It’s a very common question and a valid concern. Good that you want to check before you actually use it inside your air fryer. Air fryer is a handy appliance that has really caught the fancy of a lot of home cooks. It is portable, compact and promises a fried appearance to food despite using very little oil. It is imperative that one be aware of how to use this appliance and what accessories to use in an air fryer. I am a Certified Nutritionist and Recipe Developer. I have been using an air fryer for a decade now. I have two air fryers currently and use them on a daily basis. Many people ask me this question. Let’s get to it.
Using paper towels in an air fryer is a topic that sparks a lot of curiosity, especially for those new to this versatile kitchen appliance. The short answer is: no, you should not put paper towels in an air fryer. But let’s dive into why this is the case, what risks are involved, and what safer alternatives you can use to achieve the same goals, like absorbing excess oil or keeping your air fryer clean.
First, let’s talk about how air fryers work. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food, often reaching temperatures between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 200°C). This intense heat, combined with a powerful fan, creates the crispy, fried texture we love with minimal oil. However, this high-heat environment is not friendly to lightweight, flammable materials like paper towels. Paper towels are designed for household tasks like wiping surfaces or soaking up spills, not for withstanding the extreme conditions inside an air fryer. Placing a paper towel in the basket could lead to it being sucked toward the heating element by the fan, which poses a serious fire hazard. Most air fryer manuals explicitly warn against using paper towels for this reason.
Beyond the fire risk, paper towels can disrupt the air fryer’s functionality. The rapid airflow is key to even cooking, and a paper towel can block this circulation, leading to unevenly cooked food. Imagine trying to get that perfect crispy finish on your fries, only to find some are soggy because the air couldn’t circulate properly. Additionally, paper towels can disintegrate under high heat, leaving bits of paper stuck to your food or inside the air fryer, which is a hassle to clean and could potentially damage the appliance over time.
So, what can you do if you’re trying to absorb excess oil or keep your air fryer clean? There are several safe and effective alternatives. One of the best options is parchment paper liners specifically designed for air fryers. These liners have a silicone coating that makes them heat-resistant up to around 450°F (230°C), well above the typical air fryer temperature. They’re also perforated to allow proper airflow, ensuring your food cooks evenly. Just make sure to place food on top of the parchment to weigh it down, preventing it from flying toward the heating element.
Another great option is reusable silicone liners. These are heavier than parchment paper, so they’re less likely to move around in the air fryer, and they’re environmentally friendly since you can wash and reuse them. Silicone liners are durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, making them a favorite for frequent air fryer users. If you’re cooking something greasy like bacon, you can also use aluminum foil, but be cautious. Foil should be shaped to fit the basket without covering the entire surface, as this could block airflow. Always ensure the foil stays away from the heating element to avoid any risk.
If your goal is to absorb excess oil, consider patting your food with a paper towel before or after cooking, outside the air fryer. For example, after air-frying chicken wings, place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up any residual grease. This method is safe and achieves the same result without risking a fire or damaging your appliance. For cleanup, a damp cloth with mild dish soap works wonders to keep your air fryer basket in top shape. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the nonstick coating.
It’s worth noting that some people have reported using paper towels in their air fryers without immediate issues, particularly for low-temperature cooking or when weighed down with food. However, this is not a risk worth taking. Air fryer models vary, and what might seem safe in one scenario could be dangerous in another due to differences in heating elements, fan strength, or basket design. Always err on the side of caution and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, which typically advise against using paper towels.
For those wondering about other materials, avoid using wax paper or regular sandwich wrapping paper, as they’re not designed for high heat and could melt or catch fire. Stick to accessories labeled as air fryer-safe, and when in doubt, check your air fryer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific recommendations. Websites like Cosori’s FAQ page offer detailed guidance on safe accessories and usage tips.
So the verdict is a resounding NO. Please do not use paper towels inside an air fryer. A parchment paper has a silicone coating and hence can withstand high temperatures of above 200C or 400F that most air fryers operate at. Hence parchment paper or lining paper that specifically say that they are for use in ovens or air fryers are great for lining air fryer baskets. These perforated ones are even better as they allow free circulation of air for even cooking. I have used them in my air fryer regularly to cook food. It’s perfectly safe. Do remember that you cannot use sandwich wrapping paper or any other glazed paper that is not specifically for use in air fryer. Unless you are sure that the paper can withstand temperatures above 200C or 400F, do not use that paper. Also, another consideration is to never use parchment paper without food on top.
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