Can You Put Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer?
Most professional bakers or home cooks likely reach for parchment paper while baking cookies or roasting beef with sautéed veggies.
These versatile liners are a staple for various cooking appliances, from baking ovens to grilling and roasting pans.
But have you ever thought of putting parchment paper in the ever-trending air fryer?
If yes, let’s see if you made the right choice.
Yes, you can use parchment paper in an air fryer. A parchment paper can handle up to 428°F (220°C) of heat in the air fryer. Additionally, it offers non-stick properties, aiding in baking and cooking all recipes, including meaty sauté recipes.
Note: Some people unknowingly confuse parchment paper with wax paper. Don't fall into the misconception just because both look the same! The latter has a wax coating that can melt away when used in an air fryer.
Benefits Of Putting Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer
Using parchment papers in an air fryer offers many benefits. Here are some of them.
Provides Non-Stick Properties
A parchment paper provides non-stick properties. It helps cook nicely baked or fried food without sticking to the air fryer basket, keeping the shape of the food intact.
Makes Cleaning A Breeze
The parchment paper helps limit the cooking mess and makes cleaning of air fryer effortless.
For instance, when making cookies in an air fryer, the dough can mess up the perforated basket.
In such a case, placing greased parchment paper can prevent dough from sticking into basket holes, making post-cooking cleaning effortless.
Locks The Flavor Inside The Food
It keeps the flavors of the food locked inside, enhancing its taste. For example, when air frying a whole chicken, wrapping it in parchment paper can lock in its moisture.
Withstands High Temperatures
The parchment paper can withstand the high heat inside the air fryer. This property makes it suitable for use in air fryers, ovens, and other similar cooking appliances.
Non-Reactive
Many acids present in the food are reactive.
With metal, wax, or other air fryer liners, there is always a chance that food acids might react with them, but that’s not the case with parchment paper.
t is completely non-reactive and safe for human use.
Tips For Using Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer
Care is always advised when using an air fryer.
Below are some tips and tricks that we follow and suggest for the correct use of parchment paper in an air fryer.
Be Wary of the Temperature
Irrespective of the type, most parchment papers can withstand up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most air fryers often go as high as 400℉, which means parchment paper is safe to use.
Still, to be safer, check out the maximum cooking temperature it can bear when buying a parchment paper.
Size Of Parchment Paper
Stuffing your air fryer basket with extra-large parchment paper might lead to fire hazards.
Therefore, always measure the precise size of the air fryer basket.
Use parchment paper smaller than the basket size to allow hot air circulation from all sides.
Use the Right Parchment Paper
Speaking of the type of paper, make sure you use only food-safe parchment paper for your air fryer. Some common types of parchment paper are;
- Reynolds Parchment Paper: Its 13″ width and good non-stick characteristics make it the priority lining while baking goods.
- Hiware 200: Thicker precut linings with multipurpose nature
- Katbite: Solid paper made with wood, no fragrance, coated with food-grade silicone, but is not recyclable.
Never Preheat With Parchment Paper
Never put the parchment paper in the basket when preheating the air fryer. If used during preheating, the hot air may cause the parchment paper to fly up to the heating element.
In the worst case, the parchment can ignite a fire in the air fryer if it comes into contact with the heating element.
When using it, ensure the food has enough weight to keep parchment paper in place.
Use Perforated Parchment Paper
Always use perforated parchment paper. The holes in the perforated parchment paper promote airflow.
If you cannot find perforated parchment paper in the market, use a chopstick or skewer to punch holes in regular parchment paper.
Wax Paper Vs. Parchment Paper
The main difference between wax paper and parchment paper is the coating on their surfaces.
Wax paper, as the name suggests, is coated with food-grade wax, whereas parchment paper is coated with silicone.
Due to its high heat resistance, parchment paper can be safely exposed to much higher temperatures.
On the other hand, the wax on the wax paper melts when exposed to high heat, making it unsuitable for use in cooking.
| RELATED: Can I Use Wax Paper In Air Fryer
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Vs. Regular Parchment Paper
The main difference between the ordinary parchment paper and the air fryer parchment paper roll is the presence of precut sheets with perforated holes.
These holes allow uniform hot air circulation around the food to ensure even cooking. Also, perforated holes drain extra fat, giving perfect crispiness and juiciness to your air-fried food.
FAQs
How do you line the air fryer with parchment paper?
Cut the parchment paper to a size smaller than the air fryer's basket. Punch holes in the parchment paper to allow hot air circulation and excess fat drainage. Place parchment paper over the basket (but not at the preheating stage) when you put in food to get air fried.
What is the best substitute for air fryer parchment paper?
Aluminum foil is unquestionably one of the best alternatives for air fryer parchment paper. Whether wrapping food or lining baking trays, aluminum foil works both ways to minimize cleaning mess when you make your favorite recipes.
The only drawback of using aluminum foil is that your food may stick to it, eventually resulting in over-browning of the bottom.
However, brushing up little butter or oil can make aluminum foil non-sticky. You can also replace parchment paper with silicone baking mats. Silicone liner offers a good deal over parchment paper, being dishwasher safe and reusable.
Does parchment paper burn in the air fryer?
Yes, if only a fraction of parchment gets blown, it can tangle up with coil, triggering a flare-up of fire.
What side of parchment paper do you use?
There is no specific side of the parchment paper designed for cooking, as both are silicon-coated and offer similar non-stick properties. However, for convenience, you can prefer a side with more shine or silicone coating.
Where to buy parchment paper?
You can buy parchment paper from any nearby grocery store. You will see the option for a parchment paper roll or small pre-measured circular or square pieces of paper. Else, you can order a parchment paper roll from any online store like Amazon or Walmart.
Conclusion
Parchment paper offers several benefits. It prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning hassle-free. Since an air fryer is a healthier way to enjoy fried foods, using parchment paper further simplifies the process. As long as parchment paper is measured correctly and placed underneath food, you don't need to worry about fire hazards.