Parchment paper: When do you use it, when don't you use it, and how do you know which one to buy?
This kitchen staple is usually optional, which brings up a lot of questions about whether you should have it at all, what you should be doing with it, and why it matters in the first place. Is it best used to line baking sheets, and if so, which is the best parchment paper to use in 2026?
I get it—it can be confusing! We're going to take a look at this topic and go over several different types and styles for you to consider, depending on what you're planning to cook or bake.
I have to say that I never used to use parchment paper at all; my baked goods would stick to my cookie sheets, and I'd be scrubbing out my air fryer regularly. Now, though, while I don't use it all the time, I have used it enough to be able to recommend the ones that are worth purchasing.
By the time you're done reading, you'll have a good idea of the right parchment paper for you.
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Top Parchment Paper Choices
- Best Overall: Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets
- Another Top Pick: Amazon Basics Parchment Paper
- Best Parchment for the Air Fryer: Vailnd Air Fryer Paper Liners
- Best Value Parchment Paper: If You Care Parchment Paper
- Best Large Parchment Paper Sheets: Smartake Parchment Paper Baking Sheets
- Best Unbleached Parchment Paper: Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll
How We Found the Best Parchment Papers
The testing process I used was pretty simple and also comprehensive. First, I went through dozens of parchment paper products, reading through reviews and noting which were Amazon bestsellers.
I personally tested six different products. I was sure to choose a variety: bleached and unbleached parchment paper sheets, rolls, and air fryer squares.
I baked cookies on the ones meant to go on a baking sheet in the oven, and heated up pizza in the air fryer using the specially cut product.
I also looked at characteristics like packaging, how thick or thin the paper was, whether it was convenient to work with, whether it wrinkled, and how well the food slid off afterward.
You'll get to read all of my notes as you go through the parchment paper choices below!
Reviews of Each Parchment Paper Tested
Here's what you've been looking for: an in-depth review of how each of these held up and why they came out on top in each category.
1. Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets: Best Overall
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Katbite Material: Wood Pulp Item Form: Sheets, Liners Sheet Count: 200 Sheet Size: 9x13 inches |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Convenient size + Nice thickness + Easy to remove from the package + Other sheets in the package remain intact when taking out one or two papers at a time |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Some curling on the ends (which can be resolved by using cooking spray or weighing it down with more cookies) |
The Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets, in the 9" x 13 " size, are rated up to 450 degrees, which is a bit higher than many other types of parchment paper. There are 200 sheets in the package I purchased, but there are other quantities (and also other sizes) available.
Overall Impression: These were the best paper baking sheets I tried, particularly for baking cookies. They're conveniently sized for a quarter sheet pan and, of course, they can be used on a larger sheet as well, as long as you aren't planning on using the entire surface area.
Performance: This parchment paper sheet did well. It curled only a little on the edges after being baked for 12 minutes. They also seem to have absorbed a good amount of oil from my buttery chocolate chip cookies.
User-Friendly Features: These pre-cut sheets came in a cardboard box that opened easily, allowing me to pull out one sheet at a time without wrinkling or disturbing the others. When I placed it on my baking trays, it immediately laid flat.
2. Amazon Basics Parchment Paper: Another Top Pick
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Amazon Basics Material: Paper Item Form: Roll Sheet Count: 90 Roll Size: 24 yards x 15 inches |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Sturdy and versatile + Can be cut into desired sizes + Suitable for various baking needs |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Rolled paper is less convenient compared to pre-cut parchment paper sheets |
The Amazon Basics Parchment Paper is a 90-sf roll of bleached paper. It's 15 inches wide, which is appropriate for many baking sheets. The manufacturer says it's oven-safe to 425 degrees. The product is a non-stick parchment paper, and it's BPA-free.
Overall Impression: Overall, this was a good rolled parchment paper. The box was built to make it easy to tear off a section of paper the right size to fit my baking tray.
Performance: This paper created a non-stick surface, and it absorbed a lot of the grease from the cookies I made. It remained fairly flat throughout the baking process, and the cookies were easy to remove.
User-Friendly Features: The box was manageable and sturdy. I was able to tear off the paper in a relatively straight line, and it wasn't too curly coming off the roll.
3. Vailnd Air Fryer Paper Liners: Best for the Air Fryer
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Vailnd Material: Wood Pulp Item Form: Liner Sheet Count: 125 Sheet Size: 8 inches |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Non-stick parchment paper + Perfectly sized for some air fryers + Prevents food from sticking + Prevents grease accumulation in the air fryer basket |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Lightweight, which can cause them to float upward in the fryer - Potential fire hazard if not weighed down properly with food |
The Vailnd Air Fryer Paper Liners come in a variety of sizes to fit your air fryer. I purchased the 8-inch squares; there are also round and rectangular versions in different sizes, so be sure you know what you're ordering.
There are 125 precut sheets in the package I purchased, and these can withstand temperatures of up to 420 degrees.
Overall Impression: These held their shape before I put them in the fryer, and they were nonstick. I also appreciated how much simpler they made it to clean out my air fryer basket afterward.
Performance: This environmentally friendly paper worked well, but the paper baking sheets kept wanting to get sucked up toward the heating element in my air fryer. I remedied the situation by adding another pizza slice; I had initially tried with only one. I'm not sure if you could use these with just one pizza slice or something small toward the middle of the air fryer.
User-Friendly Features: These came in an easy-open plastic clamshell container that's able to be snapped shut. Also, they fit perfectly in my air fryer basket.
4. If You Care Parchment Paper: Best Value
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: If You Care Material: Paper Item Form: Sheets, Roll Sheet Count: 1 Sheet Size: 70 sq ft |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Low price + Performs as expected + Non-stick |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Box is not sturdy or easy to use - Box may break easily |
If You Care Parchment Baking Paper came in a 70-sf roll. The paper is unbleached, and it fits a 13-inch standard cookie sheet. It has a silicone coating for nontoxic heat resistance.
Overall Impression: My first impression was not great because the box was broken. There was also no way to easily cut the paper against the serrated edge. Once I used it, however, it did turn out to be a solid choice. Among the various parchment papers I tried, this one is likely the best value, as long as you don't mind cutting your own.
Performance: The paper stayed non-stick as it was supposed to. It also stayed relatively flat, though it did wrinkle somewhat during baking. This did not affect the performance.
User-Friendly Features: Unfortunately, the box was not user-friendly. If you can get past that, however, the paper is versatile. The manufacturer states it can be used not only in the oven and air fryer but also in the microwave. Since you're cutting it yourself, it can be used on half sheet pans and baking pans of all sizes.
5. Smartake Parchment Paper Baking Sheets: Best Large Parchment Paper Sheets
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Smartake Material: Wood Pulp Item Form: Paper Sheets Sheet Count: 200 Sheet Size: 12 x 16 inches |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Stands up well + Good addition to any kitchen |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Difficult to keep papers in good order after using a significant amount - Soft plastic sleeve for storage instead of a cardboard box |
I purchased the Smartake Parchment Paper Baking Sheets in the 12" x 16" size. There are other sizes available; in fact, they go up to as large as 17" x 26". There are 200 parchment papers in the package I bought.
Overall Impression: My first impression was good. The non-stick paper sheets are slick and sturdy-feeling. They lay flat and fill up most of a half sheet pan, which is nice. The packaging was a little confusing; you need to completely open up the cardboard box, then slide out a plastic "envelope" of sorts. From there, you can slide out one sheet at a time from the end.
My impression was that in time, once I take out half or so of the parchment papers, they might get a bit unwieldy. I'm not sure this could be remedied, however, since the sheets are quite large. They should just be stored flat on a shelf.
Update: I have since used a little less than half of this winning parchment paper, and I can attest that yes, the pile of parchment paper sheets did get a little difficult to keep in order. I remedied this by placing them in a disposable foil pan, which I keep at the top of my pantry.
Performance: These performed well. They laid flat and continued to stay flat through baking, and they also absorbed a good amount of the oil from the cookies.
User-Friendly Features: These are user-friendly in that you simply take out a sheet and put it on your pan. There's no cutting necessary if you're using a half sheet pan. Since there are various sizes available, you can order the one that makes the most sense for the size pan(s) you usually use.
6. Reynolds Kitchen Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll: Best Unbleached Parchment Paper
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Smartake Material: Wood Pulp Item Form: Paper Sheets Sheet Count: 200 Sheet Size: 12 x 16 inches |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + High-quality parchment paper + Fits most standard baking pans + Versatile for lining baking sheets of various sizes + Popular brand available in grocery stores |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - There are no cons |
The Reynolds Kitchen Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll is both unbleached and compostable. It comes in a roll, and different sizes are available. I bought the 45-sf package, which is 12" wide. It's safe to 425 degrees, and you can put it in your home compost pile after use (as long as what you cooked on it is also compostable).
Overall Impression: This was very easy to open and tear out without ripping or wrinkling. It also laid flat on the cookie sheet and only lifted slightly on the ends after baking. The size is convenient, as it could fit on both smaller and larger baking sheets.
Performance: This held up well. It didn't absorb a lot of oil, at least not visually, but it didn't curl up much, and it remained nonstick.
User-Friendly Features: The box is very user-friendly. Simply tuck the flap in behind the roll of parchment paper, and then you can unroll it and tear it off cleanly. It's also flat, even though it came on a roll, so you can just lay it down and place your items on top.
Factors to Consider When Buying Parchment Paper
There are some factors you might keep in mind:
Quality of the Parchment Paper
You're going to want to find parchment paper sheets or rolls that are sturdy enough to stand up to whatever you're baking or cooking on them. Some types are thicker than others, and some seem slicker and less likely to promote sticking than others.
Think about what you're going to be making. Something on the greasy side (like buttery cookies) won't require very slick parchment paper but will need something on the thicker side to reduce wrinkling and tearing. Parchment paper sheets that lay flat will give you a more even cooking surface, so look for a midweight or heavier sheet.
See some tips here: How to Use Air Fryer Liners
Heat Resistance of the Parchment Paper
Most parchment paper will be fine in an oven up to 400 degrees, which will be plenty for most baked goodies. This isn't something to guess at, however; look at the product (or the listing) to find out for sure. The last thing you need is a fire due to parchment paper that isn't heat-resistant enough for your hot oven.
Bleached vs. Unbleached Parchment Paper
Bleached and unbleached parchment paper sheets are both good options, but if you have a preference, check the specifications to see which you're buying.
Both are equally safe. Bleached parchment paper is white, and unbleached parchment paper is brown, so you'll be able to see at a glance what type you have.
Size of Parchment Paper Sheets
If you're buying parchment paper sheets, you'll want to keep an eye on the size specifications. If you're using small cookie sheets or a regular baking pan, 9x13 sheets might be a good option. Larger baking pans would have better coverage with larger parchment sheets.
One caveat: don't use a large piece of parchment paper on smaller cookie sheets, since the edges will hang off. If they touch the oven grates, they could scorch, causing damage to your oven or even a fire. It's also best not to use a too-small piece of parchment paper, particularly if you're cooking something wet like cake batter.
Availability and Price of the Parchment Paper
Finally, you'll want to see which parchment paper you can get at a reasonable price, either locally or through Amazon.com or another online store.
Different types of parchment papers are widely available, so there's no need for even an avid home cook to spend an arm and a leg. Just choose the style you're looking for, then look for the best product you can both afford and find easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
In case I haven't answered some of your questions, here are some common ones that tend to come up.
Perforating parchment paper for the air fryer isn't strictly necessary, but it can be helpful if you're looking for a crisp finish and the food you're cooking is on the moist side.
The small holes will allow for more air circulation, which, in turn, will crisp up the outside of your food better than using solid parchment paper.
While I didn't review any pre-perforated parchment papers, you can certainly buy those. Another option is just to use a fork or wooden skewer to make holes in the paper before lining your air fryer basket with it.
Both are non-toxic and fine to use. You can be sure that unbleached sheets are chlorine-free. If you have one or the other on hand already, go ahead and use it for baking, air-frying, or anything else. Both are nonstick, and both are usually equally heat-resistant (check this for your particular brand of parchment paper).
All parchment papers are similar but not the same. They vary in thickness, size, shape, and coating. Some are of a higher or lower quality. Some will be better for cakes and other treats, while others will be fine for things like roasting vegetables.
Start with this review of the various types tested, and then if you aren't sure, rely on reviews or even go to the store and take a close look at the different types of parchment paper available before buying.
For the most part, parchment paper is a great option to consider when baking. There are a few times you might not want to (or should not) use it.
The first is when the baking temperature is over the heat resistance of the brand of parchment paper you have. Most are rated to 400 degrees, so if you're baking at high heat or if you're using the broiler, don't use parchment paper.
If you're already using a nonstick pan, you might not need parchment paper. The exception would be if you're making macaroons, caramels, or cakes that are very sticky.
Don't use parchment paper sheets on a grill or when using an open flame. This is a safety hazard.
And finally, if you're making a meringue, parchment paper can absorb some of the moisture and become soggy and sticky. For this type of dessert, you'll want to use a silicone mat or some type of silicone-coated pan instead.
You don't need to use oil, butter, or cooking spray to grease parchment paper most of the time. If you're making something very sticky, you might choose to grease it.
The other reason you might consider greasing underneath the parchment paper (so between the paper and the baking sheet) is if you're making something like buttery cookies, which might cause the paper to curl up. Putting a very small amount of grease under the parchment paper can prevent it from lifting.
No, wax paper and parchment paper aren't the same and can't be interchanged. Wax paper has a waxy, non-stick coating and can melt or burn at high temperatures. Wax paper isn't used for cooking or baking; it's better used in food storage.
Final Thoughts
The best overall parchment paper is the one you're going to use the most consistently, and that's the easiest to use. I personally preferred the Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets as my first choice. My top choice for rolled parchment paper would be Reynolds Kitchen Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll.
All of the parchment papers I tried were worth it, though, and I'd recommend any or all of them. If you love baking and the baking experience, you might want to have a high quantity of different styles on hand.
Think about the qualities most important to you, be sure to read reviews, and then go ahead and see which one you like best!
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Can You Put Wax Paper in an Air Fryer?
Randy Davis
As far as parchment goes, please read:
The safest, non-toxic, and eco-friendly parchment papers are unbleached, silicone-coated (rather than Quilon-coated), and certified free of PFAS "forever chemicals" and chlorine. Top recommended brands include If You Care, Zenlogy, and Katbite, which provide non-stick surfaces safe for high-temperature baking.
Parchment paper sold in the USA is not all the same!