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Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?

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Air fryer parchment paper can save you from scrubbing stuck-on cheese, sauce, and crumbs off the basket. But it is not something I would toss into an empty air fryer and hope for the best. That lightweight sheet needs food on top of it, room for air to move, and the blessing of your particular air fryer manual.

Here is the short answer: you can use parchment paper in many air fryers when it is heat-safe, properly sized, and held down by food. Do not use it during an empty preheat, do not let it touch the heating element, and always follow the instructions for your model.

Can parchment paper go in an air fryer?

Often, yes. Perforated parchment liners made for air fryers are the easiest option because their holes leave paths for hot air to circulate. Regular baking parchment can also work in some models if you trim it to fit and leave open space around it.

There is an important catch: manufacturers do not all give the same advice. Philips says it does not recommend baking paper in some of its Airfryer models because covering the basket reduces airflow and loose paper can be pulled into the heating element. Other manufacturers sell or permit liners for particular models. Your manual wins this argument every time.

The rules that matter most

  • Never put loose parchment in an empty air fryer. The fan can lift it toward the heating element.
  • Place food on the liner before the air fryer starts. Use enough food to keep the paper flat, without packing the basket so tightly that air cannot circulate.
  • Keep the paper below the food. It should not curl up the sides or extend close to the heating element.
  • Check the temperature rating. Stay below the maximum temperature printed on the parchment package.
  • Do not cover every airflow opening. A liner that completely seals the basket can slow cooking and reduce browning.
  • Check your manual. Basket air fryers, ovens, and ranges with air-fry modes are not identical.

Parchment paper versus wax paper

These are not interchangeable. Parchment paper is made for oven heat. Wax paper has a wax coating that can melt or smoke, so it does not belong in an air fryer.

Should you use perforated liners?

When your model permits parchment, perforations leave openings for airflow, but food and paper can still obstruct them. If a liner leaves the underside soft, work through the air fryer crispness checks before adding more cooking time.

If you cut your own liner, trace the basket loosely and trim the paper smaller than the cooking surface. A few holes can help, but there is no need to turn craft time into dinner prep. Premade liners are useful when they fit your basket without climbing the walls.

When parchment helps

A liner earns its keep with sticky marinades, delicate foods, melted cheese, and baked goods that might settle through a grate. It can also make cleanup easier after saucy foods. For dry foods such as frozen fries, nuggets, or vegetables, the bare basket often gives you better airflow and browning.

If cleanup is the problem you are trying to solve, see my full guide to cleaning an air fryer. Sometimes a quick soak is better than giving up the airflow that makes the appliance work.

Can you preheat with parchment paper?

No loose liner should be inside during an empty preheat. Preheat first, pull out the basket, add the parchment, and immediately place the food on top. If your appliance manual says not to preheat or not to use paper at all, follow that instruction instead.

What about silicone liners?

Reusable silicone liners are heavier and will not blow around as easily, but they can still block airflow. Choose a heat-safe liner designed for your basket and expect that some foods may need extra time or may brown less underneath. Wash it well between uses so grease does not build up.

Parchment in an air fryer oven

Air fryer ovens and ranges with air-fry settings vary even more than baskets. A liner that is safe on a solid tray may be wrong on a mesh rack, and exposed paper can still move in strong convection air. Use the tray position and accessories named in the manual.

The bottom line

Use parchment only when your model permits it. Keep it smaller than the basket, below the food, away from the heating element, and weighted from the moment the fan starts. Skip it when maximum crispness matters.

New to the appliance? Start with the air fryer beginner guide, then keep the air fryer cooking times chart handy for a sensible starting point.

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