Air fryer parchment paper has become a must-have accessory for many home cooks, providing an easy way to prevent sticking and make cleaning a breeze.

But what if you run out of parchment paper or can’t find any in your local store?

What are the best substitutes for air fryer parchment paper? The best substitutes for air fryer parchment paper include silicone baking mats, aluminum foil, non-stick cooking spray, oil or butter, reusable air fryer liners, and oven-safe baking racks. Some air fryer baskets are also designed with a non-stick surface, eliminating the need for parchment paper altogether.

Fear not, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 alternatives to air fryer parchment paper to ensure your cooking experience remains hassle-free and enjoyable.

Let’s explore these handy substitutes and learn how to use them effectively in your air fryer.

What’s Air Fryer Parchment Paper?

Air fryer parchment paper is a type of paper that is used in air fryers to prevent food from sticking to the basket or tray.

It is a non-stick, heat-resistant paper that can withstand high temperatures.

It is a great application for cooking up sticky and greasy items.

Air fryer parchment paper comes in pre-measured sheets with pre-cut holes to allow for better air circulation, which can make food crispier and juicier.

It is also possible to make your own perforated parchment paper.

When using parchment paper in an air fryer, it is important to measure it to use only as much as the food requires underneath, to ensure that the food is surrounded by hot, dry air.

The 7 Best Substitutes For Air Fryer Parchment Paper

Air fryer parchment paper is a staple in any air fryer kitchen. But if you’re out of parchment paper, don’t worry!

Here are seven substitutes that will still give you the same great results:

1. Wax Paper

Wax paper is an economical, readily available substitute for air fryer parchment paper.

It is coated with a thin layer of wax, making it a non-stick surface and ensuring your food won’t get stuck.

Before placing your food in the air fryer, cut a piece of wax paper, making sure it fits snugly in the basket.

Always use caution when using wax paper since it can melt or catch fire at high temperatures.

Wax paper is not ideal for all recipes, so consider using it only for recipes that require lower cooking temperatures and shorter cooking times.

2. Silpat Baking Mat

Silpat baking mats are an ideal non-stick surface for all types of baking, including air frying.

Made of food-grade silicone, these mats distribute heat evenly, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection every time.

Silpat mats are reusable, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures.

To use a Silpat mat in your air fryer, cut it to fit the basket’s size, and place it on the bottom.

It is the perfect solution for cooking sticky, gooey, or delicate foods, ensuring they won’t stick and burn.

3. Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil is heat-resistant, non-stick, and readily available, making it an excellent alternative for cooking in your air fryer.

To use aluminum foil in your air fryer, cut a piece to fit the basket’s size, making sure it covers the food entirely.

Aluminum foil is ideal for cooking vegetables, seafood, or meats, ensuring they remain juicy and evenly cooked.

However, avoid using aluminum foil with acidic or spicy foods, as it can react with the ingredients and leave a metallic taste in your dishes.

4. Oil Sprays

Oil sprays are an excellent substitute for air fryer parchment paper when you need to cook foods that stick easily without adding too many calories to your dish.

You can use cooking spray like canola, coconut, or olive oil to create a non-stick cooking surface for your air fryer basket or tray.

To use oil spray as a substitute for parchment paper, simply spritz your air fryer basket or tray with the oil spray before placing your food inside.

It’s important to note that you should use a light layer of oil spray to avoid greasy or mushy food.

5. Air Fryer Silicone Pot

Air fryer silicone pots are a great alternative to parchment paper if you want to cook food in a container or mold.

The silicone pots are designed to withstand high temperatures and are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean.

Simply place your food in the silicone pot and put the pot in the air fryer basket.

The silicone material acts as a barrier between your food and the air fryer basket, preventing food from sticking or burning.

6. Paper Towels

Paper towels are a simple and effective alternative to air fryer parchment paper if you need to soak up excess oil or grease from your food.

You can place a layer of paper towels on the bottom of the air fryer basket or tray and then place your food on top.

The paper towel will absorb the extra oil or grease and prevent your food from sticking to the air fryer surface. It’s important to use enough paper towels to cover the bottom of the basket or tray evenly.

7. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is an unconventional but practical substitute for air fryer parchment paper when you need a non-stick surface for your food.

You can use cornstarch as a coating for your food, creating a crispy layer that prevents food from sticking.

To use cornstarch as a substitute for parchment paper, pat your food dry with a paper towel before dusting it with cornstarch.

Then, place the food in the air fryer basket or tray and cook as directed. The cornstarch creates a crispy coating on your food, making it less prone to sticking to the air fryer surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use aluminum foil instead of parchment paper in air fryer? Yes, aluminum foil can be used as a substitute for parchment paper in air fryers, but it is important to avoid using it with acidic foods as the metal can react and affect the taste of the food.
• What can I use as a liner for my air fryer? There are several options for liners in an air fryer, including parchment paper, wax paper, aluminum foil, silicone mats, and even cornstarch or oil sprays.
• Can I make my own air fryer parchment paper? Yes, it is possible to make your own air fryer parchment paper by perforating regular parchment paper with a fork or knife to allow for better air circulation.
• Can you use wax paper in an air fryer instead of parchment paper? Wax paper can be used as a substitute for parchment paper in an air fryer, but it is not recommended for cooking at high temperatures as it can melt or ignite. It is also important to avoid using wax paper with acidic or salty foods, as it can affect the taste of the food.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while air fryer parchment paper is a popular and convenient option for preventing food from sticking to the air fryer basket or tray, there are several alternatives that can be used in its place.

These include wax paper, silicone mats, aluminum foil, oil sprays, cornstarch, and even paper towels.

Each of these alternatives has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs and the type of food you are cooking.

By exploring these alternatives, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of air frying without having to worry about running out of parchment paper.