How to Line an Air Fryer Basket
Updated 9 September 2026
Line it only when you need to, use perforated material, and never put an empty liner into a preheating basket. Those three rules cover everything.
Quick answer
- 1Choose perforated parchment or a perforated silicone liner, cut slightly smaller than the basket.
- 2Place the food on the liner first, then lower both into the basket together.
- 3Never preheat with an empty liner inside - the fan will lift it into the element.
- 4Skip the liner entirely for chips and anything you want crisp underneath.
When a liner helps and when it hurts
It helps for sticky, sugary or delicate food: glazed wings, skinless fish, marinated meat, anything with a sauce that would weld itself to the basket.
It hurts for anything you want crisp on the base. A liner reduces airflow to the underside, which is the exact advantage a perforated basket gives you. Chips and roast potatoes should sit directly on the metal.
Foil, parchment and silicone compared
Parchment is the default - cheap, oven-rated and available pre-perforated. Silicone is reusable and good for wet or loose food, but only buy perforated versions.
Foil works but should be moulded to the basket rather than laid loose, and kept away from acidic food like tomato and lemon, which reacts with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you line an air fryer basket with parchment paper?+
Yes. Use perforated parchment cut slightly smaller than the basket, and always put the food on it before it goes in. Never preheat with an empty sheet inside.
Can you use foil in an air fryer basket?+
Yes, if you mould it to the basket so it cannot lift, and keep it away from acidic foods like tomato and lemon which react with aluminium.
Should you line an air fryer basket?+
Only for sticky, saucy or delicate food. For chips and anything you want crisp underneath, cook directly on the metal so air reaches the base.
Why did my parchment paper fly up in the air fryer?+
It was in the basket without food weighing it down. The fan lifts an empty sheet straight into the heating element, which is a genuine fire risk.