Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
Yes, parchment paper is safe in air fryers if used correctly. Use perforated parchment (holes allow airflow) designed for air fryers, never place paper without food on top (it can fly into the heating element), and keep it away from the heating coil. It makes cleanup easier for sticky or breaded foods.
Key Takeaways
- Parchment paper is heat-safe up to about 425-450°F (220-230°C), which covers most air fryer recipes.
- Pre-cut perforated rounds specifically for air fryers are the easiest option.
- Wax paper is NOT the same as parchment and should never go in an air fryer—it melts.
Explanation
Parchment paper is heat-safe up to about 425-450°F (220-230°C), which covers most air fryer recipes. The circulating hot air is what cooks food, not direct contact with a heating surface, so the paper works well. However, air circulation is crucial—that's why perforated air fryer parchment exists.
The main danger is empty parchment flying up. Without food weighing it down, lightweight parchment can lift off and touch the heating element, potentially causing a fire. Always place food on the parchment before putting it in, trim excess paper, and don't preheat with paper inside.
Parchment is most useful for sticky or wet foods (marinated chicken, breaded items, reheated pizza) that might stick to the basket. For naturally non-stick foods or things you want maximally crispy (fries, bacon), skip the paper—direct basket contact crisps better.
Perforated parchment rounds designed for air fryers come in standard sizes (6-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch, and 9-inch) to match common basket dimensions. A pack of 100-200 sheets typically costs $6-10. The holes are spaced to allow roughly 30-40% of the surface area for airflow, which is enough to maintain proper circulation while still preventing food from sticking. If you cut regular parchment to fit instead, punch holes with a hole puncher every inch or so—this homemade approach works just as well.
Silicone liners are a reusable alternative to parchment paper that many air fryer owners prefer. A silicone mat rated for temperatures up to 450-480°F lasts for hundreds of uses and costs $8-15. Like parchment, silicone reduces cleanup and prevents sticking, but it provides slightly better airflow because the raised dimple pattern lifts food off the surface. The trade-off is that silicone needs washing between uses, whereas parchment is simply discarded.
Things to Know
- Pre-cut perforated rounds specifically for air fryers are the easiest option.
- Wax paper is NOT the same as parchment and should never go in an air fryer—it melts.
- Aluminum foil can also be used with similar precautions.
- Some air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, reducing the need for liners.
- Never use parchment paper in air fryers with exposed top-mounted heating elements (like some toaster-oven style models)—the paper is too close to the heat source and poses a fire risk.