Can You Put Aluminum Foil In The Air Fryer?

Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS, MPA, RDN, LD, CLT

Air fryers have been game changers in the kitchen. They make our okra crispy, help us pretend donuts can be health food, add new lighter choices to our meal plans, make it easy to create a blooming onion at home, and give us gooey skillet cookies at the touch of a button.

Since our air fryers are in pretty heavy rotation, it's a good thing they are pretty darn easy to clean. However, it's pretty tempting to throw aluminum foil in there to catch any drips and make clean-up even easier, but is that allowed? The short answer is yes, you can put aluminum foil in the air fryer.

Is It Safe To Put Foil In The Air Fryer?

While we all know that putting foil in a microwave is a no-no (and if you don't know, the flying sparks will remind you), air fryers don't work the same way. They use hot air instead of actual microwaves to create heat, so putting aluminum foil in an air fryer doesn't cause the same alarming spark show.

In fact, lining your fryer basket with foil can really help when you're cooking something delicate, such as fish. However, you should always place food on the foil to hold it down before turning on your air fryer. If you don't, there's a chance it could be sucked into the heating element and start to burn.

Of course it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your particular air fryer. For example, Philips does not recommend using foil, while Frigidaire says it's okay as long as you line the basket, not the bottom of the fryer. Other than safety, why do some manufacturers disapprove? Because the foil could interrupt the air flow, impacting how your food cooks.

How To Use Foil In The Air Fryer

Only put a layer of foil in the bottom of the air fryer basket where your food sits, not on the bottom of the air fryer itself. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly.

If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

This will help make the cleanup even easier while still allowing the hot air to circulate and heat your food. Planning ahead this way will allow you to use your appliance more, without the constant hassle of having to deep clean it.

When It's A Good Idea To Use Foil In the Air Fryer

While foil isn't necessary when using the air fryer, it can make your life easier. These foods and situations are excellent reasons to pull out that foil.

Sticky Foods: Anything that's sticky or drippy will not only cause a mess, but the drippies could lead to burning and smoke. Line that basket when cooking saucy wings and the like.

Delicate Foods: Because air fryer baskets are often small, it can be difficult to lift and remove delicate foods like fish. Lining the basket with foil allows you to lift it right out with no breaking.

Crumbly Foods: Fried foods that have a loose breading are another instance where aluminum foil saves you a few headaches. Errant crumbs can sift through the basket, resulting in burning and more mess. No thanks!

What About Parchment Paper?

If you don't have aluminum foil on hand, you may be tempted to use parchment paper instead. You can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but with many of the same caveats as with foil (never use wax paper, as its coating can melt at high temperatures). Again, it's important to make sure the parchment is heavily weighted down by food to avoid it getting sucked into the heating element and burning. For more info, you'll want to check out Can You Use Parchment Paper in the Air Fryer?

How To Keep An Air Fryer Clean

First off, you may want to avoid really messy recipes that could lead to trouble (we've outlined those for you in 7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer).

An air fryer typically doesn't need cleaning each time it is used. Recommendations include cleaning it every other use or putting the basket, tray, and pan in the dishwasher. Never submerge the main unit in water. As with any kitchen appliance, any lingering questions regarding proper cleaning can be answered within the manufacturer's manual that comes with the item.

Air fryers are made with a nonstick coating, and using any kind of utensil to scrape food from this surface will damage that surface. The same rule applies to abrasive sponges or metal scrubbers. You do not want to apply harsh cleaning items and ruin the coating.

In the same vein, abrasive cleaning materials are also a no-no. As a matter of fact, many disinfectants are not appropriate for cleaning food-contact surfaces. Check the label of a disinfectant first to see if it can be applied to a cooking surface. You want to be gentle with your air fryer to keep it functioning for as long as possible. Creating a paste with baking soda and water and using a sponge to clean fits the bill.

Even if we are offering air fryer cleaning tips, we cannot help but lay down some great air fryer recipes. Try these mess-free recipes out and get busy with that air fryer.

Related: 23 Air Fryer Recipes That Prove This Appliance Is A Miracle

Read the original article on Southern Living