Can You Put a Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

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.

Pre-cut perforated parchment rounds sized for air fryer baskets are the correct substitute for any task you might reach for a paper towel to accomplish. They provide a non-stick surface, absorb light grease, and catch crumbs — all without any fire risk. Silicone air-fryer liners are a reusable alternative. For the grease-drip problem specifically (e.g., cooking bacon), add 1–2 tablespoons of water to the drip tray below the basket rather than trying to absorb grease with paper inside the cooking cavity. The water catches dripping fat before it burns and requires no liner at all.

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.

What is the difference between a paper towel and parchment paper for air fryers?

Parchment paper is treated with a silicone or quilon coating that raises its heat tolerance to 420–450°F (215–230°C), making it safe in an air fryer when weighted down with food. Paper towels are untreated cellulose designed for cold, wet use — they begin to scorch at around 300°F (150°C) and can ignite in an air fryer's heat. Never use a paper towel inside an air fryer; use oven-rated parchment paper instead.

What can you safely line an air fryer basket with?

Safe liners for an air fryer basket are: perforated parchment paper (oven-rated, 420–450°F), aluminum foil (weighted down with food, sized to the basket), and reusable silicone air-fryer liners. Never use paper towels, wax paper, or plastic wrap inside the basket. Always place the liner in the basket after you put the food on it — a bare liner in a running fryer will be blown into the heating element by the fan.

Why is it unsafe to put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Paper towels are not heat-rated for oven or air fryer temperatures — they can ignite once the air fryer reaches 300°F (150°C) or above, and the powerful fan will lift a loose towel directly into the heating element. Parchment paper is the safe alternative; it is rated to 420–450°F and is heavy enough not to fly around when food is placed on top. If you want to absorb excess moisture, pat food dry before cooking rather than placing absorbent paper inside the fryer.