Parchment paper goes under your food in the air fryer basket, never preheating without food to weigh it down. So if you are asking where do you put the parchment paper in an air fryer, the short answer is simple: on the bottom of the basket, beneath whatever you are cooking.
That single rule keeps you safe and keeps your food from sticking. But there is a bit more to it, and the details matter a lot.
Below you will learn the exact spot, the right way to secure it, and the mistakes that cause burnt paper or uneven cooking.
Where Do You Put The Parchment Paper In An Air Fryer
You put it flat on the bottom of the air fryer basket. The food sits on top of the paper. That is the whole idea.
The paper is not a liner for the heating element. It is not a cover for the top of the food. It goes down low, under the food, where it catches drips and stops sticking.
Air fryers work by moving hot air around the food at high speed. If paper blocks that airflow, your food cooks unevenly. If paper touches the heating coil, it can burn or catch fire.
So placement is not just about convenience. It is about how the machine works.
Why The Paper Must Sit Under The Food
Parchment paper is light. The fan inside an air fryer is strong. If you put paper in an empty basket and turn the machine on, the paper will lift up and fly into the heating element.
That is how fires start. The food acts as a weight. It holds the paper down so it stays put.
- The food presses the paper flat against the basket floor.
- The paper catches crumbs, oil, and sauce.
- Air still flows around the sides of the food.
- Cleanup takes seconds instead of minutes.
Never run the air fryer with paper and no food. That is the number one rule.
What About Preheating
Most air fryer makers tell you to preheat. That is fine. But do not preheat with parchment paper inside.
Preheat the empty basket first. When the preheat is done, pull the basket out and place the paper down. Then add your food right away.
Some people skip preheating altogether. That works too, as long as you add a minute or two to the cook time.
Quick Preheating Steps
- Set the air fryer to the recipe temperature.
- Let it run empty for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pull out the basket carefully.
- Lay the parchment paper flat on the bottom.
- Add food on top of the paper.
- Slide the basket back in and start cooking.
If your air fryer does not need preheating, just skip straight to step four.
How To Place Parchment Paper Correctly
Not all parchment paper works the same in an air fryer. The shape and the edges matter.
You have two good options. You can buy pre-cut parchment liners made for air fryers. Or you can cut your own from a roll.
Using Pre-Cut Air Fryer Liners
These are round or square sheets with holes punched in them. The holes let air move through. They are the easiest and safest choice.
- Pick the size that matches your basket.
- Drop it in flat so the edges do not curl up.
- Add food right away so it stays down.
- Do not let the paper stick up past the basket rim.
If the liner is too big, trim it with scissors. A liner that touches the heating coil is a fire risk.
Cutting Your Own Parchment Paper
Plain parchment from the grocery store works fine. Just cut it to fit.
- Flip the basket upside down on the paper.
- Trace around the bottom with a pencil.
- Cut just inside the line so the sheet is slightly smaller.
- Place it flat in the basket.
- Poke a few small holes with a fork or skewer.
The holes help hot air pass through. They also let grease drain away from the food.
Keep The Edges Down
Curled edges are a problem. Loose paper can flip up and hit the heating element.
If your paper curls, try this: crumple it into a ball first, then flatten it out. That softens the fibers and helps it stay flat. You can also press the food down on the corners.
Some people fold the edges under the food. That works too, as long as the paper does not rise above the food line.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most air fryer paper problems come from a few simple errors. Here is what to watch for.
- Putting paper in during preheat with nothing on top.
- Using a sheet that is too big for the basket.
- Letting paper touch the top heating coil.
- Covering the entire basket floor with no airflow holes.
- Reusing greasy paper for a second cook.
- Using wax paper or foil instead of parchment.
Wax paper is not heat safe. It melts. Aluminum foil blocks airflow and can also burn if it touches the coil.
Parchment paper is made for oven heat, so it handles air fryer temps well. Most brands are safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your package to be sure.
When You Should Skip The Paper
Parchment paper is not always the best pick. Skip it when you cook:
- Bacon, which needs to sit in its own grease
- Foods with wet marinades that pool and soak the paper
- Anything you want crispy on the bottom
- Loose small items like frozen fries that need tossing
For those foods, a light spray of oil on the bare basket works better. Or use a perforated silicone mat.
Paper Vs Silicone Vs Nothing At All
Each option has a place. Here is a quick comparison.
Parchment Paper
- Cheap and easy to find
- Good for sticky and messy foods
- Must be weighted down by food
- Single use only
Silicone Liners
- Reusable and sturdy
- Won’t fly up in the fan
- Needs holes for airflow
- Costs more upfront
Bare Basket
- Best airflow and crisping
- Needs oil spray to prevent sticking
- More scrubbing after dinner
Many people keep all three on hand and pick based on the meal. That is a smart approach.
Final Safety Reminders
Air fryer fires are rare, but they almost always involve loose paper. Keep these points in mind every time you cook.
- Always place paper under the food, never on top.
- Never preheat with paper in the basket.
- Trim the sheet so it fits inside the basket walls.
- Check the paper is flat before you close the drawer.
- Stay nearby the first time you try a new liner.
If you ever see smoke, unplug the unit and let it cool. Do not open the basket right away.
Once you get the habit down, using parchment paper becomes second nature. You lay it flat, you put food on top, and you cook. Cleanup gets easier and your basket stays in better shape for years.
So the next time you reach for that roll of paper, remember the simple rule. Paper on the bottom. Food on the paper. Nothing in the basket during preheat. That is all there is to it.