Baking paper in the air fryer — yes or no? The answer is: it depends on how you use it. Used correctly, parchment paper helps keep the basket clean and protects delicate foods. Used incorrectly, it can become a fire hazard. This guide explains when parchment paper is worth using, what to watch out for, and which alternatives exist.
Can You Put Baking Paper in an Air Fryer?
The short answer: yes, you can use baking paper in your air fryer — but not without a few precautions. The strong airflow that creates that crispy result can catch empty or insufficiently weighted-down paper and blow it against the heating element. That's why you should always check your appliance’s user manual first — some manufacturers explicitly advise against it for safety reasons, while others permit it under certain conditions.
For your COSORI air fryer, baking paper can generally be used, as long as you follow the rules below.
Why Is There So Much Disagreement About This?
When it comes to parchment paper in the air fryer, there are two camps:
- The cautious camp: They point to the fire risk from paper being blown around and generally recommend avoiding it, especially when the appliance runs unattended.
- The practical camp: They value the easier clean-up and protection against sticking, particularly for marinated, greasy, or liquid foods like salmon, egg dishes, or casseroles.
Both sides have a valid point. What ultimately matters is how you use parchment paper — not whether you use it at all.
Another factor: baking paper reduces air circulation inside the basket. That means especially crispy dishes like chips or chicken wings usually turn out better without it.
How to Use Baking Paper Safely in Your Air Fryer
- Add it only after preheating: Never place baking paper in the fryer during preheating. Airflow is strongest during this phase and can catch empty paper.
- Always weigh it down with food: Baking paper should never sit empty in the basket. The weight of the food keeps it securely in place.
- Use non-stick, properly sized paper: Use baking paper cut specifically for air fryers — round or square, depending on your basket's shape. Alternatively, trim regular parchment paper to fit so nothing overhangs the edge.
- Allow for a longer cook time: Since air circulation is restricted, cooking with baking paper can take a bit longer than without it. Keep an eye on your dish during the first few uses to find the right timing for your recipe.
Round or Square, Perforated or Not — Which Parchment Paper Fits?
Not every parchment paper suits every basket equally well. Keep these points in mind:
- Shape: Round baskets need round paper, square models need square paper — pre-cut versions usually fit more precisely than paper you trim yourself.
- Perforated or not: Perforated parchment paper with small holes allows more hot air to circulate and offers a good compromise between cleanliness and crispiness. For maximum crispiness — with chips, for example — skipping paper altogether is still the better choice.
- Heat resistance: Check the maximum temperature listed on the packaging and compare it to the highest temperature setting your recipe requires. Most standard parchment paper is heat-resistant up to about 200°C — enough for most air fryer programs, though you should double-check the manufacturer's rating for higher temperatures.
When You're Better Off Skipping Parchment Paper
Parchment paper isn't the best choice for every dish:
- Very greasy foods: With bacon, fatty chicken, or similar foods, parchment paper can trap the rendered fat instead of letting it drain away — the result is less crispy.
- When maximum crispiness matters: Parchment paper holds onto some moisture and slows air circulation. For breaded foods that need to get extra crisp, cooking directly against the basket is usually the better choice.
Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil — Which Works Better?
Both liners have their strengths, depending on what you're cooking:
Parchment paper works well for: Sticky foods, pastries, fish, and anything that calls for easy cleanup. It's naturally non-stick and doesn't react with acidic ingredients like lemon or tomato — making it ideal for delicate or marinated dishes.
Aluminium foil works well for: Saucy dishes, marinades, messy meats, or foil-packet meals. It holds up better to larger amounts of liquid, grease, and sauce than parchment paper, making cleanup easier for very wet dishes. Be cautious with highly acidic foods like vinegar or tomatoes, though — the acid can break down aluminium, and small amounts can transfer into the food.
For both: Never place either one in an empty or preheating basket without food weighing it down, and never cover the entire bottom of the basket — otherwise airflow suffers, and so does crispiness.
Alternatives to Parchment Paper: Silicone Molds & More
If you'd rather skip parchment paper entirely, or want an addition to it, here are some options:
- Silicone molds and mats: Reusable, typically heat-resistant well above 200°C, and available in many shapes — ideal for casseroles, cakes, or muffins in the air fryer.
- Cooking directly in the basket: For most dishes, no liner is needed at all. A well-cleaned basket often delivers the crispiest results, since air can circulate freely. COSORI air fryer baskets feature a non-stick coating and are dishwasher-safe, so removing grease and crumbs day-to-day takes just a few simple steps — no liner required.
- Sustainability: Reusable options like silicone reduce packaging waste compared to disposable parchment paper — a plus if you use your air fryer often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular parchment paper, or do I need special air fryer paper?
Regular parchment paper generally works too, as long as you cut it to size and weigh it down with food. Be sure to check the maximum temperature rating on the packaging first, since this can vary between brands and may be lower than what your recipe requires. Pre-cut air fryer parchment paper, however, is more convenient to use.
How many times can I reuse parchment paper?
Depending on the dish, a sheet can be reused several times as long as it isn't heavily soiled or damaged. For very greasy or sticky foods, it's best to replace it after each use.
What happens if I put parchment paper in without weighing it down?
Airflow can catch the paper and blow it against the heating element, which can cause smoke or ignition. Never place parchment paper in the basket without food on top of it.
Does parchment paper affect how easy my air fryer is to clean?
Yes, positively: it catches grease and crumbs, noticeably reducing the cleanup needed for the basket.
Is parchment paper or aluminium foil better for the air fryer?
Neither is universally better — it depends on the dish. Parchment paper works best for sticky, acidic, or delicate foods, while aluminium foil is the more practical choice for saucy or very wet dishes. Both must never fully block airflow and always need to be weighed down with food.
Final Thoughts
Parchment paper is a practical tool for your air fryer — when used correctly. Follow the safety rules, choose the right paper for your dish, and discover when alternatives like silicone molds are worth it. That way, every recipe turns out clean, safe, and delicious.
