Can You Use Silicone Liners in an Air Fryer?

If you’ve been looking at air fryer accessories, you’ve probably come across silicone liners.

They’re advertised as a reusable alternative to paper liners, helping reduce washing up and protect your air fryer basket.

But are they actually worth using?

The short answer is yes, you can use silicone liners in an air fryer, but whether you should depends on what you’re cooking.

Are silicone liners safe to use?

Yes.

Silicone liners designed for cooking are perfectly safe to use in an air fryer.

They’re heat-resistant, reusable and designed to withstand the temperatures used during air fryer cooking.

Just make sure you buy liners that are intended for cooking and that fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.

What are the benefits of silicone liners?

Silicone liners have become popular for a reason.

Some of the biggest advantages include:

• They’re reusable.

• They help reduce washing up.

• They catch grease and cooking juices.

• They’re dishwasher-safe.

• They stop food sticking to the basket.

If you cook lots of messy foods, they can be really handy.

My honest opinion

I actually don’t use silicone liners very often.

I know lots of people absolutely love them and use them every day, but for me they’re probably one of my least-used air fryer accessories.

That’s mainly because I like cooking directly on the crisper tray whenever I can.

The hot air can circulate all the way around the food, which I find gives the crispiest results.

If I’m cooking something particularly messy, I’d usually reach for a paper liner instead.

Do silicone liners affect crispiness?

They can.

Because silicone liners create a solid base, they can slightly reduce the airflow underneath your food.

That doesn’t mean they don’t work, but if maximum crispiness is your priority, I generally prefer cooking straight on the crisper tray.

Silicone liners vs paper liners

People often ask me which I prefer.

For me, it depends on what I’m cooking.

I use paper liners for:

• Granola

• Fish

• Baking

I use silicone liners for:

• Foods with sauces

• Recipes where I want to reduce washing up

If I had to choose just one, I’d probably pick paper liners because they’re what I reach for most often.

Are silicone liners better than paper liners?

Not necessarily.

Paper liners are disposable and great for reducing mess.

Silicone liners are reusable, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

Neither is better, they’re simply useful for different situations.

Do you need silicone liners?

Honestly?

No.

They’re a nice accessory to have, but I don’t think they’re essential.

I cooked happily without them for years, and I still don’t use mine that often.

If you’re just starting out, I’d spend your money on a good meat thermometer or some silicone muffin moulds before buying silicone liners.

Air Fryer Girl Tip 💡

If you’re wondering whether to buy silicone liners, my advice would be not to rush.

Try cooking without them first.

You might find, like me, that you only need them occasionally but realistically you probably have another oven-safe pan/dish that could do the job.

They’re useful, but they’re definitely not an essential purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can silicone melt in an air fryer?

  No, not if it’s designed for cooking. Good-quality food-grade silicone is made to withstand the temperatures used in an air fryer.

• Can you put silicone directly into an air fryer?

  Yes. Silicone liners can sit directly inside the drawer or basket.

• Are silicone liners dishwasher-safe?

  Most are, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do silicone liners stop food going crispy?

  Not completely, but they can reduce the airflow underneath the food slightly.

• Should I buy silicone liners?

  If reducing washing up is your priority, you’ll probably love them.

  If your priority is getting the crispiest possible finish, you may find you don’t use them very often.

The Bottom Line

Yes, silicone liners are perfectly safe to use in an air fryer.

They’re reusable, easy to clean and can help reduce washing up after cooking.

Personally though, I don’t use mine very often.

For everyday cooking, I usually cook directly on the crisper tray to get the best airflow and crispiest results. If I’m cooking something messy, I’m much more likely to reach for a paper liner instead or use a metal / glass dish if something is a little saucy.

Like most air fryer accessories, they’re useful to have, but they’re certainly not essential.