If you happen to own an air fryer, chances are that you already know how instrumental parchment paper can be. It provides adequate coverage throughout the fryer essentially preventing food from sticking to the basket.
So, what should you do if you run out of parchment paper? There are a variety of air fryer parchment paper alternatives you can use and they range from aluminum foil to wax paper and silicone baking mats.
This article examines the leading substitutes for parchment papers meant for air fryer use. We have discussed each option along with its potential advantages and disadvantages.
What Is Parchment Paper & What Is It Used For?
This is a special kind of paper that’s commonly used in baking applications. It is known for its non-stick surface and heat-resistant features. You can use it to contain drippings so they don’t glaze your cakes or simply as a lining baking sheet.
A major advantage of this paper is that you can customize it to work in multiple settings by simply cutting it with a pair of scissors. Also, this type of paper is easy to dispose of. And no doubt, this paper costs cheaper than other linings say like silicone mats.
On the flip side, though, parchment papers are normally meant for one-off use. This makes them a great source of waste. Plus, they regularly run out which is why it is important to always be armed with a few alternatives so you can prepare your recipes in peace even when your parchment paper runs out.
Without further ado, let us break down some of the alternative materials you can use to create a non-stick surface in your air fryer if you happen to run out of parchment paper.
Aluminum Foil to The Rescue
Chances are that you have aluminum foil sitting somewhere in your kitchen. But did you know you can use it as a replacement for parchment paper?
The whole idea behind aluminum foils is to prevent food from sticking during preparation. In other words, it adds a layer of protection when necessary.
The reason why this unique type of paper is so good is that it is versatile and durable. Thanks to its ability to distribute heat evenly, it remains a highly reliable choice for air frying.
However, to use aluminum foil you will need to cut into the size of a typical parchment paper (normally 16-inch X 12-inch). It also helps to spray a bit of cooking oil on it to help prevent it from clinging to the surface.
Try Silicone Baking Mats
When it comes to finding a replacement for parchment papers you can’t go wrong with the good old silicone baking mat. Simply put, these special mats are made from high-quality food-safe silicone. They come in different shapes and sizes and all aim to achieve one thing which is to prevent food from sticking during preparation.
Unlike parchment paper, though, silicone baking mats can be re-used making them a highly economical choice for anyone looking to reap maximum value for their money.
In particular, this kind of mat works best when hot confections and savory foods are involved. Not only do they provide a non-stick surface but they are also ridiculously easy to clean.
However, much as they are resilient, silicone mats should never be scrubbed using sharp objects. Once punctured they can become significantly difficult to clean and, therefore, deteriorate rapidly over time.
Oil Sprays Never Disappoint
Yup, you read that right. Since parchment paper is used to create a non-stick surface, oil sprays can achieve the same feat. You only need to apply it judiciously because air fryers don’t need as much oil as ovens.
One thing to keep in mind, for instance, is that while it is normal to add a bit of oil spray before adding food to the oven, the rules are slightly different when it comes to air fryers. In this case, you will need to directly spray the oil on the food before you place it in the fryer. As such, this method would work best when working with vegetables and fresh meats.
Also, you want to avoid the air fryer basket directly with a nonstick spray as this can damage it. Of course, we don’t want to do anything that causes more harm than good.
When all is said and done, oil sprays can do a fantastic job of distributing cooking oil evenly without causing any mess (if done right). As a bonus, this method can significantly improve the flavor and moisture content of your food.
Silicone Pots Can Do Wonders
When looking for a replacement for parchment paper you have to keep in mind that whatever you go for has to be heat-resistant and non-stick. This is the reason why wax papers should never be used in air fryers. They are non-stick but not heat-resistant.
Silicone pots, though pricey, meet the requirements of being non-stick and heat-resistant. And since they are reusable, they can come in handy as long-term replacements for parchment paper.
One thing worth keeping in mind is that silicone pots tend to work best when used for low-fat and oil-free cooking. The reason for that is that high-oil cooking could leave the cookware greasy plus you end up with high-calorie food. But with low-fat cooking, you don’t even need to worry about greasing the pot before you use it.
This handy kitchen appliance also makes cleanup super easy. Thanks to its non-stick surface you don’t have to vigorously scrub its surface to get rid of grime and grease.
On top of all that, most silicone pots for air fryers are dishwasher-safe. This makes them a must-have as a backup for the good old parchment paper especially if you own an air-fryer.
As a bonus, just like aluminum foil, silicone pots are meant to cook food evenly thanks to their ability to distribute heat and air evenly. The ingenious design of these pots makes them a tool worth adding to your arsenal as long as you are out there experimenting with new recipes.