Have you ever wondered if you can cook those leftover pizza slices or last night’s takeout in your air fryer? Many of us air fryer owners have glanced longingly at leftovers in the fridge, desperately wanting to reheat them in our favorite compact cooking appliance. However, we’ve hesitated to throw food directly into the basket, worried it might make a mess. Turns out, there’s a simple hack that allows you to air fry leftovers mess-free – lining the basket with paper towels.
In this blog post, I’ll share tips and tricks on whether can you put paper towel in air fryer. We’ll break down how it works, the benefits it provides, and some tips for using this trick. By the end, you’ll be excited to finally try air frying that pizza in your machine without any worries about cleaning up grease splatters afterward.
9 Best Situations Whether Can You Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer
1. Reheating Fried and Grilled Food:
One of the best uses for this hack is reheating fried or grilled foods like chicken tenders, French fries, or wings. These types of food can be prone to dripping grease and oil, which can make a mess in your air fryer. By lining the basket with a paper towel first, you can easily reheat them without any fuss. This method also helps to keep the food crispy and prevents it from sticking to the basket.
2. Cooking High-Fat Foods:
If you’re cooking high-fat foods like bacon or sausage in your air fryer, it’s a good idea to line the basket with paper towels. These types of food can produce a lot of grease and oil, which can cause splattering in your machine if not absorbed by the paper towel. This method also helps to produce crispier and less greasy results.
3. Cooking Juicy Foods:
Foods that are juicy, like burgers or meatballs, can cause excess moisture in your air fryer and potentially affect the cooking process. By lining the basket with paper towels, you can absorb some of that moisture and prevent it from affecting the final result. While the paper towel won’t absorb all the moisture, it will help to keep your food from getting soggy.
4. Cooking Foods with Sauces or Marinades:
When cooking foods with sauces or marinades, there’s a risk of those liquids dripping down into the bottom of your air fryer and causing a mess. By using the paper towel trick, you can prevent this from happening and also help to keep your food from sticking to the basket. If you’re worried about the paper towel sticking to your food, you can lightly spray it with cooking oil before adding the food.
5. Cooking Frozen Foods:
Frozen foods like chicken nuggets or fish sticks can easily stick to the basket of your air fryer, especially if they have a breaded coating. By lining the basket with a paper towel first, you can prevent it from sticking and also absorb any excess moisture that may be released during cooking. This method helps to produce crispier results and prevents the food from getting soggy.
6. Cooking Small or Delicate Foods:
For small or delicate foods like dumplings, spring rolls, or shrimp, lining the basket with paper towels can help keep them from falling through the holes and getting stuck or burned. The paper towel also helps to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring a crispy result. This method is especially useful for air fryers with larger or widely spaced holes in the basket.
7. Reheating Pizza and Other Baked Goods:
We’ve all had that frustrating experience of reheating pizza in the microwave, only to end up with a soggy mess. By using the paper towel trick in your air fryer, you can easily reheat pizza without it getting soggy or stuck to the basket. This method also works well for other baked goods like bread or muffins.
8. Cooking Foods with a Dry Rub:
If you’re cooking foods with a dry rub, such as chicken wings or ribs, the paper towel trick can help prevent the rub from sticking to the basket and potentially burning. It also helps to absorb any excess grease or oil released during cooking, resulting in a crisper and less greasy final product. If you’re worried about the paper towel sticking to your food, you can lightly spray it with cooking oil before adding the food.
9. Cooking Foods That Create a Lot of Smoke:
Some foods, like burgers or steaks, produce a lot of smoke when cooked in an air fryer due to their high-fat content. By lining the basket with paper towels, you can absorb some of that smoke and prevent it from filling your kitchen. This method also helps to keep the inside of your air fryer cleaner and free from smoke residue.
Following these tips and tricks, you can now confidently use the paper towel trick in your air fryer. It’s a simple and effective way to prevent messes and produce crispier results, making your air frying experience even more enjoyable. So go ahead and try it out next time you’re using your air fryer – you’ll be amazed by the difference it makes! So, next time you’re wondering “Can you put a paper towel in an air fryer?”, the answer is a definite yes! Keep experimenting and happy air frying!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Put Paper Towel in Air Fryer
- If you are using paper towels to line the bottom of your air fryer, make sure to cut or puncture holes in the towel. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook your food evenly.
- Avoid using colored or patterned paper towels as they may contain dyes or chemicals that can be harmful when exposed to high heat.
- When placing paper towels over food, make sure to use multiple layers. This will prevent the towel from sticking to the food and creating a mess.
- It is recommended to lightly spray cooking oil on the paper towel before placing it in the air fryer. This will help prevent the towel from burning or becoming too dry.
- When using paper towels as a liner for your air fryer basket, make sure to cut the towel to fit the size of the basket. This will prevent excess paper from sticking out and potentially catching fire.
- If you are using paper towels to absorb excess oil from fried foods, be sure to change them out halfway through cooking. This will ensure that the paper towel does not become too saturated and cause a fire hazard.
- Always monitor your air fryer while cooking with paper towels inside. If you notice any smoke or burning smells, immediately turn off the air fryer and carefully remove the paper towel.
- After using paper towels in your air fryer, make sure to clean out any remaining bits of towel that may have stuck to the basket or heating element. This will prevent them from catching fire during future use.
- Be cautious when using paper towels in air fryers that have a non-stick coating. The towel may stick to the surface and cause damage.
Following these tips and tricks will allow you to safely and effectively use paper towels in your air fryer. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use caution when handling hot materials. Happy cooking!
The benefit of Putting Paper Towels in the Air Fryer
1. Absorbs Excess Oil:
The biggest benefit of putting paper towels in the air fryer is that it helps to absorb the excess oil from your food. While air fryers are known for their ability to cook food with little to no oil, some fried foods require a small amount of cooking oil. Therefore, placing a layer of paper towel underneath the food can help to absorb any excess oil that might drip down during the cooking process.
2. Prevents Food from Sticking:
Placing paper towels in the air fryer can also help to prevent food from sticking to the basket or tray. This is especially helpful when cooking foods that tend to stick, such as breaded meats or vegetables. The paper towel acts as a barrier between the food and the surface of the air fryer, preventing any sticking and making clean-up easier.
3. Helps with Air Circulation:
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to cook it evenly and give it a crispy texture. However, sometimes this circulation can cause small pieces of food or crumbs to get blown around inside the air fryer. Placing a paper towel on top of the food can help to keep these small pieces in place and prevent them from getting stuck in the air fryer’s fan.
4. Reduces Splatter:
Some foods, such as bacon or sausages, can produce a lot of grease or oil when cooked in an air fryer. Placing a layer of paper towel underneath these foods can help to reduce splatter and keep the oil from getting all over the sides and bottom of the air fryer. This not only makes for easier clean-up but also prevents any potential smoke or burnt smells.
5. Cost-Effective:
Using paper towels in an air fryer is a cost-effective solution compared to using other accessories such as parchment paper or aluminum foil. Paper towels are easily accessible and can be replaced as needed, making them a convenient and budget-friendly option for use in the air fryer.
These are the main benefits of putting paper towels in the air fryer. However, it’s important to note that not all foods require the use of paper towels and it’s always best to follow specific recipes or instructions for optimal cooking results.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the paper towel does not come into contact with any heating elements inside the air fryer to avoid any fire hazards. So, next time you use your air fryer, consider using paper towels for a cleaner and more efficient cooking experience! Happy frying!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may seem convenient to use a paper towel in your air fryer for easy cleanup or to absorb excess grease, it is not recommended. The potential hazards and damage it could cause greatly outweigh the convenience factor. Instead, opt for using a non-stick liner or parchment paper specifically made for air fryers. These options will ensure food safety and prolong the lifespan of your appliance.
As always, make sure to thoroughly read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer model. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when using any kitchen appliance. So next time you ask yourself “Can you put paper towel in air fryer?”, remember the risks involved and make the safer choice for both yourself and your appliance. Don’t let a simple mistake ruin your cooking experience – choose wisely and enjoy delicious, crispy meals with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about the proper usage of your air fryer and other helpful kitchen tips!