Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is one of the most popular kitchen appliances today, revolutionizing how we prepare our favorite meals. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly and with less oil.

However, with its growing popularity comes a flood of questions from curious home cooks. Need other cooking guides? Check out our Cooking Resources page for more tips.

One of the most common questions is: Can you put paper towel in an air fryer? The simple answer is no, and here’s why.

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Understanding How Air Fryers Work

Before diving into why paper towels and air fryers don’t mix, it’s essential to understand how these devices operate. Air fryers, much like convection ovens, use the circulation of hot air to cook food evenly.

The heating element at the top of the main unit of the air fryer generates high temperatures, which a fan then circulates around the cooking basket. This process allows food like french fries, chicken wings, and tater tots to become crispy using a fraction of the oil required for deep frying.

The charm of air fryers lies in their efficiency and health benefits. Home cooks rave about how they can enjoy crispy bacon, hash browns, and even pork chops with little oil.

But the proper air circulation that makes this possible also creates a potential fire hazard when introducing flammable materials like paper towels.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Paper Towels in an Air Fryer

1. Fire Risk Paper towels are flammable and can catch fire when exposed to the heating element or high temperatures in an air fryer. The high heat inside the air fryer can cause paper towels to ignite, posing a serious safety hazard. Unlike aluminum foil or air fryer silicone liners, paper towels are not designed to withstand such conditions.
2. Blocked Air Flow Air fryers rely on the circulation of hot air to cook food evenly. Placing a paper towel at the bottom of the air fryer basket can obstruct this airflow, leading to uneven cooking. For example, french fries or chicken wings may come out undercooked or soggy instead of crispy.
3. Excess Oil and Grease Some home cooks may think placing a paper towel in the basket can absorb excess grease or oil. While this idea may seem like a good alternative for easy cleanup, the risk of fire far outweighs any potential benefit. Instead, consider safer alternatives like air fryer silicone liners or a piece of parchment paper.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels

If your goal is to manage grease or ensure easy cleanup, there are several safe alternatives to using paper towels in an air fryer:

1. Air Fryer Silicone Liners These reusable liners are heat-resistant and designed specifically for air fryers. They have small holes that allow proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking while catching excess grease.
2. Parchment Paper A piece of parchment paper can be a safe and effective option. Be sure to use air fryer-specific parchment paper that’s perforated for optimal airflow.
3. Nonstick Coating and Cooking Spray To prevent food particles from sticking to the basket, consider applying a light coating of cooking spray or ensuring your air fryer basket has a nonstick coating.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

For those worried about grease and cleanup, the best method is to clean your air fryer after each use. Remove the cooking basket and wash it with warm soapy water to get rid of food particles and excess grease. This will keep your air fryer in good condition and prevent greasy food buildup.

Common Misconceptions

Many TikTok videos and social media posts spread questionable tips and tricks for air fryer use. For example, some suggest using wax paper or regular paper towels in an air fryer. However, both materials can pose safety risks due to their inability to withstand high temperatures. Stick to heat-safe materials like aluminum foil or baking sheets for best results.

Tips for Air Fryer Success

To make the most of your air fryer, follow these tips:

• Use Proper Air Circulation: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Arrange food in a single layer for even cooking.
• Choose the Right Tools: Use tools like air fryer silicone liners, perforated parchment paper, or baking sheets to minimize mess while maintaining safety.
• Experiment with Recipes: Air fryers are great for cooking food like bacon slices, thick-cut bacon, chicken wings, and even desserts. Try one our most popular air fryer recipes Pillsbury Orange Rolls in the Air Fryer. Follow air fryer recipes for the best results.
• Practice Common Sense: Avoid using materials not designed for high-heat cooking, such as regular paper towels, wax paper, or damp cloths.

Final Thoughts

So, can you put paper towel in an air fryer? The answer remains a firm no. While the idea might seem convenient for absorbing grease or simplifying cleanup, the potential fire risk and blocked air circulation make it a poor choice. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like air fryer silicone liners, parchment paper, or simply cleaning the basket thoroughly after each use.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the full charm of air frying—from crispy french fries to golden-brown hash browns—while keeping your kitchen safe. Next time you’re tempted to use a paper towel in your air fryer, remember the safety reasons and opt for a better, safer alternative.