Let’s be real for a second. You bought an air fryer for two main reasons: delicious, crispy food and the promise of less hassle. But then comes the cleanup. That baked-on cheese from your mozzarella sticks or the sticky glaze from your chicken wings can turn a quick meal into a scrubbing marathon. This is where a humble kitchen staple steps in to save the day. Learning how to use parchment paper in an air fryer is a total game-changer, but doing it wrong can be ineffective or even dangerous. Don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through it all.
The first time I made honey-garlic salmon in my air fryer, I was thrilled with the result but horrified by the caramelized mess left in the basket. That’s when I turned to parchment paper, and after a little trial and error (and one slightly singed piece that flew into the heating element—oops!), I mastered the technique. Now, I want to share that knowledge with you, so you can get all the benefits without any of the blunders.
For those of you who want to dive deeper into maintaining your appliance, understanding how to avoid smoke in your air fryer is a great next step, as preventing grease buildup is a key part of the process.
Why Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer Anyway?
You might be wondering, “Is it really worth the extra step?” Absolutely. Think of parchment paper as your air fryer’s best friend. It creates a simple barrier that offers some incredible benefits, making your entire air frying experience smoother.
- Effortless Cleanup: This is the number one reason. It catches drips, crumbs, and grease, meaning you can often just lift the paper out and give the basket a quick wipe-down instead of a deep scrub.
- Prevents Sticking: Delicate foods like fish fillets, breaded items, or gooey cookies are notorious for sticking to the metal basket. A layer of parchment ensures they slide right off, perfectly intact.
- Protects Your Basket: Over time, scrubbing and scraping can wear down the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket. Using parchment paper reduces this wear and tear, extending the life of your appliance.
- Cooks Multiple Foods: It can help you cook different items without their flavors mingling, as long as you leave enough room for air to circulate.
The Right Way: How to Use Parchment Paper in Air Fryer
This isn’t rocket science, but there is a right way and a wrong way. Following these steps ensures your food gets crispy and your kitchen stays safe. The golden rule to remember through all of this is: the parchment paper must be weighed down by food.
- Choose the Right Paper: You can use regular parchment paper cut to size or buy pre-cut, perforated parchment liners designed specifically for air fryers. The perforated ones are fantastic because the holes allow for optimal airflow, leading to even cooking and crispier results.
- Size It Correctly: The paper should fit in the bottom of your basket without coming up the sides too much. If it’s too big, it can block the airflow and your food will steam instead of fry. Worse, it could get sucked up into the heating element and become a fire hazard. Measure your basket and trim the paper to be slightly smaller.
- Place Food on the Paper Before Placing it in the Basket: This is the most critical step. Arrange your food on the parchment paper first. The weight of the food is what holds the paper down and prevents it from flying around inside the air fryer.
- Load It Up: Carefully place the parchment paper with the food on top into the air fryer basket. Make sure it’s lying flat.
- Never Preheat with an Empty Liner: I can’t stress this enough. If you put an empty piece of parchment paper in the air fryer and turn it on, the circulating fan will whip it straight into the hot heating element, where it can catch fire. Always, always, always have food on it.
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 |
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| 2 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Dual Air Fryer, Maximize The Healthiest Meals With Double Basket Capacity, One-Touch Digital Controls And Shake Reminder For The Perfect Crispy And Low-Calorie Finish |
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| 3 | Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size, One-Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 4 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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| 5 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 6 | Chefman Air Fryer TurboFry 7-Qt, 6-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier Results, Compact Space-Saving Design, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Fast & Even Cooking – Black |
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| 7 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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| 8 | CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Windows, Sync Finish, Hi-Fry, Auto Shutoff, 2 Independent 3Qt Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Frying Baskets, Digital Double Air Fryer - Black |
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| 9 | Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets - Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts |
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| 10 | bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk |
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The “Don’t Do This” List: Common Air Fryer Parchment Paper Mistakes
I’ve seen it all, and these are the mistakes that can ruin your meal or even damage your appliance. Let’s make sure you avoid them.
- Blocking All Airflow: Don’t cover the entire bottom of the basket, especially if you’re using non-perforated paper. An air fryer works by circulating hot air. If you block that circulation, you’re essentially just baking, and you’ll lose that signature crispiness. Leave some space around the edges.
- Letting it Fly Free: This goes back to the preheating rule. A loose piece of paper is a fire risk. Period.
- Using Wax Paper Instead: This is a dangerous mix-up. Wax paper is not the same as parchment paper. The wax coating on wax paper will melt at high temperatures, creating a smoky, sticky mess and potentially catching fire. Parchment paper is coated with silicone, which is heat-resistant.
- Overfilling the Basket: Just because you have a liner doesn’t mean you can cram the basket full. Food still needs space for the air to circulate around it to cook evenly.
As kitchen appliance specialist Chef Adam Carter always advises, “The single most important safety tip for using parchment in an air fryer is to treat it like a plate for your food. You wouldn’t put an empty paper plate in a hot oven, so don’t put an empty parchment liner in a preheating air fryer. The weight of the food is its anchor.”
Perforated vs. Regular Parchment Paper: Does It Matter?
So, should you spring for those special pre-cut, hole-punched liners? For most jobs, yes. The difference is all about airflow.
| Feature | Perforated Parchment Liners | Regular Parchment Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Air Circulation | Excellent. The holes allow hot air to circulate freely underneath the food. | Poor. It blocks airflow, which can result in a soggy bottom. |
| Crispiness | Superior. Better airflow means a crispier, more even finish. | Less crispy. Food may steam slightly on the bottom. |
| Convenience | High. Pre-cut to fit common air fryer sizes. No cutting needed. | Low. You need to measure and cut it to size for every use. |
| Best For | Fries, chicken wings, vegetables, breaded items—anything you want to be crispy. | “Wet” or saucy foods where you want to contain all the liquid, like glazed salmon or baked brie. |
Ultimately, the holes are a game-changer for circulation, which is the secret sauce for that perfect crunch. To dive deeper into the science of crispiness, understanding how to keep food crispy in your air fryer is essential.
What Can I Use Instead of Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
Parchment paper is fantastic, but it’s not your only option. If you’re out of parchment or looking for a reusable alternative, here are a couple of solid choices:
Aluminum Foil
You can use aluminum foil, but with the same rules as parchment paper: don’t block all the airflow and make sure it’s weighed down. It’s great for catching drips, but food can sometimes stick to it more than parchment.
Silicone Liners
These are a great reusable, eco-friendly option. They are designed to fit in air fryer baskets, often have holes for airflow, and are dishwasher safe. They are a bit of an investment upfront but save money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common questions I get about this topic.
Can I reuse parchment paper in an air fryer?
It’s generally not recommended. After one use, it’s often covered in grease and food particles which can burn and smoke during the next cooking cycle. For safety and hygiene, it’s best to use a fresh piece each time.
Does using parchment paper increase cooking time?
It can, slightly. By creating a barrier and slightly impeding airflow, it might add a minute or two to your cooking time. It’s always a good idea to check your food for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.
What is the maximum temperature for parchment paper?
Most parchment paper brands are rated safe up to 425-450°F (218-232°C). Always check the packaging of your specific brand. Since most air frying happens below this temperature, it’s generally safe.
Can I use parchment paper in a Ninja Foodi or other multi-cooker air fryer?
Yes, the same principles apply. Whether you have a basket-style air fryer or a larger multi-cooker with an air fry function, you can use parchment paper safely by following the guidelines above.
Why did my parchment paper turn brown?
It’s completely normal for parchment paper to turn brown or darken when exposed to heat. This is just the paper toasting and doesn’t affect its performance or the safety of your food, as long as it isn’t blackening or smoking.
Your Key to a Cleaner Kitchen
Mastering how to use parchment paper in an air fryer is a simple skill that pays off big time. It bridges the gap between a delicious, quick meal and a dreaded cleanup session. By choosing the right size, always weighing it down with food, and never preheating an empty liner, you can harness its power to make your air frying life infinitely easier. So go ahead, cook that sticky, saucy, or delicate dish you’ve been avoiding. Your air fryer basket—and your future self—will thank you.