Can You Put Foil In An Air Fryer? Here's What the Experts Say
Aluminum foil is a popular choice for toasters and conventional ovens, given the fact that it makes for easy cleanup and is relatively heat resistant. So, if an air fryer is essentially an oven, it should be fine to use foil in an air fryer, right?
The short answer to the question, can you put foil in an air fryer, is technically yes—but with some caveats. "You can use aluminum foil in your air fryer, but I don't recommend using foil regularly," says Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, author of Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies.
Here's everything you need to know about putting foil in an air fryer and what else can and can't be used in one.
Related: 23 Best Air Fryer Recipes
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Can you put tin foil in an air fryer?
It's generally safe to use tin foil in an air fryer, which can be beneficial for easy cleanup and certain dishes. Shaw recommends using tin foil when making quick mini loaves of bread or meatloaves in loaf pans in the air fryer to help them cook evenly. "Plus, it also makes for a quick, no-mess cleanup when making fish, chicken or veggie-filled pouches," she says.
However, using aluminum foil in an air fryer can restrict airflow if not placed properly, impacting the dish's quality. "Think of your air fryer as a smaller, more compact and very effective convection oven," explains Melanie Marcus, RD. Convection ovens create a powerful airflow that circulates food to cook it quickly. "If the airflow is blocked with something like tin foil, it won't work properly," says Marcus. To place the foil strategically, Shaw recommends creating a four-inch section of foil and placing it down the center of the air fryer basket where the food sits and up the sides. From there, you can put the food across the foil to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket without restricting airflow.
Can you put an aluminum tray in the air fryer?
If aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer, an aluminum tray must also be safe, right? While an aluminum tray can withstand the heat of an air fryer, make sure the one you're using is safe for your air fryer. "Be sure to choose oven-safe or air fryer-safe," says Shaw. "This ensures that the trays won't warp or melt when exposed to high temperatures." It's also important to double-check your air fryer's operating instructions to see their suggestions, as recommendations may differ by model. Also, take extra caution when removing the aluminum tray from the air fryer, as it will be hot to the touch.
Related: 55 Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes
Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer?
"Parchment paper can be placed in an air fryer so long as the temperature does not exceed 425℉," explains food scientist Bryan Le, Ph.D. However, using parchment paper in an air fryer requires extra caution, as there's a chance the parchment paper may start a fire if it comes in direct contact with the heating element.
Shaw doesn't recommend using parchment paper in an air fryer without keeping a close eye on it and ensuring it's cut and secured to the pan. Don't place parchment paper in the tray alone during the pre-heating process. Marcus cautions that without having anything to weigh it down, there's a greater chance it could move around and get caught in the heating element.
What can I use in my air fryer if I don't have aluminum foil?
If you're out of aluminum foil and lack parchment paper, placing food directly in your air fryer basket is perfectly safe. However, if you want the easy cleanup that aluminum foil provides for the air fryer, oven-safe reusable options can help get the job done. "If you're looking for alternatives to aluminum foil, some air fryers are compatible with silicone baking mats, reusable non-stick liners or ceramic dishes, which are environmentally friendly and won't affect the taste or texture of your food," says Marcus. When shopping for these accessories, take note of the maximum temperature listed. If the baking mats are oven safe for up to a certain temperature, be sure not to exceed that in the air fryer when using them.
Related: 17 Best Air Fryer Accessories, According to Food Experts
Can I wrap chicken in foil in the air fryer?
It's possible to safely cook chicken in the air fryer by wrapping it in aluminum foil. If you're using this method, Le says to avoid any acidic marinades on the chicken, as they can partially dissolve the aluminum and impact the taste. Wrapping the meat entirely may cause uneven cooking, so checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before eating is important. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165℉, per the USDA.
What food should not be cooked in an air fryer?
According to Shaw (who literally wrote the book on air frying), few things can't be cooked in an air fryer. One thing she prefers not to use it for is scrambled eggs. "While you can make a wonderful quiche or frittata in your air fryer, the texture of the scrambled eggs is more familiar on the stove," she says.
"Battered foods do not cook well because of their high moisture content, which will lead to spattering and dripping rather than a hard, crispy coating," adds Le. "Foods with sauces or gravies can also cause spattering in the air fryer, which is also not recommended."