Muffin Liners In Air Fryers: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for baking muffins. They are quicker, easier to clean, and can be used to make a variety of muffins, from healthy breakfast muffins to sweet, fruity dessert muffins. But can you put muffin liners in an air fryer?

Can you use paper muffin cups in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use paper muffin cups in an air fryer, but it is not recommended. Regular paper muffin cups are too thin and weak to hold the batter without spilling, and they may blow around in the air fryer, getting stuck in the heating element and causing a fire. If you do use paper muffin cups, it is best to use them in combination with a silicone muffin cup, which can withstand the heat better and will help the paper cups hold their shape.

If you are using paper muffin cups in an air fryer, it is important to fill the cups with batter outside of the air fryer and then transfer them into the basket or tray. This will help to prevent spills and keep your air fryer clean.

Silicone muffin cups are a better option for baking muffins in an air fryer. They are sturdier, hold thick muffin batter better, and lead to less spilling than paper cups. They are also reusable and easy to clean.

When baking muffins in an air fryer, it is recommended to reduce the temperature and cooking time compared to a traditional oven. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cooking time by 15-25%.

Can you use silicone muffin cups in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use silicone muffin cups in an air fryer. Silicone cups are sturdier than paper cups and can hold thick muffin batter better, leading to less spilling. They are also reusable, can withstand high temperatures, and can be easily filled and transferred to the air fryer without spilling.

When using silicone cups in an air fryer, it is important to fill the cups outside of the appliance and then transfer them to the basket or tray. This will help to keep the air fryer clean in case of dripping batter.

Additionally, it is recommended to check the muffins for doneness around the 10-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the muffins are not done, increase the cooking time in 2-minute increments until they are cooked through.

It is worth noting that some air fryer models blow air directly onto the tops of muffins, causing them to form a crust too early and resulting in deformed shapes. To avoid this, arrange the silicone cups in the basket so that the air does not blow directly onto them.

Can you use muffin mix in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use muffin mix in an air fryer! You can use a box mix or a homemade muffin recipe. Simply prepare the batter as you would for the oven, and then pour the batter into your chosen moulds.

If you're using a basket-style air fryer, you can use silicone muffin cups, which will hold their shape and don't require a pan. Paper muffin cups can be used, but they are less sturdy and may blow around, so it's recommended to use a pan with these. If you have an oven-style air fryer, you can use a muffin pan.

Arrange the moulds in the basket so that air doesn't blow directly on the muffins, to avoid crust formation. You can also top the muffins with coarse sugar or streusel topping to prevent the crust from forming too early.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F (177°C). Place the moulds in the basket and fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 8-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the muffin comes out clean.

Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put parchment paper in an air fryer, but there are a few things you should know and some precautions to observe.

First, make sure you're using food-grade parchment paper. Don't accidentally swap it with any other paper product, such as wax paper. Wax paper has a much lower heat tolerance than parchment paper, and the wax coating could melt or even catch fire at the high temperatures used in air frying.

Next, check the maximum temperature restriction of the parchment paper—it will be printed on the box. Don't exceed this temperature in your air fryer. If the paper ignites, you could end up with a fire.

Cut the parchment paper to the size of the bottom of your air fryer basket, or slightly smaller, so air can circulate more freely. Perforating and trimming the paper can further assist with air circulation and prevent the paper from floating around inside the unit.

If you're preheating your air fryer, don't add the parchment paper until afterward, when it can be weighed down by food. Otherwise, it may blow around and come into contact with the heating element, causing it to burn.

Using parchment paper can be useful for foods that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, and it can make cleanup easier. However, if you're concerned about waste, consider using a silicone liner instead. Silicone liners are reusable, dishwasher-safe, and reduce the risk associated with putting paper in a hot air fryer.

How do you convert baking time to air fryer time?

Yes, you can put muffin liners in an air fryer. Silicone muffin cups are preferred over paper muffin cups as they are sturdier, reusable, and can hold thick muffin batter better. Paper muffin cups are often too thin to hold the batter and may melt and stick to the muffins.

Now, to answer your question about converting baking time to air fryer time, here are some detailed instructions:

When converting a traditional oven recipe to an air fryer recipe, you will need to modify the baking temperature and time. Air fryers cook at a higher temperature and are faster than conventional ovens due to the circulation of hot air.

A good rule of thumb is to reduce the recommended baking temperature by 25°F (or 10-15°C) and decrease the cooking time by about 20%. For example, if an oven recipe calls for a cooking temperature of 400°F for 30 minutes, you should set your air fryer to 375°F and expect a cooking time of around 24 minutes.

However, it's important to note that this is a general guideline, and the specific adjustments may vary depending on the type of food and the model of your air fryer. It's always better to start with a lower temperature and check your food often to avoid overcooking.

Additionally, when baking in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer, use the right cookware (silicone or metal baking pans that fit inside the basket), and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

By following these instructions, you can easily convert your favourite oven-baked muffin recipes to air fryer-friendly versions without compromising on taste and quality.

Frequently asked questions