Marianne Martinez
Air fryer liners are accessories that promise to reduce the time it takes to clean your air fryer and keep it in better condition for longer. They act as an extra layer between your appliance and the food you're cooking. They come in the form of both paper and silicone liners, with the latter being reusable. Paper liners are convenient but terrible for the environment, while silicone liners are sturdier but can be a hassle to clean by hand. Perforated liners are supposed to aid crispiness, but they don't make much of a difference and can be unsafe if they fly up near the heating element. Overall, the use of air fryer liners is a matter of personal preference, as they can help with cleanup but may affect the quality of your food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Air Fryer Liners | Silicone liners, parchment paper liners, disposable paper liners, tin foil, flat silicone liners, walled silicone liners |
| Advantages of Air Fryer Liners | Easier to clean than the air fryer basket, prevents food from sticking, prevents food from burning |
| Disadvantages of Air Fryer Liners | Food takes longer to cook, food might not get as crispy, disposable liners are not eco-friendly, can obstruct airflow, can be a fire hazard |
What You'll Learn
Silicone liners
Walled silicone liners fit inside the basket of an air fryer and may have holes to allow for better air circulation. Flat silicone liners are more commonly used in oven-style air fryers and usually have holes for ventilation. Silicone liners are also available in the form of baskets, which can be useful for containing messier foods.
When choosing a silicone liner, it is important to consider the size and shape of your air fryer to ensure a good fit. It is also worth noting that silicone liners can be washed and reused multiple times, with most being dishwasher-safe.
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Paper liners
If you are using a paper liner, make sure that the liner's heat resistance matches your air fryer's maximum temperature. Most paper liners are safe up to 425°F (218°C). Do not use a paper liner while your air fryer is preheating, as this can pose a fire hazard.
Some manufacturers do not recommend the use of paper liners in their air fryers when using the Air Fry mode, as they can prevent airflow and cause dripping on the bottom elements, creating a safety issue. Instead, they recommend using a baking sheet, either replacing the basket or under the basket.
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Ramekins
When using ramekins in an air fryer, it is important to ensure they fit comfortably inside the basket without touching the sides or top of the appliance. Proper air circulation is essential, so arrange the ramekins with enough space between them.
- 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cheese (mozzarella was used in the source recipe, but you can use any type of cheese)
- Mix flour and butter in a pot and cook for 2 minutes until it becomes a paste
- Add milk, cheese, and seasoning to the paste and stir until it thickens
- In an oven-safe ramekin, add a layer of mashed potatoes, followed by a layer of chicken, and then a layer of the bechamel sauce you prepared
- Add more potatoes on top and then cheese
- Air fry at 300°F for 10 minutes
You can also make baked eggs in ramekins in your air fryer. Here is a recipe for that:
- Spray the inside of 4-ounce ramekins with non-stick spray
- Carefully break one egg into each ramekin without breaking the yolk
- If desired, add a splash of milk or cream to each egg white
- Cook at 300°F for 7-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if desired
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Perforated liners
If you want to use a liner to help with draining oil, it is better to use a disposable paper basket liner with a crisper plate underneath. This will catch the excess oil without impeding airflow as much as a flat sheet.
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Foil
Yes, you can use foil in an air fryer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it is important to never let the foil touch the heating element of your air fryer. Additionally, make sure the foil is weighted down so it doesn't blow around the basket. It is also important to avoid contact with acidic ingredients, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, or anything marinated in vinegar or citrus juice, as these can cause the foil to leach onto your food.
However, using foil in an air fryer can have some drawbacks. It can prevent air from circulating around the food, leading to longer cooking times and potentially soggy food. It is also not necessary for all types of food and can be wasteful if used when not needed.
Overall, foil can be a useful tool for air frying, but it is important to consider the pros and cons before using it and to follow safety guidelines to ensure safe and successful cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use an oven liner in your air fryer. However, it is not recommended by some manufacturers due to safety concerns. It is also important to note that using a liner can obstruct airflow, increase cooking time, and affect the crispiness of your food.
Using an oven liner in an air fryer can make cleaning up easier and help to keep your air fryer in better condition over time by preventing food from sticking to the basket.
Yes, in addition to potentially obstructing airflow and increasing cooking time, oven liners can also affect the crispiness of your food. Single-use paper liners are also not environmentally friendly and can be expensive in the long run.
