When it comes to what you can cook in an air fryer, there are lots of options. You might be asking yourself if you can use wax paper in an air fryer after reading this. Wax paper cannot be used in an air fryer, but parchment paper may be okay because it can be used at high temperatures and in the air fryer.

You’re probably looking for methods to keep the air fryer’s basket as spotless as possible when using it to prepare foods that will require a lot of cleanup after cooking because they are greasy or sticky. Despite the fact that we all like quick cleanups, not all types of cooking or kitchen paper can be used in an air fryer.

One of those you can’t use is wax paper. The reason for this is that when heated, the wax coating will melt and seep into the food and the basket. The paper could also catch fire and create a bigger problem. To learn more, continue reading.

What is Wax Paper

There are many different uses for wax paper, but wax paper is never used to line sheets that are going into the oven. Wax paper is a particular kind of paper that has a wax coating on one side.

When you want to avoid a mess, paper is a great surface. You can also use paper to line a baking sheet for treats like fudge that will not be baked.

Food that will be frozen can also be wrapped very successfully using wax paper. Food will last longer in the freezer if this is done because it protects it from potential freezer burn.

Wax paper has lots of uses around the house in addition to being excellent for food preparation and storage.

It doesn’t matter if you want to use wax paper to line the shelves in your refrigerator or cupboard; none of these uses involve exposing the paper to high temperatures.

Also Check: 20+ Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes 2023 – Tasty & Delicious

Is It Safe to Use Wax Paper in An Air Fryer?

Is wax paper safe to use in an air fryer now that we have discussed all of its common applications? Regardless of the justification, wax paper should never be used in an air fryer.

It is possible to wrap food items to keep them fresh or separate them to prevent them from sticking together using wax paper, which is a very practical kitchen paper. It is paper that has been made moisture-proof through the application of wax.

When used as a wrap, the wax prevents moisture from evaporating or penetrating into food. Because the grease won’t pass through the paper and touch anything below, it’s perfect for use as a mat when putting cookies or other greasy foods down. Wax paper has many applications, but cooking is not one of them.

Heat cannot penetrate wax paper. If exposed to too much heat, it will burn up and smoke. If used in the oven, you’ll notice that it curls quickly and begins to burn and smoke. The same thing will occur if you use the air fryer.

While wax paper cannot be used in an air fryer, other kitchen materials such as parchment paper or tin foil are acceptable.

You should consider the air fryer like an oven when deciding what you can and cannot use it for. The heating elements and fan used in air fryers function similarly to those in a small convection oven in terms of heat distribution. Wax paper is prohibited from use in both the air fryer and the oven.

Wax Paper Vs Parchment Paper

If you’re unsure of the differences between wax paper and parchment paper, keep reading to learn why one is safe to use but not the other.

Wax Paper

This kitchen paper has a wax coating that is either paraffin- or soybean-based. The wax is not heat-proof and is not meant to be used at high temperatures. At high temperatures, the wax will melt and the paper itself can catch fire.

For use in the refrigerator or just on the counter top, you would wrap food in it to keep it fresh. When placing greasy items on the countertop, you can use it to prevent liquids or oils from leaking through. Additionally, it can be used to divide foods in the freezer so they don’t congeal, like hamburger patties.

Parchment Paper

Because of the silicone coating, the surface of this kitchen paper is non-stick and heat-resistant. Silicon is heat resistant so it can be used in both the air fryer and the oven.

Since it is heat safe, it can be used for many more things than wax paper, like lining baking trays, wrapping food to be cooked en papillote, or as a base to put things on so they don’t seep through to the baking tray or counter below.

Why Not to Use Wax Paper in An Air Fryer

Wax Paper Isn’t Heat-Safe

The main deterrent to using wax paper in the air fryer is that it cannot withstand heat. The wax on the outside is combustible and will overheat and burn very quickly. If it’s not stopped, this might result in a kitchen fire. Always check the box or the manual before putting anything in the air fryer to ensure that it can withstand the heat, the oven, or the temperature you’ll be cooking at.

The Wax Can Get into Your Food

Your food may become contaminated as the wax on the paper starts to melt. Wax paper will only allow items to stick to the bottom if you place them there. Food that has been wrapped in wax paper may have drips throughout. Although the wax is safe for food and won’t harm you, it will contaminate your food.

It Could Cause a Fire

The wax paper will eventually become too hot and burn because it is not heat resistant. If left unattended, this could result in a fire that quickly gets out of control and burns down your kitchen or your house. It’s not worth the risk.

Instead, line the bottom of the air fryer with parchment paper or tin foil to prevent sticking and excessive dirt accumulation.

When to Use Parchment Paper?

It is not necessary to use parchment paper for the majority of foods that you cook in an air fryer. However, if you are air frying extra sticky foods or food with sauces it would be handy to line your air fryer basket with parchment paper first, before adding the food.

Think of especially sticky foods, like chicken wings, lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper will help prevent your food from sticking to it.

Please note that when you are using parchment paper to line the basket of your air fryer, it’s important that you first preheat your air fryer if needed, then add your parchment paper with holes poked into it, and immediately add your food before replacing your air fryer basket.

Can You Put Parchment Paper in An Air Fryer?

If you follow a few simple instructions, parchment paper, unlike wax paper, can be used at high temperatures and may even be safe to use in an air fryer.

In order to ensure that your parchment paper can be heated to the necessary cooking temperature, you should first check the packaging.

Second, you want to be sure to poke holes in your parchment paper so that air is still able to circulate inside the air fryer.

Final Thoughts on Using Wax Paper in An Air Fryer

Basically, you should never use wax paper inside an air fryer. When exposed to warm temperatures, wax paper will melt. When the wax melts, it will contaminate the food and may even ruin the air fryer.

Hopefully this article has convinced you that using wax paper in the air fryer is not only foolish, but also extremely dangerous.

In addition to parchment paper and tin foil, you can use a variety of stainless steel, aluminum, and other metal dishes in an air fryer. You can cook food and keep your basket tidy with the help of these items, making cleanup simpler.

FAQs