Air Fryer Liners: Safe Or Not?

Air fryer liners are sheets of paper or silicone that are placed inside an air fryer to act as an extra layer between the appliance and the food being cooked. They are designed to make cleaning up easier and quicker, and to keep the air fryer in better condition over time. However, they can also obstruct airflow, leading to longer cooking times. They can also be inconvenient and unnecessary, especially when cooking foods that don't tend to make much mess.

Can you put liners in an air fryer?

Advantages of using an air fryer liner

Air fryer liners come in a variety of materials, including parchment paper, silicone, and aluminum foil. While using them is optional, they can offer several advantages. Here are some benefits of using air fryer liners:

Simplified Cleanup:

Air fryer liners make cleaning a breeze. You can simply peel off and dispose of or recycle paper liners, while silicone liners are usually dishwasher-safe. This is especially helpful when dealing with greasy or sticky foods that tend to leave residue on the air fryer basket.

Prevent Food from Sticking:

Liners provide a non-stick surface, reducing the chances of food sticking to the basket. This not only makes cleanup easier but also helps maintain the integrity of your meals, ensuring the coating on your chicken nuggets, for example, stays intact.

Improved Food Presentation:

By providing a smooth surface, liners help maintain the shape and appearance of delicate foods, such as fish or baked goods. This can be particularly important when serving plated dishes to guests.

Protect Your Air Fryer:

Using liners can protect your air fryer basket from scratches, stains, and grease buildup. They help prevent food remnants and grease from sticking to the basket, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning and extending the lifespan of your appliance.

Allergy Control:

If you have family members with allergies, air fryer liners can prevent cross-contamination of the basket. While the basket should still be washed thoroughly, liners provide an extra layer of protection.

Types of air fryer liners

Air fryer liners are a great way to cut down on cleaning time, but they can also affect the cooking process. There are several types of liners available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of air fryer liners:

Silicone Liners

These liners are the most widely available reusable option. They come in various sizes and shapes, fitting most air fryer baskets. Silicone liners are dishwasher-safe and can be washed and reused multiple times. They are a few millimetres thick and can affect cooking time and crispiness. Some silicone liners have walls that fit inside the basket, while others are flat sheets. Flat silicone liners are more commonly used in oven-style air fryers and do not prevent food from sticking to the sides of the air fryer.

Walled Silicone Liners

These are the most widely used silicone liners. They have a wall that fits inside the basket of the air fryer. Some walled silicone liners have holes in them, either on the walls or the base, to improve air circulation. These holes can help enhance crispiness and prevent food from sticking. However, they may also require more cleaning due to oil and crumbs falling through the holes.

Parchment Liners

Disposable parchment liners are a convenient option for those who don't want to reuse liners. They come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit most air fryers. Parchment liners are usually thin and disposable, making them ideal for quick clean-up. However, they can affect cooking time and may not be the most eco-friendly option. Parchment liners without holes can also restrict airflow and impact the crispiness of the food.

Perforated Parchment Liners

Some parchment liners have tiny pre-cut holes to enhance airflow and crispiness. These perforated liners are supposed to improve the air fryer's ability to make crispy food. However, they may not always live up to expectations and can still require a lot of cleaning.

Aluminium Foil

If you don't want to invest in air fryer-specific accessories, aluminium foil is a versatile and easy option. You can mould foil to fit the shape of your air fryer basket or use a disposable aluminium pan. Foil can help collect grease and breadcrumbs, but it's important to ensure it doesn't block the hot air circulation.

Ramekins and Baking Moulds

If you're making single-serve dishes or smaller portions, ramekins or baking moulds can be a great alternative to liners. Porcelain and ceramic ramekins distribute heat evenly and withstand high temperatures. Silicone moulds are also an option, especially for egg bites and muffins.

Pros and cons of paper liners

Paper liners for air fryers are available in pre-cut sizes, making them convenient and easy to use. They also come in various sizes to fit different air fryer models. They are disposable, so they can be thrown away or recycled after use.

Pros of Paper Liners

• They are easy to clean, with no scrubbing required.
• They prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• They can be used to prevent contamination of the basket, which is useful if you have allergies in your household.
• They can be used to minimise scratches, stains, and grease buildup on the air fryer basket, potentially extending its lifespan.
• They are a more eco-friendly option than silicone liners.

Cons of Paper Liners

• They can restrict airflow, impacting the cooking time and crispness of the food.
• They are not the most eco-friendly option as they are single-use and may not be recyclable in some regions.
• They can blow around inside the basket if the air fryer is preheated without food to weigh them down.
• They can be a fire hazard if they fly up towards the heat element.

Pros and cons of silicone liners

Silicone liners are a popular option for air fryer users, but they come with some pros and cons.

Pros

Silicone liners are reusable and can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher, making them a more eco-friendly option than disposable paper liners. They are also easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher, unlike air fryer baskets, which are often bulky and take up a lot of space. They also prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket, which can affect the appearance of the food. This is especially beneficial when cooking food in a marinade.

Cons

However, silicone liners can increase cooking time as they add an extra layer between the basket and the food. This can also affect the crispness of the food, as the liner prevents the air from circulating directly around the food. Some users have also reported that their silicone liners retain grease and are therefore difficult to clean, while others have expressed concerns about the safety of heating silicone and the potential for microplastics to be released.

How to use a liner safely

Using a liner in your air fryer can be very helpful, especially when it comes to cleaning up. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're using them safely.

First, it's important to choose the right type of liner for your air fryer. There are several options available, including parchment paper liners, silicone liners, and aluminum foil or disposable foil pans. Parchment paper liners are convenient because they come in pre-cut sizes, but they can also be cut to fit your air fryer basket. Silicone liners are a reusable and eco-friendly option that can withstand high temperatures. Aluminum foil or disposable foil pans are versatile and easy to use, but make sure they fit well and don't block the hot air circulation.

Once you've chosen the right liner, it's important to trim and perforate it for optimal performance. Trimming the liner ensures it fits well and doesn't hinder the cooking process by blocking airflow. Perforating the liner, either by purchasing one with pre-cut holes or by creating small punctures yourself, improves airflow and results in crispier food. However, it's important to note that puncturing the liner may require more cleanup afterward.

When using liners, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Only use heat-resistant materials like food-grade silicone or parchment paper. Avoid using plastic, wax paper, cardboard, or any materials that aren't food-safe. Ensure the liner is weighed down with food or tucked securely so it doesn't fly up and hit the heating element due to the circulating hot air. Good ventilation and airflow within the air fryer are also essential to prevent the liner from bunching up or moving around.

Additionally, be cautious of common issues associated with liners. If the liner is sticking to your food, try using a cooking spray as a barrier. If the liner is tearing, it may be due to using a material unsuitable for high temperatures or aluminum foil that's not sturdy enough. Weighing down the liner with heavier food or using pie crust weights or ceramic baking beans can help improve air circulation and reduce the chance of fire.

Finally, always ensure the liner fits properly. An oversized liner can block airflow, while a small one can be frustrating to use and may slip out of place. Cut foil or parchment paper to size, tucking it securely into place to prevent it from flying around.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use liners in your air fryer, enjoying the convenience and ease of cleanup they offer.

Frequently asked questions