Can You Put Wax/Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer? [And Should You?]

Air fryers have been a hot kitchen appliance for the past few years. But when using them, can you place parchment or wax paper in the bottom of the fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier? Let's look to see if this is a viable option.

You can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but it will block the airflow, so food won't cook evenly. Wax paper isn't good because it can melt at high temperatures. If you want to use parchment paper, poke holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.

Knowing how to use your air fryer will help you get the most out of it. In this article, we will explain why you should or shouldn't use parchment paper and wax paper in an air fryer. We will also answer frequently asked questions about using an air fryer. So, let's get to it!

Can Wax/Parchment Go in an Air Fryer?

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, you have probably seen or heard of air fryers. They are all the rage right now as a healthier alternative to deep-frying foods.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, essentially baking it in its own juices. This creates a crispy outside while still maintaining a moist inside.

There are many uses for air fryers, from cooking frozen foods to reheating leftovers. However, air fryers can get quite dirty, especially the cooking basket.

To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, many people line the air fryer cooking basket with parchment paper or wax paper along its bottom. But can you really put wax paper or parchment paper in an air fryer?

The problem with using wax paper is that it can melt at high temperatures. This can leave a sticky mess in the bottom of your air fryer that is difficult to clean.

Parchment paper is a better option, but it can still be problematic. If you use parchment paper in an air fryer, it will block the airflow. This means that the food will not cook evenly.

To use parchment paper in an air fryer, you need to poke holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate. Otherwise, your food will not cook evenly and could end up sticking to the bottom of the basket.

You can also get air fryer-safe parchment paper that has pre-cut holes. This will save you the trouble of having to poke holes in the parchment paper yourself.

Use Perforated Air Fryer Liners for best results.

What Else Can You Put in an Air Fryer?

If you don't have parchment paper to line the bottom of your air fryer, there are other options. You can use aluminum foil, but be sure to poke holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.

You can also buy an air fryer liner that is made of silicone or Teflon. These liners are reusable and you can place them directly in the air fryer basket.

If you don't use a liner, then the key is to clean your air fryer regularly. As soon as the air fryer is cool is best to prevent any food from drying on and becoming difficult to remove.

To clean the air fryer basket, remove it from the unit and wash it with warm, soapy water. You can also use a vinegar solution to help loosen any stuck-on food.

Be sure to dry the air fryer basket thoroughly before using it again.

When Should You Use a Liner in an Air Fryer?

Whenever you want to cut down on clean-up, you should use a liner of some kind. This includes vegetables, French fries, cookies, chicken nuggets, and more!

Anything that is high in fat or sugar is more likely to stick to the air fryer basket's bottom and become burned. Using a liner will help to prevent this from happening.

What's more, using a liner will make cleanup much easier. You can simply remove the liner and throw it away rather than scrubbing the air fryer basket clean.

Save money and waste by using Reusable Silicon Air Fryer Liners.

Can You Put Paper Towels in an Air Fryer?

We cannot stress this enough: do not put paper towels in an air fryer!

Paper towels are not heat resistant and will catch fire if placed in an air fryer. In addition, the paper towel will absorb the oil from the food and become a greasy, charred mess.

The only time you should ever put anything made of paper in an air fryer is if you are using parchment paper.

However, even parchment paper needs to be lined correctly and not touch the heating element. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not use any type of paper in your air fryer.

How Long Do Air Fryers Last?

An air fryer can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, the lifespan of an air fryer will depend on how often you use it.

If you use your air fryer several times a week, it will need replacing sooner than if you only use it once a month.

To prolong the lifespan of your air fryer, be sure to clean it after each use. This will prevent any food from drying on and becoming difficult to remove.

Also, be sure to check the air fryer for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or damage, replace the air fryer immediately.

Cosori Air Fryer Plus Oven Combo is great for all of your cooking needs.

Should You Spray the Air Fryer Basket with Cooking Spray?

It is unnecessary to spray cooking spray on an air fryer basket because the air fryer tray is non-stick.

Spraying the basket with a cooking spray can actually wear down the non-stick coating and cause it to flake off.

Instead, use the liner we suggested above, and your food will not stick to the basket.

However, if you decide to use cooking spray, be sure to use a small amount. You don't want excess oil to build up on the basket.

Is There a Downside to Using an Air Fryer?

Like any appliance, there are some downsides to using an air fryer.

First, air fryers can be tough to judge. It can be difficult to tell when food is done cooking because you can't see inside the air fryer while it's working.

As a result, it is easy to overcook or undercook food in an air fryer.

Second, they take up kitchen counter space. Air fryers are larger than most toaster ovens and can be difficult to store.

Third, air fryers can be expensive. While prices have come down in recent years, air fryers can still cost upwards of $100.

And last, they are another item that can fail and need replacing.

Should You Get an Air Fryer?

Now that you know all about air fryers, it's time to decide if one is right for you.

An air fryer can be a healthier alternative if you frequently cook fried foods. Air fryers use less oil than traditional methods, so your food will be lower in fat.

What's more, air fryers can be faster than ovens, so they can be a time-saver if you're short on time.

On the other hand, air fryers have some downsides. They can be expensive and difficult to store. Also, it is easy to overcook food in an air fryer.

So, you decide whether to get an air fryer is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons to decide if an air fryer is right for you and your kitchen.

How Often Should You Clean an Air Fryer?

In a perfect world, you would clean your air fryer after each use. However, we know that life is busy, and that isn't always possible.

At a minimum, clean your air fryer once a week. This will prevent any build-up of grease or food particles.

If you use a liner, you may not need to wash the air fryer basket as often. However, be sure to check the liner after each use to make sure there is no food stuck to it.

You won't old food to dry on and become difficult to remove.