Using parchment paper in air fryer is a real game changer when it comes to air fryer cooking.
Air fryer is a popular gadget in the kitchen these days to cook favorite foods.
They can create crispy, delicious meals without the added fat and calories of traditional deep frying.
I have been using two air fryers since a decade. I love them and use them daily.
In fact, they are my preferred mode of cooking for so many recipes now.
Many people wonder if they can use parchment paper in their air fryer to make cleanup easier and prevent food from sticking.
The answer is a cautious Yes.
We’ll try and understand the topic using many facets of air fryer cooking and the strengths and weaknesses of parchment paper.
Read how to clean your air fryer
Read on to know more.
You may want to read Can I put paper towels in air fryer to know more about using paper in air fryer.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a handy kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food.
It is a healthier alternative to deep frying or shallow frying, as it uses barely any oil while air frying.
The air fryer has a heating element and a fan that circulates hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and quickly. You can read My detailed Philips Air fryer User Review.
One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that it can cook a wide variety of foods, from chicken wings to vegetables to desserts.
It can also be used to reheat food, such as reheat onion rings, leftover pizza or french fries, without making them soggy.
Overall, an air fryer is a versatile and convenient appliance that can help you cook healthier meals at home.
Here are 10 common mistakes you can avoid while using an air fryer.
What is Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is a type of kitchen paper that is typically coated with silicone on both sides.
It is commonly used as a non-stick surface for baking and cooking.
Parchment paper can withstand high temperatures and is often used as a liner for baking sheets, cake pans, and other cookware to prevent food from sticking.
Parchment paper is also used in cooking methods such as en papillote, where food is wrapped in parchment paper and then baked.
This allows steam to build up inside the parchment packet, which helps to cook the food evenly and keep it moist.
One of the benefits of using parchment paper is that it can make cleanup easier. Since it is non-stick, food is less likely to stick to the cookware, which can save time and effort when cleaning up after cooking.
You can use regular parchment paper that comes as rolls, pre-cut parchment paper, perforated parchment paper, parchment paper bowls or make your own perforated parchment paper using a punch.
Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
First, we'll explore the pros and cons of using parchment paper in an air fryer.
Pros of Using Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
1. Makes cleanup easier: Parchment paper helps prevent food from sticking to the basket or tray, which can be difficult to clean.
2. Cook runny foods: It can help you cook runny foods, like pancakes or omelettes.
Without something like a parchment paper the pancake batter or egg mixture will just drip down onto the air fryer base.
3. Cook breaded or battered food: Thick battered or breaded foods can be cooked to crispy perfection by using a parchment paper that allows them to cook without sticking to the basket mesh.
Dishes like onion pakoda, cabbage pakoda, fried chicken, breaded fish, Bang bang shrimp are so much easier to cook when placed atop parchment paper.
Cons of Using Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
There are few concerns with using parchment paper in an air fryer:
1. Never use it without food on top. If, by mistake, you put in parchment paper while preheating air fryer without food on it, it can fly to the heating element and get burned.
2. If you are using parchment paper roll without holes or perforations, it will increase the cooking time and alter crispness slightly.
This could impede the free flow of hot air inside the air fryer. This could in turn lead to uneven heating inside the air fryer and unevenly cooked food.
Flipping the food gets mandatory for even cooking. This might require a bit of trial and error on your side so that you cook for the right time for perfect air frying.
However, the concerns are not big. With a bit of diligence on your part cooking with parchment paper can be such a help with cleaning and preventing food from sticking to the air fryer basket.
When Should I Use Parchment Paper in an Air fryer?
1. Cooking foods that are prone to sticking: Some foods like vegetables, tofu, paneer, fish, chicken can stick to the air fryer basket or rack.
Lining the basket or rack with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2.Cooking foods with a high fat content: When cooking foods with a high fat content, such as bacon or wings, the dripping fat can create a mess on the air fryer basket.
Lining the basket or rack with parchment paper can help reduce mess and caked drippings on air fryer basket.
Cooking delicate foods: Delicate foods, such as thin slices of fruit or vegetables, can easily fall through the holes in the air fryer basket.
Lining the basket with parchment paper can help keep the food in place and prevent it from falling through.
3. Cooking messy foods: Foods like battered or breaded food will easily stick to the air fryer basket mesh.
These foods cook perfectly when placed on non-stick parchment paper used to line air fryer basket.
When using parchment paper in an air fryer, it's important to choose a high-quality, heat-resistant paper.
Most parchment papers can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230C), but it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions.
To skirt the issue of the parchment paper blocking the vents of the air fryer, you can always go for those varieties that have small holes cut in the paper or perforated parchment paper.
Substitutes for Parchment Paper in Air Fryer
Aluminium Foil
Aluminium foil is a popular alternative to parchment paper in an air fryer. It is a great option for cooking foods that are prone to sticking, such as fish and chicken.
To use aluminium foil in an air fryer, simply cut a piece of foil that is the same size as the basket.
Place the food on top of the foil and cook as directed.
Aluminium foil can also be used to line the base of air fryer to catch drippings and fat from air frying.
But, it is important to note that aluminium foil can block airflow and may cause uneven cooking or even damage to the air fryer.
Therefore, it is recommended to use it sparingly and only when necessary.
Silicone Mats
Silicone mats are another alternative to parchment paper in an air fryer. They are non-stick and reusable, making them an eco-friendly option.
To use a silicone mat in an air fryer, simply place it in the bottom of the basket and place the food on top.
Silicone mats can withstand high temperatures and are easy to clean, making them a convenient option for air frying.
However, it is important to note that not all silicone mats are safe for use in an air fryer, so be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using one.
Cooking Spray
Cooking spray is a simple and easy alternative to parchment paper in an air fryer.
It can be used to coat the basket or the food itself to prevent sticking. However, it is important to use cooking spray sparingly, as too much can cause the food to become greasy and may even damage the air fryer.
It is also important to choose a cooking spray that is safe for use in high temperatures.
Safety Tips for Using Parchment Paper in Air Fryer
When using parchment paper in an air fryer, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.
This helps to use parchment paper correctly so that your food cooks evenly and your air fryer stays relatively clean.
1. It is important to use food-grade parchment paper that is safe for cooking.
Make sure to measure the parchment paper before placing it in the air fryer basket.
Popular advice for a variety of applications is to measure twice and cut once.
You don't want to end up stuffing oversized paper into your fryer, which could interfere with the air circulation.
2. It is crucial to weigh down the parchment paper with food to keep it from flying around and creating a fire hazard.
3. It is important to keep the parchment paper away from the heating element.
The paper can be heated up to roughly 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is safe for cooking.
However, if it comes into contact with the heating element, it could ignite and cause a fire.
Conclusion
It is clear that parchment paper in air fryer is safe to use. However, it is important to use it correctly to avoid any potential hazards.
Ultimately, the decision to use parchment paper in an air fryer is up to the individual.
By following proper safety precautions and using it correctly, parchment paper can be a useful tool in the air fryer kitchen arsenal.
Read here for can you put water in an air fryer and can you put glass in air fryer.
Do let me know if you have any questions regarding this.
You may also download my FREE Beginner's Guide to Air fryer Cooking
You can buy my Indian Air fryer Recipes Cookbook here and buy Air fryer Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes cookbook here.
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