Parchment Paper and Liners in the Air Fryer: What's Safe and What Works

Parchment paper and air fryer liners make cleanup easier and stop sticky foods from gluing themselves to the basket. They’re safe to use, as long as you remember one thing: an air fryer has a strong fan, and anything light and loose will fly around inside it.

How to use parchment paper in an air fryer

1. Preheat the empty basket. Add the parchment only when the food goes in.
2. Cut it smaller than the basket. Leave a gap around the edges so air can circulate.
3. Put food on top straight away. The weight of the food holds the paper down.
4. Use perforated paper for crispy food. Or punch a few holes in regular parchment with a skewer.
5. Check the temperature rating. Most parchment is rated to 420–450°F215–230°C, which covers almost all air fryer cooking.

Perforated vs plain parchment

Perforated parchment has small holes that let air reach the bottom of the food. It’s the best choice for anything you want crisp: crescent rolls, frozen biscuits, breaded chicken and fish, and fries.

Plain parchment catches drips and sauces. Use it for glazed or sticky foods, like candied bacon, honey-glazed vegetables and saucy wings, or for baking in a small pan.

Types of air fryer liners

Liner	Best for	Good to know
Perforated parchment rounds or squares	Crispy food, baked goods	Disposable; the most airflow
Disposable paper bowl liners	Saucy or greasy food, easy cleanup	Catch drips but block airflow under the food
Silicone liners and baskets	Reusable everyday use	Dishwasher-safe; food crisps less underneath
Silicone mats with raised ridges	Reusable, a bit more airflow	Grease can pool between the ridges

Disposable paper liners are sold under several brand names, including Reynolds Kitchens, and as store brands. They all work the same way.

What not to put in an air fryer

• Wax paper. The wax melts and smokes.
• Paper towels. They can blow into the element and scorch.
• Liners on their own. Never run the air fryer with an empty liner or parchment inside.
• Oversized liners. If the paper climbs up the sides and covers the basket walls, air can’t circulate and food cooks unevenly.

Parchment or foil?

Parchment is better for acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar), sticky dough and anything you want crisp. Aluminum foil is better for wrapping food, making packets and covering parts that brown too quickly.

Do liners make food less crispy?

A little, depending on the liner. Perforated parchment makes almost no difference. Solid paper and silicone liners block the air from underneath, so the bottom of the food browns less. If that matters, cook without a liner for the last few minutes, or flip the food halfway.

Cleanup still matters

Liners catch most of the mess, but grease still drips through the holes and around the edges. Wash the basket and drawer after greasy foods, so grease doesn’t build up and smoke next time. See our guide to cleaning an air fryer, and our air fryer accessories guide for racks, pans and other useful extras.