Yes, air fryers are easy to use and even easier to clean, but we’re always looking for ways to keep the whole process as simple as possible. It seems like a no-brainer to pop a sheet of aluminum foil in the air fryer basket for a quick cleanup! So, can you put foil in an air fryer? Is it safe? Will it affect the food you’re cooking? Let’s take a look.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?
The short answer is “yes.” If you remember the last time (if ever!) you put aluminum foil in your microwave, it’s a scary thought. But the way an air fryer works is different. When the cooking process begins, hot air is circulated around with a fan, crisping and browning your food sans oil. Because air fryers use hot air instead of electromagnetic radiation, you don’t have worry about aluminum foil causing sparks to fly.
Using foil is only one good idea on our long list of air fryer hacks.
How to Use Foil in Your Air Fryer
The key to using aluminum foil with your air fryer is to keep it secured in the basket, because the one thing you do have to worry about is loose or flyaway foil.
“Make sure foil is weighed down with food or secured firmly to the cooking vessel (ramekin, pan or silicone mold) so it doesn’t fly up to the fan, which sits right behind the heating coil,” says Sarah Farmer, Taste of Home‘s executive culinary director. “Foil on coil—now that could cause a problem.”
To safely use aluminum foil in your air fryer, mold and shape it to the basket or food you’re cooking, and keep things neat and tidy. Tuck in any loose ends or edges. No flyways, no problem!
You can use foil or parchment paper in your air fryer to make cleanup easy. However, parchment paper is probably a better option.
Some acidic foods should not be air-fried with foil—we’re looking at you, tomatoes and citrus fruits. According to Insider, foods with a high acid content can react with foil, and the acids can break down the aluminum. Parchment paper, while not as easy to cut and mold as aluminum foil, is your best bet when air-frying these foods, since it’s not a reactive material. It’s also less likely to stick to food the way foil can.
Otherwise, foil is a fine option to use in the air fryer. You can even get creative, making tiny trays to achieve a golden-brown crust on whatever you’re cooking!
The Best Air-Fryer Recipes of 2021
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My kids love these air-fryer fries, and I like that they're healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these eggplant fries are delicious and guilt-free. This is one of the best air-fryer recipes I've tried! —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California Go to Recipe Want to know the secret to crispy, golden-brown air-fried food? We've got air fryer tips that'll help every recipe come out perfectly.
Quick, simple and oh-so-tasty, this air-fryer chicken Parmesan recipe is the perfect weeknight dish to have on hand. It's just as crispy as the classic, if not crispier! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
Being landlocked in the Midwest, my kids always thought they disliked fish. This air-fryer salmon dish definitely changed their minds! I cook it on the grill a lot during the summer months but found that it is just as tasty and more convenient in the air fryer, especially on busy days! —Jill Fisher, Portland, Indiana
This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don't have any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
You can make these air-fryer donuts in advance and then refrigerate them. It's important to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Murphy, Smithtown, New York
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
This quick recipe makes it easy to prepare air-fryer French toast sticks. Have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They're also wonderful for buffets and eating on the go. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
This low-calorie, air-fryer french fries recipe is perfect because I can whip it up at a moment's notice with ingredients I have on hand. The fries are so crispy, you won't miss the deep fryer! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
I needed to use up meat in my fridge, but I didn't want to wait for it to roast. I tried this air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe, and not only was it quick, but my family loved it. You can play with different preserves to make your favorite flavors. —Lynn Caruso, Gilroy, California
I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. With this recipe for air-fryer keto meatballs, you won't miss the breadcrumbs at all! I like to eat these saucy meatballs on their own, but they're also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York
I had all the ingredients for fajitas, but instead of heating up my big oven, I decided to try a different version in the air fryer. Since my air fryer is small, I wanted to put as much filling as I could in each stuffed chicken breast. This worked nicely by cutting slits in the breasts and then filling them. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Looking for easy air fryer recipes? Try these simple fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthier but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado (Try these other air-fryer fish recipes, too!)
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota
My mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you'll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
I call this America’s best-loved air-fryer chicken recipe. The secret is in the herby, golden brown breading that makes the chicken super moist and flavorful. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
An air fryer makes these easy apple fritters healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
These air-fryer chicken drumsticks are flavorful, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Sometimes I'll add some red pepper flakes in addition to the curry powder if I want to spice them up a bit. I like to serve them with chicken-seasoned rice and boiled broccoli. —Zena Furgason, Norman, Oklahoma
These easy apple pie egg rolls can be prepared as needed, using egg roll wrappers as vessels for the fruit rather than traditional pie crust. The air-fryer method of cooking results in a crispy, crunchy crust with a tender, juicy filling. Flavored cream cheese spread may be used instead of plain, depending on availability. —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect as an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It's healthy and easy, and it doesn't take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or you take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before, so in the morning, just roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
My family adores this chicken recipe. Marinating enhances the taste, and the coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. The result is delicious. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
This recipe is one of my husband's favorites because it reminds him of his German roots. Cooking pork schnitzel in an air fryer is genius because we can eat in a jiffy. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah
These simple jam-filled pastries are perfect for a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
These air-fryer stuffed pork chops are one of my favorite dishes to serve guests. I know they'll love them! —Lorraine Darocha, Mountain City, Tennessee
I love combining classic flavors in new ways. This healthy recipe combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It’s one of my family’s favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
This air-fryer cod recipe will convert even the biggest fish skeptic. It's healthy and delicious—no breading needed! —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
These air-fryer pork chops get their rich flavor from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: They're low in carbs, too! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
Trying new recipes—like this air-fryer Wellington—is one of my favorite hobbies. I replaced the filet mignon with ground beef, while still keeping the beefy goodness. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota
These air-fryer spring rolls are a fabulous appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! While we were in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that serves amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
We all know that almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas
Tired of the same old ground beef burgers? These quick air-fryer hamburgers, with their creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds.—Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Cauliflower florets are fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. This General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
I grew up with a family that looked forward to Thanksgiving leftovers. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
Whether you’re serving a party of two or making a bigger batch for company, you’ll find this air-fryer sweet and sour pork a succulent choice. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia
