Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

No. It is light, loose and flammable - exactly the wrong combination in a chamber with a fan and an exposed element.

Updated 9 September 2026

Not recommended

No. It is light, loose and flammable - exactly the wrong combination in a chamber with a fan and an exposed element.

No. It is light, loose and flammable - exactly the wrong combination in a chamber with a fan and an exposed element. Below is exactly how to do it and what to expect.

How to do it

  1. 1Use perforated parchment paper instead, or a silicone liner. To soak up fat, line the drawer underneath the basket rather than the basket itself.

Tips for the best results

  • What to expect: Paper towel gets blown against the element and can ignite. Parchment is designed for oven temperatures; kitchen roll is not.

The verdict

Not recommended. No. It is light, loose and flammable - exactly the wrong combination in a chamber with a fan and an exposed element. Paper towel gets blown against the element and can ignite. Parchment is designed for oven temperatures; kitchen roll is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you air fry paper towel?+

Not recommended. No. It is light, loose and flammable - exactly the wrong combination in a chamber with a fan and an exposed element.

What should I do instead?+

Use perforated parchment paper instead, or a silicone liner. To soak up fat, line the drawer underneath the basket rather than the basket itself.

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