Can You Put Paper Towels In Air Fryer
So the other night, I had leftover fries sitting on a plate covered with a paper towel. I picked them up to toss them into the air fryer for a quick reheat and — pause — I alm...
So the other night, I had leftover fries sitting on a plate covered with a paper towel. I picked them up to toss them into the air fryer for a quick reheat and — pause — I almost threw the whole thing in, paper towel and all. That split-second decision sent me down a deep internet rabbit hole at 11 PM. And honestly? I'm glad I stopped.
(You've been there. Don't lie. We've all questioned our choices while standing next to an air fryer.)
The Short Answer: It Depends — But Mostly, No.
Can you put paper towels in an air fryer? Here's where things get a little tricky. The answer isn't a flat "never" or an easy "sure, why not" — and that's exactly what makes it worth breaking down properly.
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Air fryers work by blasting superheated air around a small space. That intense airflow and high temperature is what makes paper towels incredibly risky in most situations. But context matters — and certain situations are slightly less dangerous than others.
The Big Problem: Fire Hazard
Let's start with the obvious. Paper towels are designed for absorbing grease and catching spills — they're not built to withstand sustained heat. In an air fryer, temperatures often range from 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C), which is well within the ignition range for paper products.
(Yeah. Fire. The thing you absolutely do not want happening inside a tiny metal box sitting on your kitchen counter.)
Because air fryers rely on constant airflow, a lightweight paper towel can easily be blown onto the heating element. The moment that happens, you've got yourself a tiny but very real disaster. Even if it doesn't catch fire immediately, you could end up with burnt paper debris all over your meal.
Paper Towels In Air Fryers: Safe Or Not? | CyCookery
But What About Damp Paper Towels?
Here's where curiosity kicks in. Some people swear by placing a slightly damp paper towel at the bottom of the basket to catch drips. It sounds reasonable — moisture should theoretically reduce the fire risk, right?
Wrong. A damp paper towel still dries out quickly under intense heat. The window of "safe" is incredibly narrow, and the downside far outweighs the tiny convenience of catching a few drips.
Plus, a wet paper towel can restrict airflow inside the basket. Since even airflow is the entire point of an air fryer, you're basically sabotaging your own cooking process. Not exactly a winning strategy.
What Happens If You Accidentally Leave One In?
Okay, let's say you didn't read this article and one just sneaks in. The paper towel will likely curl, brown, and potentially ignite depending on how long the fryer runs. At the very minimum, you'll end up with stinky smoke filling your kitchen.
Can Paper Towels Go In The Air Fryer at Robert Connors blog
(You know that smell — it's like burnt toast's uglier cousin. Nobody wants that announcing themselves at dinner.)
The paper remnants won't just disappear either. They'll cling to your food, your basket, or the heating element itself — meaning a bigger cleanup job afterward. So you've traded a minor convenience for a smelly, messy afternoon.
Better Alternatives for Grease Control
If your real goal was to absorb excess grease, there are far better solutions. A silicone liner or parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers does the job safely and without any fire drama.
You can also line the basket with aluminum foil, as long as you leave some gaps for air to circulate. Or, honestly, just shake and drain your food in a colander — the old-school method still works just fine.
Can I Put A Paper Towel In An Air Fryer at Johnny Moe blog
Some air fryers even come with built-in drip trays that handle this problem for you. Check what your model offers before improvising with kitchen supplies that weren't made for the job.
The Verdict: Just Don't Do It
Can you technically put paper towels in an air fryer? Sure, your hand will release them into the basket just fine. But should you? Absolutely not — the risks of fire, smoke, and ruined food make it a no-go every single time.
Next time you're standing there with a plate of greasy leftovers and a paper towel, take the two extra seconds to set it aside. Your air fryer — and your fire insurance — will thank you.
(Trust me. Future you will be so much happier with tomorrow-you for making this very small but very smart decision.)
