Air Fryer Hacks: Lining The Basket For Crispy Results

Air fryers are a great way to make your favourite fried foods with a fraction of the oil. But cleaning up can be a pain. Lining the basket of your air fryer can help with this, and there are several options for materials to use. Parchment paper is heat-resistant and greaseproof, making it ideal for lining your air fryer. It can be purchased pre-cut or cut yourself to size. It is important to ensure the paper is weighed down by food to prevent it from flying up and catching on the heating element. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil, but this will need to have holes punched in it to allow for air circulation. Finally, you can buy reusable silicone mats to line your air fryer, which can simply be washed in the dishwasher after use.

Using parchment paper to line the basket

Lining the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper is a convenient way to prevent food from sticking to the basket and making a mess. It also makes cleaning up easier, as you can simply throw away the parchment paper after use. Here are some tips for using parchment paper to line the basket of your air fryer:

Choose the Right Type of Parchment Paper:

Use parchment paper that is specifically designed for high-heat cooking. Regular parchment paper may not withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer and could potentially catch fire. Look for parchment paper that is labelled oven-safe or air fryer-safe.

Trim the Parchment Paper to Size:

Before placing the parchment paper in the air fryer, cut it to fit the size of the basket. This helps prevent the paper from interfering with the circulation of hot air inside the fryer. Make sure the paper doesn't cover the entire basket, as it needs room to breathe.

Create an Elevated Edge:

When placing the parchment paper in the basket, create an elevated edge around the sides. This will help contain any juices or drippings from the food, preventing them from running off onto the basket.

Arrange Food Items Properly:

When placing food on the parchment paper, arrange it in a way that weighs down all corners. This is important because if the corners are not secured, the paper could potentially reach up into the heating element.

Avoid Overlapping:

If you are using multiple sheets of parchment paper, avoid overlapping them. Overlapping can cause uneven cooking and increase the risk of burning or fires.

Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines:

Different air fryer models may have specific recommendations or restrictions regarding the use of parchment paper liners. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe and optimal use of your air fryer.

Lining the basket with aluminium foil

Lining the basket of your air fryer with aluminium foil is a great way to make cleaning up after cooking an easier task. It is also a more cost-effective option than using aluminium foil in the oven. However, it is worth noting that using aluminium foil in an air fryer can be dangerous. If the foil comes into contact with the heating element, it may catch fire. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the foil does not cover the heating element or touch the sides of the air fryer.

To use aluminium foil in your air fryer, first fold a piece of foil into a strip about 2 inches wide and 24 inches long. Then, place your cake pan or baking dish on the foil and hold the ends of the foil to lift and lower the pan or dish into the air fryer basket. Finally, fold or tuck the ends of the foil into the basket and return the basket to the air fryer. When removing the pan or dish from the air fryer, unfold and hold the ends of the foil to lift it out.

It is important to note that using aluminium foil in an air fryer may not be suitable for all types of food. For example, if you are cooking battered foods, the batter may stick to the foil. In this case, it is recommended to use parchment paper instead, as it is non-stick. Parchment paper is also a better option if you want to avoid the risk of fire.

Additionally, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket when using aluminium foil. This will help ensure that food cooks evenly and prevent the risk of fire. Always clean the aluminium foil after each use to prevent the build-up of grease and residue, which can be a safety hazard.

Using pre-cut, perforated parchment paper

Pre-cut, perforated parchment paper is a safe and effective liner to use in an air fryer. It is grease-resistant and heat-resistant, making it ideal for lining the air fryer basket and protecting the food. It is also non-stick, so there is no need to use cooking spray or oil. The pre-cut sheets are designed to fit snugly inside the fryer basket, ensuring even cooking.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.
• Do not preheat the air fryer with the parchment paper inside. The hot air can cause the paper to fly around, hit the heating element, and burn.
• Cut the parchment paper to fit the size of the air fryer basket. It is best to cut it slightly smaller to allow better air circulation.
• Perforating the paper can further improve air circulation and allow grease to drain away from the food.
• Ensure that the paper is weighed down by food to prevent it from flying around and coming into contact with the heating element.
• Do not place the parchment paper over the heating element or too close to the sides of the air fryer.
• Avoid reusing parchment paper, as it may come out too dirty or damaged to be used again.
• Use parchment paper when cooking sticky or delicate foods like chicken wings or fish to prevent them from tearing and make cleanup easier.

Lining the basket with silicone

Lining the basket of your air fryer with silicone is a great way to make clean-up a breeze. Here's everything you need to know about using silicone liners in your air fryer.

Advantages of Silicone Liners

• Easy clean-up: Silicone liners can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, making them a convenient option for those who want to avoid scrubbing their air fryer basket.
• Reusable: Silicone liners are durable and can be used multiple times, making them an economical and eco-friendly alternative to disposable parchment paper or aluminium foil liners.
• Non-stick: Food won't stick to silicone liners, so you won't have to worry about your food tearing or breaking apart when you remove it from the air fryer.
• Even cooking: Silicone liners with perforated designs allow excess oil to drain away, promoting healthier cooking and more even results.

Disadvantages of Silicone Liners

• Longer cooking times: The liners add an extra layer between the food and the air fryer's heating element, which can increase cooking times.
• Less crispiness: The additional layer between the food and the circulating air can also prevent your food from getting as crispy as you'd like.
• Inhibits evaporation: Silicone liners can trap moisture, affecting the crispiness of your food.
• Difficult to clean: Some users have reported that silicone liners can be challenging to keep clean, especially when cooking with oil.

Tips for Using Silicone Liners

• Avoid overcrowding: To ensure even cooking and prevent the risk of fire, avoid overcrowding the basket when using a silicone liner.
• Clean after each use: Build-up of grease and residue on the liner can create safety hazards, so be sure to clean it after each use.
• Choose the right size and shape: Select a liner that fits snugly inside your air fryer basket. Round liners are typically used for circular baskets, while square liners are used for square or rectangular baskets.
• Avoid preheating: Don't preheat your air fryer with the silicone liner inside, as this can cause it to blow around and potentially catch fire.

In conclusion, silicone liners can be a useful accessory for your air fryer, especially if you're looking to reduce clean-up time and prevent food from sticking. However, they may affect cooking times and crispiness, so it's important to consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to use them.

Lining the basket with baking paper

Lining the basket of your air fryer with baking paper (or parchment paper) is a great way to prevent food from sticking to the basket and making a mess. It also makes clean-up a breeze, as you can simply toss the used paper in the compost bin.

To line your air fryer with baking paper, start by cutting the paper to size. The paper should be large enough to cover the bottom of the basket and fit snugly inside. You can also buy pre-cut, perforated parchment paper rounds that are specifically designed for air fryers. These perforated sheets allow hot air to circulate through the paper, helping your food to cook more evenly.

When you're ready to cook, place the baking paper in the air fryer basket and add your ingredients on top. It's important to add the paper and ingredients at the same time to prevent the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element. Do not place the paper over the heating element or too close to the sides of the air fryer, as this could cause it to catch fire.

Once you're done cooking, simply remove the baking paper and dispose of it. Using baking paper in your air fryer is a convenient way to keep your appliance clean and your food delicious!

Frequently asked questions