Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer? Here's What Experts Say

An air fryer is an extremely handy appliance to have in your kitchen. You can have your food cooked through with a delicious crispy exterior in minutes, while reducing the amount of oil you use in traditional cooking or frying methods.

The downside? This small-yet-mighty appliance can be a pain to clean. Enter aluminum foil. "Aluminum foil can be a great help to control messes making cleanup a breeze," says Lynne Just, consumer test kitchen manager at Hamilton Beach. "Lining the basket can help with drips and crumbs that fall through."

But before you reach for that roll, there are some dos and don'ts you should know for the safety of your food and appliance.

Can You Use Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?

The short answer is yes, aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer. However, there are a few precautions to be aware of before you get cooking. For starters, “the foil should never touch the heating element, as this could potentially cause a fire or damage to the air fryer,” according to Just. 

Cooking expert and recipe developer Erin Clarke adds that “foil can block the airflow that makes air frying effective, so it’s important to place it in a way that does not interfere with that circulation.”

You should also always consult your air fryer’s manual for specifics on cooking with aluminum foil.

How to Safely Use Aluminum Foil

“Foil is helpful when cooking foods that might drip or stick,” says Clark. “like chicken you’ve marinated in something sticky, or glazed salmon.” Items that need to cook a bit more slowly, like stuffed peppers, also benefit from being wrapped in aluminum foil.

In order to use aluminum foil safely in an air fryer, you will want to follow these guidelines. According to Just, it is best to place the foil directly under the food in the air fry basket, as this will allow better air flow during cooking.

• Make sure the food weighs the foil down, so it doesn’t go flying about inside the air fryer.
• Line the bottom of the basket or bake pan for easy clean up, recommends cookware expert Laura Bianchi.
• Be sure to avoid covering the entire basket and leave room around the edges, so that the hot air can circulate.
• Poke holes in the foil so air flow isn’t restricted.

Safety Precautions

As convenient as aluminum foil can be for keeping your air fryer mess-free, there are certain precautions to take to ensure that its presence never creates a hazard. Follow these tips for keeping your air fryer and your food safe.

• Foil should never touch the heating elements, "since that can create sparks or fire hazards,” cautions Bianchi.
• “Skip the foil when cooking lightweight foods like tortilla chips,” says Clarke. “These can shift around during cooking and may cause the foil to move, which could block the heating element.” 
• Don’t block the vents or air holes, as this will make the food cook unevenly and potentially cause damage to the air fryer.
• According to Just, it is not safe to use aluminum foil to air-fry battered or saucy foods. “These are better cooked in a regular oven on a tray,” she says.

Alternative Methods for Easy Cleaning

If you don't have aluminum foil on hand or prefer not to use it, consider the following alternatives. The ideas below should make air-frying cleaning easier.

• Cooking spray: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make clean up faster, says Just. To prevent sticking, Bianchi recommends lightly coating your food itself with a high-smoke-point oil (like grapeseed or avocado oil).
• Parchment paper liners: Perforated parchment paper liners made specifically for air fryers are one of the best options for easy clean-up, according to Clarke. “These liners are pre-cut to fit common air fryer basket sizes and have small holes to allow proper circulation,” she explains
• Non-stick bake pan: For the easiest clean-up, Bianchi recommends keeping the nonstick bake pan directly beneath your air fry basket to catch any crumbs or drips.
• Silicone liners: Use silicone liners in your air fry basket. Just recommends looking for ones that are perforated and dishwasher-safe to make cleaning easier. (The more eco-friendly option is choosing a reusable silicon liner, eliminating any waste.)
• Immediate cleaning: Give your basket and accessories a quick wash after each use to help prevent residue and keep your oven looking and performing its best.