, cleaner, and more steady. Food comes off it more easily, it catches crumbs, and it helps protect the basket’s nonstick surface. 

The main thing is to use it safely. Keep the paper trimmed, pick perforated sheets when you can, and place the food on top so it stays in place. You can also use silicone liners or foil when a recipe needs something different. When used the right way, parchment paper makes air frying feel simple and calm, day after day. 

FAQs 

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

Yes, it’s safe when the air fryer paper can handle high heat and when the food holds it in place. Make sure the paper fits inside the basket and don’t put it in during preheating. Perforated parchment made for air fryers works even better because it lets the air move easily and lowers the chance of burning. 

Is it better to use parchment paper or aluminum foil in air fryer? 

Parchment paper is usually the better choice because food comes off it more easily and it lets more air move around, which helps food crisp up. It also stays safe with acidic foods, while foil can react with them. 

Foil can still be useful for very messy or heavily marinated dishes. For most everyday cooking, parchment is the simpler and safer option. 

Why did my parchment paper burn in the air fryer? 

Parchment often burns when it isn’t held down by food or when it gets too close to the heating element. Light sheets can lift and move when the air fryer blows strong air.

Perforated parchment stays steadier and works better when air is moving fast. Make sure the food sits on it right away, and keep the temperature below the limit shown on the box.