Air Fryer Paper Towel Safety: Do's And Don'ts

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food without using oil. However, this convenience can be disrupted by the need to clean the appliance after each use. Some people have suggested using paper towels to line the air fryer to avoid this, but is this safe? The short answer is no. Paper towels can catch fire if they come into contact with the heating element, posing a serious fire risk. They can also affect airflow, leading to uneven cooking and potential damage to the appliance. Alternatives to paper towels include silicone liners, perforated parchment paper, and aluminium foil, which can be used to wrap food but not to line the basket.

Paper towels can cause a fire hazard

Additionally, paper towels can affect the airflow in the fryer, which is essential to the cooking process. Air fryers rely on circulating hot air to cook food evenly, and a paper towel can block this airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Even if the paper towel doesn't catch fire, it can still cause issues with the performance of the air fryer, potentially damaging the appliance.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use alternatives such as parchment paper, silicone liners, or the accessories that come with the air fryer, such as the tray or basket. These alternatives will not pose the same fire risk as paper towels and will allow for optimal cooking results.

While paper towels are useful for cleaning the air fryer after use, they should never be used during the cooking process.

Paper towels can affect airflow and cooking

Some people have reported that using parchment paper in an air fryer can be risky as the airflow can pull the paper up into the heating element, causing it to scorch or even catch fire. However, others have suggested that as long as there is enough food to weigh the paper down, this shouldn't be an issue.

If you are looking for an alternative to paper towels, you can try using a silicone air fryer liner or perforated air fryer parchment paper. These options are safer to use in an air fryer and will help to keep your appliance clean.

Paper towels for cleaning

Paper towels can be useful for cleaning your air fryer, but you should never put them inside the appliance while it is in use. Doing so could cause a fire if the paper towel comes into contact with the heating element or gets too hot. Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, and a paper towel could block this airflow, leading to uneven cooking and potentially damaging the appliance.

Instead, to clean your air fryer, you can wipe the tray or basket with a dry paper towel to remove food particles and oil. You can then give it another wipe with a damp paper towel, followed by another dry one to ensure no oil residue is left. However, you should still wash the air fryer with soap and water at least once a week.

If you want to line your air fryer to avoid a mess, you can use parchment paper or a silicone liner. However, be careful as the airflow can pull the parchment paper up into the heating element, so it is best to ensure you have enough food to weigh the paper down.

Alternatives to paper towels

Paper towels are a flammable material and can, therefore, pose a fire risk if used in an air fryer. The high temperatures inside an air fryer can cause paper towels to catch fire, especially if they come into contact with the heating element. Therefore, it is best to use alternatives to paper towels in an air fryer.

One alternative is parchment paper or baking paper, which is resistant to high temperatures and will not burn like a paper towel. You can cut them into the correct shape or buy pre-cut parchment paper with holes that allow your air fryer to work as intended. Another option is to use aluminium foil, which is also inexpensive and easy to handle. However, it is important to ensure that the aluminium foil does not come into contact with the heating element.

Other alternatives to paper towels in an air fryer include silicone liners and teflon dishes. These options are safer to use than paper towels and can help to keep your air fryer clean.

Paper towels for absorbing excess oil

Paper towels are useful for cleaning your air fryer, but they should not be used while cooking food. Paper towels can restrict airflow in the fryer, which is essential to the cooking process, and may even catch fire. If you want to absorb excess oil, try using a paper towel to pat your food before or after cooking.

To clean your air fryer, first, let the fryer cool, then gather your supplies: soft cloths or paper towels, a toothbrush or toothpicks, and a soft sponge. If your air fryer has removable parts, clean them with soapy water and wipe them dry. You can also soak stubborn food residue in warm soapy water for about 30 minutes, then scrub with a soft sponge. For extra-stubborn residue, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub the stain with a toothbrush. Finally, wipe the interior and exterior of the fryer with a damp cloth or damp paper towel.

It is important to clean your air fryer promptly after each use to protect the machine from oil buildup, food fires, and malfunction.

Frequently asked questions