Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer? Safe Methods and Tips

By Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Yes, you can put parchment paper in an air fryer, as long as you cut it to fit the basket, keep it weighed down or tucked under food, and never let it block the airflow or touch the heating element. Used this way, parchment makes cleanup easier and keeps sticky foods like cheese, marinated chicken, and baked goods from fusing to the basket. This guide walks through how to size and place it, which foods work best with it, and the mistakes that can turn a helpful liner into a fire hazard.

Why Parchment Paper Works in an Air Fryer (and Why It Needs Care)

An air fryer circulates hot air at high speed, usually between 300°F and 400°F for most everyday cooking. Parchment paper is rated for oven temperatures well above that range, so the material itself is not the problem. The risk comes from the way air fryers move air. Because the fan pulls air up through the basket, a loose sheet of parchment can get pulled upward, press against the heating element, and scorch or ignite. Lightweight, unweighted sheets are the most common cause of trouble.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (2026): Expert Picks.

Most manufacturers of air fryers say to use liners only if they are designed for air fryers or are sized so they do not interfere with airflow. Plain parchment qualifies only under those conditions. Think of it as a tool you control, not something you can set and forget.

What You Need Before You Start

• Unbleached or bleached parchment paper, sold as standard baking parchment (not wax paper, which can melt or smoke)
• Kitchen scissors
• A pair of tongs
• A small, oven-safe weight, such as a ramekin or a few pieces of food, if your recipe allows it
• Tongs or a silicone spatula for lifting the paper out after cooking
• A timer, so you can check food and the liner partway through cooking

Step-by-Step: How to Use Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Measure your basket

Set the basket or tray on the parchment and trace around it with a pencil or simply eyeball it. Your cut sheet should be slightly smaller than the basket floor, leaving at least an inch of open space around the edges so air can flow up the sides. Many home cooks find that a round or square piece about 1 to 2 inches smaller than the basket diameter works well for most models.

Step 2: Cut and perforate

Cut the parchment to your measured size. If you plan to cook something that releases a lot of juices, poke a few small holes through the sheet with a fork or skewer. This lets hot air reach the bottom of the food and prevents grease from pooling. Holes are optional for dry foods like fries or frozen nuggets, but they help with saucy or marinated items.

Step 3: Weigh down or anchor the edges

This is the most important step. A loose sheet of parchment can lift when the fan starts. To prevent that:

• Place food on top of the parchment, arranging it so the paper sits flat under the items.
• For lightweight foods, add a small ceramic dish or oven-safe weight on one corner, keeping it away from the fan intake.
• Never let the paper extend up the sides of the basket or drape over the top of the food.

Step 4: Preheat and load

Preheat the air fryer as your recipe directs, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Add the parchment to the basket first, then place your food on top. Load the basket in a single layer whenever possible so air can circulate around each piece.

Step 5: Cook and check partway

Set the time and temperature for your recipe. Around the halfway point, pause the machine and look at the liner. If it has lifted, curled, or turned brown at the edges, stop cooking, remove the food, and reposition or replace the paper before continuing. Shake or flip the food as you normally would.

Step 6: Remove and dispose

Let the basket cool slightly before handling. Use tongs to lift the parchment and food together, or slide the food off onto a plate and discard the sheet. Do not reuse parchment that has browned, smoked, or stuck to the food.

Which Foods Work Best with Parchment

Parchment is most useful for foods that stick, drip, or cook down into a sticky residue. The table below summarizes common situations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving the paper loose. An unweighted sheet is the most likely to fly up into the heating element.
• Covering the whole basket. Parchment that blocks airflow leads to soggy, unevenly cooked food.
• Letting it touch the top element. Keep the paper low in the basket and away from the fan intake.
• Using wax paper. Wax paper is not heat-resistant and can smoke or catch fire.
• Preheating with an empty liner in place. Add the paper only once you are ready to load food, or remove it during preheat.
• Ignoring browned edges. If the paper darkens noticeably, stop, replace it, and check your temperature setting.

Tips for Better Results

• Lightly brush or spray the parchment with oil if food tends to stick to it.
• Cut extra liners ahead of time so you can swap a fresh one quickly during longer cooks.
• Keep a small fire extinguisher or a box of baking soda nearby as a general kitchen precaution, and never use water on a grease fire.
• Check your air fryer’s manual. Some brands specify their own liners or warn against any liners at all.
• If you cook frequently with liners, consider a reusable silicone liner made for air fryers as an alternative. For a comparison of options, see our Silicone Baking Mat vs. Parchment Paper Guide.

Parchment Paper vs. Foil and Other Liners

Parchment and foil both help with cleanup, but they behave differently. Foil conducts heat more aggressively and can block airflow if you cover too much of the basket. If you are weighing those options, our Can You Put Foil in Air Fryer? Safe Methods and Mistakes to Avoid article covers when foil is safe. Parchment is generally gentler on nonstick coatings, though neither material should be used to cover the entire basket.

For fish, the same principles apply. If you are cooking delicate fillets, our guide to Tilapia in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Crispy, Flaky Fish shows how to manage moisture and placement. For crisp-skinned proteins that drip a lot, such as Sausages in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Juicy, Crispy Links, a perforated liner helps keep the basket clean without trapping grease.

Recommended gear

These supplies make it easier to use parchment safely in an air fryer.

• Parchment paper with precut air fryer sheets. Pre-sized sheets save time and reduce the chance of cutting a sheet too large. Look for products labeled for air fryer use.
  View on Amazon
• Reusable silicone air fryer liners. A good option if you want a liner you can wash and reuse, and they are designed to sit flat without lifting.
  View on Amazon
• Small oven-safe ramekins. Useful as weights to hold paper flat under lightweight foods or small baked goods.
  View on Amazon

FAQ

Is parchment paper safe in an air fryer?

Yes, when it is cut to size, weighted down, and kept away from the heating element and fan. Parchment itself is heat-resistant, but a loose sheet can lift into the element and burn.

Can parchment paper catch fire in an air fryer?

It can, particularly if it is unweighted, touches the heating element, or browns from long cooking at high temperature. Stop the machine and check the basket if you notice smoke or browning.

Should I put water under the parchment?

No. Adding water or liquid to an air fryer basket is not a standard technique and can cause smoke, splatter, or damage. Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions for any liquid use.

Can I use wax paper instead?

No. Wax paper is not heat-resistant enough for air fryer temperatures and can smoke or ignite. Use baking parchment or a liner designed for air fryers.

Do I need holes in the parchment?

Holes are helpful for foods that release juices, such as marinated meats. For dry foods like fries, you can skip them.

Can parchment be reused?

Generally no. Once it has browned, stuck to food, or been exposed to grease, discard it. Reusable silicone liners are a better option if you want to wash and reuse.

Will parchment affect cooking time?

Usually very little, as long as airflow is not blocked. If food cooks unevenly or looks pale, check whether the liner is covering too much of the basket.

Should I consult the air fryer manual?

Yes. Some manufacturers specify their own liners or warn against using any liner. If you have questions about safety, your appliance’s instructions are the authority.

Conclusion

You can put parchment paper in an air fryer safely if you cut it to fit the basket, weigh it down, and keep it clear of the fan and heating element. Check the paper partway through cooking and replace it if it lifts or browns. With those habits, parchment becomes a simple way to cut cleanup time without compromising your results.

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home cooking with appliances guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.