Air Fryer Baking: Sheet Pan Essentials

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use super-heated air to cook food without the need for excessive oil. While they are a great way to cook healthier versions of your favourite fried foods, they can also be used for baking. However, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time to avoid burning your bakes. You can use parchment paper, aluminium foil, silicone mats, or a baking sheet in an air fryer, but you should be careful to ensure that these don't interfere with the airflow or come into contact with the heating element.

Is it safe to use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Parchment paper is safe to use in an air fryer, but precautions must be taken. Parchment paper is a nonstick, grease-resistant surface that helps keep the bottom of baked goods from burning and allows for easy cleanup. It is commonly used in ovens and withstands most oven temperatures, so using it in an air fryer is not a big leap. However, it is important to exercise caution when putting paper in an air fryer.

First, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper. Accidentally swapping it with any other paper product, such as wax paper, can be a big and messy mistake. Check the maximum temperature restriction of the parchment paper, which will be printed on the box. While it may be fine to push the boundaries in a conventional oven, do not do so in an air fryer. If the paper ignites, it could cause a fire.

Cut the parchment paper to the size of the bottom of your air fryer basket, or slightly smaller to allow for better air circulation. Perforating and trimming the paper can further assist in air circulation and allow grease to drain away from food. Do not add the parchment paper until after preheating your air fryer, as it may fly about inside the basket and come into contact with the heating element if it is not weighed down by food.

Parchment paper is good for foods that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, and it can make cleanup easier. However, it is important to understand that an air fryer contains a circulating fan and very hot heating elements, so placing paper in that environment will always pose some risk. Take every precaution and don't leave it unattended.

If you are concerned about the parchment paper interfering with airflow, you can purchase pre-cut parchment paper liners with holes for air circulation, or make your own by punching holes in the paper with a hole punch or knife. Another option is to use a reusable silicone liner, which can be placed in the dishwasher after use.

Can I use aluminium foil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminium foil in an air fryer without setting your kitchen on fire or negatively affecting the food you're cooking. An air fryer is a small, countertop convection oven with a powerful fan to make food crispier, and people have been using foil in convection ovens for a long time.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using foil in an air fryer:

• Never let the foil touch the heating element.
• Make sure the foil is weighted down so it doesn't blow around the basket. You can do this by ensuring food is spread across the foil.
• Avoid using foil with acidic ingredients such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything marinated in vinegar or citrus juice. The high acid content breaks down the aluminium, causing it to leach into food.
• Don't use foil when it's not necessary. Air fryers cook food quickly and crisply by allowing air to circulate all around it. If you line the basket with foil, you prevent air from circulating, and food won't cook as well.
• Don't use foil for delicate foods that are difficult to turn or remove from the fryer. A foil "sling" can be used instead. To make one, fold two strips of foil in half to make them sturdier, then place them in a cross in the basket with the food in the centre. Make sure the ends of the strips are tucked in during cooking so they don't flap around and touch the heating element.

If you don't have foil or don't want to use it, you can use parchment paper or silicone liners, mats, or moulds designed for air fryers.

What type of air fryer do I have (basket, paddle, or oven)?

There are three main types of air fryers: basket, paddle, and oven. Here's a detailed breakdown of each type to help you identify which one you have:

Basket Air Fryer:

• Smaller in size, limiting the capacity to smaller servings of food.
• Faster cooking due to the smaller space, but food can burn easily if placed too close to the top heating element.
• Great for quick snacks or reheating, especially with a smaller 3-4 qt air fryer.
• Limited to cooking one item at a time, unlike an oven that can cook multiple items simultaneously.
• Allows you to shake and move food around easily.
• Most baskets are dishwasher-safe and easier to clean than wire racks in oven-style air fryers.
• Compact size fits nicely on countertops, ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

Paddle Air Fryer:

• Less common than basket and oven-style air fryers.
• Features a paddle or stirring mechanism at the bottom that rotates during cooking, ensuring even cooking and browning of food.
• Suitable for dishes that require constant stirring or mixing, such as stir-fries or roasted nuts.
• The paddle may not be removable, making it challenging to cook larger items that don't fit inside with the paddle in place.
• Cleaning can be more difficult due to the presence of the paddle.

Oven Air Fryer:

• Larger capacity, allowing you to cook bigger quantities of food and accommodate larger items like roasts.
• Some models have multiple racks for cooking multiple items simultaneously, with the option to rotate racks for even cooking.
• Slower to preheat and cook compared to basket air fryers due to their larger size.
• Wire racks can be more challenging to clean than baskets.
• Takes up more countertop space.
• Often more expensive, but can be worth the investment if used frequently like a toaster oven.
• Many models offer additional features beyond air frying, such as rotisserie, broil, bake, dehydrate, and proofing functions.

Now that you know the key characteristics of each type, you should be able to identify which category your air fryer falls into. If you're still unsure, examining the design, capacity, and features of your air fryer can provide further clues. Additionally, referring to the user manual or the manufacturer's website can help confirm the specific model and type of your air fryer.

What are the best oils to use in an air fryer?

When choosing an oil to use in an air fryer, it's important to consider the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and emit smoke. If an oil reaches its smoke point, it will develop an undesirable burnt flavour, which can affect the taste of your food. Therefore, it's best to use an oil with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at.

• Avocado oil (smoke point: 520°F/570°F)
• Peanut oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Sunflower oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Light/refined olive oil (smoke point: 465-470°F)
• Virgin olive oil (smoke point: 410°F)
• Grapeseed oil (smoke point: 421°F)
• Refined coconut oil (smoke point: 400°F)
• Ghee/clarified butter (smoke point: 482°F/485°F)

Some other oils that can be used in an air fryer, but may have lower smoke points, include canola oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, extra virgin olive oil, and butter. It's important to note that butter and delicate cold-pressed oils are not recommended as they are likely to burn and smoke.

When using oil in an air fryer, it's generally recommended to use a small amount to lightly coat your food. You can use a spray bottle, a pastry brush, or toss your food in a bowl with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

What are the best types of bakeware to use in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional frying methods, as they use hot air instead of hot oil or fat to cook your food. They are also more energy-efficient and take less time to cook food than traditional ovens.

When it comes to the best types of bakeware to use in an air fryer, here are some options:

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper can be used in an air fryer as long as certain precautions are taken. Firstly, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper and not any other type of paper product. Check the maximum temperature restriction on the box and do not exceed this temperature. Cut the paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket, leaving some space for airflow. Perforating the paper can also help with air circulation and allow grease to drain away. Do not preheat the air fryer with the parchment paper inside, as it may fly around and burn.

Silicone Liners

Silicone liners are a good alternative to parchment paper as they are reusable and dishwasher-safe. They are also pliable, heat-resistant, and won't warp or melt in an air fryer.

Metal Pans

Metal pans such as muffin pans, cake pans, or sheet pans can be used in an air fryer. Metal conducts heat quickly and evenly, making it a good choice for baking. Just ensure that the pan is oven-safe and fits in your air fryer without blocking airflow or the heating element.

Non-stick Dark Pans

Non-stick, dark-coloured pans are a good option for achieving crispy textures without food sticking to the pan. They absorb heat well and cook food more quickly. Again, ensure that the pan is oven-safe and fits in your air fryer without obstructing airflow.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are perfect for recipes that require high heat and crispiness, as they retain heat very well. They are great for searing meats and can also be used for baking in an air fryer.

Glass Baking Dishes

Glass baking dishes usually have minimal handles, which is ideal for fitting into the interior of an air fryer. They come in various brands and sizes, so you can likely find one that fits your air fryer.

Ceramic Pans

Ceramic pans are great for cooking food at a consistent temperature and are non-reactive, so they won't alter the taste of acidic foods.

Aluminium Pans

Aluminium pans heat up quickly and cook food evenly. They are also lightweight and disposable, making cleanup easy.

It is important to note that you should avoid using Teflon and non-stick coatings, paper products, and plastic in an air fryer, as they can catch on fire or melt. Also, be cautious with pans that have handles, especially if they are made of wood or plastic, as these materials can melt at high temperatures.

The key considerations when choosing bakeware for your air fryer are the size and shape of the pan, ensuring it fits properly in your air fryer without blocking airflow or the heating element, and the type of material, ensuring it is oven-safe and suitable for high temperatures.

Frequently asked questions