Air Fryer Paper Liners: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, speed, and ability to cook food with less oil. However, they can be annoying to clean, with grease and food residue often stuck on the metal dripper and basket. This is where air fryer liners come in – they act as an extra layer between your appliance and the food you're cooking, promising to reduce cleanup time and keep your air fryer in better condition. But do they work, and are they worth investing in?

Paper vs silicone air fryer liners

Air fryer liners are a great way to prevent messes and reduce cleaning time. They are also useful if you want to prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket. There are several types of liners available, but the two most popular are paper and silicone.

Paper Air Fryer Liners

Paper liners are a single-use option, meaning they are convenient but terrible for the environment. They are also not cost-effective, as the cost of repurchasing will add up over time. Paper liners can be bought pre-fitted to your air fryer model or on a roll that can be cut to size. They are heat-resistant, but should not be used for temperatures above 420 degrees Fahrenheit (215 degrees Celsius) as they could catch fire. They are also not suitable for preheating unless weighed down by food, as they will blow around inside the fryer.

Silicone Air Fryer Liners

Silicone liners are reusable and eco-friendly, and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. They are heat-resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) and can be used for most air-frying duties. They are inexpensive, non-stick, and heavier than paper liners, so they won't blow around during preheating. However, they can be tricky to clean, as food can get stuck in the nooks and crannies, and food can easily slip off the mat and into the air fryer.

Both paper and silicone liners have their pros and cons, but for everyday use, silicone liners are the better option in terms of usability, temperature resistance, and cleanup. However, it's a good idea to have both types of liners on hand, as they are each suited to different types of cooking.

Drawbacks of air fryer liners

While air fryer liners can be useful, they also have some drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of using air fryer liners:

• Longer cooking times: Air fryer liners can obstruct airflow, leading to increased cooking times. The liner acts as an additional layer between the food and the circulating air, preventing the food from crisping up as quickly as it would without the liner.
• Eco-friendliness: Single-use paper liners are not environmentally friendly and contribute to landfill waste.
• Grease and oil buildup: Using a liner can result in a buildup of grease and oil within the liner itself, which can be unpleasant to deal with.
• Cost: The cost of constantly repurchasing single-use paper liners can add up over time.
• Airflow obstruction: Liners might obstruct airflow by covering the holes in the air fryer basket and crisper tray, which are designed to allow a 360-degree airflow for frying without excessive oil.
• Food crispness: The additional layer between the food and the circulating air can affect the crispness of certain recipes, such as pastry-based dishes.
• Parchment liners blowing around: If your air fryer requires preheating, it is advised not to add the parchment liner beforehand, as it may blow around inside the basket without the weight of food to hold it down.

Air fryer liners and safety

Air fryer liners are sheets of paper or silicone that are placed on the crisper tray of your air fryer to act as an extra layer between the appliance and the food you're cooking. They are designed to make cleaning up after cooking easier and quicker, and to keep your air fryer in better condition over time.

There are several types of air fryer liners available, including:

• Parchment paper liners
• Silicone liners
• Aluminium foil or disposable aluminium pans
• Perforated liners

When using air fryer liners, there are several safety precautions that should be followed:

• Only use materials that are heat-resistant and made to be used with food. Avoid using plastic, wax paper, cardboard, or other materials that are not food-safe.
• Ensure that the liner does not fly up and hit the heating element. The fan inside the air fryer can lift lightweight liners, so weigh them down with food or tuck them under the rack.
• Maintain good ventilation and airflow within the air fryer. Liners can bunch up or move, blocking vents or covering food. Spreading food items around the basket can help weigh down the liner.
• Do not preheat the air fryer with a paper liner inside. Only add the liner after preheating, once it can be weighed down by food.
• Trim and perforate disposable liners to ensure a proper fit and to enhance airflow.
• Avoid using liners with certain foods, such as fresh cheese, wet batter, or liquid sauces.

While air fryer liners can be convenient, they do have some drawbacks. They can obstruct airflow, leading to longer cooking times, and may result in food not crisping up as desired. Additionally, disposable paper liners are not environmentally friendly and can contribute to unnecessary waste.

Air fryer liners and airflow

Air fryer liners are placed at the bottom of the air fryer's crisper tray to prevent food from sticking to the basket and make cleaning up easier. They come in both paper and silicone forms, with the latter being reusable. However, liners can obstruct airflow in the air fryer, leading to longer cooking times. This is because the internal fans in an air fryer rapidly circulate air inside the appliance, and the holes in the air fryer basket and crisper tray allow for a 360-degree airflow to fry food without excess oil.

Paper liners are single-use and environmentally unfriendly, and they can also be costly in the long run. They can also pose a safety risk as they may fly around inside the basket during preheating, potentially coming into contact with the heating element and burning. Therefore, paper liners should only be added after preheating, and they should be weighed down with food to prevent them from moving around. Perforated paper liners or those with holes can improve airflow but may require more cleanup due to grease drainage.

Silicone liners are a more durable and eco-friendly option, but they can still obstruct airflow and affect cooking times. They are also more expensive upfront. To optimise cooking results, some users recommend perforated silicone liners or those with holes, as they increase airflow and enhance the crispiness of food.

Overall, while air fryer liners offer convenience in terms of cleanup, they can impact the performance of the air fryer by obstructing airflow. This results in longer cooking times and potentially affects the crispiness of the food. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits of easier cleanup against the potential drawbacks on airflow and cooking performance when deciding whether to use air fryer liners.

Air fryer liners and food texture

Air fryer liners can impact the texture of your food in several ways. Firstly, they can affect the cooking time of your food. Liners create an additional layer between the heating element and the food, which can result in longer cooking times. This may not be a significant issue for most people, as air fryers are generally faster than conventional ovens. However, it is something to keep in mind if you're looking for quick and efficient cooking.

Another way that liners can influence food texture is by altering the crispness of your food. The liner acts as a barrier between the food and the circulating hot air, which can prevent your food from achieving the desired level of crispness. This is particularly noticeable with recipes that require a crispy texture, such as sausage rolls or chicken nuggets. While extending the cooking time can help, it may not always produce the same level of crispness as cooking without a liner.

Additionally, the type of liner used can also have an impact on food texture. Perforated liners, which have small holes to allow for better airflow, can enhance the crispiness of your food. On the other hand, flat paper liners can reduce crispiness and even pose a fire hazard if they float up and cover your food. Parchment paper liners and silicone liners with grooves are recommended for promoting airflow and crispiness while also providing easy cleanup.

It's worth noting that while liners can slightly affect the texture of your food, they offer several benefits, such as easier cleanup, protection for your air fryer basket, and reduced mess. Ultimately, the decision to use liners depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions