The Air fryer has been a recent trend in the world of cooking where you can enjoy the taste of deep-fried food without affecting your health.
Being the perfect invention in the modern home cooking era, it also has some precautions that must be taken for its long-term durability.
Certain things can and cannot go in an air fryer that a user must know before buying this device so that things don’t go South.
From the various queries on Air Fryers, there is this frequently asked question ‘Can you put cardboard in an air fryer?‘
Well, I think it’s good that people are concerned about the correct usage of an air fryer, You’ll be glad to know that with some precautions, you can put cardboard in an air fryer but it might cause a fire hazard if the air fryer is not turned off or cooled down.
Nonetheless, it is best if you don’t use cardboard at all.
If you want, you must make sure to put cardboard in small pieces so that it doesn’t interrupt the airflow to cook food evenly and a thin piece of it should be used to absorb oil and fat from the food.
You can also check out the following video regarding the use of an air fryer!
If you have more questions related to cardboard going in an air fryer, keep reading till the end to avoid any accidents.
Table of Contents
Can cardboard be used in an air fryer?
Using cardboard in an air fryer is not advised. Cardboard items can catch fire at temperatures ranging from 425 to 475 degrees Fahrenheit, releasing hazardous compounds such as Diisobutyl Phthalate. Heat is generated by an air fryer using a convection current. An air fryer’s small size and strong power may produce temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Temperatures (oF) | Burns Cardboard | Release of toxic chemicals |
| 400 | No | No |
| 425 | Yes | No |
| 450 | Yes | Yes |
| 475 | Yes | Yes |
What is the composition of cardboard?
Cardboard is formed of cellulose fibres that have been resin-glued together. The most commonly used resin is phenol-formaldehyde, however other resins can also be employed.
There are a few risks to cooking with cardboard in an air fryer. For one thing, cardboard can catch fire and start a fire in the kitchen. Furthermore, toxins in cardboard might leak into your meals and make you sick. Finally, the cardboard can cause your air fryer to break down.
Does Cardboard burn in an air fryer?
Yes, if the temperature is too high, cardboard can burn the air fryer as it will catch fire and can cause human injuries as well.
The fire will also spread on the food and will burn it too.
So, make sure to set the temperature low enough for safety purposes before putting cardboard in an air fryer, and keep checking in between to ensure your food doesn’t get burned.
Another important factor is chemicals in a cardboard can spread in your food so for health reasons, you may want to avoid putting cardboard in an air fryer.
When cardboard is heated it releases toxic fumes which could be harmful. So, a window must be open immediately after turning off the air fryer if you smell something burning in your air fryer.
Why you should never use cardboard in an air fryer?
There are these reasons for not putting cardboard in an air fryer.
Increased cooking time
Putting cardboard in an air fryer makes your food cook slower which increases the cooking time. So, cardboard is not only a safety hazard but also takes your time and energy in cooking food.
Food tastes weird
One of the most important reasons for not putting cardboard in the air fryer is it makes food taste weird because it releases an unpleasant smell when heated which is later absorbed by food and makes it taste awful.
I don’t think it would be a great experience for anyone to taste weird food caused by cardboard chemicals.
Cardboard Ignition Temperature
The cardboard would start burning at 175 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. So, going above the 175°F would definitely damage your air fryer also as to utilize the best and maximum benefits from an air fryer the temperature is recommended to be at 450°F to have the taste and perfect crisp of deep fried food.
The ignition temperature can also vary from cardboard to cardboard depending upon its thickness, coating, and chemical elements of it.
But, just to remember, the standard ignition temperature of cardboard is 175°F.
What happens when you put cardboard in an air fryer?
The ignition temperature means the lower temperature in which a thing can ignite. If the ignition temperature is high, the chances of it catching fire also become high. So, if you piece a piece of paper of cardboard at 350°F, the chances of cardboard catching fire are very high.
As cardboard is not micro cable and contains wax which makes it dangerous to put it near any heating element. The heat would ignite and catch fire and would be spread to your food as well as your kitchen also.
The fumes emitting from cardboard are dangerous to breathe in which could lead you disastrous health conditions.
Also, you must not use any paper in the air fryer which contains wax or waxy coating as it would leave you with some toxic fumes in your kitchen.
The above-mentioned reasons are enough to not use cardboard in an air fryer as nothing is more precious than personal safety and health.
Is it safe to put the paper bowl in an air fryer?
No, it is not safe to use a paper bowl in an air fryer because it will catch fire if comes in contact with the heating element.
However, if it is needed to use a paper bowl in an air fryer make sure to place it on the metal rack which is at a distance from the heating element of an air fryer.
Just like cardboard, the paper bowl also releases toxic fumes which are absorbed in food and can cause health problems.
So, I would not recommend using a paper bowl in an air fryer even if you’re tempted as it wouldn’t be worth the risk. As an alternative to a paper bowl, you can use a silicone liner in an air fryer as it prevents food from sticking to the bottom of the basket.
For better understanding, here’s a list of things that you can and things you cannot put in an air fryer!
| Things safe to put in an air fryer | Things to not put in an air fryer |
| Parchment paper | Water |
| Foil | Plastic |
| Pyrex dish | Sauces |
| Steel bowl | Paper towels |
Conclusion
Cardboards are treated with chemicals and are made up recycle paper so it is better to not use cardboard in an air fryer as it could lead to many harmful conditions.
- Using cardboard in an air fryer can cause a fire hazard.
- Use small pieces of cardboard in an air fryer to avoid fire eruption.
- When cardboard is heated, it releases toxic chemicals which are absorbed in food and could be harmful to health.
- The ignition temperature of cardboard is 175°F temperature.
- Putting cardboard in an air fryer slows the cooking process and increases the cooking time hence, more energy and time are needed for cooking.
Related Articles
- Deep Frying Vs Air Frying
- Air Fryer Maximum Temperature
- What Are The Two Benefits Of Using An Air Fryer?
FAQs
Can you put cardboard in the air fryer? ›
🚫Why You Shouldn't Put Cardboard In The Air Fryer
Cardboard can ignite at temperatures as low as 451 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you put cardboard in the air fryer, it will likely catch on fire. In addition to being a fire hazard, cardboard can also release harmful chemicals when heated.
- Battered foods. Avoid placing wet batter in the air fryer. ...
- Fresh greens. Leafy greens like spinach will cook unevenly because the machine uses high-speed air. ...
- Whole roasts. ...
- Cheese. ...
- Raw grains. ...
- Hamburgers. ...
- Toast. ...
- Popcorn.
Yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer. Tasteofhome.com explains that due to the air fryer's cooking process consisting of rushing hot air, your aluminum foil and the meal it's with will not be ruined by the air fryer.
What can I use as a liner for my air fryer? ›Lining your air fryer with parchment paper is the best way to keep your appliance clean and your food delicious. Nothing beats cooking with an air fryer to get you crispy, tender food with a fraction of the oil.
Is it safe to cook with cardboard? ›It is never safe to put cardboard in the oven.
While cardboard combusts at a temperature of 427 F, it can easily catch fire if you have an older model oven in which the heating element is exposed to the oven. Even if you have a newer model oven, it is not worth the risk.
Larry Ciufo, the CR test engineer who oversees air fryer testing, warns that while you can use parchment paper inside an air fryer, it's not recommended for regular use there. “It has the potential to block 99 percent of the fryer's airflow,” Ciufo says.
Can you put anything in the bottom of an air fryer? ›In fact, lining your fryer basket with foil can really help when you're cooking something delicate, such as fish. However, there is one important caveat: Only put a layer of foil in the bottom of the air fryer basket where your food sits, not on the bottom of the air fryer itself.
Can I fry an egg in an air fryer? ›Simply crack 2-3 eggs into individual lightly buttered pie dishes. If no pie dishes are available, use greased ramekins. Air-fry for 3-5 minutes at 190C, or until eggs are fried to your liking. Carefully remove from basket and slip onto a plate, using a spatula.
Can I put a plate in an air fryer? ›A plate can be placed in an air fryer, as long as the plate is heat-proof and rated as oven safe. You would not be able to put a thin plastic plate in an air fryer, but you can use appropriate ceramic, glass, and metal plates.
Can you put glass in an air fryer? ›Depending upon the sturdiness of the glass dish, you can decide whether Glass Pyrex can be used in an air fryer. If the dish is oven-safe, made of borosilicate or tempered glass, it can work in an air fryer. However, if the dish is made of soda-lime glass, it can't withstand high temperatures in an air fryer.
Can you put paper towel in air fryer? ›
Putting paper towels in an air fryer is not recommended as it can potentially cause a fire hazard. Additionally, the paper towel may not allow proper air circulation within the fryer, resulting in uneven cooking. Using the tray or basket with the air fryer is better for optimal cooking results.
What are the best foods to air fry? ›Here are some of the best frozen food for the air fryer that can be cooked quickly and easily. They include fries, hash browns, tater tots, Trader Joe's snacks like samosa and gyoza, chicken snacks like popcorn chicken and nuggets, egg rolls, and kid-friendly snacks like pizza rolls.
Can you put paper muffin liners in air fryer? ›Yes, you can use both paper and silicone baking cups in the air fryer. Because silicone cups are sturdier, they hold thick muffin batter better and lead to less spilling than paper cups. I prefer using silicone cups for this reason.
Can I make my own air fryer liners? ›Make your own, homemade!
Yes, it's easy to make if you only plan on using the liners a few times a year. Just cut regular parchment sheets to the size of your air fryer. Use a hole puncher and punch a bunch of holes in the paper. The more holes, the more air circulation you'll get during cooking!
Cardboard doesn't catch fire until temperatures reach over 400 degrees. But to be safe, we recommend you keep your heat at the suggested setting of 170. If you want to crank it up a bit more, that's fine.
Can cardboard withstand heat? ›There are different types of cardboard that will ignite between 400 and 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Special cardboard can sustain temperatures over 1,000 F.
Can you cook pizza on the cardboard it comes with? ›Slip the pizza directly on to the oven wrack using the cardboard and then use it to take it out. You can, but apart from the possibility of an oven fire, the crust will be soggy and probably taste like cardboard. It's not advisable. Best to put it on a sheet pan or stone, or lay some foil over the rack in your oven.
Should I use liners in my air fryer? ›Why Should I Use Liners in My Air Fryer? Air fryer liners present three huge benefits: They cook things more evenly – Most air fryer liners are covered with very tiny pre-cut holes. The holes allow for even better air circulation than the walls or an air fryer's basket.
What can I use in place of parchment paper for air fryer? ›In conclusion, air-fryer parchment paper can be easily substituted with a variety of alternatives. What is this? Wax paper, aluminum foil, silicone mats, oil sprays, and air-fryer silicone pots are all viable substitutes that provide excellent heat stability or non-stick surfaces for easy cleanup.
Can you put foil or wax paper in air fryer? ›You can use tin foil or parchment paper in an air fryer, but you cannot use wax paper. » You might also like How to Clean Your Air Fryer. When it comes to cooking in an air fryer, you're probably looking for ways to keep the basket as clean as possible, to reduce the clean up after cooking something sticky or greasy.
What is the best thing to put on bottom of air fryer? ›
Grease your Air Fryer Basket. Even if your food does not require oil, always take a moment to at least grease your air fryer basket. I grease mine by rubbing, or spraying, a little bit of oil on the bottom grates. This will ensure that your food won't stick.
Can you put a plastic bowl in an air fryer? ›Don't: Plastic
Unfortunately you cannot heat up your foods in plastic containers, such as Tupperware and plastic takeaway containers in the airfryer (like you can in a microwave). The general rule of thumb is what can go in an oven, can also go in the airfryer.
Bacon is safe to cook in the air fryer, but you need to make sure that you use the proper temperature and that your air fryer is clean before you begin. The best bacon air fryer temperature is 350 degrees F. This will crisp the bacon without causing it to smoke or burn.
Can you put bacon in air fryer? ›The size of the air fryer basket will determine how many rashers you can cook at one time. Set the air fryer to 200C and cook streaky bacon rashers for 6-10 mins – just-cooked bacon will take 6 mins, but crispier bacon will take 9-10 mins.
Can silver foil be used in air fryer? ›It is absolutely safe to use aluminum foil in your air fryer. In fact, it can make cooking with the air fryer easier.
Can you pop a bag of popcorn in an air fryer? ›You totally can! Popping popcorn in an air fryer is a great way to cook your popcorn snack because popping popcorn in an air fryer means your get to enjoy your favorite snack quicker, air fryer popcorn retains its taste, and there is typically less risk of overcooking and burning your popcorn!
Can I put a Styrofoam plate in the air fryer? ›No, absolutely not.
Can I put stainless steel bowl in air fryer? ›Is It Safe to Use Metal in an Air Fryer? The short answer is yes, you can put metal in an air fryer. Cookware made from metal is designed to withstand high heat from an oven, usually up to 500°F. Most air fryers heat up to temperatures between 200-400°F, so this should be no problem for metal cookware.
Can mason jars go in air fryer? ›If the jars get too hot rapidly, they can shatter. I have used mason jars in my Air Fryer and have had no trouble so far. It is something to be aware of. You can buy tempered glass jars to use for this as well.
Can you put a glass pie plate in air fryer? ›You can use any ovenproof dish or mold in the Airfryer, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal or silicone.
What kind of paper can you use in air fryer? ›
“You can use either rolled parchment paper or parchment paper that is made specifically for air fryers, with holes. It's a great way to reduce cleaning time,” says air fryer expert Laurie Fleming, author of The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners.
What is the most popular thing to make in an air fryer? ›French fries are arguably the most popular thing to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers use a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in them result in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.
What meat is best for air fryer? ›As with all dry-heat cooker methods (grilling, broiling, pan frying and oven roasting), tender beef cuts perform best in the air fryer. Those cuts include Top Sirloin, KC Strip, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tri Tip. Ground beef also can be easily prepared in an air fryer.
Can I cook a pizza in an air fryer? ›To Air Fry Frozen Pizza: Preheat air fryer to 370 degrees. Cook frozen pizza for 6-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is crispy. Store-bought Pizza Crust: You can use small Boboli or flatbread crusts instead of pizza dough. Skip the step of baking the crust.
Can I use a silicone pan in an air fryer? ›The short answer is yes, but with some caution and limitations. Silicone has a high heat tolerance, so it can handle the high temperatures of an air fryer. However, when using a silicone mold in the air fryer it's important to make sure that it is securely placed on a flat tray or rack to prevent warping or melting.
Can I use silicone cups in air fryer? ›Can Silicone Molds Be Used in The Air Fryer? Yes, anything that is ovenproof, can be used in the air fryer. It can be glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone.
Can I put baking paper in the air fryer? ›Is Parchment Paper Safe In the Air Fryer? Absolutely! If it's safe for the oven, it's safe for the fryer. Most parchment papers can withstand a heat of over 400 degrees.
Will paper burn in an air fryer? ›Never preheat your air fryer with parchment paper in it. Food must always be on top of it or it will burn the parchment paper. Only use parchment paper when you have something that will weigh it down enough. For instance, parchment paper will not work when cooking just one frozen mozzarella stick in the air fryer.
Can you put non stick paper in air fryer? ›No, using baking paper and tin foil in your Philips Airfryer is not recommended for the following reasons: If you cover the bottom of the basket, the airflow inside the Airfryer is reduced. This results in the diminished cooking performance of your Philips Airfryer.
What happens if you put a paper towel in an air fryer? ›Putting paper towels in an air fryer is not recommended as it can potentially cause a fire hazard. Additionally, the paper towel may not allow proper air circulation within the fryer, resulting in uneven cooking. Using the tray or basket with the air fryer is better for optimal cooking results.
Can you use Reynolds parchment paper in an air fryer? ›
Yes! “You can use either rolled parchment paper or parchment paper that is made specifically for air fryers, with holes. It's a great way to reduce cleaning time,” says air fryer expert Laurie Fleming, author of The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners.
Is it better to use foil or baking paper in air fryer? ›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.
How do you keep food from sticking to the air fryer? ›- Use a Small Amount of Oil. One thing you should do both for crispy texture and to prevent sticking is use a small amount of oil. ...
- Spray the Basket Lightly with Vegetable Oil Spray. ...
- Make a Foil Sling.
In conclusion, air-fryer parchment paper can be easily substituted with a variety of alternatives. What is this? Wax paper, aluminum foil, silicone mats, oil sprays, and air-fryer silicone pots are all viable substitutes that provide excellent heat stability or non-stick surfaces for easy cleanup.
Can you put bacon in an air fryer? ›The size of the air fryer basket will determine how many rashers you can cook at one time. Set the air fryer to 200C and cook streaky bacon rashers for 6-10 mins – just-cooked bacon will take 6 mins, but crispier bacon will take 9-10 mins. Cook back bacon rashers for 4-8 mins, depending on your preference.
Can you put wet things in air fryer? ›Any food with a wet batter should not be placed in the air fryer. You also want to avoid putting food that has a wet batter, like corndogs or tempura shrimp, in air fryers.