Yes — parchment paper is safe in most air fryers as long as it never blocks the airflow or blows loose. The safest way to use it is perforated parchment made for air fryers, placed under the food so the food weighs it down. As always, check your model’s manual, and never run parchment in an empty, preheating basket.
Important safety note
Loose paper is the risk. If a sheet lifts in the moving air, it can touch the heating element and scorch or catch. Only add parchment once food is on top to hold it down, and keep it smaller than the basket so air still flows around the edges.
When parchment paper is fine
- As a liner under food to catch drips, crumbs and marinade — this makes cleanup much easier.
- For sticky or delicate foods like fish, dough or cheese that would otherwise stick to the basket.
- Perforated parchment rounds, which are designed to let hot air pass through and are the best option for air fryers.
When to skip it
- Never preheat with empty parchment inside — with nothing to weigh it down, it can blow into the element.
- Don’t cover the whole basket with solid (unperforated) paper; it blocks airflow and food cooks unevenly.
- Skip it for very light foods that could shift and expose the paper to the fan.
- Don’t exceed the paper’s heat rating. Standard parchment is usually rated to around 425°F; check the box if you cook hotter.
How to use it the right way
- Choose perforated parchment (or poke a few holes in a plain round yourself).
- Cut or buy it a little smaller than the basket so air flows around the edges.
- Add the parchment and then the food on top — don’t run it empty.
- Leave as much of the perforated base clear as you can.
Parchment vs foil
Both work within the rules, but they suit different jobs:
- Parchment is better for lining and cleanup, sticky foods and anything acidic, because it doesn’t react with food.
- Foil is better for wrapping food or making a lifting sling — see can you put foil in an air fryer.
For everyday liners, perforated parchment is usually the easier, safer pick.
Related questions
Will parchment stop my food crisping? Only if it blocks airflow. Perforated paper used under the food has little effect on crisping.
Do I need special air fryer parchment? Not strictly, but perforated rounds made for air fryers are the safest and most convenient option.
Can I reuse it? Use a fresh sheet each time for hygiene and to avoid grease buildup that could smoke. See how to clean an air fryer for the rest of the routine.