The air fryer is a popular kitchen appliance for many households, and it has made life easy for so many individuals. One question that I commonly hear people asking is can you put paper towel in air fryer? So, the simple answer is no, it’s not a good practice. If I am saying no, then there would be obvious reasons for my answer.
One of the main reasons why you should not use paper towels in air fryers is because they can catch fire easily. The inside temperature of the air fryer can reach up to 500 F, which is not safe while using paper towels.
Another obvious reason is that most air fryer manufacturers also do not recommend using paper towels in the air fryer. So, you can also read your air fryer manual for more specific guidelines.
Let’s discuss the facts in a more detailed way about why you can’t use paper towels in the air fryer. What are the risks of using paper towels in air fryers? And what are some good alternatives that you can use instead of paper towels?
What are the risks of using paper towels in air fryers?
It is important to remember that using paper towels in air fryers can have dangerous consequences and may pose serious risks.
First, paper towels are highly flammable and can catch fire easily, ultimately causing a fire hazard.
Second, due to their lightweight and high fan speed in the air fryer, paper towels can start flying around and can get stuck in the fan area.
Third, using a paper towel can result in uneven cooking as it may block air circulation.
How are paper towels made?
Paper towels are primarily made from wood pulp that comes from both hardwood and softwood. Other materials include printing ink, water-based adhesives, and conditioners.
Manufacturers use non-toxic, water-based adhesives in their production process. After the paper pulp sheets have been cleaned and bleached, a Yankee dryer is used to dry them to the desired thickness. When the rollers are dried, the adhesive is applied, which keeps some of the pulp from being scraped off during the drying process, leaving a thin layer that is part of the finished paper towel.
What are the uses of paper towels?
Although paper towels are not a good fit for placing inside air fryers, this doesn’t means they are useless. They have multiple other uses. Below are some of them:
1- You can place paper towels to keep the microwave clean while reheating food.
2- You can clean up spills and wet surfaces easily using paper towels.
3- Used to clean silk from fresh corn.
4- Well known for softening brown sugar.
5- Effective in absorbing grease and fat from kitchen utensils and pans.
6- Paper towels absorb moisture and are useful for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for a longer time.
7- They are also good at keeping the bread fresh in the fridge and prevents it from getting soggy.
8- If you don’t have a coffee filter, you can use a paper towel as an alternative to filtering your coffee.
9- You can place paper towels in your pans to prevent rust.
Alternatives you can use instead of paper towels in the air fryer
There are many good alternatives available that you can use in air fryers instead of paper towels. Below is a list of useful alternatives:
1-Parchment paper: Parchment paper is the best alternative to use in air fryers instead of paper towels. It has a very high-temperature range and can be used in high temperatures up to 475 F. It does not release any toxic chemicals at high temperatures and is the best material to use in air fryers.
2-Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil is another useful alternative. It can also resist the highest temperature of the air fryer easily and can be used in any air fryer. It is also safe to use with different foods. However, just be careful while using aluminum foil with acidic foods as it can react with them.
3-Silicone Mats: Silicone mats are made from good quality food-grade silicone. It has a variety of uses and is commonly used for baking cookies and cakes. It’s not just safe but has good temperature resistance and prevents food from sticking.
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