What Can You Use to Line an Air Fryer?

Are you tired of cleaning up the greasy mess left behind after using your air fryer?

The solution is to line your air fryer.

Placing a barrier between the air fryer basket and food breaks contact preventing food and grease from sticking to the air fryer.

Lining your air fryer saves you time and energy. But what can you use to line an air fryer without sacrificing the taste of your food?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the various options available for lining your air fryer.

We’ll highlight their benefits and drawbacks, and ultimately help you choose the best one for your needs.

You can also use these options when using an air fryer without the basket.

5 Things You Can Line An Air Fryer With

The five options to use when lining an air fryer include:

1. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a popular choice for lining an air fryer. It is a cooking paper made from wood pulp.

The paper is coated with a thin layer of silicone, which makes it non-stick and heat resistant.

Being non-stick, it prevents food from sticking to the bottom of the air fryer, making cleanup easier.

Using parchment paper as a liner also reduces the need to use oil.

Several types of parchment paper liners can be used in an air fryer. They include:

• Parchment paper rolls
• Basket-type parchment liners
• Pre-cut parchment paper liners, and
• Pre-cut perforated parchment paper

Pre-cut parchment paper liners are convenient and easy to use, as they are already cut to the size of the air fryer basket or tray.

Parchment paper rolls are also a good option. You can cut the parchment paper to the size you need.

Perforated parchment paper has holes in it to allow for better air circulation during cooking.

Out of the three, I often use pre-cut perforated parchment paper.

Here are the pros and cons of using parchment paper as a liner:

Pros

• Non-stick, making cleanup easier
• Versatile and can be used for various cooking methods, including baking, roasting, and air frying.
• Provides a convenient and disposable option for lining the air fryer basket or tray.

Con

• Parchment paper is disposable and thus not a sustainable or cost-effective option for everyone.

How to Use Parchment Paper as a Liner in an Air Fryer

Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the size of the air fryer basket or tray.

If you have a precut piece, pick one that will fit your air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer if you’re required to. NEVER preheat the air fryer with a liner.

Next, place the parchment paper in the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure that it covers the entire bottom.

Then, add the food to the basket or tray and cook as directed.

Once cooking is complete, remove the food and the parchment paper from the basket or tray.

For a more detailed guide, read, can you use parchment paper in an air fryer?

2. Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is another popular choice for lining an air fryer.

It also helps to distribute heat evenly across the food.

It is recommended to use heavy-duty aluminum foil that can withstand high temperatures without tearing.

You can use aluminum foil sheets or foil liners in the air fryer.

Here are the pros and cons of using aluminum foil as a liner:

Pros

• Helps to prevent food from sticking to the surface.
• It distributes heat evenly
• Protects the air fryer basket from grease and staining.

Cons

• It can create extra waste and be less environmentally friendly.
• If not used properly, it can tear or melt and create a mess in the air fryer.
• Aluminum sheets can block air circulation and affect the cooking process if too much is used or is not placed properly.

When setting it in the air fryer, make sure the aluminum foil is flat and smooth to avoid any air gaps between the foil and the food.

For a more detailed guide, read, can you use aluminum foil in an air fryer?

3. Silicone Liners

Silicone liners are thin sheets made of food-grade silicone material that is used to line the air fryer basket.

They are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and are safe to use in the air fryer.

You can find basket-type or perforated silicone liners to line your air fryer.

The perforated silicone liners come in circular or rectangular shapes. There are options to fit all air fryer designs.

Silicone liners offer several advantages over other liners. Some of the benefits include:

• Non-stick surface
• Heat-resistant. They can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• They are reusable making them a cost-effective option in the long run. They can be washed and used multiple times, unlike disposable liners.
• Versatility. Silicone liners can be used to cook a wide variety of foods in the air fryer.

When using silicone liners ensure it fits the air fryer basket to prevent it from shifting during cooking.

Also, do not use metal utensils or sharp objects on the silicone liner as they can scratch or damage the surface.

After use, clean the silicone liner thoroughly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants.

For a more detailed guide, read, can you use silicone in an air fryer?

4. Ceramic Bowl

You can use a ceramic bowl that fits inside the air fryer to cook your food.

If the bowl is too large or too small, the food may not cook evenly.

Not all ceramic bowls are created equal. Make sure the ceramic bowl you use is safe to use in an air fryer.

The RllyGrt Ceramic bowl shown above is a great option.

5. Air Fryer Rack

An air fryer rack is primarily used to elevate food above the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray.

It’s one of the ways to stack food in an air fryer.

It creates room to prepare more food. You can also use the rack when dehydrating meat and fruits.

However, it can also be used as a liner.

By placing the air fryer rack on top of the basket, you can create a barrier between the food and the surface of the basket or tray.

This helps to prevent food from sticking and makes it easier to clean up afterward.

To use an air fryer rack as a liner, simply place the rack on top of the basket before adding your food.

Make sure the rack is level and secure. Then, proceed with air frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Use Air Fryer Liner With Or Without Holes?

Either air fryer liner can work. You should choose a liner that is appropriate for the food being prepared.

Using a liner with holes helps to promote air circulation.

It is useful when cooking foods that release moisture.

The holes allow the hot air to circulate the food and cook it evenly, while also preventing any excess moisture from accumulating.

On the other hand, using a liner without holes can be beneficial when cooking foods that are more delicate or small.

The solid surface of the liner facilitates heat circulation and can help prevent the food from falling through.

Do You Need Liners for an Air Fryer?

No, you do not need liners for an air fryer. Whether or not you use a liner is a personal preference.

Most air fryer baskets are non-stick, which means that food should not stick to the basket during cooking.

Also, many air fryer models have removable baskets that can be easily washed in the sink or dishwasher.

However, using liners can make the cooking process more efficient and convenient.

Conclusion

There are several options available for lining an air fryer that can help make the cooking process more efficient and convenient.

Liners are also convenient when reheating food in the air fryer.

Aluminum foil, parchment paper, and silicone mats are the most common for lining an air fryer.

You can also use your air fryer rack and a ceramic bowl to create a barrier between the food and the air fryer basket.