Also known as parchment paper, baking paper is a multi-purpose kitchen material. It is a non-stick surface that helps to cook food. Typically, cake and cookie bakers use it in the oven for successful baking.
However, with the advent of modern kitchen utensils, we’re wondering whether it’s possible to put baking paper in an air fryer. The answer is yes but with a few non-negotiable precautions.
If you’d like to know more, this guide invites you to discover the various possibilities for using cooking paper in an air fryer.
→ Find the air fryer that suits you best with our guide.
Can you put baking paper in an air fryer?
The basic answer is yes. You can use baking paper in an air fryer. However, you must not exceed the temperature limits that the paper can withstand. Baking paper is certainly heat-resistant, but ignoring the maximum threshold can be risky.
So be sure to read your machine’s user guide to find out if the manufacturer allows it. Some brands, such as Philips, do not allow the use of cling film in their machines.
On the other hand, if the manufacturer of your hot-air fryer agrees, you’ll need to take the following precautions.
Use premium-quality baking paper
When it comes to baking in an air fryer, choosing the right type of paper is essential.
Put the idea of regular wrapping paper or printer paper completely out of your mind. They’re not made to withstand high temperatures. In the worst case, they could emit undesirable substances. Avoid aluminum foil too.
For best results, opt instead for quality packaging made from food-grade silicone. Parchment paper is another option that will do the trick.
Cut the baking paper to the right size
The other requirement is to cut the parchment paper to the right size for your air fryer.
If the paper is too large, it risks covering the edges and preventing the circulation of hot air. Yet this process is essential for even cooking. A perfect fit will ensure that the paper stays in place.
Alternatively, you can fill the paper with enough food to keep the contents heavy. This way, your paper won’t fly off, stick to the heating elements and cause problems.
Perforating air fryer baking paper
Using baking paper in an air fryer sometimes requires perforation, i.e. making small holes. Why is this? Perforations allow hot air to circulate freely around the packaged food.
The most suitable tool for this task is a desktop punch or a pointed object such as a needle. In practical terms, you can perforate paper by aligning the holes evenly across the surface. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-punched silicone baking sheet specially designed for air fryers. But that’s not all.
It’s important to leave the bottom of the bowl with the sheet. Your aim is not to prevent the air from rotating. In addition, to avoid the risk of fire, never place cooking foil in the space where the heating element is located.
Is it necessary to use baking paper in the air fryer?
This question implies the need to use baking paper. But you don’t have to. Why not?
In reality, baking paper has its drawbacks. It can sometimes burn when exposed to high temperatures, resulting in unpleasant odors or smoke. This is certainly not your objective when preparing muffins, for example.
What’s more, wrapping your food in baking paper can limit the flavors that develop during cooking. This can be a real shame. Everyone knows that food contact with the air fryer grid can result in more flavorful cooking.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that baking paper is toxic. On the contrary, it also has its advantages.
For example, it facilitates the maintenance of your appliance. When you place a food wrapper at the bottom of the machine’s bowl, you can be sure that the food will no longer be sticky. In turn, this makes cleaning much quicker and easier after use.
To sum up, the decision whether or not to use baking paper in your air fryer depends on a number of factors. The most important is not to neglect the protective measures required for safe and effective use.