Air fryers have quickly become a must-have appliance in Aussie kitchens, thanks to their ability to crisp up everything from frozen chips to chicken wings. However, as more home cooks experiment with this trending appliance, a common question arises: Can you use foil in an air fryer?
It’s not the only thing people are curious about — from whether you need to preheat your air fryer to finding out if you can put an air fryer basket in the dishwasher, mastering this handy appliance comes down to knowing what you can (and shouldn’t) do for the best results.
Is it safe to put foil in an air fryer?
In a nutshell, yes, you can safely use foil in your air fryer. After all, it’s essentially a compact oven, and foil won’t melt under high heat. But be warned: improper use can be dangerous. Air fryers use fast-moving air, and loose foil can be sucked into the fan, potentially causing burns or even a fire.
Philips cautions against using foil altogether in their air fryers, noting: “If you cover the bottom of the basket, the airflow inside the Airfryer is reduced. This results in a diminished cooking performance.”
How to safely use foil in your air fryer
If you still want to use foil in your air fryer, here are some tips for doing it safely.
- Never cover the entire basket or tray. Blocking the air flow can lead to soggy food or overheating.
- Always anchor foil with food to prevent it from being sucked into the heating element.
- Avoid using foil with acidic foods like tomatoes or lemon juice, as they can react with the aluminium.
- Ensure the foil doesn’t touch the heating element; this is especially important in oven-style air fryers.
Best ways to use foil in an air fryer
- To line trays: In oven-style air fryers, you can line the drip tray or a rack as long as airflow isn’t blocked.
- To wrap food: You can wrap garlic, fish, or marinated chicken in foil to retain moisture.
- Messy or saucy dishes: Foods that are glazed, marinated, or heavily sauced can make a mess in your basket. A layer of foil underneath helps prevent burnt-on residue and makes cleaning up much easier. Again, ensure that airflow isn’t blocked.
- Runaway ingredients: Small or round foods, such as cherry tomatoes, can roll around during cooking. Foil helps keep them in place while still allowing the hot air to circulate.
- Reheating leftovers in foil: This works well for items like burritos, garlic bread, or roasted veg that benefit from gentle, even reheating.
- Batch cooking: When you’re cooking multiple rounds of a recipe, a foil lining makes it easy to go back-to-back without stopping to clean the basket.
Can you put baking paper in an air fryer?
Yes, baking paper can be used in an air fryer, as long as it’s paper specifically designed for the appliance. Perforated baking paper lets air flow, prevents sticking, and keeps baskets clean; regular paper can lift and catch fire.
Philips warns against using baking paper or foil on the bottom of the pan. Similar to foil, if the paper isn’t anchored, it can get sucked into the heating element and catch fire. It can also disrupt the airflow.
What to avoid putting in an air fryer
To stay safe and avoid damage, avoid placing these items in your air fryer:
- Loose foil not anchored by food – can fly around and catch fire
- Plastic containers or utensils – these will melt
- Paper towels – extreme fire hazard
- Water or ice – can cause smoking or damage to the element
- Highly acidic foods in foil – tomatoes or lemon, can react with aluminium
- Wet batter (like tempura) – it drips through the basket and won’t crisp properly
Foil alternatives for air fryer cooking
Seeking a safer or more sustainable alternative to foil?
- Parchment paper (air fryer-specific): Pre-cut and perforated to allow airflow
- Silicone liners or baskets: Reusable and easy to clean
- Nothing at all: Many air fryer baskets have non-stick coatings and don’t require liners
So yes, you can put foil in an air fryer, but it needs to be done with care. The key is to keep the airflow unobstructed, anchor the foil securely, and avoid contact with the heating element.
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