Air fryers are all the rage right now. Which means there’s plenty of questions and queries around them. Do they really use less oil? What can you cook in them? And one of the biggies – can you put foil in an air fryer?
Below, we’ll explore all the ins and outs of using foil in your air fryer. Along with some useful tips and tricks that’ll make cooking tonight’s dinner way easier. Let’s get going…
Is it safe to put foil in an air fryer?
The answer is generally yes, but with a few caveats. Foil can be really handy, especially when you want to stop food from sticking. And if you need to make a barrier to catch drippings, there’s not much better for that. But it’s important to use it properly. If you don’t, you’re going to have a few issues. Some bigger than others.
How to use foil in an air fryer safely
You need to use that foil in the right way. Here’s how we’d recommend doing it:
Choose the right foil – Use high-quality, heavy-duty foil. Thin foil can tear or melt. And that’ll make a mess and could even damage your air fryer.
Cut to size – Chop it to fit in the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray. You don’t want it to be too large though, as any excess foil can block the airflow and ruin the cooking performance.
Smooth it out –Pat down any wrinkles or folds in the foil. The heat will then be able to move around properly and cook your food evenly.
Avoid contact with the heating elements – Before you hit the start button, see if the foil is touching the heating elements or the walls of the air fryer. If it is, the foil might melt. Or in extreme cases, catch fire.
Remove after cooking – Perfectly cooked? Take the foil out as soon as possible. If you leave it in, it’ll trap moisture and eventually make things rusty.
When should you not use foil in an air fryer?
While foil can definitely be helpful when you’re making that midweek meal, there are times where you’ll want to avoid it…
When cooking smaller food – Popcorn, nuts and other small snacks can fall through the foil and drop into the heating elements, which is a big fire hazard.
When cooking foods with a high fat content – Foods that release a lot of fat – like bacon – can make the foil slippery and greasy. And because of that, your food might stick or won’t cook evenly. And nobody wants a disappointing dinner.
When using non-stick baskets – If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, using foil can scratch the surface and damage the non-stick coating. This’ll quickly become a right pain, (as food will get everywhere) so don’t risk it.
Best alternatives to foil in an air fryer
If you’re not sure about using foil, don’t sweat it. There’s plenty of alternatives that’ll give you similar results…
Baking parchment paper – It’s non-stick, safe for high temperatures and won’t get in the way of the airflow. Just make sure to cut it first so it fits your air fryer basket or tray.
Silicone mats – They’re heat-resistant, non-stick and easy to clean – so you won’t have to spend ages slaving away over the sink getting that grime off. You can use them for lots of different kinds of food too, and they’re reusable. Which makes them a great cost-effective shout.
Non-stick cooking spray – A light spray of this stuff will stop food from sticking. Be careful not to use too much of it though. It’ll make your meal greasier, giving you less of that lovely crispy texture air fryers are known for. It can also build up over time, making the basket tough to clean.
Cooking racks – If you’re cooking something you think might stick, use a cooking rack. It’ll raise the food above the surface of the air fryer and helps air to move around it properly.
Common mistakes to avoid when using foil in an air fryer
We’ve covered off the dos. Now how about the don’ts?
Using too much foil – You might end up blocking the airflow. And this is one of the biggest culprits for uneven cooking. So, only use enough to cover the areas you need.
Not securing the foil – It can shift about while your food cooks, creating a nasty mess. Make sure it’s smoothed out and secure.
Leaving foil in the air fryer – Always remove any foil when you’re done cooking. Leaving it in can trap moisture, leading to rust and other annoying issues.
Using foil with high-fat foods – Like we said earlier, fatty foods can make the foil extra greasy. Think about whether it’s going to be worth the clear up afterwards!
FAQs
Is it better to use foil or parchment paper in an air fryer?
Both have their pros and cons. But most home cooks prefer baking parchment paper. There’s a lot going for it after all. It’s non-stick. It’s safe for high temperatures. And it’s not going to get in the way of the air fryer’s airflow. Plus, it’s a lot easier to clean up – and doesn’t have the same risks as foil. Sounds like a win-win to us.
Can you put foil in an air fryer basket?
Yes, you can put foil in your air fryer basket. But like we’ve mentioned, you’ve got to be careful. Follow our step by step guide up above for the best method.
Can you put foil in the bottom of an air fryer?
Yep. Again though, be safe about it. Cut the foil to fit, smooth it out and don’t let it touch the heating elements. Take your time while you’re setting things up. Air fryers are fast anyway. So, it’s not like you’ll be waiting around ages for your dinner.
Need more advice?
Our air fryer tricks don’t stop there. Some chefs swear by preheating their air fryer. We reveal why in our piece how to preheat an air fryer. And if you’re struggling for room on your kitchen counter, there’s no point getting a whopping great air fryer. Read our piece - what size air fryer do I need? – and solve all those space-based cooking conundrums.
