Are you confused about your air fryer parchment paper options?
Air frying is the healthier alternative to deep-frying, but do you know what kind of parchment paper to use? Let us help you out.
Here are the five best substitutes for air fryer parchment paper.
You won’t have to worry again.
What’s Air Fryer Parchment Paper?
Air fryer parchment paper is a specialized type of parchment paper designed specifically for use in air fryers.
It’s heat-resistant, grease-resistant and available in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate your air fryer.
Parchment paper helps prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the basket and also helps keep it from splattering oil all over your basketand walls.
You can find both pre-cut circles as well as large sheets to fit the shape and size of your air fryer so you don’t have to worry about cutting it yourself.
When using parchment paper, it’s important to always use plenty of cooking spray or oil before placing the parchment on top of your food.
This will help ensure that the food doesn’t stick as well as help brown the exterior of what you’re cooking.
Parchment paper should also be replaced when it starts turning brown or becomes too greasy after multiple uses.
To get the most out of your parchment paper, simply tear off a small piece (just enough for a single layer) and place it directly on top of the basket when you start prepping for each meal.
Doing this will help reduce cleanup time by keeping grease from getting on everything else inside your air fryer — including its walls.
If you want an even quicker cleanup process, consider investing in reusable air fryer liners which can be used over and over again.
5 Best Air Fryer Parchment Paper Substitutes to Consider
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food with little or no added fat.
This makes it a great option for health-conscious cooks.
However, when cooking in an air fryer, it’s important to use parchment paper as it helps to prevent the food from sticking and burning too quickly.
If you’re out of parchment paper, there are several alternatives that can do the trick.
Below are five of the best substitutes for air fryer parchment paper:
1 – Wax Paper
Wax paper is a common kitchen staple but you should never use it in an air fryer.
Wax paper is not heat resistant and will melt when exposed to high temperatures.
The wax also makes food stick and can produce toxic fumes that may contaminate your food with some types of wax.
If you’re looking for a parchment paper substitute, avoid using wax paper in the air fryer.
However, if you’re looking for a general substitute for parchment paper while baking, greasing pans and so forth, wax paper is good option.
There are several different types of waxed papers on the market, including sheets made from either paraffin or soybean waxes.
Both types are relatively non-toxic, though it is generally safer to use soybean-based waxed papers since paraffin has been linked to certain health concerns.
2 – Silpat Baking Mat
Similar to parchment paper, a Silpat baking mat is a non-stick silicone surface that helps you easily bake and roast food in your oven.
It is also made from heat-resistant material, which allows it to withstand temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike parchment paper, the Silpat baking mat does not need to be sprayed with oil or butter before adding the food, as its surface easily releases food without sticking.
When finished baking, you can simply wash your Silpat baking mats with a soapy sponge and allow them to air dry.
They can also be used for other tasks such as kneading dough, making macarons, roasting vegetables and lining cake pans.
3 – Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is one of the most popular kitchen items and can be a great substitute for parchment paper.
It’s easy to shape, more affordable than parchment paper, and can be recycled.
Be sure to use extra caution when handling aluminum foil as it conducts heat quickly.
The use of aluminum foil will reduce the cooking time in most cases and it’s best suited for forgiving meats like chicken breasts and fish fillets.
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If you’re air frying fatty foods then use extra caution as they may splatter oil to the bottom of your basket causing a potential mess, or even an accident if that grease were to catch fire.
You can easily tear off small pieces for delicately cooked vegetables as well as larger pieces for larger items like potatoes or peppers.
Additionally, with large square cuts you can make packets for fancy meal dishes with multiple ingredients all cooked together in a single item.
The cook times may need adjustment when using aluminum foil at times due to it being better insulator than parchment paper, but typically it doesn’t require a major difference in timing versus what is suggested on your recipe card or food plan instructions.
4 – Oil Sprays
Using oil spray is one of the most common substitutions for air fryer parchment paper.
To use an oil spray, lightly and evenly coat the basket or tray with a non-stick cooking spray.
The plain oil type that does not contain butter or other seasonings is better for this purpose rather than flavored.
For best results, make sure to evenly coat the entire basket or tray to prevent sticking and ensure food cooks as desired.
However, it should be noted that non-aerosol and odorless sprays are not ideal substitutes as they may have a slightly metallic taste when used in kitchen appliances that operate at high temperatures like air fryers.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the amount used as over-spraying can cause smoke and burning in the fryer.
5 – Air Fryer Silicone Pot
Air Fryer Silicone Pot – As an alternative to parchment paper, you can use a silicone pot in the air fryer.
It allows your food to cook evenly and still prevents it from sticking to the pan.
It’s also easier to clean up than parchment paper because it is nonstick.
However, the downside of using a silicone pot is that it absorbs heat more quickly, causing your food to cook faster and potentially burn if not monitored regularly.
It’s best for foods that don’t require long cooking times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parchment paper has numerous advantages over traditional cooking methods such as frying.
It does not require added fat or grease to create a crisp exterior for your food.
Aside from the classic baker’s parchment, there are several other great substitutes that can be used in an air fryer to achieve excellent results.
There are other options out there too, such as springform pans and silicone mats.
Neither will damage your appliance and they both provide even heat transfer while keeping food from sticking to the basket.
Of course, none of these offer all of the benefits of parchment paper — so if you want crispy roasted veggies with minimal cleanup, it’s still worth investing in parchment paper specifically designed for use with air fryers.
5 Best Air Fryer Parchment Paper Substitutes to Consider
Ingredients
- 1 – Wax Paper
- 2 – Silpat Baking Mat
- 3 – Aluminum Foil
- 4 – Oil Sprays
- 5 – Air Fryer Silicone Pot
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!