Can You Put Paper Towels in Air Fryer? Read Before You Try

You’ve got a greasy batch of wings in the basket. You reach for a paper towel, thinking it might help soak up the oil or keep things from sliding. It might seem harmless at first. But using a paper towel in your air fryer can lead to serious problems.

Can you put paper towel in air fryer? No, it’s not safe. Paper towels block airflow or touch the heating element. That can lead to overheating or fire. Air fryers use strong convection heat, and airflow is what makes them work.

In this post, we’ll break down why people try this in the first place, what actually happens if you do, and what works better. You’ll learn about safer materials, easy cleanup methods, and how to get crispy food without taking risks.

Why People Try to Use Paper Towels

It’s no surprise people reach for a paper towel when cooking in an air fryer. It feels like a quick fix for splatter, soggy food, or grease pooling at the bottom of the tray. For many, it’s just part of the kitchen prep routine. Paper towels are everywhere and seem like an easy solution when things get messy.

Some try to absorb oil in the air fryer basket, especially when cooking juicy meats or frozen snacks. Others want to avoid scrubbing stuck-on crumbs or protect the nonstick coating from scratches. 

A few hope the paper towel can hold moisture or keep light items from blowing around. It’s all about making cleanup easier and cooking feel more controlled.

On paper, the idea sounds helpful. That’s why it shows up in forums, YouTube videos, and even quick kitchen hacks online. But air fryers do not work like ovens or skillets. 

Once the hot air starts moving, the paper towel becomes a problem. It can shift, block airflow, or touch a hot surface. What seems useful at first does not match how an air fryer actually cooks.

What Happens If You Try It 

Splatter, soggy spots, and sticky crumbs can turn air fryer cooking into a cleanup headache. It feels natural to toss in a paper towel and hope it catches grease or stops crumbs from sticking. But once the heat kicks in, that small decision can lead to big problems.

First, you place the towel beneath your food and thinking it will absorb oil or keep the tray cleaner. Everything looks fine as the fryer starts up. You walk away feeling confident.

Then, the air begins to swirl. Hot air pressure causes the paper towel to lift, shift, and block airflow. If it drifts too far, it can reach the heating coil or press against the fan.

Next, smoke starts coming from the vent. You smell something burning. Inside, the paper towel begins to darken. Food cooks unevenly. One side may burn, and the other stays soggy. Your meal is already ruined.

Finally, that towel might catch fire if it contacts the coil. Even without flames, the damage is real. Coatings peel, the tray warps, or the fan overheats. That small shortcut becomes an expensive repair or a dangerous kitchen fire.

Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer? 

No, you should not put a paper towel in your air fryer. It’s not built to handle loose, flammable materials like paper inside the cooking basket. Air fryers rely on a steady stream of hot air to cook food evenly. 

Even if your food looks fine for a minute or two, the risks begin once the temperature rises. Most air fryers reach up to 375°F or more, which is dangerously close to the ignition point of paper. Once movement or contact happens, it doesn’t take long for things to go wrong.

Here’s what can happen if you put a paper towel in your air fryer:

• The towel blocks airflow and stops heat from reaching food evenly.
  

• It can shift and touch the heating element during cooking.
  

• Paper burns quickly at air fryer temperatures and may catch fire.
  

• Smoke builds up inside and leaks from the vent.
  

• Food absorbs the burnt smell and ends up tasting off.
  

• Overheating may damage the coil, tray, or fan system.

What the Experts and Manuals Say

Most people skip the manual, but that’s where air fryer companies give clear safety warnings. Brands like COSORI, Instant, and Ninja all advise against using paper towels or any loose liners inside the basket.

“Do not place paper, cardboard, non-heat-resistant plastic, or similar materials into your air fryer.”
– COSORI Manual

“DO NOT place any combustible materials in the appliance, such as paper, cardboard, plastic…”
– Instant™ Vortex Plus Manual

“Never put baking or parchment paper into the air fryer without food on top.”
– Ninja Air Fryer Max XL Manual

These warnings exist for a reason. Paper towels can be lifted from the tray, block hot air, or touch the heating element. That puts strain on the convection fan and creates heat buildup, which can damage electrical parts. 

Most manuals include these warnings in the same section as fire hazards and food safety tips.

Experts from consumer safety groups agree. If the manufacturer doesn’t list an item as safe, it isn’t. Always follow the manual before adding anything extra to your air fryer.

If it’s not approved in the manual, it’s not safe to use.

Safe Alternatives to Paper Towels

Paper towels don’t work in air fryers, but the mess they’re meant to fix is still a real issue. Grease pools in the tray. Sticky crumbs burn.

Some foods leave stains that take forever to scrub out. Luckily, there are safer tools that help without causing fire risks or blocking airflow.

Perforated Parchment Paper

This liner is made for air fryers. It has tiny holes that let hot air move freely. Always place food on top of the paper to hold it in place.

Do not cut your own unless you know where the vents are. Covering them may stop proper airflow or lead to burning.

Silicone Liners

Silicone mats are flexible, reusable, and easy to clean. They reduce grease splatter and protect the basket from sticky food.

Choose liners with vent holes or grooves. This keeps air moving and prevents overcooked spots. Never let the liner cover side vents or block fan space.

Vented Aluminum Foil

You can use foil if it is vented. Poke holes in it before placing it in the basket. Always press it down flat under the food. Do not wrap foil around the tray or cover it completely. That traps heat and stops proper cooking.

Even safe tools need airflow. If it covers the vents, do not use it. Check your manual first.

Mistakes That Cause Greasy and Smoky Air Frying

If your air fryer smokes too much or leaves food soggy and greasy, something small might be off. Most problems come from simple mistakes that are easy to miss. But once you fix them, everything cooks cleaner and better.

1. Preheating with a liner inside: Some people preheat with foil or parchment in place. That’s risky. It can shift or burn before cooking starts.
   

2. Using too much oil: Air fryers need less oil, not more. A light spray works better than brushing or pouring it on thick.
   

3. Overcrowding the basket: Cramming too much food blocks hot air. Spread items out and cook in batches to avoid soggy results.
   

4. Skipping cleanups: Old grease and crumbs heat up again and start to smoke. Clean the basket after each session for safety.
   

5. Blocking rear vents: Your fryer needs airflow behind it. Leave space near the back so heat doesn’t build up and cause smoke.

These small fixes add up fast. They help stop smoke, protect your air fryer, and improve how everything cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many air fryer users have extra questions that don't always get answered in basic guides. These helpful tips clear up common concerns and make cooking safer and easier.

Can you put a damp paper towel in the air fryer to add moisture?

No, even a damp paper towel is unsafe. The airflow can lift it, dry it out, and push it into the heating coil. Instead, use moisture-rich foods or a small oven-safe ramekin of water.

Why does my air fryer smell like burning paper after you use liners?

That smell usually means the liner shifted or touched the coil. It may also mean residue from past use is burned. Always secure liners under food and clean the tray regularly to avoid leftover grease buildup.

Can you put cardboard or food packaging directly in the air fryer?

Never use cardboard, fast food wrappers, or takeout containers in your air fryer. These materials are flammable and not food-safe at high heat. Always transfer food to an air fryer-safe basket or tray before cooking.

Should you use perforated liners for frozen foods too?

Yes, especially for frozen foods that release moisture or oil. Perforated liners allow proper airflow, prevent soggy bottoms, and keep grease from pooling. Just make sure the liner is sized right and doesn’t curl up.

What happens if you block the back vents of my air fryer?

Blocking rear vents traps hot air inside the unit. This causes overheating, inconsistent cooking, and can damage the electrical parts. Always leave at least five inches of space behind your air fryer during use.

Conclusion

A lot of people try paper towels in the air fryer to soak up grease or keep food steady. It feels like a harmless trick, but it brings real risks that most don’t expect until it’s too late. So, can you put paper towel in air fryer? No, it blocks airflow and may catch fire during cooking.

You can use vented parchment, silicone liners, or foil with holes. These let air flow and protect your food. A few smart swaps can prevent burns, smoke, or damage while still keeping cleanup simple. Your fryer works best when nothing blocks the heat. Let it do the job it’s built for.