Paper Box In Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient and popular kitchen appliance used for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen foods, and making crispy snacks. However, it is important to choose the right packaging or tools to ensure safety and achieve optimal results when using an air fryer. While some sources claim that you can get away with putting cardboard or paper containers in your air fryer, especially at lower temperatures, it is generally not recommended due to safety concerns and the potential for negative impacts on food quality.

Paper boxes can burn or char in an air fryer

The temperature range of an air fryer is 140°-450° F (60°-232° C). Paper ignites at around 424°-475° F (218°-246° C). Therefore, it is not advisable to put paper boxes in an air fryer, especially at higher temperatures.

Even at lower temperatures, there are still many reasons not to put a paper box in an air fryer. Paper boxes can disrupt the airflow, leading to uneven cooking and soggy food. Paper also absorbs oil and fat, resulting in an undesirable texture and further interfering with airflow. Additionally, paper boxes can release harmful chemicals into your food, posing health risks.

If you need to use a container in your air fryer, it is best to use oven-safe glass or metal, such as aluminium foil or an oven-safe dish.

Paper boxes can release harmful chemicals into food

The waste from pulp mills includes wood residues, lime mud, dregs, wastewater, and chemicals, depending on the type of raw material and method used. In addition, the paper production process involves the use of numerous chemical additives, which may interact with food materials and cause adverse health effects in humans. These chemical additives can be broadly categorized as processing aids and functional additives, which enhance the properties of the finished material. Some of the major additive migrants from paper and paperboard include mineral oils, dyes, phthalates, adipates, and polyfluorinated substances.

For example, polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAs) are commonly found in bakery bags and containers, greaseproof papers, microwavable popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and other takeout boxes. PFAS exposure has been linked to immune system suppression, lower birth weight, and an increased risk of certain cancers. These chemicals can also interfere with proper air circulation and result in soggy food.

Furthermore, cardboard is a terrible conductor of heat. Cooking food on grease-saturated cardboard can leave you with an undesirable texture and pose a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, spontaneous ignition, or spontaneous combustion, occurs tens of thousands of times a year. The cardboard itself is a composite material made from wood fibers and glue, with an ignition point of 420°-450° F (215°-232° C). However, this does not take into account any chemicals or additives that might have lower ignition points.

Therefore, it is important to avoid using paper boxes in air fryers or any other cooking methods to prevent the release of harmful chemicals and the potential risk of fire.

Paper boxes can disrupt airflow in the air fryer

Additionally, paper boxes can absorb oil and fat, leading to soggy food and an undesirable texture. The grease-saturated cardboard can also pose a fire hazard, especially if it comes into contact with the heating element.

Furthermore, paper boxes can release harmful chemicals into your food. Most cardboard boxes contain adhesives, inks, wax, and other toxic chemicals that can leach into your food and create health problems over time. These chemicals can also have negative effects on human health, including impacts on child development and links to certain diseases.

Overall, while it may be tempting to put a paper box in your air fryer for convenience, it is not recommended due to the potential risks to your food and appliance. It is best to use alternative options such as aluminium foil, parchment paper, or oven-safe containers.

Paper boxes absorb oil and fat

Paper boxes are designed to absorb oil and fat, and this feature can be advantageous in certain contexts. For instance, oil-absorbing paper products are marketed for cooking purposes to remove excess grease from fried foods, soups, and meats. These products typically come in the form of sheets or blotting papers that are placed directly on top of cooked foods to absorb the floating oil. This helps to reduce the fat content of meals, which is beneficial for individuals on a healthy diet or aiming for reduced fat intake.

The absorbency of paper boxes can also be useful in a cosmetic context, particularly for individuals with oily skin. Oil-absorbing blotting papers made from natural materials like bamboo charcoal or green tea are available to help control shine and remove excess oil from the face. These papers are designed to be gentle on the skin and can be easily carried for touch-ups throughout the day.

While the oil-absorbing property of paper boxes can be beneficial in certain contexts, it is important to recognise that the oils and fats absorbed by cardboard boxes used for food packaging or storage may include harmful chemicals. As previously mentioned, adhesives, inks, and wax used in cardboard packaging can mix with the absorbed grease, potentially leading to health issues if the cardboard is heated and these chemicals leach into food. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid using paper boxes in air fryers and to opt for alternative options that are specifically designed for safe cooking, such as aluminium foil or parchment paper.

Paper boxes are not recommended by manufacturers

The average air fryer temperature ranges from 140°F-450°F (60°C-232°C). Paper has a combustion point of 424°F-475°F (218°C-246°C). While the odds of paper catching fire in an air fryer are relatively low, it is still not an acceptable practice according to the manufacturer. If something goes wrong, you may void your air fryer's warranty.

Paper boxes can also interfere with the airflow in your air fryer, leading to uneven cooking. They absorb oil and fat, resulting in soggy foods and an undesirable texture. Paper boxes are also terrible conductors of heat, which can lead to hot spots and uneven cooking.

Additionally, many cardboard boxes contain adhesives, inks, wax, and other toxic chemicals that can leach into your food when heated, creating potential health problems. These chemicals are designed to produce oil and water repellency and make the box heat resistant. However, these chemicals do not have a high ignition point and can release toxins when heated.

Therefore, it is best to avoid putting paper boxes in your air fryer and instead use alternative materials such as aluminum foil, parchment paper, or oven-safe dishes.

Frequently asked questions