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Can You Use Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer?

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Having an air fryer can make your cooking routine much easier than before.

There are things that air fryers can do better compared with other cooking appliances. In fact, it is healthier to cook with an air fryer as they use less oil than deep fryers and pan-frying.

But using an air fryer is not as simple as just putting your food in it and turning it on. There are certain items that work well and others that don’t work well with an air fryer. Then there is the question of using liner like aluminum foil to protect the inner surface of the basket.

young girl reading on a tablet while cooking using an air fryer

Is it safe to use paper-like liners, such as parchment paper, in an air fryer? Here’s the answer.

Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer? Yes, you definitely can use parchment paper in an air fryer. There is no harm in using it. This is because parchment paper is made to withstand the heat and high temperatures of cooking.

Also, this type of paper is mostly non-stick, which makes it useful in preventing sticky and greasy foods from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Parchment paper is made by running sheets of paper pulp through acidic substances like zinc chloride or sulfuric acid.

This process gelatinizes the paper, giving them properties like heat resistance, water resistance, stick resistance, as well as structural stability.

There are many different designs of parchment paper. Some are even biodegradable and easy to dispose of.

Benefits Of Using Parchment Paper

There are few benefits of using parchment paper. For example:

  • Using parchment paper in an air fryer will prevent the foods from sticking to the compartment or the air fryer basket. This is definitely helpful when you are trying to cook foods that turn sticky and greasy like cookies, cakes, or even caramelized chicken drumsticks.
  • Parchment paper can prevent foods from tearing up. When cooking delicate foods like veal or salmon, parchment paper helps to keep the texture and shape of these foods consistent, preventing the fast-moving hot air from tearing or damaging them.
  • Cleaning the basket and compartment of the air fryer becomes much easier. There is no need to worry about leftovers of greasy foods that could turn crusty when they stick on the basket.
  • Using parchment paper also prolongs the lifespan and durability of the air fryer basket. This is because frequent scrubbing and brushing of the basket increases wear and tear. Over time, some non-stick baskets lose their lining because they are sensitive to hard brushing and cleaning.
  • Compared to other liners like aluminum foil, parchment paper provides better airflow for a better cooking experience and process.
baked pumpkin slices on a parchment paper on a tray
  • Parchment paper is less expensive compared to other liners. There many different types and designs of parchment paper that you can find online or even at the grocery store. You could also make them yourself if you know how to.
  • Using parchment paper when air frying could reduce the accumulation of grease residue inside your air fryer.

Safe Ways To Use Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer

  • Never cover the entire basket. Always leave a little space and wiggle room for hot air to circulate inside the air fryer.
  • Don’t use parchment paper when pre-heating your air fryer. Without any foods on top of it, it could fly around, touching the heating coils and burn. Always put some food on it to weigh down the paper.
  • Always check the maximum temperature that the parchment paper can withstand.
  • Don’t overuse parchment paper. Use them considerably, in amount and size, so that you don’t overcrowd the inner space of your air fryer.
  • Parchment paper can only be placed on the bottom of an air fryer. It is not advisable to put it on top of your foods because the hot air could blow the paper onto the heating element and causes larger problems.
  • Always use the right parchment paper. Don’t use any types of papers that can’t go in an air fryer or papers that are easily torn and damaged when heated or mixed with sticky foods.
  • You could also spray some olive oil on the basket before putting the parchment paper inside it. But this is totally optional, depending on the types of foods that you want to cook.

Perforated Parchment Paper: The Better Option

There is also another option that you could take to get a better cooking experience. You could use perforated parchment paper.

Unlike normal parchment paper, perforated parchment paper provides better air circulation through holes that are available around it.

There is nothing wrong with using unperforated parchment paper or any common ones, but if you are looking for high-quality cooked foods, then it is better to use perforated parchment paper.

Also, due to better ventilation of hot air, your foods are cooked more evenly because the ingredients are cooked from every side.

fried french fries on a parchment paper with ketchup and mustard dip

How To Make Your Own Perforated Parchment Paper

In case you are keen on keeping a good budget, you can make your own perforated parchment paper. In fact, it is not that hard. All you need is:

  • Parchment paper or baking sheets
  • Scissors
  • Rotary cutter with perforating blade

After that, you are ready to make your own homemade perforated parchment paper. Here’s how:

  1. Cut the parchment paper or baking sheets so that they fit properly into the air fryer. Make sure not to cut them too small or too big.
  • Layer each sheet on top of each other.
  • Roll the rotary cutter over them to create the holes.
  • Keep these papers in a box or dry place to maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

Using parchment paper in an air fryer comes with its own benefits. Like any other liner, parchment paper, or preferably, perforated parchment paper, provides the best-cooked foods when you use it in the right way.

Also, your cooking experience will become much more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about cleaning your air fryer after you’re done.

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