When it comes to cooking with an air fryer, one of the most important elements is parchment paper. As its name implies, it is paper that is covered with a special kind of coating that makes it highly resistant to heat. This makes it ideal for use with air fryers, as it prevents food from sticking to the bottom of the basket and ensures that it cooks evenly.
But what do you do when you run out of parchment paper or are looking for an eco-friendly alternative? In this post, we’ll explore different substitutes for parchment paper in an air fryer so you can continue to cook your food to perfection without any hassle.
7 Best Alternatives for parchment paper in an air fryer
- Aluminum foil
- Silicone baking mats
- Oil spray
- Iron Skillets
- Bamboo steaming mats
- Glass baking sheet
- Wax paper
Aluminum foil
Aluminum foil is an affordable and easily accessible alternative to parchment paper. It is heat resistant and can help prevent food from sticking. One of the main benefits of using aluminum foil in an air fryer is that it is easily available and can be found in most grocery stores. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to parchment paper.
If you are using aluminum foil in an air fryer, make sure that the shiny side is facing upwards. This will help reflect heat and cook the food evenly. You can also use a small amount of oil or cooking spray to further prevent food from sticking.
Downsides of using Aluminum Foil in Air Fryer
Aluminum foil can be a bit more difficult to handle than parchment paper, as it can easily tear and crumple. It’s also not recommended to use aluminum foil for cooking acidic food, such as tomatoes or citrus, as it can react with the aluminum and give a metallic taste to the food.
Silicone baking mats
Silicone baking mats are another alternative to parchment paper that can be used in an air fryer. They are made from a flexible, non-stick silicone material and are designed to be used as a liner for baking sheets and pans.
It can be an excellent option for cooking food in an air fryer as it is heat resistant, non-stick, and can help prevent food from sticking. It is also safe to use at high temperatures and can be used for both baking and cooking.
One of the main benefits of using a silicone baking mat in an air fryer is that it is reusable and can be used multiple times. This makes it a more eco-friendly option compared to using disposable parchment paper.
Downsides of using Silicone baking mats in Air Fryer
It’s important to keep in mind that silicone baking mats are thicker than parchment paper, so they may take up more space in the air fryer. They are also more expensive than parchment paper and aluminum foil.
Oil spray
Oil spray can be an alternative to parchment paper that can be used in an air fryer. It is a convenient and easy way to add a small amount of oil to the air fryer to prevent food from sticking. It can also add a light coating of oil that can enhance the flavor and texture of the food. In addition, it eliminates the need for using a brush to apply oil, making it less messy and more convenient.
When using oil spray in an air fryer, it is important to use a light misting of oil to prevent the food from becoming too greasy. You can also use a cooking spray that contains a mixture of oil and flour for extra coating.
Downsides of using Oil spray in Air Fryer
It’s important to remember that oil spray can add extra calories to the food. Therefore, using oil sprays containing artificial ingredients or preservatives is not recommended.
Iron Skillets
Iron skillets are an effective alternative to parchment paper that can be used in an air fryer. Cast iron skillets are perfect for cooking in an air fryer because they are durable, heat evenly, and can withstand high temperatures. In addition, it can give food a nice crust and added flavor.
The skillet will also develop a seasoned surface over time, which will enhance the food flavor.
Downsides of using Oil spray in Air Fryer
Iron skillets can be heavy and must be seasoned properly and taken care of to maintain their non-stick properties. While using a non-stick skillet, you should avoid using metal utensils on it, as they can scratch the non-stick coating.
Bamboo steaming mats
Bamboo is a natural and eco-friendly material that is non-toxic and safe for cooking. Bamboo steaming mats are perfect for cooking in an air fryer because they are durable, heat-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures. Bamboo steaming mats are also great for steaming food, allowing it to cook evenly.
They are easy to clean and can be used multiple times. They are versatile and can be used in the oven, microwave, or stovetop.
Downsides of using Bamboo steaming mats in Air Fryer
Bamboo steaming mats should be hand washed and air dried. They should not be soaked or exposed to high heat when cleaning. Another thing to keep in mind, because they are made of natural bamboo, they can be prone to warping or cracking over time.
Glass baking sheet
Glass baking sheets are an excellent substitute for parchment paper in an air fryer. They are sturdy, heat-resistant, and can be used for various cooking methods, including baking, roasting, and broiling. One of the main benefits of using a glass baking sheet is that it allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked food.
It’s important to use a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent food from sticking. This will also help to keep the glass baking sheet in good condition and extend its lifespan. Another tip is to make sure the glass baking sheet is the right size for your air fryer so that it fits properly and doesn’t block the airflow.
Downsides of using Glass baking sheet in Air Fryer
Glass baking sheets can be heavy and may take longer to clean than parchment paper. In addition, they can be fragile and may crack or break if dropped or handled roughly.
Wax paper
Wax paper is a versatile alternative to parchment paper that can be used in an air fryer. Wax paper is made of paper coated in wax, creating a non-stick surface that can help prevent food from sticking. It is also an inexpensive option compared to parchment paper.
Downsides of using Wax paper in Air Fryer
Wax paper is not suitable for high-heat cooking methods like broiling or grilling. It’s important to keep an eye on the food while cooking and check the temperature of the air fryer. Also, it is not as durable as other substitutes and may not withstand multiple uses. Using a fresh sheet of wax paper for each cooking session is recommended.
Reasons to Use Parchment Paper Substitute
Using parchment paper in an air fryer is not always necessary. For example, many users find good results by using a non-stick cooking spray or oil to coat the fryer’s cooking basket. This can be a cost-effective and time-saving substitute for parchment paper. Additionally, some materials, like certain vegetables, may not be suitable for parchment paper. They can be easily cooked in an air fryer without using parchment paper. Finally, using a substitute for parchment paper can also benefit those looking for a healthier way to cook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parchment paper is an essential and the most common item for air fryer cooking. As it prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup easy. However, there are several substitutes that can be used in place of parchment paper. Each substitute has its own pros and cons and can affect the cooking time and quality of the food. Therefore, it’s important to consider these factors and choose the best option for your needs.
