Air fryers have changed how many of us cook, offering a faster, healthier alternative to frying, roasting, and even baking. But as more people turn to them for everyday meals, it's natural to have questions – especially around what's safe to put inside. One of the most common questions is whether you can use foil in an air fryer.
Here, we’ll look at when it's safe, when to avoid it, and what alternatives you might want to consider for different cooking scenarios.
Is it safe to use foil in an air fryer?
Yes, in most cases it's perfectly safe to use foil in an air fryer. Unlike a microwave, which reacts to metal, air fryers use hot air rather than electromagnetic waves. This means aluminium foil won't spark or cause damage when used correctly.
However, there are some important guidelines to follow to ensure you’re cooking safely. Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around the basket, so anything that restricts airflow can lead to uneven cooking or affect performance. If foil blocks vents or covers too much of the basket, you won't get that crisp finish air fryers are known for.
Some people also worry about aluminium leaching into food, particularly with acidic ingredients. Minimal amounts of aluminium may transfer to food in certain conditions, so it’s generally safer to avoid using foil if you’re cooking overly acidic foods.
How to use foil properly in an air fryer
If you're lining your basket or tray with foil, make sure you're doing it in a way that doesn't interfere with the appliance's air circulation. Following these guidelines will help ensure safe and effective cooking:
· Only line the base of the basket or tray, leaving space around the edges for air to circulate freely
· Never cover the air intake or outlet vents, as this could damage your air fryer or create a fire hazard
· Avoid wrapping foil loosely – it can get caught in the fan mechanism and potentially damage your appliance
· Always weigh the foil down with food so it doesn't blow around inside the cooking chamber
· Never preheat the air fryer with loose foil inside, as it might blow into the heating element
· Shape the foil to fit the basket, creating a slight rim around the edges to catch drips without blocking airflow
This approach will help keep your food cooking evenly while reducing mess and making clean-up easier. It's especially useful for foods that might drip or stick, like marinated meats or sticky glazes.
When not to use foil in your air fryer
While foil is generally safe, there are certain situations where it's better to avoid using it:
Acidic foods: Ingredients like tomatoes, citrus fruits, or vinegar-based marinades can react with aluminium foil, giving the food a metallic taste or discolouring the foil itself. The reaction can also potentially increase the amount of aluminium that transfers to your food. For these acidic ingredients, consider using parchment paper instead.
High-fat foods: If you're cooking something particularly greasy, foil might actually trap the fat against the food rather than allowing it to drain away. This defeats one of the main health benefits of air frying. For foods like bacon or fatty cuts of meat, it's often better to use the air fryer basket directly so excess fat can drip through to the bottom.
Delicate recipes: When making delicate items like pastries or certain fish dishes, the hot spots that can develop under foil might lead to uneven cooking. In these cases, parchment paper often provides a more even cooking surface.
Recipes requiring maximum crispness: If you're cooking something where you want maximum crispiness on all sides (like chips or breaded vegetables), placing them directly on the mesh basket allows better air circulation than foil.
If you're cooking with marinades or sauces, it's sometimes better to use a baking dish, greaseproof paper, or simply place the food directly in the basket. Haier's I-Master Multi Air Fryer, for example, comes with a deep dish and grill rack – ideal for messier meals that don't need lining with foil.
Can you use parchment paper or baking paper instead?
Yes, baking parchment or greaseproof paper can also be used in an air fryer. Like foil, it helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier. But again, the same airflow rules apply – don't block the vents and keep it weighed down with food to avoid it flying into the heating element.
Many people prefer parchment to foil, especially for:
· More delicate bakes like cookies or pastries
· Acidic foods that might react with aluminium
· Recipes where you want less heat reflection
· Foods that benefit from the non-stick properties of parchment
Some air fryer models even come with perforated parchment liners designed specifically to fit the basket, giving you the benefit of easier clean-up without affecting the airflow. These specialised liners have small holes that allow hot air to circulate while still protecting the basket surface.
If you don't have pre-cut liners, you can make your own by cutting parchment paper to size and poking holes in it with a hole punch or scissors. Just be sure the paper is completely covered with food to prevent it from lifting into the heating element.
How foil affects cooking results in an air fryer
Using foil in your air fryer can influence your cooking results in several ways:
Heat reflection: Foil reflects heat, potentially creating more intense heat on the surface directly touching the food. This can be beneficial for browning the bottom of certain dishes, but might lead to uneven cooking if not monitored.
Moisture retention: Forming a "boat" or packet with foil can help retain moisture for foods that tend to dry out. This technique works well for fish fillets or chicken breasts that benefit from staying juicy.
Protection from excessive browning: Sometimes you might want to shield delicate parts of food (like stuffed pastries or the edges of a quiche) from browning too quickly. Small pieces of foil can be strategically placed as shields during part of the cooking process.
Reduced airflow: Even properly placed foil reduces some airflow compared to using the bare basket. This might slightly increase cooking times for some recipes, though usually not significantly.
If used properly, foil can help retain moisture, stop sauces from dripping through the basket, and make certain recipes more manageable – think salmon fillets, stuffed peppers, or marinated chicken.
That said, overusing foil or wrapping food too tightly can result in softer, steamed textures rather than the crispier finish you'd usually expect. If you're air frying chips or breaded items, it's usually best to cook them directly on the tray or basket without any lining.
Cleaning and convenience benefits of using foil in an air fryer
One of the biggest benefits of using foil or parchment paper is the reduced cleaning. Air fryer baskets can get greasy quickly – especially when cooking meat or oily ingredients. A foil liner can catch drips and crumbs, making it much easier to keep your air fryer in good condition.
This convenience factor is particularly valuable when cooking foods with sticky glazes or marinades, preparing items that tend to leave residue (like cheese) , or cooking multiple batches and wanting to switch foods quickly
Of course, if you're using a Haier model, many of the removable parts – including baskets and accessories – are dishwasher safe, so cleaning up is simple either way! The non-stick coatings on Haier air fryer components also make cleaning easier, whether you've used foil or not.
Air fryers are designed to make life simpler – and knowing how to use accessories like foil properly helps you get the most from yours. Whether you're roasting vegetables, baking fish, or simply reheating leftovers, a little prep goes a long way toward perfect results.
Looking for a model that offers flexibility, ease of use, and a range of included accessories? Haier air fryers make everyday cooking smarter, cleaner, and more energy-efficient – perfect for modern kitchens.