Air fryers are versatile countertop cookers known for producing crispy, excellent food without deep frying in oil. There are several types of baking paper that can be added to the basket to make clean-up easier.
A common question that often arises is, “Can you put wax paper in an air fryer?” The simple answer is no, but there are plenty of other options, and we look into them here.
There are different sizes and styles of air fryers, but they all work by convection heating, similar to a traditional oven. It's common for some to place kitchen paper in their air fryer baskets to deal with sticky foods and make cleanup more convenient
There are three types of baking paper to choose from: parchment paper, aluminum foil (tin foil), and wax paper. We've covered tin foil and parchment paper in other articles, and now we'll look into the reasons why wax paper cannot be used in your air fryer here.
Jump to:
- What Is Wax Paper and What Is It Used For?
- Alternatives To Wax Paper for Air Fryers
- Aluminum Foil
- Silicone Mats
- When To Not Use Wax Paper in an Air Fryer?
- Safety Considerations for Wax Paper
- Alternatives To Wax Paper in an Air Fryer
- Aluminum Foil Liners
- Benefits of Using Liners in Your Air Fryer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You Put Wax Paper In An Air Fryer?
What Is Wax Paper and What Is It Used For?
Wax paper is a baking paper primarily used to wrap food and for lining baking sheets. The coating is either paraffin wax or soybean wax, which gives it a unique coating that retains the liquid of the food wrapped in it and keeps food from sticking. This makes it a great option for food storage.
Additionally, wax paper is also great for lining baking trays that are not going into the oven or lining countertops or cutting boards to roll out dough. It is often confused with parchment paper, but they are used for different purposes. Parchment and wax paper are interchangeable if heat is not involved.
If you choose kitchen paper over aluminum foil, parchment paper is the way to go. It's similar to wax paper but is also heat resistant. If you weigh it down with weights or food and make sure it is perforated, you can safely cook whatever you choose.
Food that is air fried with parchment paper makes for a crispier exterior coating, which is why most of us use an air fryer, to begin with. Before you use any paper liner, it's good to compare the differences between the different types.
Alternatives To Wax Paper for Air Fryers
Parchment Paper
We reviewed this in previous articles, but here is a quick refresher. Bleached and unbleached parchment paper has a heat-resistant coating up to 400°F (205ºC). Wax paper is not heat resistant, and the wax will melt. However, both types of baking paper are great resources to use in the kitchen for liners and storage.
Parchment Paper Pros
- Heat resistant surface
- Perforated parchment paper is available
- Easy clean up
Parchment Paper Cons
- lightweight
- Heat resistant only to 400° Fahrenheit
Aluminum Foil
Both parchment paper and aluminum foil are better alternatives for an air fryer, but aluminum foil is the better option. As a thin metal, it is not flammable, but if it is not weighed down in the air fryer basket, it can float into the heating element and cause smoke or ruin your air fryer.
Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.
Aluminum Foil Pros
- Heat resistant
- Durable
- Ensures crispness
Aluminum Foil Cons
- Lightweight
- It will steam food if it is completely wrapped
Silicone Mats
Silicone mats are another liner alternative for your air fryer that are heat safe and prevent food from sticking to the basket, rack, or tray.
Some brands come pre-fitted to match your air fryer, while others you can trim yourself. They are perforated to allow hot air to circulate around your food and can be used in high temperatures up to 450°F (230ºC).
These incredibly easy-to-use mats provide great value at a great price. They produce crispy results, make cleanup a breeze, and are virtually fire-resistant. An added bonus is that they protect your air fryer from scratches from metal utensils like tongs.
Silicone Mat Pros
- Healthy: Silicone mats are a healthier alternative to kitchen paper because no oil is needed to make them non stick.
- Reusable: The mats are reusable, which produces less waste than cooking paper. They are also very durable, which means you can use them repeatedly without them breaking down.
- Dishwasher safe: Not only do silicone mats allow you to easily lift sticky foods, but they can also be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Silicone Mat Cons
The only downside to using silicone in an air fryer is that silicone has a low heat conductivity. However, most brands are thin enough to allow proper airflow.
When To Not Use Wax Paper in an Air Fryer?
As mentioned earlier, you cannot use wax paper in an air fryer because of safety issues. When wax paper is heated above 200°F (94ºC), the wax coating will melt, which leaches into your food and can ruin your air fryer.
- Wax isn't heat safe: High heat melts wax, causing it to melt. There are no advantages to cooking with wax paper; it simply cannot be done. However, there are alternatives to use in an air fryer that won't ruin food, makes clean up easier, and are just as affordable as wax paper.
- Wax melts into your food: Once the wax melts, it runs, similar to a household candle. This wax will leak into your food and also into the air fryer element.
- Wax paper could cause a fire: The melted wax that drips into your heating element will either catch fire or, at the least, seriously damage your air fryer.
Safety Considerations for Wax Paper
It is best to avoid any heat when using wax paper and only use it for food storage. If you need a nonstick baking paper for air frying, stick to aluminum foil or parchment paper.
An air fryer requires circulating hot air to fry properly. Once the wax paper melts, it can melt unto the element, causing permanent damage to your air fryer.
Alternatives To Wax Paper in an Air Fryer
The two best alternatives to wax paper in an air fryer are aluminum foil and parchment paper. As an added bonus, there are numerous options when choosing between the two for your air fryer. There are pre-fitted air fryer parchment paper and aluminum foil inserts, or you can make your own perforated parchment paper or aluminum liner.
To make your own, tear off a section bigger than you need and form it into the cool air fryer basket with your hand. Once you have a decent fit, tear off the excess and punch holes in the baking paper with a skewer or similar instrument.
Perforated Parchment Paper
An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food for even heat distribution, which allows even cooking. Because of this hot air circulation, the air fryer basket has perforated holes built into the bottom. If you choose to use parchment paper or aluminum foil as a liner, you need to punch holes in the baking paper so the hot air can flow freely.
A simpler option is to purchase pre-fitted air fryer parchment paper sheets. These come out of the package to fit your air fryer basket with no additional adjustments needed. You can either buy regular or bleached white parchment paper. The main difference is the color, but both are food safe.
Aluminum Foil Liners
You can purchase aluminum foil liners specially made for your air fryer, which have the added benefit of catching food juices to fry your food in. These liners are not perforated but are designed to allow hot air circulation around the foil trays.
Benefits of Using Liners in Your Air Fryer
- Keeps food from dripping into the fryer basket or heating element
- Even cooking
- Easy cleanup
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use wax paper in other kitchen appliances?
Technically, you can use wax paper in a microwave up to 200° Fahrenheit, but the short answer is no. It is never a good idea to use wax paper around any heat source.
2. Is it safe to use plastic wrap in an air fryer?
Absolutely not, under any circumstance. Plastic wrap melts easily, and it is a definite fire hazard in an air fryer. The same rule applies to any plastic cookware.
3. Can I reuse parchment paper in an air fryer?
Parchment paper can be reused, but I don't recommend it for an air fryer. When parchment paper is exposed to high temperatures, it becomes brittle. The brittle paper can easily break off and lodge in the heating element, causing fire or damage to your air fryer.
4. Can I use a paper towel in an air fryer?
It's not recommended to use a paper towel in an air fryer because it could be a fire hazard or get sucked into the heating element. Instead, use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to prevent food from sticking.
5. Can I use a non-stick spray in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use a non-stick spray in an air fryer to prevent food from sticking to the basket. However, it's best to use an oil-based spray rather than aerosol sprays, as the latter can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket over time.
Can You Put Wax Paper In An Air Fryer?
Using a liner in an air fryer is a great idea, but only if used properly. Wax paper should never be used as it is a fire hazard and can possibly ruin your air fryer. If you are going to use a liner, parchment paper and aluminum foil are the best options.
If you use any type of liner, make sure it's perforated and weighed down so that it does not lodge in the heating element. Now that you know how to line your air fryer, check out these delicious air fryer recipes.
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