Parchment Paper for Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide to Safe, Effective Use and Choosing the Right Type​

If you own an air fryer, you’ve likely wondered: Can I use parchment paper in my air fryer? Is it safe? Does it actually improve cooking?The short answer is yes—with the right type and proper use, parchment paper can be a game-changer for easier cleanup, better food texture, and more consistent results. But not all parchment paper is created equal, and using it incorrectly could risk safety or ruin your meal. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from why parchment paper works in air fryers to how to choose and use it like a pro.

Why Use Parchment Paper in Your Air Fryer?

Air fryers cook by circulating hot air at high speeds (often 300–450°F / 150–230°C). Traditional methods of greasing the basket work, but they can leave sticky residue, require scrubbing, and sometimes cause food to stick anyway. Enter parchment paper—a thin, porous paper treated with food-grade silicone that solves these issues. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. Easier Cleanup

Air fryer baskets can get caked with grease and food bits, especially when cooking sticky items like fish, veggies, or pastries. Parchment paper acts as a barrier, catching drips and crumbs so you can toss the paper instead of scrubbing the basket. For busy home cooks, this saves time and reduces frustration.

2. Prevents Sticking Without Excess Oil

Many recipes call for spraying the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Parchment paper’s silicone coating provides enough non-stick surface to keep foods like chicken wings, roasted vegetables, or cookies from adhering—even without extra oil. This is ideal for health-conscious cooks or those reducing oil intake.

3. Promotes Even Airflow (When Used Correctly)

A common myth is that parchment paper blocks heat. In reality, when cut to size and placed properly, it sits betweenthe food and the basket, not covering the entire bottom. This allows hot air to circulate freely around the food, maintaining the air fryer’s signature crispiness.

4. Reduces Messy Splatters

Foods like bacon, sausage, or juicy veggies can splatter grease inside the air fryer. Parchment paper contains these splatters, making post-cook cleanup as simple as removing the paper and wiping the basket with a damp cloth.

Not All Parchment Paper Is Safe for Air Fryers—Here’s What to Look For

Before tossing any parchment paper into your air fryer, check its specs. The wrong type could melt, burn, or even leach harmful chemicals. Here’s what matters most:

1. Temperature Rating

Air fryers reach temperatures up to 450°F (230°C), so your parchment paper must handle at least that. Look for labels stating “safe up to 450°F” or higher. Cheap, untested papers may start browning or burning at lower temps, creating a fire hazard or off-flavors.

2. Food-Grade Silicone Coating

Most parchment paper gets its non-stick properties from a silicone coating. Ensure the paper is labeled “food-grade” and free of harmful chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or BPA. Reputable brands (e.g., If You Care, Reynolds) often list these certifications on their packaging.

3. Unbleached vs. Bleached

Bleached parchment paper uses chlorine to whiten the paper, which can leave trace residues. Unbleached options are more natural and preferred for health-focused cooks, though both are generally safe if labeled food-grade.

4. Thickness (GSM)

Parchment paper thickness is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). For air fryers, aim for 40–90 GSM:

• ​40–60 GSM: Thinner, lighter, and more affordable. Works well for small batches or lightweight foods (e.g., cookies, veggies).

• ​70–90 GSM: Thicker and more durable. Better for heavier items (e.g., chicken breasts, roasts) or longer cooks, as it’s less likely to tear.

How to Use Parchment Paper in Your Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Using parchment paper correctly is key to avoiding messes, fires, or poor results. Follow these steps:

1. Cut to Size—But Leave Room to Breathe

Measure your air fryer basket’s base. Cut the parchment paper slightly smaller than the basket’s diameter, leaving at least 1–2 inches of space around the edges. This prevents the paper from touching the heating element (located at the top or bottom of most air fryers) and burning.

Pro Tip:Fold the paper into quarters, then trim along the folds to create a circle or square that fits snugly without overlapping the basket’s sides.

2. Place It in the Basket—Don’t Cover the Entire Bottom

Lay the parchment paper flat in the basket, ensuring it doesn’t bunch up. Avoid pressing it down so tightly that it blocks airflow. If cooking multiple items, spread them out on the paper to maintain space between pieces.

3. Secure It (Optional)

For smaller items like fries or shrimp that might shift, use toothpicks or the air fryer basket’s ridges to anchor the paper. This prevents it from curling up and exposing food to the basket directly.

4. Adjust Cooking Time (If Needed)

In most cases, cooking times remain the same. However, if your recipe relies on direct contact with a hot basket (e.g., crispy breaded chicken), test one piece first—parchment paper may slightly reduce browning. If needed, increase the temp by 25°F (14°C) or add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best parchment paper, mistakes can lead to frustration. Steer clear of these errors:

1. Using Paper That’s Too Thin

Thin parchment (under 40 GSM) tears easily, especially when handling heavier foods. This creates loose paper scraps that can block airflow or burn.

2. Letting It Touch the Heating Element

If the paper hangs over the basket and touches the air fryer’s top or bottom heating coil, it will burn, emit smoke, and ruin your food. Always measure and cut carefully.

3. Reusing Damaged Paper

Parchment paper is designed for single use. If it tears, chars, or absorbs grease, discard it. Reusing it increases the risk of flaking (which contaminates food) or burning.

4. Ignoring the Recipe’s Needs

Some recipes, like those requiring a crispy bottom (e.g., homemade pizza), benefit from direct basket contact. In these cases, skip the parchment or place it only under part of the food.

Parchment Paper vs. Other Air Fryer Liners: Which Is Better?

Air fryer owners often wonder how parchment paper stacks up against alternatives like aluminum foil, silicone mats, or disposable liners. Here’s how they compare:

1. Aluminum Foil

Pros: Cheap, widely available.

Cons: Blocks airflow more than parchment, can cause uneven cooking, and may react with acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes). Not recommended for high-heat air frying.

2. Silicone Mats

Pros: Reusable, durable, and great for sticky foods.

Cons: Expensive upfront, can retain odors, and may require scrubbing to clean. Less ideal for crispy foods, as silicone insulates slightly.

3. Disposable Air Fryer Liners

Pros: Convenient, pre-cut, and often made of parchment or silicone.

Cons: Cost adds up over time, and quality varies—some are too thin or poorly coated.

​Verdict:​​ Parchment paper strikes the best balance of affordability, performance, and versatility. It’s ideal for most air fryer tasks, from roasting veggies to baking cookies.

Final Tips for Success

• ​Store Properly:​​ Keep parchment paper in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture absorption, which can make it tear easier.

• ​Label Your Papers:​​ If you reuse unbleached parchment (though not recommended), mark the date to track its lifespan.

• ​Experiment:​​ Try parchment paper with your favorite recipes—note which ones benefit most (e.g., fish fillets, baked goods) and adjust as needed.

Using parchment paper in your air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s a smart way to cook cleaner, faster, and with better results. By choosing the right type, cutting it correctly, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. Happy air frying!