Can You Put Paper Towels In The Air Fryer? | Fire Risk

You just cooked a batch of wings or fries, and now you face the greasy basket. It feels tempting to line that basket with a paper towel to catch the drip and skip the scrubbing. You might think it works just like a microwave or a standard oven. This is a common assumption, but it is also a dangerous mistake.

Air fryers operate differently than other kitchen appliances. They rely on high-speed air circulation to crisp food. A paper towel is too light to stay in place against this force. Once the fan kicks on, that paper lifts, curls, and flies directly into the red-hot heating coil above the basket. This happens in seconds.

Beyond the fire hazard, paper towels restrict the very airflow you need for cooking. They block the holes in the basket, preventing hot air from reaching the bottom of your food. The result is uneven, soggy meals that defeat the purpose of air frying. You also risk chemicals from the paper leeching into your dinner at high temperatures. Understanding the mechanics of your appliance helps keep your kitchen safe.

Why Air Fryers And Paper Towels Do Not Mix

To understand the risk, you have to look at how an air fryer cooks. It is essentially a powerful convection oven in a small box. A heating element sits at the top, and a large fan sits directly above it. This fan pushes hot air down around the food and back up through the basket vents.

Paper towels are designed to absorb liquid, not withstand heat or wind. They lack the weight to hold their ground. Even if you place heavy food on top of the towel, the exposed corners can still flap up. As they flap, they eventually touch the burner. Paper burns at around 451°F, but it can ignite instantly upon contact with a heating element that reaches much higher surface temperatures.

There is also the issue of construction. Paper towels contain binders, bleaches, and glues. Manufacturers do not design them for baking or roasting. When you heat these materials to 400°F, they can release fumes or disintegrate into your food. You want your meal to taste like roasted chicken, not burnt cellulose.

Can You Put Paper Towels In The Air Fryer? – The Danger

The question of Can You Put Paper Towels In The Air Fryer? comes down to physics and safety. The answer is always a hard no when the machine is running. The risks outweigh any cleanup convenience. If you ignore this rule, you expose your home to three specific hazards.

The Fire Hazard

This is the most serious consequence. Air fryer fires happen, and loose liners are a frequent culprit. When a paper towel touches the heating coil, it ignites. Since the fan is blowing high-velocity oxygenated air, the flame can grow quickly. You might smell smoke before you see flames, but the damage occurs fast. It can ruin the machine and, in worse scenarios, spread to your cabinets.

Restricted Airflow

Your air fryer basket has holes for a reason. They allow hot air to travel 360 degrees around the food. A paper towel is a solid barrier. It creates a seal at the bottom of the basket. The hot air hits the top of the food but cannot circulate underneath. You end up with food that is burnt on top and raw or soggy on the bottom. The machine also has to work harder to push air, which can strain the motor over time.

Chemical Contamination

Most paper towels are treated to be white and absorbent. They are not food-grade cooking surfaces like parchment paper or aluminum foil. Heat degrades the structural integrity of the paper. You might find bits of paper stuck to your food, or the paper might turn brittle and flake off into the fan assembly, creating a mess that is harder to clean than the original grease.

Comparison Of Air Fryer Liners And Materials

Choosing the right material for your air fryer determines safety and cooking quality. Below is a detailed look at how paper towels stack up against approved alternatives. This breakdown helps you decide what to keep near your fryer and what to keep away.

Liner Material Safety & Performance Guide

Material Type	Safe for Air Fryer?	Main Risks or Benefits
Paper Towels	NO	High fire risk; restricts airflow; creates soggy food.
Perforated Parchment	YES	Heat safe (up to 425°F); holes allow airflow.
Silicone Liners	YES	Reusable; heavy enough to stay put; protects coating.
Aluminum Foil	YES (With Caution)	Safe if weighted down; blocks airflow if covers entire bottom.
Wax Paper	NO	Wax melts and smokes at low heat; fire hazard.
Oven Safe Glass	YES (Depends on Size)	Safe but blocks airflow; heat transfer is slow.
Standard Parchment	YES (With Weight)	Must be cut to size; risk of burning if loose.

Safe Alternatives To Paper Towels

You do not have to scrub your basket every single time if you use the right tools. Several products exist specifically to keep your air fryer clean without burning your house down. These options handle heat well and respect the airflow requirements of the machine.

Perforated Parchment Paper

This is the gold standard for air fryer liners. Manufacturers make these specifically for air fryers. They are cut to fit square or round baskets and feature holes punched throughout the surface. The silicone coating prevents sticking, and the holes let hot air pass through to cook the bottom of the food.

You can buy these in bulk packs. They are cheap and effective. However, the rule of weight still applies. You must place food on the paper before turning the machine on. If you preheat the air fryer with just the paper inside, it will fly up into the element just like a paper towel.

Reusable Silicone Mats

Silicone mats are excellent if you want to reduce waste. These are flexible, rubber-like liners that sit at the bottom of the basket. They often have perforated holes or raised ridges to encourage airflow. Silicone is heavy enough that it generally stays put even under strong fans.

These mats are heat resistant up to 450°F or more. They catch a lot of the grease and are dishwasher safe. The only downside is that they can be hot to the touch when removing food, so you need tongs. They protect the non-stick coating of your basket from scratching, which extends the life of your appliance.

Aluminum Foil

Foil is a viable option if you are out of parchment. It is heavy, moldable, and heatproof. You can shape it to create a small tray or boat to hold food with sauces. The key is to avoid covering the entire bottom of the basket. You need to leave space around the edges for air to circulate.

Do not use foil with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus marinades, as the aluminum can react with the acid and leave a metallic taste. Also, ensure the foil is weighed down by food so it does not shift during the cooking cycle.

When You Can Use Paper Towels

Paper towels still have a place in your air frying routine. You just need to keep them outside the cooking chamber while the heat is on. They are useful for prep and finish, just not for the main event.

Drying Food Before Cooking

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. If you toss wet potatoes or chicken into the fryer, they will steam instead of roast. Use paper towels to pat your food completely dry before seasoning. This step is critical for getting that golden-brown crunch. Press the towel firmly against the meat or vegetable to absorb surface water, then discard the towel.

Soaking Grease After Cooking

Once you finish cooking bacon or sausages, you will have a pool of grease in the bottom of the basket. It is safe to place a paper towel in the basket after you have removed the food and the basket is out of the machine. The towel will soak up the warm fat, making it easier to wipe clean. Just make sure the heating element is nowhere near the paper.

How To Make Parchment Work If You Are Out Of Liners

If you have a roll of standard kitchen parchment paper but no pre-cut air fryer liners, you can make your own. This is safer than reaching for a paper towel. Cut a piece of parchment slightly smaller than your basket size.

You need to create airflow vents. Fold the paper in half, then in half again, and cut small notches or holes with scissors. Unfold it, and you have a perforated liner. This DIY method allows the hot air to circulate. Always remember to put the food on the paper immediately. Never preheat with loose paper inside.

According to the USDA, using proper food-safe materials during cooking prevents cross-contamination and ensures that chemicals from non-food grade materials do not leach into your meal. Sticking to materials designed for heat is a basic food safety principle.

Cleaning Without Liners

Sometimes the best method is to use no liner at all. This gives you the best possible crispiness because nothing blocks the air. If you dread the cleanup, there are tricks to make it easier without risking fire.

The Hot Water Soak

Immediately after cooking, remove the food and place the basket on a heat-safe surface. While it is still warm, fill it with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit while you eat dinner. By the time you come back to wash it, the grease will have lifted. A soft sponge helps remove the residue without damaging the non-stick coating.

Protecting The Non-Stick Coating

The reason food sticks is often because the non-stick coating has worn off. This happens when you use metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers. Use silicone tongs to remove food. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays like Pam, which contain propellants that build up a sticky gunk on non-stick surfaces. Instead, use a spritzer bottle with pure olive or avocado oil.

Proper Placement For Safety

The way you arrange food matters as much as the liner you use. Overfilling the basket forces food up closer to the heating element. If you have a liner in there, the food pushes the liner dangerously close to the burner.

Keep food in a single layer whenever possible. This weights down your liner evenly. If you pile food high, the air pressure changes. The fan has to push harder to get air through the stack, which can cause turbulence that shifts lightweight liners. Leave at least an inch or two of headspace between the top of your food and the heating element.

Common Mistakes With Air Fryer Liners

Even with safe materials like parchment or foil, user error can lead to problems. Avoiding these pitfalls keeps your cooking safe and effective.

The most frequent error is preheating with a liner. You turn the air fryer on to warm up, toss in a piece of parchment, and close the drawer. By the time you open it three minutes later, the paper is burned and stuck to the element. The fan blows the empty paper around immediately. Always add the liner and the food at the same time.

Another mistake is using wax paper. It looks like parchment, but it is not the same. Wax paper is coated with paraffin wax, which melts and smokes at low temperatures. It is not heat-resistant. Using wax paper will fill your kitchen with smoke and ruin the flavor of your food.

It is helpful to check the manual for your specific model. Some manufacturers explicitly void the warranty if damage occurs due to the use of foreign objects like paper towels or improper liners. Following the NFPA guidelines on cooking safety helps minimize fire risks in the kitchen, specifically the advice to keep flammable items away from heat sources.

Best Uses For Different Liners

Not all foods require a liner. In fact, some foods cook much better directly on the grate. Knowing when to use a liner and when to go naked helps you get the best results.

Food Type vs. Liner Recommendation

Food Category	Recommended Method	Reasoning
Breaded Foods (Chicken, Fish)	Perforated Parchment	Prevents coating from sticking to the wire mesh.
Roasted Vegetables	No Liner	Direct heat caramelizes veggies better.
Fatty Meats (Bacon, Burgers)	No Liner / Bottom Drip Tray	Allows grease to drain away for a crispier result.
Baked Goods (Cookies)	Regular Parchment	Prevents dough from dripping through holes.
Reheating Pizza	Perforated Parchment	Keeps cheese off the basket; crust stays crisp.
Saucy Wings	Silicone Liner	Contains the mess; sauce doesn’t burn on the metal.

The Verdict On Paper Towels

The convenience of a paper towel does not match the severity of the risk. A kitchen fire causes far more trouble than scrubbing a grease spot. The physics of the air fryer simply do not support lightweight, flammable materials.

Invest in a pack of perforated parchment rounds or a good silicone mat. These tools cost very little and last a long time. They give you the easy cleanup you want without compromising safety or food quality. Keep the paper towels on the counter for wiping your hands, and let the air fryer do its job with the right equipment.