Using Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient and popular way to cook food. They are essentially miniature convection ovens that use hot air to cook food quickly and efficiently. When using an air fryer, you may wonder if you can use aluminium foil to line the basket or tray to make cleaning easier. The short answer is yes, but there are several important things to consider.

Weighing down the foil

There are several ways to weigh down the foil. One way is to simply place the food on top of the foil, ensuring that it is spread across the foil to keep it in place. Another option is to wrap the food in foil, creating a pouch that will not blow around.

If you are cooking smaller items that may not weigh down the foil sufficiently, you can try using a foil sling. This involves folding two strips of foil in half to make them sturdier and then creating a cross with the strips in the basket. Place the food in the centre of the cross, and the ends of the strips will serve as handles for moving the food. Just make sure that the ends are tucked in during cooking to prevent them from touching the heating element.

Additionally, you can use a rack or a divider that comes with some air fryers and place it upside down over the food to prevent it from flying around.

Using foil in an oven model air fryer

Using foil in an oven-style air fryer can be done safely, but there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it's important to note that foil is not necessary when using an oven-style air fryer. Air fryers already require minimal cleanup, so using foil may not provide much additional benefit. Additionally, foil can interfere with the airflow within the appliance, preventing food from cooking evenly. Therefore, it is recommended to use the air fryer basket or a silicone liner instead of foil. However, if you do choose to use foil, make sure to follow these guidelines:

• Only use foil in the basket, not the drawer, to avoid a fire hazard.
• Never preheat the air fryer with a foil-lined basket.
• Avoid covering the holes in the basket, as this will hinder airflow and affect cooking performance.
• Weigh down the foil so it doesn't blow around the basket.
• Avoid using foil with acidic ingredients like citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything marinated in vinegar or citrus juice, as these can react with the foil and cause it to leach into your food.

If you're looking for an alternative to foil, parchment paper can be used in an oven-style air fryer if it is weighed down with food. Specially designed parchment liners with holes for airflow are also available for purchase. However, parchment paper is not suitable for liquid items and is not as environmentally friendly as a reusable silicone liner.

Using foil in a basket model air fryer

When using foil in a basket model air fryer, it's important to remember that it can interfere with airflow. Therefore, it's best to use foil only when necessary, such as when cooking saucy or delicate foods, or when you want to make cleanup easier. Parchment paper or a bare basket are better options that won't interfere with airflow. If you do use foil, create a foil sling by folding two strips of foil in half to make them sturdier and create handles for moving your food in and out of the basket.

Some people choose to place foil under the basket to catch any drippings or grease, making cleanup easier. This can be a good alternative to using foil in the basket itself, as it doesn't interfere with airflow as much. However, be careful that the foil doesn't blow around and cause a fire hazard.

Avoiding acidic foods with foil

When using an air fryer, it's important to note that while aluminum foil can be used, it isn't necessary. There are some safety protocols to adhere to when using foil in an air fryer, and some instances where it should be avoided.

One such instance is when cooking acidic foods. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything marinated in vinegar or citrus juice, should be avoided when using foil in an air fryer. The high acid content in these foods can break down the aluminum, causing it to leach into your food. While the amount of aluminum ingested this way is minimal, it's still best to avoid it.

Instead of using foil, opt for parchment paper or a bare basket when cooking acidic foods in your air fryer. Parchment paper is a non-reactive surface, so food is less likely to stick, and it won't interfere with the airflow in your air fryer. You can also purchase perforated parchment paper with circles specifically designed for air fryers, which allow heat to circulate around the food.

If you do choose to use foil in your air fryer, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never let the foil touch the heating element.
• Make sure the foil is weighed down so it doesn't blow around the basket.
• Avoid preheating the air fryer with a foil-lined basket.
• Don't cover the holes in the bottom of the basket, as this will hinder the airflow and impact the cooking performance.

Alternatives to foil

While it is possible to use aluminium foil in an air fryer, there are several alternatives that can be used instead.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a recommended alternative to foil when air frying. It is a non-reactive surface, so food is less likely to stick to it, and it won't interfere with cooking. It is also better for the environment than foil. Pre-cut, perforated parchment paper with circles is available to buy, specifically designed to fit air fryers. However, it is important to ensure that parchment paper is weighed down with food to prevent it from blowing around and causing a fire hazard. Wax paper should not be used as it is not heatproof.

Silicone Liners

Reusable silicone liners are another alternative to foil. They are easy to clean, unlikely to cause a fire hazard, and allow for better airflow than foil.

Air Fryer Egg Molds

If you are cooking eggs or other bite-sized treats in your air fryer, air fryer egg molds are a good option.

Cooking Spray

Lightly spraying the basket with cooking spray can help prevent food from sticking and making a mess.

Soft Sponge and Baking Soda

If food does stick to your air fryer, a soft sponge and a paste made from baking soda and water can be used to gently clean it.

Air Fryer Rack

An air fryer rack can be placed on top of parchment paper to provide further stability and prevent paper from blowing around.

Paper Plates

Paper plates can be used in an air fryer, but it is important to monitor them as you will be able to smell them before they catch fire.

Air Fryer Mats

Air fryer mats are made from silicone and are reusable, making cleaning easier.

Air Fryer Liners

Air fryer liners are made from parchment paper and have holes to help with airflow.

Bare Basket

Using the air fryer basket on its own is a better option than using foil as it won't interfere with cooking.

Frequently asked questions