Misusing aluminum foil can increase the risk of kitchen fires and other hazards, so follow your air fryer’s safety guidelines closely.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?
The answer to this question depends largely on the type of air fryer. The term “air fryer” refers to various appliances with different heating elements. Aluminum foil interacts differently with each type. Using aluminum foil in some air fryers is safe, but not all.
When Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?
While some manufacturers suggest it’s safe to line the basket of an air fryer with aluminum foil, most advise against this. If your air fryer has a basket that slides into the central unit, it’s best to avoid using aluminum foil altogether. Avoid lining the area below the basket if you must use aluminum foil with a basket air fryer.
There’s more ambiguity regarding countertop air fryers with flat cooking surfaces. You can put aluminum foil in a countertop air fryer under some circumstances, such as when wrapping the food or lining the baking sheet. Some manufacturers still advise against using aluminum foil with these air fryer models.
The only type of air fryer universally compatible with aluminum foil is a range oven with air frying capabilities. This is essentially a standard oven equipped with convection fans.
Air Fryer Brands That Advise Against Using Aluminum Foil
Here’s an overview of brands that explicitly advise against using aluminum foil with their air fryers:
- KitchenAid says lining an air fryer with foil is “not recommended.” This guidance also applies to countertop air fryer ovens.
- Whirlpool says not to use foil in a countertop air fryer. However, it approves using foil in a range oven with an air fry mode.
- Philips says using baking paper or tin foil in its air fryers is “not recommended.”
- Frigidaire says you can line the sheet with foil or parchment to catch drips or crumbs, but never place aluminum foil, liners, or bakeware directly on the oven bottom because doing so can disrupt air circulation and heat distribution.
Safety Considerations
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. This allows it to cook all sides of the food evenly and quickly, but aluminum foil can obstruct the airflow. While uneven cooking may be a minor inconvenience with certain foods, it can also be a safety hazard. Undercooked meat, for example, can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Putting tin foil in an air fryer can cause a fire in worst-case scenarios. This is particularly true if the foil gets too close to the heating element inside the appliance. The risk of touching the heating element is higher if the foil can blow around in the hot air.
Cooking with aluminum foil also carries health risks, regardless of the appliance. Research has shown that aluminum can leach into food baked in aluminum foil. Excess aluminum intake can cause lung problems and neurological issues. The risk is especially high for people with kidney disease, who sometimes develop bone or brain complications after significant aluminum exposure.
How to Use Aluminum Foil Safely in an Air Fryer
Each brand and model has slightly different best practices for using tin foil in an air fryer. Always refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific guidelines. However, these steps are a good starting point for most range ovens with air fryer capabilities:
- Position the air fry basket on the center oven rack.
- Line or wrap a baking sheet in aluminum foil. Put it on the lowest oven rack to catch drips from the food in the air fry basket.
- Place the ingredients you want to air fry in a single layer on the basket and cook according to the recipe instructions.
- After the food cooks, remove the basket and enjoy your meal.
- When it’s time for clean-up, carefully remove the foil-covered baking sheet from the oven. Once the baking sheet cools, remove the foil by folding it inward toward the center of the sheet and discard it.
This method does not involve direct contact between the aluminum foil and the food. Be mindful of acidic ingredients if you cook your food directly on the foil. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits, can cause the foil to leach more aluminum into your food than non-acidic foods.
Foil is popular for delicate foods like fish or small foods that may fall through the air fry basket. Ideally, you’d cook these foods in an oven, but placing aluminum foil directly on the basket may also allow you to prepare them in an air fryer. Just be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations.
Alternatives to Aluminum Foil in Air Fryers
Parchment paper is a potential alternative to putting aluminum foil in an air fryer. However, it can also obstruct an air fryer’s airflow. Its lightweight construction also makes it even more likely to become dislodged and blow onto the heating element.
Silicone mats offer a non-stick solution to cooking in an air fryer. They’re heat resistant like aluminum foil and often designed to promote circulation. A safe silicone mat will have a perforated design that doesn’t interfere with the even cooking of your food.
