Can you put aluminium foil under food in an air fryer or should you choose parchment paper? Here's what you need to know

Aluminium foil and parchment paper are both commonly used in air fryers, but they serve slightly different purposes. So, which one is better?

The answer depends on what you are cooking and what you want from your air fryer. While aluminium foil can be useful for containing juices and making cleanup easier, parchment paper is often preferred when you want to prevent food from sticking without significantly affecting air circulation.

Aluminium foil in an air fryer

Aluminium foil can generally be used in an air fryer, provided it is used correctly. It can be placed in the basket to catch grease and food particles, particularly when cooking foods such as chicken, meat or fish.


However, foil should not be allowed to block the air fryer's airflow. Covering the entire basket or placing loose foil inside the appliance can interfere with hot-air circulation. Foil should also be weighed down by food so it does not get lifted toward the heating element.

Another consideration is acidic foods. Ingredients such as tomatoes, vinegar-based marinades and citrus can react with aluminium, potentially causing the foil to break down and affecting the food's taste.

Parchment paper in an air fryer

Parchment paper can also be used in an air fryer and is particularly useful for foods that tend to stick to the basket.

It can make cleanup easier and is useful when cooking delicate foods. However, parchment paper also needs to be used carefully. It should not be placed in the air fryer while it is empty, as the circulating air can lift the paper toward the heating element.

It is best to use parchment paper that is specifically designed for high-temperature cooking and cut it to fit the basket rather than allowing it to extend beyond the edges.

So, which is better?

There is no universal winner.

Choose aluminium foil when you want to contain grease, juices or marinades, or when cooking foods where foil can help retain moisture.

Choose parchment paper when your main concern is preventing food from sticking and making cleanup easier.

For foods that require maximum hot-air circulation and crisping, however, using neither may be the better option. The air fryer is designed to circulate hot air around the food, and covering too much of the basket can interfere with that process.

The key is not simply choosing between foil and parchment paper, but using either one without blocking the air fryer's airflow or allowing it to come into contact with the heating element.