Can you put wax paper in an air fryer?

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned air fryer master, there are always new tips and tricks to be learned. This week we’ll learn if, and how to use wax paper in your air fryer.

Stating the answer short, it is not recommended to use wax paper in your air fryer. The reason is wax paper when exposed to high heat can melt and will create a mess for you.  

This guide will improve your knowledge and will help you to better understand whether to use wax paper in your air fryer or not and what other options do you have to use as alternatives so keep reading.

Why would anyone want to put wax paper in an air fryer?

People use wax paper in their air fryers while preparing food, but I won’t recommend it due to some safety concerns. For Ninja XL Air Fryers specifically avoid using wax paper. Now, lets discuss what is this wax paper?

What is Wax Paper?

Wax paper was invented in the early 19th century. It’s made from wood pulp and wax, which are mixed together to produce a smooth surface.

The thickness of the paper can range from very thin to thick, depending on what you need it for.

Wax paper is just like paper that has been coated with wax. This coating makes it easier to handle and reduces the amount of friction between your hands and the surface you are working on.

Also, the coating on the wax paper makes it waterproof and non-toxic. This allows food to be packaged in this special kind of paper without the risk of contamination from bacteria or germs.

Can you put wax paper in an air fryer?

Wax paper can’t resist high heat in air fryers. Specially large air fryers have high cooking performance and high temperatures, so avoid using wax paper in your air fryer.

Wax paper is a thin, soft paper that is used to wrap around food. People normally use it to make cakes, cookies and other baked goods as it prevents the food from sticking.

However, there are some safety concerns associated with using wax paper in an air fryer, so prefer reading the instructions before use.

It is not advisable to put wax paper in an air fryer

Wax paper is a type of thin, porous paper that is used to line the bottom of a kitchen drawer. It’s not designed for use in an air fryer.

If you’re thinking of using wax paper in your air fryer, you are doing it wrong. Wax paper doesn’t release any steam when it’s heated, which means the food won’t crisp up like the other foods that are being cooked.

Also it isn’t designed for use with hot oils or fats and will melt and catch fire if exposed to high heat.

Once placed in air fryer it will be exceedingly difficult to remove it. The wax paper will stick to the bottom of your air fryer, and you’ll have a lot of trouble removing it.

What paper can work in an air fryer instead of wax paper?

There are some other types of paper that you can use to line the bottom of an air fryer, including parchment paper and aluminum foil. However, these papers may not be suitable for certain types of foods.

Use aluminum foil in air fryer basket only instead of bottom of drawer. Avoid pre-heating air fryer with aluminum foil placed in it.

Parchment paper is also safe choice to use in air fryer as it can bear temperature around 400 – 420 degrees. But remember do not pre heat your air fryer with parchment paper placed in it. Always put parchment paper below your food and

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is a great choice to use in air fryer because it doesn’t absorb oil and can be used again and again. It is also made from 100% recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to wax paper.

It works just like wax paper, but it is more durable and will not tear or rip when being used in the air fryer.

This type of paper is made from tree pulp, so it has a strong flavor and doesn’t stick to food. It’s also designed to be sturdy and non-absorbent, which means it won’t soak up grease or oil from fried foods.

Unbleached Parchment Paper for Baking

Aluminum Foil

 

While aluminum foil is generally used as a lining for pans, it can also be used as an alternative to wax paper. However, while the foil may provide a similar effect to wax paper in case of acidic foods, so prefer avoid using it with foods like tomatoes,  fruits with citrus etc.

Aluminum Foil Wrap

Air fryers are designed differently than traditional ovens and they operate at different temperatures. The best way to find out if your air fryer will work with aluminum foil is to check the manufacturer’s website or contact them directly.

How to use parchment paper in an air fryer?

Choose the maximum cooking temperature

Before placing parchment paper in your air fryer, make sure to compare the highest temperature it can withstand to the one you use to cook food.

Ensure you have the appropriate paper

Make sure the parchment paper is of food-grade quality.

Cut once, measure twice

Frequently given counsel for a range of situations, your parchment paper can be larger than your air fryer basket. Always measure your paper to avoid accidentally inserting an enormous piece of paper into your fryer. I prefer to cut the paper just slightly smaller than the actual basket size. The most air possible can circulate thanks to this.

During pre-heating, avoid using the paper

In relation to that, wait until the paper can be adequately weighted down by a substantial piece of food before adding it to the air fryer. If parchment paper is used during the pre-heat or is not adequately weighted down, it may caught up into the heating element and catch fire. This brings up the most crucial point.

Always be cautious

Consult the manufacturer and the manual for your air fryer to ensure you are doing it correctly. Every machine is unique, and paper is too. Please take caution! Paper can, of course, catch fire in air fryers since they have circulating fans and highly hot heating elements. Keep an eye on your air fryer at all times.

When to use parchment paper?

A roll of parchment paper is one of the most useful kitchen items you may have when it comes to baking. It has the ideal texture for all of your favorite baked items because it is not only non-stick but also heat resistant (to a point).

Parchment paper is normally intended for use in high-heat cooking. But avoid using it if the temperature inside your oven or on the grill is higher than 420 degrees.

Wax paper vs. parchment paper

The surface finishes of wax paper and parchment paper are what distinguish them most from one another. Wax paper (or waxed paper) is, as the name implies, coated with soybean or paraffin wax. While silicone is applied to parchment paper to make it nonstick and heat resistant.

Because of this coating, wax paper should not be used in the oven because it will melt if exposed to heat directly. Therefore, use wax paper to spread out items like homemade candies and chocolate-covered confections to cool, as well as to wrap sandwiches or food for cold storage.

Common Mistakes People Make When Using an Air Fryer

Not preheating your food enough

If you cook meat in your air fryer, it is important to fry it thoroughly before adding any sauce or topping to prevent soggy results from undercooking.

Air Frying too much at once

You should cook food in air fryer in two intervals. First put the food in air Fryer, set temperature and time and let the food cook. After half time give your food a shake to ensure it gets cooked properly.

Not preheating the air fryer

The first step to making your family’s favorite comfort foods is preheating the air fryer. This is a quick process that involves plugging the unit in and turning it on. Preheating makes food crispier, so you can enjoy these easy meals more often.

Cooking inappropriate food in an air fryer

Air fryers have made life so easy by giving a variety of options to cook. You can cook any type of food in an air fryer nowadays, but some kinds of foods are not recommended to cook in an air fryer. Some examples of such foods are battered foods, cheese, raw grains, whole roast, rice, and raw veggies. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, wax paper is not designed for use in an air fryer. It will melt and catch fire if exposed to high heat.

So, as precautionary mean avoid using wax paper in your air fryer as it will be very difficult to remove. The wax paper will stick to the bottom of your air fryer, and you’ll have a lot of trouble removing it.

People do opt to use wax paper in air fryer but it is not recommended as there are better options available such as parchment paper and aluminum foil.