Can You Use Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?

Air fryers have proved to be a revolutionary invention of late. The amount of utility that an air fryer brings to a kitchen is unmatched. In the early days, air fryers were best-suited only for making healthy snacks, but as the demand increased, so did the functions.

Now, large multipurpose air fryers are in high demand, which let you cook full meals in no time. The multiple cooking functions mean users get to try new things and look to cook different types of food using different methods.

One popular cooking accessory is Aluminum Foil. Used for roasting and baking, aluminum foil accessories are cheap but highly functional. So, it was only a matter of time before people wanted to try aluminum foil in an air fryer.

So, can you use aluminum foil in an air fryer? If we were to give you a one-word answer, it would be yes. You can use aluminum foil in an air fryer, but there are certain things you need to consider before using aluminum foil in an air fryer. And that’s exactly what we are here to tell you about.

So, let’s jump right in.

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Why Would You Want To Use Aluminum Foil To Cook Your Food?

Using aluminum foil to cook food in an air fryer isn’t the worst idea, and here’s why:

It creates better flavor:

When you wrap your fryer basket in aluminum foil, the spices won’t drip down to the bottom of the basket. Instead, they stick to the food, creating better tasting food.

It improves heat distribution:

Because it creates an enclosure around the food, it improves heat circulation. So, food cooks quickly and more evenly.

Cleanup becomes easier:

Air fryers are already fairly easy to clean because of limited oil usage and non-stick fryer baskets. But, there is still some natural grease in the food that trickles down to the bottom. With an aluminum foil in place, that grease will never reach the sides or the bottom of the basket. So, cleanup becomes faster and easier.

How To Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?

Well, now that you know the answer to your question, don’t just take out your air fryer, cover it in aluminum foil and get cooking. There are a few things you need to look out for.

Check The User Manual:

Due to the difference in build quality, positioning of the heating element, and a plethora of other reasons, you can’t put aluminum foil in every air fryer. The best way to ensure whether you can use aluminum foil in your model is to check the manual. These things are usually clearly mentioned. If not, contact the manufacturer instead of assuming. It’s better to be cautious than to damage a $100 air fryer.

Do Not Block The Holes:

Make sure that the aluminum foil you put around the food doesn’t end up covering the holes in the sides and bottom of the basket. These holes in an air fryer basket are there to help with heat and air circulation. Blocking these will ruin the cooking performance and, in some cases, might cause damage to the fryer’s heating element.

Never Put Aluminum Foil In An Empty Air Fryer:

Make sure that you only put aluminum foil in the air fryer with some food in there. Do not put the aluminum foil in advance or while preheating the air fryer.

Place The Foil Carefully:

Make sure you do not cover the whole bottom side with aluminum foil. Similarly, do not close the mouth of the fryer basket completely. Keep enough space on the sides, top, and bottom for air to circulate freely and distribute heat evenly.

Avoid Acidic Foods:

This is the most important thing to remember while cooking with aluminum foil in an air fryer. Using acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes, and vinegar is very dangerous. The acids and aluminum react with each other under high temperatures, forming small aluminum particles over your food. The same goes for dishes that use a high amount of salt.

Also Read:

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Is It Safe To Use Aluminum Foil For Cooking?

People have been using aluminum foil for cooking for quite some time now. Even restaurants use these for cooking various dishes. But when it comes to safety, no one is completely sure about it.

Some researchers have openly said that using aluminum foil to cook at high temperatures is highly dangerous and even linked with Alzheimer’s.

On the other hand, some people back it by saying that even though aluminum exposure is a reality, it’s not that harmful.

After our own bit of research, we would say that aluminum foils are slightly toxic- so it’s best to moderate their usage, especially when cooking at high temperatures.

Video: YouTube/Jeremy Hill

Can You Use Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer?

Yes, using parchment paper in an air fryer is extremely common because it helps with baking. Not only helps, but it also improves the baking performance of the air fryer. You just have to make sure that the food you put in the parchment paper is heavy enough to weigh it down. Otherwise, it might fly into the fan and cause some serious problems.

Will Cooking In Aluminum Foil Give A Mettalic Taste To My Food?

No. Cooking in aluminum foil just improves the taste of your spices. It won’t mix with your food itself or cause a metallic taste. Provided you avoid putting in acidic foods and foods that have a high salt content.

Conclusion

We hope this answers your question ‘can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?’ and any other questions related to aluminum foil.

Here’s a summary of what this article tells us: You can put aluminum foil in an air fryer, but you need to be careful. Also check whether you can put aluminum foil in a deep fryer or not.. Using aluminum foil to cook every meal can be harmful, not only to your air fryer but to your health too.