Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the past few years because they can cook food using little to no oil. They are a great alternative to traditional deep fryers and ovens and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods.

However, many people wonder whether it is safe to put paper towel in an air fryer. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with everything you need to know about using paper towels in your air fryer.

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Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

The short answer is no. It is not safe to put paper towel in an air fryer. Just like paper plate, paper towels are made of cellulose fibers, which can easily catch fire when exposed to heat.

When you put paper towel in an air fryer, it can quickly ignite and cause a fire. This can be very dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death. Therefore, it is important to avoid using paper towels in your air fryer.

Why Do People Want to Use Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

People may want to use paper towel in an air fryer to absorb excess oil from their food. While air fryers are designed to be a healthier alternative to deep fryers, some foods may still release excess oil during the cooking process.

Using paper towels can help absorb this excess oil and make the food less greasy. However, there are better and safer alternatives to using paper towels in an air fryer.

The Risks of Using Paper Towel in an Air Fryer

Using paper towels in an air fryer can be very dangerous. When exposed to heat, paper towels can easily catch fire and cause a serious fire hazard.

Additionally, burning paper towels can release toxic fumes that can be harmful to your health. Therefore, it is important to avoid using paper towels in your air fryer and to use safer alternatives instead.

What Can You Use Instead of Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

There are several alternatives to using paper towels in an air fryer. One option is to use a wire rack to cook your food. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the food, which can help to eliminate excess oil.

Another option is to use parchment paper, or aluminum foil to line the basket or tray of your air fryer. Parchment paper is safe to use in an air fryer and can help to absorb excess oil from your food.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer Safely

When using an air fryer, it is important to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and avoid injuries. Some general safety tips for using an air fryer include:

• Read the instruction manual before using your air fryer
• Use your air fryer on a stable and level surface
• Do not touch the heating element or the inside of the air fryer when it is hot
• Do not use metal utensils or cookware in your air fryer
• Do not overfill your air fryer basket or tray
• Keep children and pets away from your air fryer when it is in use

What to Do If You Accidentally Use Paper Towel in Your Air Fryer

If you accidentally use paper towel in your air fryer, it is important to act quickly to prevent a fire. First, turn off the air fryer and unplug it from the wall.

Then, carefully remove the basket or tray from the air fryer and allow it to cool down completely. If the paper towel is still smoking, carefully remove it using tongs or another heat-resistant tool.

Once you have removed the paper towel, check the air fryer for any damage or signs of burning. If you notice any damage or burning, do not use the air fryer again until it has been inspected by a professional.

If the air fryer appears to be undamaged, clean it thoroughly to remove any residue or ash from the paper towel.

It is important to remember that using paper towels in an air fryer can be very dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or even death. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use safe alternatives to paper towels when cooking in your air fryer.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals using your air fryer without putting yourself or your home at risk.

FAQs

Can you put paper towels in the bottom of the air fryer?

The quick answer is no, you should not, in any case, put a paper towel inside the air fryer, even if you mean to put it in the bottom.

This is because paper towels are widely known to be a fire hazard that could cause the burning of your food when cooking and damage the air fryer unit itself.

Alternatively, you can use other materials that are more suited to be used in air fryers. For example, you may use either aluminum foil or a good-quality parchment paper that is comparatively safer.

Can you put a paper towel in the microwave?

Unlike in an oven or an air fryer, where paper towels are not recommended to be used, using one in a microwave is considered generally safe.

This is because most kinds of paper towels are microwave-safe. In reality, people even use it to cover some of their foods so that it will mitigate some mess when cooking or reheating.

Aside from avoiding unnecessary splatters while reheating or cooking food in the microwave, using paper towels and napkins is advised to avoid direct heating of your meal.

What to put in an air fryer to catch grease?

Indeed, preparing or cooking any food item inside the air fryer can end with some mess inside the basket, especially when it comes to greasy foods.

While it is best recommended not to use any paper material or foil, one may use parchment paper, aluminum foil or silicone mat for the grease problem.

This is only because parchment paper , aluminum foil and silicone mat are considered safe to be used inside the air fryer, provided that it is used or placed properly to avoid direct heat contact and prevent hot air circulation blockage.

While it may sound inconvenient, the best way to handle the grease problem is to just wash it with ordinary soap and cloth after cooking. Most especially air fryers are easier to be cleaned than most equipment.

Conclusion – Can You Put Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?

In conclusion, using paper towel in your air fryer can be a potentially dangerous mistake. If you accidentally use paper towel in your air fryer, it is important to take immediate action to prevent a fire. Turn off the air fryer, unplug it, and remove the basket or tray to allow it to cool down completely.

Carefully remove any smoldering paper towel using tongs or a heat-resistant tool, and inspect the air fryer for any damage or signs of burning.

To avoid this mistake in the future, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use safe alternatives to paper towels when cooking in your air fryer. For example, you can use parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone mat instead of a paper towel.