Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer? Discover the Do’s and Don’ts at Air Fryer Mag

Air fryers have become common in kitchens due to their ability to make healthier versions of our favorite fried foods. 

But even with this convenience, there can be questions about the best practices for using an air fryer, such as “Can you put a paper towel in an air fryer?” The direct and straightforward answer to this query is a Big No for safety purposes.

This article will answer this question in-depth and delve into other related queries.

Can I Put Paper in an Air Fryer?

While air fryers are versatile appliances, putting paper in an air fryer is not advisable. The primary reason is safety. 

Air fryers circulate hot air around the food at high temperatures. When paper is exposed to these temperatures, it could catch fire, posing a significant safety risk.

Even if the paper doesn’t ignite, the high-speed air circulation within the air fryer could blow lightweight items like paper around. 

It can disrupt the cooking process and lead to the paper being lodged in the appliance’s heater or fan, potentially damaging these components.

Can I Place a Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

For the above reasons, putting a paper towel in an air fryer is not recommended. Paper towels can easily catch fire at an air fryer’s temperatures, presenting a major safety risk.

Moreover, air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it. A paper towel in the air fryer could hinder this circulation, leading to uneven cooking. In addition, the paper towel could be sucked into the heater or fan, which could cause damage to the appliance.

Can You Put a Wet Paper Towel in the Air Fryer?

While a wet paper towel may seem less likely to catch fire, placing one in an air fryer is still not advisable. As the air fryer heats up, the water in the towel will evaporate, leaving a dry paper towel that can catch fire.

In addition, the wet paper towel could stick to the food or the fryer’s basket, leading to a messy cooking process. It could also be blown into the heating elements, causing potential damage.

Alternatives to Using Paper Towels in Air Fryers

Even though it’s not safe to put a paper towel in an air fryer, there are still ways to reduce mess and make the cleanup process easier:

1. Use a Pan or Tray:

Many air fryers have accessories like pans or trays that fit inside the basket. These can catch any drips or crumbs, reducing the cleaning needed.

2. Silicone or Parchment Liners:

These liners are specially designed for air fryers. They are perforated, allowing air to circulate, and are heat-safe, minimizing fire risk. Make sure to buy liners that fit your air fryer’s basket to prevent them from being blown around or into the heating elements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

While using a paper towel in an air fryer for easy cleanup might be tempting, it’s not safe or recommended.

Instead, use the alternatives suggested above to keep your air fryer clean without compromising safety or the cooking quality. Remember, your safety should always be the priority when using kitchen appliances.