Can You Put Foil in an Air Fryer?
Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to use foil in your air fryer, the short answer is yes, you can, but there are a few important rules to follow.
Used correctly, foil can make cleaning up easier, help lock in moisture and even protect delicate foods while they cook. Used incorrectly, it can block airflow and stop your food cooking properly.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is it safe to use foil in an air fryer?
Yes. Aluminium foil is safe to use in most air fryers, provided you use it correctly.
The biggest thing to remember is that an air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. If you completely block that airflow with foil, your food won’t cook as evenly or become as crispy.
When should you use foil?
There are a few situations where foil can come in really handy when using your air fryer.
To catch drips and make cleaning easier. I often place a sheet of foil beneath the crisper tray to catch oil and cooking juices. It makes cleaning the drawer much quicker and doesn’t affect the airflow around the food.
For steaming food. Foil can be used to create a sealed parcel, helping lock in moisture. This works well for dishes like chicken in a bag or delicate fish.
To stop delicate foods from sticking. Foil can provide a useful barrier for foods that might otherwise stick to the basket.
Personally, I don’t use foil all that often for wrapping food. I mainly use it beneath the crisper tray to make cleaning easier. But if you’re cooking something that benefits from steaming or retaining moisture, creating a foil parcel can work really well.
When shouldn’t you use foil?
Avoid using foil if:
It completely covers the basket or tray.
It blocks the air vents.
It’s loose enough to blow around inside the air fryer.
You’re cooking foods that need maximum airflow to become crispy, such as chips or breaded chicken.
Top tips for using foil safely
Always weigh it down
Never place an empty sheet of foil into a preheated air fryer.
The powerful fan can lift the foil, causing it to touch the heating element.
Always make sure the foil is secured underneath your food. If you’re using foil simply to catch any drips and make cleaning easier, another great option is to place it beneath the crisper tray. This lines the bottom of the drawer, catches excess oil and juices, and makes washing up much quicker, while still allowing hot air to circulate around your food.
Don’t cover the whole basket
Leave space around the edges so hot air can circulate.
Your food will cook more evenly and crisp up much better.
Foil or baking paper, which is better?
Both have their place.
Use foil when you want to:
Lock in moisture
Wrap food
Prevent food drying out
Cook delicate fish
Use baking paper when you want to:
Reduce sticking
Cook pastries
I tend to use both depending on what I’m cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foil touch the sides of an air fryer?
Generally yes, as long as it’s securely held down by food and isn’t able to move around.
Can foil catch fire in an air fryer?
No. Aluminium foil itself won’t catch fire at normal air fryer temperatures.
The risk comes if loose foil is blown onto the heating element, which is why it’s important to secure it properly.
My advice
I use foil in my air fryer regularly and it’s absolutely safe when used properly.
Just remember these three simple rules:
Keep it weighed down with food.
Don’t block the airflow.
Leave space for the hot air to circulate.
Follow those and you’ll have no problems!
