What to Use Instead of Air Fryer Parchment Paper

If you do not have perforated parchment paper for an air fryer, the closest alternatives are a lightly oiled basket or regular parchment paper with holes poked in it. Both help keep food from sticking while allowing hot air to circulate.

What Does Air Fryer Parchment Do?

Parchment made for air fryers has small holes that let hot air move freely under and around the food. This helps prevent sticking while preserving the crisp texture air fryers are known for. Plain, unperforated paper can block airflow, slow cooking, and make food less crisp. The key is to choose an alternative that does not block the airflow.

Which Alternatives Work?

A light coat of oil on the basket helps prevent sticking, especially with vegetables and potatoes that are not naturally fatty. Cooking directly in the basket without paper is how air fryers are designed to be used. You can also poke a few holes in regular parchment paper with the tip of a fork. Make sure it does not extend past the basket's edges or touch the heating element. A washable silicone air fryer liner is another option. It costs more upfront than disposable paper but can be reused many times.

What Should You Watch Out For?

With unperforated paper, food near the bottom of the basket may not cook properly. If that happens, remove the paper halfway through cooking and finish directly in the basket. Use oil sparingly: too much can smoke or make the food greasier than intended. Whatever kind of paper you use, it must fit entirely inside the basket and stay clear of the heating element. Paper that hangs over the edge can catch fire while the air fryer is running.

How Else Can You Prevent Sticking Without Paper?

If the food is already fatty, such as chicken skin or fatty meatballs, you may not need to add oil; the food can cook in its own fat without sticking. Food coated in flour or breadcrumbs usually needs a light coat of oil on the basket, or the coating may stick and tear off. Washing the basket with warm, soapy water after every use also helps prevent sticking, since grease buildup can make food stick over time.

Do not overfill the middle of the basket when cooking without paper. Piling food on top of itself blocks airflow regardless of the alternative you use. Brush crumbs out of the basket grate after every use; accumulated crumbs can increase the risk of smoke and a burnt smell. Applying oil with a spray bottle instead of a brush leaves a thinner, more even coat. If you use an air fryer regularly, a washable silicone liner can reduce paper waste and save you from poking holes each time.