Appliance
What Can You Put in an Air Fryer?
ApplianceAir FryerCountertop hot-air cooking appliance
What goes with air fryer
- Aluminum FoilVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSSometimes. Manuals differ, so use foil only if your air fryer’s instructions allow it. Keep the piece small, hold it down with food, leave airflow openings clear, and keep it away from the heating element. If your manual says no, cook directly in the basket.
- Parchment PaperVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, but only when your exact air fryer manual allows parchment. A perforated air-fryer liner is the better choice; regular parchment must be trimmed to fit and fully held down by food. If you preheat, do it with no parchment inside, then add the paper and food together. If the manual bans paper liners, use the bare basket or an approved accessory.
- Wax PaperVerdict: NONo. Do not put wax paper in an air fryer. Its coating can melt under exposed cooking heat, and loose paper can rise toward the heating element and burn. Use a liner only if your air fryer's manual allows it.
- Paper PlateVerdict: NONo. Do not put a paper plate in an air fryer, even if food is holding it down. Cook in the bare basket or in cookware approved for your model, then transfer the food to the plate for serving. Manufacturer guidance prohibits paper in some air fryers, and a solid plate interferes with airflow.
- Glass BowlVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, with limits. Use the bowl only if its care instructions allow air-fryer or countertop-convection use and your air fryer permits ovenproof dishes. If either manufacturer rules it out, the glass is ordinary serving ware, or the bowl is damaged, use a metal pan instead. Leave open space around the bowl and avoid sudden temperature changes.
- PyrexVerdict: NONo. Do not put Pyrex glassware in an air fryer, even if the dish fits. Use the fryer’s basket, tray, or another accessory approved in its manual. Pyrex classifies an air fryer as a direct heat source and warns that improper use can damage the dish or cause injury.
- Cooking SprayVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, with limits. Use a non-aerosol pump mister filled with plain cooking oil, or brush or toss the food with oil before it goes in. Avoid conventional aerosol cooking spray on a nonstick basket unless your air fryer manual specifically allows it; some manufacturers warn that it can damage the coating.
- Silicone LinerVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, with limits. Use a silicone liner labeled for food contact and oven or air-fryer use, and keep the setting within its temperature rating. It must fit inside the basket, remain clear of the heating element, and leave room for hot air to circulate. A solid liner may reduce browning underneath the food.