Why This Matters
Parchment paper can make air fryer cleanup easy—but use it wrong, and it could smoke or even burn.
After testing multiple air fryers (Ninja, COSORI, and Instant brands), here’s the truth: you can safely use parchment paper, but only if you understand how airflow and heat interact inside your air fryer.
Let’s cover the safe way to do it—plus what to avoid.
✅ Quick Answer
Yes, you can put parchment paper in an air fryer, but only if it’s perforated and weighed down with food.
Avoid using it during preheat or with light items, as the paper can lift into the heating element and burn.
🔥 How Parchment Paper Works in an Air Fryer
Parchment paper (also called baking paper) is treated to resist heat up to 425°F (220°C).
It prevents food from sticking and simplifies cleanup. However, air fryers rely on rapid hot air circulation, so if paper blocks vents or floats up, it disrupts airflow and risks scorching.
Key Takeaway:
✅ Safe up to 425°F
⚠️ Unsafe when loose, unperforated, or used while preheating
🧺 When to Use Parchment Paper (and When Not To)
✅ Use It For:
- Sticky or saucy foods (like teriyaki chicken or glazed salmon)
- Battered or breaded foods that shed crumbs
- Cookies or delicate pastries
- Greasy foods to make cleanup easier
🚫 Avoid It For:
- Dry reheating (like fries or pizza—better airflow without it)
- High-heat searing over 425°F
- Preheating cycles (the paper can blow up)
- Light ingredients (e.g., kale chips) without weight on top
🧩 Step-by-Step: How to Use Parchment Paper Safely
1. Choose Perforated Paper
Use perforated parchment liners designed for air fryers.
These allow heat and air to move freely.
If you only have regular baking paper, punch 15–20 holes using a paper punch.
2. Trim to Fit the Basket
Cut the sheet so it doesn’t overlap the sides.
Overhanging edges can block air vents or touch the heating coil.
3. Place It After Preheating
Preheat your air fryer without parchment paper.
Once the basket is hot, place the liner and add food immediately.
This prevents it from lifting during airflow.
4. Keep It Weighted Down
Always place food on top of parchment before turning the fryer on.
Empty paper can fly up and cause a fire hazard.
5. Avoid Full Coverage
Leave some open space on the sides of the basket for proper circulation.
⚙️ Tested Temperatures (COSORI Pro II & Ninja AF101)
| Food Type | Temp | Time | Parchment Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken wings | 380°F | 20 min | Crispy, no sticking |
| Salmon fillets | 370°F | 12 min | No residue |
| Cookies | 320°F | 10 min | Even browning |
| French fries | 360°F | 15 min | Slightly softer texture |
💡 Pro tip: If you notice smoke, check if parchment edges are too close to the heating coil.
🧯 Safety & Manufacturer Warnings
According to Ninja Kitchen’s official FAQ, parchment paper is safe in their air fryers as long as it doesn’t touch the heating element.
COSORI also approves its use but recommends perforated liners to avoid airflow restriction.
🧽 Cleanup Benefits
- Catches grease and crumbs → less scrubbing
- Keeps basket nonstick coating in better condition
- Reduces odor transfer between different foods
You’ll still need to wipe the basket after use, but cleanup time drops by 50–70%.
🔗 Internal Links
- Learn how to clean your air fryer basket properly
- Check how to reheat leftovers without drying them → /how-to-reheat-leftovers-in-air-fryer/
❓FAQs
Only if it touches the heating element or is used without food on top. Always weigh it down and avoid preheating with paper.
Wax paper is coated with wax that melts under heat—it’s unsafe for air fryers. Only parchment paper (heat-resistant to 425°F) is suitable.
You can reuse it once if it’s not torn or heavily greased, but fresh liners ensure cleaner cooking and better airflow.
🧭 Next Steps
Now that you know how to use parchment paper safely, try it on sticky recipes like honey garlic wings or cinnamon rolls.
And if you prefer minimal cleanup, explore silicone liners—durable, reusable, and heat-safe up to 450°F.
🏁 Conclusion
Parchment paper can be your best friend or your worst enemy in an air fryer—it all depends on how you use it.
Stick to perforated sheets, trim them to fit, and never preheat with loose paper inside.
When used correctly, it protects your basket, speeds up cleanup, and makes cooking sticky foods effortless.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll enjoy safe, crisp, and mess-free meals every time.
