Introduction
Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, promising crispy, golden results with a fraction of the oil. As millions of home cooks embrace this countertop appliance, a surprisingly common question keeps popping up: “Can you put paper towel in air fryer?” It seems like such a simple question, but the answer involves a careful look at fire safety, heat resistance, and practical kitchen wisdom. Whether you’re hoping to absorb excess grease, line your basket for easier cleanup, or keep your food warm, this guide will cover every angle so you can use your air fryer confidently and safely.
Table of Contents
- Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer? The Short Answer
- Is It Safe to Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?
- When You Should Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer
- When You Should NEVER Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer
- Paper Towel vs. Parchment Paper in Air Fryer
- How to Safely Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer
- What Type of Paper Towel Is Safest?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expert Tips and Best Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer? The Short Answer
The short answer is: it depends on when and how you use it. Can you put paper towel in air fryer while it’s running? Generally, no — it’s not recommended. Paper towels are highly flammable, and the air fryer’s powerful fan can blow them into the heating element, creating a serious fire hazard. However, you can safely use a paper towel in an air fryer that is turned off, such as when you’re using it to blot excess oil from freshly cooked food. Some people also use paper towels under heavy food items at low temperatures, but this carries inherent risk. The bottom line: if the air fryer is on and hot, keep paper towels out of it.
Is It Safe to Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?
Safety is the number one concern when asking, “Can you put paper towel in air fryer?” Let’s look at the factors that determine safety.
Heat and Flammability
Paper towels ignite at approximately 230°C (450°F), which is within the range that some air fryers can reach. While most air fryer cooking happens at 180–200°C (350–400°F), the heating element itself gets significantly hotter than the ambient air temperature. If a paper towel touches the heating element, it can catch fire even if the displayed temperature seems safe.
Air Circulation and Movement
Air fryers rely on rapid air circulation to cook food. This means the fan is blowing air at high speed inside the basket. A lightweight paper towel can easily be lifted and tossed around, potentially coming into contact with the heating element at the top of the appliance. This is the primary reason why putting an unweighted paper towel in a running air fryer is a bad idea.
What the Experts Say
Most air fryer manufacturers explicitly warn against placing paper towels inside the appliance during operation. Their user manuals typically state that paper products should never be placed in the air fryer while it’s in use. This is not a legal restriction, but it’s a strong recommendation based on safety testing. Ignoring this advice could void your warranty and, more importantly, put your kitchen at risk.
When You Should Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer
There are actually several legitimate scenarios where using a paper towel with your air fryer is perfectly fine — and even helpful. The key is that the air fryer must be OFF.
Post-Cooking Oil Absorption
One of the most common uses is placing cooked food on a paper towel to absorb excess oil after the air frying cycle finishes. Once the air fryer is turned off and the basket is removed, you can line a plate or tray with paper towels and transfer your food onto them. This helps reduce grease and improves crispness. This is completely safe because the air fryer is no longer generating heat.
Blotting Food Before Cooking
You can also use paper towels to pat dry raw ingredients before placing them in the air fryer. For example, patting chicken wings or potato wedges dry helps them crisp up better. Again, the air fryer is off at this point, so there’s no fire risk.
Lining the Basket When Cool
If you want to use a paper towel to line the bottom of the air fryer basket to catch drips, you can do so — but only when the air fryer is cold and you’re storing it or prepping it before turning it on. Once you turn the air fryer on, you must remove the paper towel. This is a common practice for keeping the basket clean during storage.
When You Should NEVER Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer
Equally important is knowing when to keep paper towels far away from your air fryer.
During Preheating
Preheating an air fryer with a paper towel inside is one of the most dangerous things you can do. The empty basket heats up quickly, and with no food to weigh the paper towel down, it will fly around and very likely catch fire. Never preheat your air fryer with any paper product inside.
With Lightweight or Airy Foods
If you’re cooking something light like kale chips, shredded coconut, or small pieces of bread, a paper towel underneath may not be weighed down sufficiently. The fan could dislodge it. Stick to heavier foods if you absolutely must use a paper towel during cooking — though we still recommend against it.
At High Temperatures
Many air fryers can reach temperatures of 230°C (450°F) or higher. At these temperatures, paper towels are at their flashpoint. If you’re cooking at high heat, never risk putting paper towels inside the cooking chamber.
During Any Active Cooking Cycle
The simplest rule to remember: if the air fryer is on, paper towels stay out. There is no scenario during active cooking where a paper towel is essential enough to justify the fire risk.
Paper Towel vs. Parchment Paper in Air Fryer
Many people confuse paper towels with parchment paper, but they are very different when it comes to air fryer safety. Here’s a comparison table to help you understand.
| Feature | Paper Towel | Parchment Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Risk | High — easily flammable and can fly into heating element | Lower — still flammable but more heat-resistant |
| Heat Resistance | Up to ~200°C (400°F) but unsafe in practice | Up to ~220–230°C (425–450°F) |
| Best Use | Post-cooking oil absorption | Lining the basket during cooking |
| Air Circulation | Thin and light — can be blown around easily | Typically heavier with pre-cut sizes; still needs food on top |
| Reusability | Single-use only | Often reusable if not too greasy |
| Manufacturer Approval | Not approved for use during cooking | Approved by many manufacturers when used correctly |
| Cost | Inexpensive | Slightly more expensive |
As the table shows, parchment paper is generally the safer choice for lining your air fryer basket during cooking. Paper towels are best reserved for tasks outside the air fryer. If you’re asking “Can you put paper towel in air fryer?” the safer alternative is almost always parchment paper.
How to Safely Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer
If you still want to use paper towels in conjunction with your air fryer, here’s how to do it safely. These steps assume you are using paper towels while the air fryer is OFF.
Method 1: Absorbing Oil After Cooking
- Wait for the air fryer to finish its cooking cycle.
- Turn off the air fryer and unplug it for maximum safety.
- Carefully remove the basket using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Place one or two paper towels on a heat-safe plate or cutting board.
- Transfer the cooked food onto the paper towels using tongs.
- Gently blot the top of the food with another paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Allow the food to rest for a minute before serving.
Method 2: Patting Food Dry Before Cooking
- Lay a paper towel on a clean, dry countertop.
- Place your raw ingredients on the paper towel.
- Use another paper towel to pat the food dry.
- Remove the paper towels and discard them.
- Place the dried food in the air fryer basket.
- Proceed with your normal cooking settings.
Method 3: Lining the Basket for Storage
- Ensure the air fryer is completely cool and unplugged.
- Open the basket and place a single paper towel at the bottom.
- Use it to absorb any residual grease or crumbs during storage.
- Remove and replace the paper towel regularly to prevent odor buildup.
These methods allow you to benefit from paper towels without risking a fire. Remember: the moment you turn on the air fryer, any paper towel inside must be removed.
What Type of Paper Towel Is Safest?
Not all paper towels are created equal. If you’re going to use them with your air fryer (when it’s off), consider these factors:
Unbleached and Dye-Free
Unbleached, dye-free paper towels are the safest choice because they don’t contain chlorine bleach or artificial dyes that could potentially leach into food. Look for labels that say “unbleached” or “100% recycled with no added dyes.”
Strength and Thickness
Thicker, more absorbent paper towels are better for blotting oil because they’re less likely to tear and leave lint on your food. Brands with embossed patterns tend to be more absorbent. However, thicker paper towels are also more dense, so never be tempted to use them in a running air fryer.
Avoid Scented or Treated Paper Towels
Some paper towels come with added scents, lotions, or antibacterial treatments. These should never come into contact with food. Always use plain, unscented paper towels when handling any food item.
Reusable Paper Towels
Reusable cloth-like paper towels made from bamboo or cotton are becoming popular. These are safer from a chemical standpoint, but they are even more flammable if exposed to high heat. Use them only for post-cooking tasks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to paper towels and air fryers, there are several common mistakes that people make. Avoid these at all costs.
Mistake 1: Preheating with a Paper Towel Inside
This is the single most dangerous mistake. The combination of an empty air fryer, high heat, and a loose paper towel is a recipe for a kitchen fire. Always check the basket before preheating.
Mistake 2: Using Paper Towels as a Permanent Basket Liner
Some people try to use paper towels as a permanent liner to avoid cleaning the basket. This is extremely dangerous because the paper towel will degrade, tear, and potentially ignite during the cooking cycle. Use parchment paper instead if you want a liner.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Your air fryer’s manual almost certainly says to avoid paper products during cooking. Ignoring this doesn’t just put you at risk — it could also void your warranty. Read the manual and follow it.
Mistake 4: Using Paper Towels at High Temperatures
Even if you’ve seen others do it, placing a paper towel under food at temperatures above 200°C (400°F) is reckless. At these temperatures, the risk of combustion rises sharply.
Mistake 5: Leaving Paper Towels Unattended
If you’ve used a paper towel to absorb oil and left it sitting near a hot air fryer, it can still be a fire hazard. Dispose of used paper towels promptly and keep them away from hot surfaces.
Expert Tips and Best Practices
Now that we’ve covered the dangers, let’s talk about the best practices that will keep you safe while getting the most out of your air fryer.
Use Parchment Paper Instead
If your goal is to line the air fryer basket for easy cleanup, use perforated parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. These are cut to fit standard basket sizes and have holes that allow proper air circulation. They are far safer than paper towels.
Clean the Basket Promptly
The best way to avoid needing paper towels in the first place is to clean your air fryer basket promptly after each use. Soaking the basket in warm, soapy water for a few minutes makes cleanup easy without any liner.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
This is good advice for any kitchen. Keep a small fire extinguisher within reach of your cooking area. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
Use a Silicone Liner
Silicone liners are reusable, non-stick, and heat-resistant up to 230°C (450°F) or higher. They are the safest and most eco-friendly option for lining your air fryer basket.
Cut Food into Even Pieces
Evenly sized food pieces cook more consistently, which means you won’t be tempted to fiddle with paper towels to fix overcooked or undercooked results. Good prep reduces the need for post-cooking intervention.
Shake the Basket, Don’t Line It
For items like fries or nuggets, simply shaking the basket halfway through the cooking cycle achieves even crispness. You don’t need a paper towel to absorb grease during cooking — the air fryer’s design already allows excess fat to drip to the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put paper towel in air fryer to catch grease?
No, you should not put a paper towel in the air fryer to catch grease while the air fryer is running. The paper towel can be blown into the heating element and catch fire. Instead, let grease drip to the bottom of the basket and clean it afterward, or use parchment paper if you want a liner.
Can you put a paper towel under food in an air fryer?
While some people do this to absorb grease, it’s not recommended. Even with food weighing it down, the edges of the paper towel can flap in the air current and come close to the heating element. If you must line the basket, use perforated parchment paper instead.
Can paper towels catch fire in an air fryer?
Yes. Paper towels can catch fire if they come into contact with the heating element in an air fryer. The ignition point of paper is around 230°C (450°F), and heating elements can exceed this temperature even when the displayed temperature is lower.
Can I use a paper towel to blot oil from air-fried food?
Absolutely. Once the air fryer is turned off and the food is removed, placing it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil is safe and effective. Just make sure the air fryer is no longer running.
Is parchment paper better than paper towels in an air fryer?
Yes. Parchment paper is more heat-resistant, less likely to tear, and designed for cooking applications. Paper towels are not designed for high-heat cooking. For lining an air fryer basket, parchment paper is the superior choice.
What temperature is safe for paper towels in an air fryer?
There is no safe temperature for paper towels inside a running air fryer. Even at lower temperatures, the fan can cause the paper towel to move toward the heating element. Keep paper towels out of the air fryer during any active cooking cycle.
Can I put a paper towel in the air fryer while it cools down?
Once the air fryer is off and the heating element has cooled