Can you put foil in an air fryer? This is a question that many people have, and the answer is yes – you can. In fact, there are a few different ways that you can use foil in air fryers, depending on what you’re cooking.
Today, we’re going to talk about how to use aluminum foil in your air fryer properly, as well as some of the benefits of doing so. Keep reading to learn more!

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Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Before we learn about foil, you might want to head over to our air fryer recipe section to check out some delicious foods that you can cook in the air fryer safely. These recipes are much more healthy than deep fryer recipes and taste just as good.
Can You Put Foil in an Air Fryer?
The short answer is yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when using tin foil in your air fryer. Here are some tips:
1. Don't Touch the Heating Element
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that the aluminium foil is not touching the heating element. If it does, it could cause a fire.
If you’re not sure where the heating element is, consult your air fryer’s manual. This will ensure you use your air fryer safely and prevent the air fryer catching on fire.
2. Use Heavy-Duty Foil
Second, you should always use heavy-duty foil. Regular foil is too thin and will tear easily. This could cause small pieces of foil to get into your food, which is not only dangerous, but it’s also not very appetizing.
3. Cut the Foil to Size
Third, you should always cut the aluminum foil to size. Don’t just rip off a big sheet and try to make it fit. This could cause wrinkles in the tin foil, which could also cause small pieces of foil to get into your food.
Most air fryers have a basket that’s about 7-8 inches in diameter. Therefore, you should cut the foil to be about 7-8 inches in diameter as well.
4. Use Cooking Spray
Fourth, you should always use the cooking spray when using foil in your air fryer. This will help to prevent the food from sticking to the foil and help with the cooking process.
Is It Safe to Use Foil in the Air Fryer?
While using aluminum foil in the air fryer is generally safe to do, there are a few safety issues you may want to consider.
Fire Hazard
If there is not enough food on the foil to hold it down, it can blow around the air fryer potentially causing a fire. Ensure the aluminum foil is tight against the food you are cooking.
Aluminum Seeps Into Food
Utilizing aluminum foil while cooking always allows small amounts of aluminum to seep into the food. This is generally harmless. However, acidic foods react ( for example tomato sauce and vinegar) and they can damage the tin foil causing large amounts of aluminum to seep into the food.
What Are the Benefits of Using Foil in the Air Fryer?
There are several benefits to using foil in the air fryer. Here are just a few:
It Helps to Hold Food in Place
If you’re cooking something that tends to fall apart easily, like fish or chicken, foil can help to hold it together. This makes it less likely that your food will stick to the air fryer basket and makes for easier clean up.
Holding food in place with aluminum foil can allow for a better flavor as the juices won’t be able to escape as easily.
It Helps to Keep Smaller Foods From Falling Through the Basket
If you’re cooking smaller foods, like french fries or chicken nuggets, foil can help to keep them from falling through the basket and getting burnt.
All the holes in the air fryer basket can cause small items to fall through and get burnt. By covering the basket with foil, you’re essentially creating a solid surface for the food to cook on top of.
It Prevents Splatters in Your Air Fryer
If you’re cooking something that tends to splatter, like bacon or sausage, foil can help to prevent the mess.
Simply line the air fryer basket with foil before cooking and dispose of it when you’re done. Air frying with aluminum foil can keep the air fryer unit clean and
It Keeps Food Moist
If you find that your food is coming out of the air fryer dry, you can try using foil to help keep it moist. Simply place a sheet of foil over the food before cooking. This will trap the hot air and moisture and prevent it from escaping.
Can You Put Wax Paper in the Air Fryer Basket?
No, you cannot use wax paper in the air fryer. Wax paper is not recommended because it can catch on fire. It can catch on fire because wax paper is sensitive to heat.
Can You Use Parchment Paper in Air Fryers?
Yes, you can use parchment paper in the air fryer. Parchment paper is a safer option because it is not as flammable as wax paper.
Parchment paper can also withstand high temperatures better than wax paper due to its silicone coating that is heat resistant.
So if you're cooking cheesy mozzarella sticks or bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, parchment paper is a good option to keep your food from sticking to the air fryer basket and prevent them from burning.
When using parchment paper in the air fryer, it's important to make sure that the paper does not touch the heating element. If it does, it can catch on fire.
Use parchment paper like a baking sheet and watch as the air fryer makes delicious meals with ease.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Here are some easy air fryer recipes that you may like to try! These recipes cook evenly and allows the hot air and heat distribution to work their magic.
- Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken: Try this Delicious Air Fryer Citrus Butterfly Chicken recipe. It's tender and moist and the air flow makes the air fryer work to get crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma: This Authentic Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma recipe is a great way to get a healthy, low-calorie meal on the table quickly.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings: These The Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy and delicious! They can be made in under 30 minutes and are a great appetizer or main dish.
- Air Fryer Carrot Fries: Try this Air Fryer Carrot Fries recipe. They are a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional french fries.
- Air Fryer Toastie: Try this air fryer toast sandwich. It's easy to make and super simple. Ham, cheese and more.
- Air Fryer Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo: Try chicken and shrimp alfredo in the airfryer. It is tasty, delicious and super simple to make.
Can You Put Foil In An Air Fryer
As you can see, there are many benefits to using foil in your air fryer. Just be sure to use it safely! Do you have any tips for using foil in the air fryer? Let us know in the comments below!
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