The Essential Guide on How to Use Air Fryer Liners

Busy home cooks, save time and skip the mess with air fryer parchment paper liners! Learn how to use air fryer liners for crispier food and easier cleanup—no scrubbing needed.

Last updated: May 30, 2025

Preparing a meal can sometimes feel tedious and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be! Using Reynolds Kitchens® Air Fryer Liners makes air fried foods easy to prepare with less mess. Learn how air fryer liners can step up your weeknight dinner, your kids’ afterschool snacks, or even a late-night craving in a snap! 

Are air fryer liners safe? 

Parchment paper air fryer liners are designed for safe use in air fryers when used as directed. These liners are an excellent companion for most square and round basket-style air fryers, as they are heat-safe up to 400°F on the air fryer setting. However, they are not recommended for use in rectangular or toaster oven-style air fryers. Never allow the liner to directly contact a heating element of any air fryer. 

Do air fryer liners work? 

They do! Paper air fryer liners are pre-cut with specially designed holes for improved airflow, ensuring your meals and snacks cook evenly and are brown and crispy. Even better, air fryer liners create a protective, non-stick barrier between your food and the basket, simplifying cleanup by helping to capture food, grease, and sticky messes. Using a paper liner makes cleanup even quicker—simply toss the disposable air fryer liner in the trash, give your air fryer basket a quick wash (if needed), and you're done!

Air Fryer liner topped with sweet potato fries Play Video

How to Use Air Fryer Liners for Cooking

Using air fryer paper liners makes non-stick cooking and air fryer cleanup effortless! You can use these convenient paper liners with virtually any food you enjoy cooking in your air fryer. 

Air fryer parchment paper liners are specifically designed for air fryers. Avoid using them in other appliances, over an open flame, or at temperatures exceeding 400°F. Always place food on the liner before cooking to weigh the paper down and help prevent the liner from contacting any heating elements. 

  1. Take a liner out of the package
  2. If your recipe requires preheating, warm up your air fryer without the liner.
  3. Always place the paper liner flat in your basket and then immediately place food on top of the liner. This keeps the paper in place, preventing it from flying up and touching the any heating elements.
  4. For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding your food and arrange it in a single layer, allowing air to flow through the pre-cut holes in the liner.
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Sweet potato fries sitting in a round air fryer basked lined with a parchment liner

Air Frying Frozen Food

Air fryer liners have surged to the forefront of kitchen time-savers when preparing frozen foods. When cooking crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer, these handy paper sheets allow hot air to flow evenly around the food, so both sides get crisp without sticking to the basket. 

Love French fries, pretzel bites, or pocket sandwiches? How about mozzarella sticks or egg rolls? They all turn out tasty and crispy on a liner. Even delicate foods like empanadas, dumplings, and falafel won't stick or fall apart. Simply pop your frozen favorites onto the air fryer liner, and you'll achieve perfectly crispy results every time, with significantly less cleanup afterward.

salmon filet sitting on a parchment air fryer liner in an air fryer basket

Air Fryer Salmon Filets

Thinking about adding more seafood to your routine? Try this tasty and easy salmon air fryer recipe for dinner this week.

brussels sprouts on a parchment lined air fryer basket

Perfectly Roasted Vegetables

Whether you use fresh or frozen veggies, these disposable air fryer liners with holes allow hot air to circulate around your garlic, broccoli, carrots, and other favorite vegetables for roasting. Your roasted veggies will achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness you love, without sticking to your basket. Try this savory recipe for crispy air fryer breakfast potatoes—so delicious!

 Frozen vegetables transform from freezer to table in minutes with minimal prep work. Since the liner helps keep the veggies from sticking to the basket, cleanup is quick, giving you more time to enjoy your delectable roasted vegetables. 

Simply toss fresh or frozen vegetables with a light coating of oil and your favorite seasonings into the air fryer, then follow your air fryer’s instructions for roasting vegetables. You’ll have delicious roasted sides ready for the table in no time. 

How to roast garlic in the air fryer 

The air fryer cooks roasted garlic faster than firing up the oven! Simply cut the top off a whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves, then drizzle it with a bit of olive oil. Place it in your air fryer basket, using a liner underneath to catch any drips and help keep things tidy. In just 30 minutes at 400°F, you’ll have perfectly soft, caramelized garlic that spreads like butter—no need to wait 40 minutes or more, as you would in the oven. The air fryer method yields the same sweet, mellow flavor, perfect for spreading on bread, mixing into mashed potatoes, or serving alongside delicious air fried corn on the cob. Using a paper liner makes cleanup easy so you can enjoy flavor-packed roasted garlic in less time! 1

Air Fryer Bacon and Prosciutto Strips

Finally, there’s a simpler way to cook a small batch of perfectly crisp bacon and prosciutto without stovetop splatters! Air frying is a quick and delicious method to enjoy crispy, flavorful bacon and prosciutto strips. Using disposable air fryer liners makes cleanup much easier than using the stovetop or oven, as they prevent splattering and popping, and allow excess grease to drain to the bottom of the air fryer basket. The air fryer paper liner with holes also permits air circulation so each strip cooks evenly and delivers that irresistible crunchy texture every time.2, 3

steaks sitting in a parchment lined air fryer basket

Air Fryer Steak

Steak in an air fryer!? It’s true—prepare your tastebuds for a thick, juicy steak with a beautifully seasoned crust. Begin by letting your steak reach room temperature and gently patting it dry. Brush the steak with oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or choose your favorite steak seasonings. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (remember not to insert the air fryer liner yet). Remove the preheated basket and carefully place the liner in the basket. Then, lay your steak on top of the liner. Ensure your steak fits in the basket and has plenty of room for airflow. Cook times will vary depending on the steak's thickness and your desired level of doneness. For a one-inch-thick steak, air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The USDA recommends using a meat thermometer to ensure your food has reached the safe internal temperature of 145°F. Let your air fryer steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy! 4, 5, 6

Personal Pizzas and Flatbreads

What do you do when everyone is clamoring for pizza with their favorite toppings? Personalized air fried pizzas and flatbreads come to the rescue! They’re always a hit as a fast and filling meal. Customized pizzas bake quickly, and air fryer liners help save you time cleaning after cooking. 

For precooked flatbread or crusts (such as prebaked pizza crusts, naan, pitas, lavash, focaccia, or homemade crusts) 

Preheat the air fryer without a liner. Place a liner in your air fryer basket, then place your flatbread on top of it. Top with sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings. Air fry those deliciously topped pizzas at 350°F for about three to four minutes until they’re lightly browned and the cheese is perfectly melty. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your flatbread or the number of toppings you add.7 

For store-bought or homemade pizza dough (uncooked raw dough) 

Preheat the air fryer without a liner. Place the liner in the basket and spread your dough on top. Remember to check for adequate airflow on all sides of your pizza. Precook the crust for two to three minutes at 350°F. Then, add your sauce and toppings before returning to the air fryer for another three to four minutes until the pizza dough is crispy and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The non-stick air fryer liner prevents the dough from sticking while providing perfect air circulation for that crispy-on-the-outside and chewy-on-the-inside texture. 8, 9

Reheating Leftovers and Melts

Tasty leftovers 

Your air fryer isn’t just for cooking—it also revives leftovers, giving them a crispy, fresh-from the-oven texture. For most refrigerated leftovers, preheat your air fryer to 350–375°F. Place an air fryer liner in the basket and arrange the food in a single layer. The disposable liner prevents small foods from falling through and makes cleanup faster. Pizza slices reheat beautifully in three to four minutes, while fried foods like chicken, French fries, or mozzarella sticks regain their crunch in about three to five minutes. Most leftovers need a short time to reheat, so check them often to avoid overcooking. Imagine your leftovers tasting like they’re fresh again! 10 

Perfect air fryer melts 

Making ooey-gooey melts in your air fryer are delicious but can be a bit messy with all that cheese and grease! Problem solved—use an air fryer liner. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 380°F. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly butter or brush oil onto the outside of the bread, then assemble your sandwich with bread, cheese, and your favorite fillings. Place your liner in the air fryer basket and then put your sandwich on top. Air fry at 360°F to 380°F for approximately 4 to 5 minutes or follow the instructions in your recipe. Then, carefully flip and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted. The liner allows hot air to flow and helps to catch drips, so you get a crispy toasted sandwich with a melted center and less mess. From simple grilled cheese to fancy combinations, you’ll love how fast you can make toasty sandwiches with little effort! 11, 12 

Tip: If your bread is thin, the hot circulating air may blow it around in the air fryer. Use toothpicks to hold the sandwich together while air frying. Remember to remove the toothpicks before eating.

Easy and Crispy Tortilla Shells and Taco Bowls

Whipping up crispy tortilla bowls in your air fryer is a simple and fun way to enjoy delicious taco salads or burrito bowls! Lightly brush both sides of a flour or corn tortilla with a small amount of oil. Choose an oven-safe bowl that fits snugly in your air fryer basket and accommodates your tortillas. Drape and flute the tortilla against the inside of the bowl and press it firmly into the bottom. This creates the classic bowl shape. 

Place an air fryer liner in the basket, then position the bowl with the shaped tortilla on top. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for five to six minutes until the tortilla is golden brown and crisp. Gently remove the tortilla shell and bowl using tongs and flip the shell upside down onto the air fryer liner. Heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown. Use tongs to carefully remove the shell. Once the tortilla bowl has cooled, fill it with your favorite taco fillings, salad ingredients, or southwestern-inspired dishes. The shells look so appetizing and are healthier than a deep-fried tortilla bowl. 13

Person removing chicken wings from a parchment lined air fryer basket

Savory and Tasty Wings and Kabobs

Air fryer chicken wings made easy! 

Enjoy making delicious restaurant-quality chicken wings right in your air fryer! An air fryer helps you make quick meals in smaller quantities. Because they’re non-stick, air fryer liners prevent your wings from sticking to the basket and provide quick cleanup. 

To get that delightful crispy skin, gently pat your wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Brush lightly with oil, and generously season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (garlic powder and paprika work wonderfully). Place an air fryer paper liner in your basket, then arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each piece for proper airflow. Cook at 380°F for approximately 22 to 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. The wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and develop a crisp golden color. Once you're done, toss them in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic. You can also enjoy them plain with some delicious dipping sauces on the side. The best part? The liner helps to catch the drippings while allowing the hot air to create that ideal crispy texture, without the mess or extra oil of traditional frying. 14, 15, 16 

Delicious air fryer kabobs 

An air fryer creates mouthwatering kabobs in no time! Disposable air fryer liners keep the kebabs from sticking and give them beautifully caramelized edges. 

Simply cut your protein into bite-sized chunks. Marinate your protein—chicken, sirloin steak, or shrimp—for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and ensure juiciness. Chop your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms, into similar-sized chunks. You can even add fruit like pineapple or peaches for a sweet contrast! 

Measure your skewers to ensure they fit in your air fryer, and trim wooden skewers or choose shorter metal ones if necessary. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes. Then, thread your proteins and other ingredients onto the skewers, alternating between protein, vegetables, and fruits. Place a liner in the air fryer basket and evenly space the kabobs on top of it. Air fry at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes for chicken or 8 to 10 minutes for beef, turning halfway through.17, 18

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Liners?

Reynolds Kitchens parchment paper air fryer liners were designed and tested for air fryer use at temperatures up to 400°F. We advise against using standard parchment paper in the air fryer.

Liners aren’t necessary, as most modern air fryers have non-stick coatings. However, 

  • Liners can be very helpful for significantly reducing cleanup time, especially when cooking greasy, sticky, or cheesy foods.
  • Liners also protect the basket from scratches and wear, making them a convenient option for many air fryer enthusiasts.

Yes, they can be a convenient option for people who want to minimize scrubbing the air fryer basket after use. Liners provide a non-stick surface, reducing the amount of cleanup required.

Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Liners are designed with small, evenly spaced holes that allow hot air to circulate freely around the food, ensuring even cooking. These holes help to create the crispy exterior that makes air frying popular.

No. They are intended solely for use in an air fryer. We suggest using parchment paper in the oven.

No, they will not burn if you follow the guidelines for proper use. Always preheat the air fryer BEFORE placing the liner and food inside. Once it’s preheated, carefully place the air fryer liner in the basket and add food on top of the liner. The food weighs down the liner, preventing it from flying around in the air fryer and touching the heating element.

Related Tips and How-Tos

Resources: 

  1. Zhang, K. (2025, January 11). How to Roast Garlic in Air Fryer Without Foil. Garlic All Day.
  2. Yan, G. (2025, March 19). Air Fryer Bacon Recipe. Serious Eats.
  3. Lilly, C. (2023, March 15). Air Fryer Crispy Prosciutto. Good Food Baddie.
  4. Homolka, G. (2023, May 22). Air Fryer Steak. Skinnytaste.
  5. Bulloch, S. (2024, May 6). Air Fryer Steak. Hey Grill Hey.
  6. Liew, A. (2024, March 20). Air Fryer Steak. The Big Man’s World.
  7. Diane. Air Fryer Flatbread Pizzas (Naan). Air Fryer World.
  8. Lutzflcat. (2024, November 19). Air Fryer Pizza. Allrecipes.
  9. Sandonato, D. (2024, March 18). Easy Air Fryer Pizza. Killing Thyme.
  10. Christian, T. (2024, March 23). How to Reheat—and Love—Your Leftovers. Consumer Reports.
  11. Yoly. (2023, September 7). Air Fryer Grilled Cheese. Allrecipes.
  12. Sam the Cooking Guy. 3 Next Level Delicious (and Simple!) Sandwiches Out of The Air Fryer. Youtube.
  13. Yoly. (2024, November 24). Air Fryer Tortilla Bowls. Allrecipes.
  14. Saladino, E. Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Food Network.
  15. Zea, A. (2024, June 18). Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Domestic Superhero.
  16. Kanell, J. (2023, July 28). Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Preppy Kitchen.
  17. Agnieszka. (2023, February 18). Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs. Wholly Tasteful.
  18. Atik, L. (2024, September 27). Air Fryer Beef Kabobs. Gimme Delicious.