Can You Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?

Yes—with the right setup

You can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but it must be used carefully. Choose parchment labeled for baking and, preferably, a perforated air fryer liner that fits the basket. The paper should sit under food rather than cover an empty basket. Food must hold it in place throughout cooking. Follow your appliance’s instructions first, since basket design, heating-element position, and manufacturer guidance can vary.

Why perforated parchment works best

Perforations leave space for hot air to circulate around the food, helping the air fryer cook more evenly. A liner can also reduce sticking and make cleanup easier, especially with marinades or crumb coatings. Do not use a solid sheet that blocks the basket’s ventilation holes unless your appliance instructions specifically allow it and the food still has room to cook properly.

• Trim paper to the basket’s shape.
• Leave the basket walls and vents as open as possible.
• Use parchment, not wax paper.

The key safety rules

Never put parchment into a preheating air fryer by itself. Without food weighing it down, the paper can lift and move toward the heating element. Add the liner only after preheating, if preheating is needed, then place food on top immediately. Keep all parchment away from the heating element and do not let edges extend above the basket where they could curl upward.

• Use perforated or weighted parchment only with food on it.
• Do not preheat an empty air fryer with parchment inside.
• Stop using a liner if it scorches, curls, or shifts.

How to use it

Match the liner to the basket without forcing it into corners or folding it into the heating area. Place the parchment in the basket, add the food, and check that the food covers enough of the paper to keep it secure. Avoid stacking food so heavily that air cannot move around it. For small or light foods, parchment may be unnecessary because the food may not hold it firmly.

• Cut oversized sheets down before cooking.
• Do not use parchment under food that needs direct basket contact for crisping.
• Inspect the liner after cooking and discard it if damaged.

When to skip parchment

Skip parchment when you are preheating an empty basket, cooking loose ingredients that cannot anchor the paper, or using a setting that brings food unusually close to the heating element. You may also prefer the bare basket when maximum browning or crisping matters. In every case, the appliance manual takes priority over general air fryer liner advice.