Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer

Can You Put Paper Towels in an Air Fryer? Safety Tips and Alternatives

Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, fried foods with minimal oil. As their popularity grows, so do questions about how to use them safely and effectively. One common question I hear from friends and fellow home cooks is, “Can you put paper towels in an air fryer?” It’s a fair question—paper towels are a go-to for soaking up grease or keeping things tidy in the kitchen. But when it comes to air fryers, the answer isn’t as simple as you might hope. Let’s dive into why using paper towels in an air fryer is generally a bad idea, what risks are involved, and what safer alternatives you can use to get those perfectly crispy results.

Why Paper Towels and Air Fryers Don’t Mix

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds to cook food, often reaching temperatures up to 400°F or more. This rapid airflow is what gives your chicken wings or fries that golden, crispy exterior without drowning them in oil. But this same mechanism makes paper towels a risky choice. Here’s why:

First, paper towels are highly flammable. At high temperatures, they can ignite, especially if they come into contact with the air fryer’s heating element. I’ve seen enough kitchen mishaps to know that a small spark can quickly turn into a big problem. Most air fryer manuals explicitly warn against using paper products like paper towels due to this fire hazard.

Second, paper towels can disrupt the airflow that’s critical to an air fryer’s performance. The basket in an air fryer is designed with holes to allow hot air to circulate freely around the food. Placing a paper towel in the basket can block these holes, leading to uneven cooking. Imagine biting into a chicken wing that’s crispy on one side but soggy on the other—not exactly the delicious result you’re aiming for.

Finally, paper towels aren’t designed to withstand the intense heat of an air fryer. Even if they don’t catch fire, they can disintegrate, leaving bits of paper stuck to your food or floating around in the fryer. This not only affects the taste and texture of your meal but can also make cleanup more of a hassle than it’s worth.

Can You Ever Use Paper Towels Safely?

I get it—sometimes you’re tempted to toss a paper towel in the air fryer to catch grease from bacon or keep the basket clean. While some folks online claim they’ve done this without issue, it’s a gamble not worth taking. However, if you’re absolutely set on trying it, there are ways to minimize the risks, though I still don’t recommend it.

If you must use a paper towel, cut it to a small size that fits snugly under the food, ensuring it doesn’t cover the basket’s holes or touch the heating element. The food should weigh the paper towel down to prevent it from flapping around in the fryer’s strong airflow. Even then, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the cooking process to avoid any potential fire risks. Honestly, though, there are much safer options that achieve the same goals without the worry.

Safer Alternatives to Paper Towels

Instead of risking a kitchen disaster, consider these air fryer-friendly alternatives that keep your food crispy and your appliance safe:

• Parchment Paper: Unlike regular paper towels, food-grade parchment paper is designed to withstand high temperatures, often up to 420°F. Many brands, like those found at Cuisinart, recommend using perforated parchment paper for air fryers. The perforations allow air to circulate while catching grease and preventing sticking. Just make sure to place food on top to weigh it down, especially if you’re preheating the fryer.
• Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil is another safe option, as it’s heat-resistant and won’t catch fire. However, you’ll need to be careful not to cover the entire basket, as this can block airflow. Cut the foil to fit the bottom of the basket and keep it away from the heating element. It’s great for catching drips from greasy foods like pork chops.
• Silicone Liners: For a reusable, eco-friendly option, silicone liners are a game-changer. They’re designed specifically for air fryers, with perforations for airflow and a sturdy structure that won’t fly up toward the heating element. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

These alternatives not only keep your air fryer safe but also make cleanup easier without compromising the quality of your food. For example, I’ve used perforated parchment paper when making air fryer chicken wings, and it’s a lifesaver for keeping the basket clean while still getting that perfect crunch.

Tips for Using Your Air Fryer Safely

Beyond avoiding paper towels, here are some general tips to keep your air fryer cooking sessions safe and effective:

• Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always check your air fryer’s manual for specific do’s and don’ts. Brands like Cosori provide clear instructions on safe materials to use.
• Clean After Each Use: Instead of relying on paper towels to catch grease, clean the basket with warm soapy water and a damp cloth after it cools. This prevents buildup and keeps your fryer in top shape.
• Use Cooking Sprays Sparingly: If you’re worried about sticking, a light mist of high-smoke-point oils like avocado or grapeseed oil can help. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants, as they can damage the basket’s coating.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Overloading the basket can restrict airflow, leading to uneven cooking and increasing the risk of materials like parchment paper burning if they’re not properly secured.

What About Cleaning with Paper Towels?

While paper towels shouldn’t go in an air fryer during cooking, they’re perfectly fine for cleaning the appliance after it’s cooled down. Use a damp paper towel with a bit of dish soap to wipe out the basket and remove grease or food particles. For stubborn residue, a soft sponge works wonders. Just be careful not to let bits of paper towel get stuck in the fryer’s crevices, as one Reddit user found out the hard way when a small piece got lodged in their Ninja air fryer.

Why the Temptation to Use Paper Towels?

I totally understand why you’d consider using a paper towel. Greasy foods like bacon or tater tots can leave a mess, and nobody wants to spend extra time scrubbing the basket. Plus, paper towels are cheap, absorbent, and always on hand. But the risks far outweigh the convenience, especially when alternatives like parchment paper or silicone liners are so easy to find and use. If you’re looking to absorb excess grease, try patting your food with a paper towel before or after cooking instead of placing it in the fryer.

Final Thoughts

So, can you put paper towels in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding no, unless you’re willing to risk a fire hazard or soggy, unevenly cooked food. Stick to safer options like parchment paper, aluminum foil, or silicone liners to keep your air fryer working its magic. By following these tips and using the right materials, you’ll be whipping up crispy, delicious meals without any kitchen drama. For more air fryer tips and recipes, check out resources like Allrecipes to keep your cooking game strong.

Happy air frying, and keep those paper towels on the counter where they belong!