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Quick Answer
No — paper towels should never be placed inside an air fryer. Unlike parchment paper, which is treated to withstand oven temperatures up to 420–450°F (215–230°C), standard paper towels are untreated cellulose that can ignite in an air fryer's heating environment. The fan also lifts lightweight paper towels instantly, blowing them directly into the heating element. If you need to absorb grease or line the basket, use perforated parchment paper rated for oven use — it is the safe, purpose-built alternative.
Minimum internal endpoints and required rest periods. Does not validate air-fryer settings or minutes. Whole eggs and shellfish also have specific appearance guidance in the chart.
Source section: Temperature chart: poultry, meat, seafood, eggs and leftovers. Reference checked: .
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Standard paper towels are made from untreated wood-pulp fibers and have no heat-resistance treatment. They begin to scorch at temperatures as low as 300°F (150°C) and can ignite if exposed to direct radiant heat from the element. An air fryer's heating coil reaches several hundred degrees and sits just inches above the basket — a paper towel placed inside is exposed to both direct radiation from above and the fan blast that circulates that hot air. The lightweight material is also immediately lifted by the fan and carried upward into the element, which is the fastest path to ignition. This is different from parchment paper, which is coated with a silicone or quilon finish that raises its ignition point above the operating temperature of most air fryers.
Check the instructions for the exact model before using water, foil, paper or other accessories. Do not use an improvised liner or pour water into hot fat. Let the appliance cool before removing grease and cleaning its removable parts as the manual directs.
Many people assume parchment paper and paper towels are interchangeable since both are thin paper products. They are not. Parchment paper is manufactured to withstand dry heat: it is coated with a release agent (silicone or quilon), which raises its ignition temperature to around 420–450°F (215–230°C) and makes it non-stick. Paper towels are designed for cold, wet absorption — they have no heat treatment and will burn when exposed to typical air fryer temperatures of 350–400°F (175–205°C). When buying parchment, look for products specifically labeled 'oven-safe' or 'baking parchment.'
While paper towels must never enter the air fryer during cooking, they are the right tool immediately after cooking. Line a plate or cooling rack with paper towels to blot excess grease from just-cooked bacon, fried chicken, or any item you want to drain. Pat proteins dry with paper towels before cooking — this is one of the most effective steps for achieving a crispy surface, since it removes the surface moisture that inhibits browning. These uses happen outside the air fryer where there is no ignition risk.
Last updated September 5, 2026 · Reviewed by Maks