Baking paper (parchment) is fine in an air fryer and saves on cleaning — but unlike an oven, the air fryer's fan can lift loose paper into the heating element. Two rules keep it safe. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you use baking paper in an air fryer?
A: Yes — but only weighed down by food, and never during preheating, when loose paper can fly into the element.
Q: Will it block the air?
A: It can — use a piece smaller than the base, or perforated parchment, so air still circulates.
The two rules
- Weigh it down with food — never run the air fryer with loose, empty paper, which can lift into the element and scorch.
- Don't block the airflow — use a piece smaller than the basket base, or perforated parchment, so hot air can still circulate.
- Never during preheating — there's no food to hold it down.
- Stay within its heat rating — most parchment is rated to around 220°C.
A better option
Perforated parchment liners are made for air fryers — the holes let air through while still catching drips. See whether liners are safe, or how to stop food sticking without paper at all.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use baking paper in an air fryer?
Yes — as long as it's weighed down by food and doesn't block the airflow. Never run loose, empty paper, especially during preheating, as it can fly into the element.
Why is loose baking paper dangerous in an air fryer?
The strong fan can lift unweighted paper into the hot heating element, where it can scorch or catch — which doesn't happen in a still oven.
What's better than baking paper?
Perforated parchment liners made for air fryers let air circulate through the holes while still catching drips and saving on cleaning.