Yes, you can put butter paper in an air fryer, but with caution. Butter paper (also called sandwich or bakery paper) can withstand temperatures up to 220°C, which is within most air fryers' operating range. However, it must be properly secured and monitored to prevent fire risks from the intense circulating heat.
Butter paper differs from regular parchment or wax paper in its heat resistance. While it's commonly used for baking, air fryers present unique challenges due to their powerful fans and compact cooking chambers. The main risk comes from the paper lifting and touching heating elements, which could cause scorching or even flames. Many air fryer manufacturers explicitly warn against using loose papers for this reason.
For those exploring air fryer recipes that traditionally use butter paper, like certain cake recipes, there are safer alternatives. Pre-cut air fryer parchment liners with holes for airflow are widely available and eliminate most risks. These specialised liners are designed to withstand the unique conditions of air fryer cooking while preventing food from sticking.
If you choose to use butter paper in your air fryer, proper technique is crucial. Always cut the paper to fit your basket precisely, leaving no overhang that could catch air currents. Weigh it down with food around the edges, and never use it empty. For recipes requiring high temperatures, consider reducing the heat slightly to stay well below the paper's maximum tolerance.
Never leave your air fryer unattended when using butter paper. Check frequently through the viewing window to ensure the paper hasn't shifted or started to brown excessively. At the first sign of scorching, stop cooking immediately. This vigilance is especially important for first-time users experimenting with their appliance's capabilities.
For those concerned about using butter paper in air fryers, several safer options exist. Silicone mats designed specifically for air fryers provide excellent non-stick properties without fire risks. Lightly oiling the basket itself often works just as well for most foods. When cooking particularly sticky items like cookies or melted cheese dishes, a quick spritz of cooking spray on the butter paper can help prevent tearing.
Another approach is to use the air fryer's own accessories. Many models come with racks or dividers that eliminate the need for liners altogether. For cleaning afterwards, specialised air fryer cleaning tools make quick work of any stuck-on residue without risking damage to non-stick surfaces.
Different air fryer models handle butter paper differently. Compact units with heating elements close to the basket, like many Ninja models, present higher risks than larger convection-style ovens. Always consult your specific model's manual - some manufacturers like Philips explicitly prohibit any paper products, while others provide guidelines for safe usage.
Butter paper's heat tolerance varies by brand, but most quality products can handle standard air frying temperatures between 160-200°C for short periods. For longer cook times or frozen foods requiring extended heating, consider switching to a metal rack after initial thawing to reduce paper exposure time. This technique works particularly well for items like frozen pastries or breaded foods.
