How to Use Perforated Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer

We all know how convenient it is to use an air fryer. You can make it even more convenient when using items that make cleanup a breeze. But easy cleanup isn’t the only reason to use it. This article will talk about why and how to use perforated parchment paper in an air fryer.

8 Reasons Why You Should Use Perforated Parchment Paper

Parchment paper has many uses. It’s most often used in baking but is equally useful in an air fryer. Here why:

1. It keeps food from sticking: Placing food directly onto wire racks or baskets can cause food to stick during the cooking process. The paper keeps your food from sticking.
2. Makes for easy cleanup: Once your food is cooked, all you need to do is remove the food and place it on a plate. Remove the paper and throw it away. Washing out the basket with hot soapy water will take far less time if you don’t have to scrub!
3. Keeps food from tearing: This is especially true when dealing with delicate food like fish. Placing raw pieces of fish directly in the basket or on a rack can cause it to tear even if you’ve rubbed a little oil on it first. It also helps baked goods from sticking such as biscuit dough. Using parchment paper eliminates the tearing problem.
4. Very safe to use: We always advise you to check your user’s manual first. That being said, this baking paper is very safe to use up to 450°F/230°C.
5. Easy to find: Baking paper can be found in supermarkets, dollar stores, and even some hardware stores that sell kitchen products.
6. Very affordable: Depending on where you buy it, this paper can be even cheaper to buy than aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
7. FDA approved:  Many are FDA approved. To be sure, check the box.
8. Extended Life: Since parchment paper makes cleanup easy, you won’t be scrubbing the non-stick surfaces of your basket or your racks. This will help extend the life of your air fryer and its parts.

The Difference Between Purchased Perforated Parchment Paper and Handmade Perforated Parchment Paper

Purchased parchment paper is much easier to work with and saves time. You can buy this paper precut to fit inside your unit so there’s no need to measure and cut.

Handmade perforated parchment paper needs to be measured and cut so it fits well inside your air fryer. There’s also the added step of making holes in it which can be tricky. Too many holes mean grease can drip down onto the heating coil. Too few holes can cause grease to build up under your food making it soggy instead of crispy.  Plus, it’s cheaper!

How to make your own perforated Parchment Paper

You only need a few things to get started. 

Materials:

• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting an undersize piece of parchment paper
2. Remove the basket or wire rack from the air fryer
3. Place on the paper
4. Trace an outline around the rack/basket
5. Cut the on the inside of outline with scissors
6. Fold it in half until you get a shape like a cone
7. Use a hole punch to punch a line of holes in the paper about an inch apart. Continue around the cone until you have plenty of holes.
8. Unfold and place in your air fryer along with the food you plan to cook.

Don’t Use The Paper During Pre-heat 

Never put parchment paper inside your air fryer during the pre-heating cycle. The circulating air will cause the paper to fly around inside and could cause a fire. Only add the parchment paper with food when you are ready to start the cooking time.

Other Alternatives Than Parchment Paper

There are a few alternatives to parchment paper such as aluminum foil and silicone liners.

If you choose to use aluminum foil, you should also rub a little oil on the foil prior to putting your food on it to keep it from sticking. Aluminum foil should only be used with certain foods such as frozen and/or breaded foods like chicken nuggets and fish fingers. 

It’s also important that you don’t block the air circulation so be sure to wrap the foil around the rack or fold up on the sides so the foil is not touching the inside of the air fryer. This blocks air circulation. 

There are also reusable silicone perforated air fryer liners which are great for nonstick items.

Conclusion

Now you know the how and why of using parchment paper in your air fryer. I’m sure you will find it very convenient to use.  I think you’ll agree that using liners will make cleanup much easier as well as extend the life of your air fryer.

Have you ever used perforated parchment paper liners in your air fryer? Did you make your own perforated liners, buy them, or opt for aluminum foil or silicone liners? We’d love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment below.