Can You Put Baking Paper in an Air Fryer?
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to use baking paper in your air fryer, the short answer is yes, you can, but there are a few important rules to follow.
Used correctly, baking paper can help stop food sticking, reduce mess and make cleaning your air fryer much easier. However, if it’s not used properly, it can blow around inside the drawer and come into contact with the heating element.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is it safe to use baking paper in an air fryer?
Yes. Baking paper (also known as parchment paper) is perfectly safe to use in most air fryers.
The key thing to remember is that an air fryer cooks by circulating hot air around the food. If the baking paper isn’t weighed down, the powerful fan can lift it onto the heating element.
Always make sure the baking paper is secured by food before you start cooking.
When should you use baking paper?
There are plenty of times when baking paper can make air fryer cooking easier.
I regularly use it for:
Granola
Pastries
Fish
Marinated foods
Anything likely to leave a sticky mess
It’s also great when you’re cooking foods that might otherwise stick to the crisper tray.
Which type of baking paper should you use?
There are two main types you’ll see for air fryers.
Deep paper liners
These have folded sides and are brilliant for catching oil, sauces and cooking juices.
I use these when I’m making things like granola or messy marinades because they help keep the drawer much cleaner.
Perforated paper liners
These have small holes throughout the paper.
They’re ideal when you simply want to stop food sticking while still allowing plenty of hot air to circulate around your food.
When shouldn’t you use baking paper?
Avoid using baking paper if:
It’s not weighed down by food.
It blocks too much airflow.
You’re preheating the air fryer with only the paper inside.
It’s hanging over the sides of the basket where it could touch the heating element.
Top tips for using baking paper safely
Always weigh it down
Never place baking paper into an empty air fryer.
The fan can easily lift it, which is why it should always be held in place by your food.
Don’t completely cover the basket
Leave a little space around the edges where possible.
Your food will cook more evenly if hot air can circulate freely.
Use the right size
Choose baking paper that fits comfortably inside your basket rather than trimming oversized sheets that may curl upwards during cooking.
Baking paper or foil, which is better?
Both have their place.
Use baking paper when you want to:
Reduce sticking
Make cleaning easier
Cook pastries
Contain messy marinades
Cook foods with sauces
Use foil when you want to:
Steam food
Lock in moisture
Line underneath the crisper tray to catch drips
I actually reach for baking paper far more often than foil because it’s so handy for everyday cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can baking paper catch fire in an air fryer?
Not when it’s used correctly.
The risk comes from placing loose baking paper into an empty air fryer where it can be blown onto the heating element and this could catch alight.
Can I preheat my air fryer with baking paper inside?
No, definitely not. Always wait until you’re adding your food so the paper stays securely in place.
Can I reuse baking paper?
If it’s still clean and in good condition, you can often reuse it once or twice (I reuse the ones I use for Granola as they stay clean).
If it’s become greasy, burnt or torn, it’s best to replace it.
Are paper liners better than silicone liners?
It depends what you’re cooking.
Paper liners are brilliant for reducing mess, while silicone liners are reusable and can simply be washed after use.
Personally, I tend to use paper liners much more often.
My advice
I use baking paper in my air fryer every week and it’s one of the most useful accessories you can have.
Whether I’m making granola, cooking fish or simply trying to cut down on washing up, it makes life much easier.
Just remember these three simple rules:
Always weigh it down with food.
Never preheat with baking paper inside.
Leave room for the hot air to circulate.
Follow those and you’ll have no problems ☺️
