Air Fryer Foil Usage: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can transform your cooking routine. They are essentially a miniature version of your oven, using a fan to circulate hot air to cook food with little to no oil. A common question that people have about air fryers is whether or not you can use aluminium foil in them. The answer is yes, you can put foil in an air fryer, but there are some important safety precautions to keep in mind.

First, make sure that the foil is weighed down and does not touch the heating element, as this could be a fire hazard. Second, avoid using foil with acidic foods such as 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. Parchment paper or a bare basket are better alternatives to foil as they won't interfere with cooking. Finally, always refer to your user manual for the most accurate cleaning and safety instructions.

Safety precautions for using foil in an air fryer

Using foil in an air fryer can be daunting, but it is safe to do so if you follow some simple rules. An air fryer is essentially a miniature version of your oven, so if you feel comfortable using foil in your oven, it is likely fine to use in your air fryer.

Weighing down the foil

The powerful fan in an air fryer can blow lightweight items like foil or baking paper into the heating element, which is a fire hazard. Therefore, it is important to weigh down the foil with food or another item.

Avoid contact with acidic ingredients

Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything marinated in vinegar or citrus juice should be avoided when using foil in an air fryer. The acid in these foods can break down the foil, causing it to leach into your food.

Only use foil in the basket

When using foil in an air fryer, only place it in the basket, not the drawer. Foil in the drawer can get blown around and cause a fire hazard.

Don't preheat with foil

Never preheat your air fryer with a foil-lined basket.

Don't cover the holes in the basket

Covering the holes in the bottom of the basket will hinder the air circulation that is essential for optimal cooking in an air fryer.

Use parchment paper or a bare basket instead

While foil can be used in an air fryer, it is not the ideal material. Parchment paper, a silicone liner, or a bare basket are all better options as they won't interfere with the cooking process.

Advantages of using foil in an air fryer

Using foil in an air fryer has several advantages. Firstly, it makes cleaning up easier by preventing food from sticking to the basket and reducing the need to scrub off burnt sauce. It can also help contain sticky sauces and rogue crumbs, protecting the appliance's surface.

Another benefit of using foil in an air fryer is that it can secure items that might roll around or drip through the basket, such as eggs. It is also useful for cooking foods in batches, as it saves time by eliminating the need to clean the basket between each batch.

Additionally, foil can be used to create a "sling" to easily remove delicate foods from the fryer. For example, you can fold two strips of foil in half to make them sturdier and then place them in a cross shape in the basket, with the food in the centre. The ends of the strips can be tucked in during cooking and used as handles for removal.

Finally, using foil in an air fryer can be convenient for reheating leftovers already wrapped in foil or for cooking foods that have been individually frozen in foil, such as breakfast burritos.

Disadvantages of using foil in an air fryer

While it is possible to use foil in an air fryer, there are several disadvantages to doing so. Here are some reasons why you might not want to use foil in your air fryer:

• Disruption of airflow: Foil can interfere with the airflow in your air fryer, which is crucial to the cooking process. By lining the basket with foil, you prevent air from circulating properly, which can result in uneven cooking and soggier food.
• Increased cleanup: While foil might seem like a convenient way to minimise cleanup, it can actually make it more difficult. Food residue can get stuck to the foil, requiring extra scrubbing or soaking.
• Potential fire hazard: If foil or baking paper is inserted into the air fryer without anything to weigh it down, the powerful air current can blow it into the heating element, posing a fire hazard.
• Incompatibility with acidic foods: Acidic ingredients like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can react with the foil, causing it to break down and leach into your food. This can be harmful to your health, so it's best to avoid using foil with these types of ingredients.
• Manufacturer's recommendations: Some air fryer models specifically warn against using foil due to the potential disruption of airflow, which can lead to cooking disasters. Always check your air fryer's manual or design to see if using foil is recommended.
• Alternative options: Instead of foil, you can use the provided air fry basket, which is specifically designed to allow ample airflow and crispiness. For delicate foods, you can create a foil "sling" by folding strips of foil in half and placing them in a cross shape in the basket, being sure to tuck in the ends during cooking to prevent contact with the heating element.

Alternative materials to use in an air fryer

While it is possible to use aluminium foil in an air fryer, it is not always recommended. Foil can be used in an air fryer in the same way you would use it in a normal oven, but it should be weighed down to prevent it from blowing into the heating element and causing a fire. Foil can also cause food to cook less evenly, and it should not be used with acidic foods as this can cause the foil to leach into your food.

Instead, you could use a liner made from silicone or parchment paper. Parchment paper is disposable and easy to use, but it is lightweight and can blow around and burn if it touches the heating element. Silicone liners can be reused and are easy to wash.

Another option is to use a non-aerosol spray on your air fryer. These sprays are less likely to damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer, and they can be paired with a liner for extra crispiness. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or grapeseed oil, can be put into a refillable mister and spritzed onto your air fryer.

Foods to avoid cooking with foil in an air fryer

While it is safe to put foil in an air fryer, there are some foods that you should avoid cooking with foil. This is because air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, and using foil can disrupt this process, leading to uneven cooking or a mess to clean up.

• Battered foods: The batter will drip down into the base of the machine, making a big mess and possibly setting off the alarm on some models.
• Cheesy foods: Melty cheese might drip off into the base of the tray while cooking.
• Large, bone-in meat cuts: You are unlikely to get an even cook with large proteins like a whole chicken. Smaller cuts like chicken wings are better suited for the air fryer.
• Baked goods: The heat in an air fryer can be unpredictable, causing items like muffins and donuts to dry out.
• Leafy greens: Light leaves might get flighty during the cooking process, resulting in uneven cooking.
• Raw rice and other grains: An air fryer is best for reheating leftover grains, not cooking them from raw, which will result in an unevenly cooked mess.
• Acidic foods: Foods with high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything marinated in vinegar or citrus juice, react poorly with foil. The acid breaks down the aluminum, causing it to leach into the food.

Frequently asked questions