Air fryers are marvelous modern machines – they can create the crispiest food with half the time, effort and cooking oil. But even the best air fryers come with multiple questions, and a common query we get asked is whether or not you can put foil in your air fryer.
Adding a quick, disposable liner such as aluminum foil certainly makes cleaning the air fryer a lot easier – especially when cooking greasy foods or breaded bites that leave crumbs everywhere.
However, it's essential to use it safely to avoid fire hazards, chemical leaching and undercooked food. As a trained cook and recipe editor, I've written air fryer recipes for healthy eating brands and tested them myself, so I know the latest safety protocols, cooking tips and cleaning hacks. I also asked our previous reviews editor, Millie Fender, for her opinion on using foil in the air fryer. Like me, she has also tested hundreds of models and can weigh in on which brands are compatible with foil and which ones advise against it.
Can I use foil in my air fryer?
Once you know how air fryers work, things will start to make more sense. An air fryer uses a fan to disperse hot air and cook your food, similar to a traditional fan oven, so it's compatible with foil. It is important to distinguish an air fryer from a microwave, which you should definitely not use foil in. Although they both cook food quickly, they are entirely different appliances.
'When using foil in an air fryer, ensure that you have checked your machine's instruction manual first, however, as some models warn against using foil altogether,' Millie warns. 'Models such as the Phillips Essential Air Fryer XL that I reviewed earlier this year, say not to use foil or parchment paper at all, while the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 air fryer I reviewed suggests using foil to make the clean-up easier. Every machine is different.'
We've compiled our top tips below on using foil safely, to help you get the most out of your air fryer, limit potential risks, and keep your food healthy and delicious.
Millie has been reviewing products for Future Publishing since the beginning of 2021, covering home appliances of all shapes and sizes, from air fryers to stand mixers.
How to use foil in the air fryer safely
It's safe to use foil in an air fryer, as long as you follow these four basic rules:
1. Never let foil touch the heating element
If you're using foil in the air fryer, make sure it doesn't touch the heating element. Anything that comes into contact with a hot fan or heater can cause a fire. One of the most dangerous mistakes air fryer owners can make is allowing loose liners to bounce around inside the machine.
2. Don't cover the entire basket in foil
Although it might be easier to throw some foil into the base of your air fryer and push it down, foil that is too large can easily touch the heating elements or obstruct the air flow. Instead, trim the foil to size, using the removable basket as a cutting template. This will help you achieve the perfect fit for the bottom of your air fryer.
Personally, I prefer using silicone basket liners for my air fryer. They're so easy to use, dishwasher safe and I never have to worry about preparing them in advance. Our guide to the essential air fryer accessories includes silicone liners and six other accessories to make air-frying easier.
3. Weigh down the foil with food
An air fryer works by blowing hot air around your food. If you have loose aluminum foil that's not weighed down by a dish or weighty food, the foil could blow around your machine and come into contact with the heating elements, causing a malfunction.
4. Avoid acidic ingredients on foil
An air fryer can cook a wonderful variety of foods, but using aluminum foil can limit what you cook. Acidic foods such as tomatoes, peppers, or citrus, can react with aluminum when heated in the air fryer. This can cause aluminum to leach into your food, potentially leaving a metallic taste and posing health risks.
Alternatives to using foil in the air fryer
Unbleached parchment paper is an alternative to using aluminum foil in an air fryer. It carries no toxicity concerns, it's not reactive with acidic foods and can be disposed of after use for easy clean-up.
However, it’s even lighter than aluminum foil and can easily be blown around if not properly secured by food, which could pose risks. If you're looking for a sturdier alternative, consider choosing ceramic or BPA-free silicone liners, available on Amazon.
The verdict
You don't need to use foil in an air fryer, but you can if you want to simplify cleanup. When placed correctly at the bottom of the air fryer basket, it can collect grease and breadcrumbs to be disposed of later. However, if not used correctly, foil can have some troublesome side effects. There are alternatives like parchment paper, ceramic, or BPA-free silicone liners that can achieve the same benefits without the potential downsides of using aluminum.
FAQS
Is it toxic to use foil in the air fryer?
Using aluminum foil in an air fryer is generally considered safe, provided you follow the guidelines above and the instructions from your specific air fryer maker.
However, you must be careful when using foil in non-stick air fryer basket. Abrasive metals can cause a non-stick lining to chip, which puts you at risk of damaging your air fryer and consuming potentially toxic chemicals. To minimize exposure to toxins in your cooking, we'd always advise using one of the best non-toxic air fryers.
Can I put a paper towel in the air fryer?
It is generally not considered safe to put paper towels in an air fryer. Although they can be used to help collect fat and grease, paper towels are flammable and prove to be a fire hazard when inside any cooking device whether it be an air frier, broiler, microwave, or traditional oven. Consider using aluminum foil instead of a paper towel to help collect grease.
Can I put a metal plate in an air fryer?
It is safe to put a metal plate in the air fryer so long as it is safe for cooking on generally. Metal plates and trays designed for use in a traditional oven can easily withstand the heat of an air fryer – just make sure the plate is not obstructing the drawer from closing completely, or the metal heating elements at the top of the device before turning on.
Where to buy air fryer accessories?
Amazon and Walmart offer some of the best air fryer accessories I've tried. You can get silicone liners, tongs and baking molds for a wide range of brands and models, so you can find the right fit for your specific appliance. Whether you're looking to make perfectly crispy fries, bake a delicious cake, or grill vegetables, these accessories can help you get the most out of your air fryer. You can explore the full list of air fryer accessories I wouldn't be without in my separate round-up.
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