Yes. A paper towel can catch fire in an air fryer because hot air can lift it toward the heating element, where it may scorch or ignite. Never use one during cooking.
Air fryers are common in American kitchens. People use them to cook chicken wings, French fries, bacon, vegetables, and frozen snacks. Paper towels are also a kitchen staple. They help soak up grease and dry food. But these two items should not be used together inside a running air fryer.
A paper towel is light, thin, and easy to move. An air fryer uses a fan to push hot air around the cooking basket. That airflow can lift loose paper toward the hot heating element. If the paper touches it, the paper may burn or catch fire. Grease on the paper can make the risk worse.
The safest choice is simple: keep paper towels outside the cooking chamber. Use them to dry food before cooking or soak up grease after cooking. If you need a liner, check your air fryer manual and use only an accessory that the manufacturer allows. A liner must also stay in place and leave enough room for hot air to move.
A paper towel can catch fire because it is made from paper fibers that burn when exposed to enough heat. An air fryer creates a hot cooking space and uses a fan to move air around the food. This mix of heat and moving air makes loose paper a poor choice for the basket.
Many air fryers cook at temperatures between 300°F and 400°F. Some models offer higher settings. Paper towels are not made or rated for this type of cooking. Their safe use in a kitchen does not mean they can handle direct heat from an air fryer.
The heating element is often above the food basket. A loose sheet may rise when the fan starts. If it reaches the element, it can turn brown, smoke, char, or ignite. Even if it does not catch fire, it can leave burnt bits or an unpleasant smell.
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Strong airflow
The fan moves hot air through the basket. A light paper towel can lift, fold, or shift during cooking.
Direct heat
The heating element gets very hot. Paper that touches it may scorch or burn.
Dry paper
A dry paper towel can burn when exposed to a hot surface or heating element.
Grease and oil
Oil-soaked paper can smoke and burn. It also creates extra mess inside the appliance.
Blocked airflow
A sheet covering the basket can stop hot air from reaching the food as intended.
How Air Fryer Airflow Creates a Fire Risk
An air fryer works much like a small convection oven. A heating element warms the air, while a fan moves that air around the food. This process helps cook and brown food without the need for a deep pan of oil.
The fan is useful for cooking, but it can move light items. A paper towel may seem secure when the basket is still. Once the fan starts, its corners can lift. The paper may then move closer to the heating element.
This is why placing a heavy food item on one part of a paper towel does not make the setup safe. The loose edges can still move. It is better to remove the paper before cooking.
Loose corners
Even a small loose edge can lift and move toward the heating element.
Paper movement
Airflow can shift a sheet that seemed flat when the basket was cold.
Does a Wet Paper Towel Make a Difference?
A wet paper towel is not a safe solution. Water may cool part of the paper for a short time, but the heat can dry it during cooking. Once it dries, it can still burn if it touches a hot element.
The fan may also move a wet sheet. Water does not make the paper heavy or secure enough to stay in place. As the moisture leaves, the paper can become even lighter.
Never use a wet paper towel as a liner, cover, or grease catcher inside a running air fryer.
What Happens If You Put a Paper Towel in an Air Fryer?
The result depends on where the paper sits, how hot the appliance gets, how much airflow reaches it, and whether it has oil on it. However, none of these factors makes a paper towel a suitable cooking liner.
In some cases, the paper may simply move around or become dry and brown. In other cases, it may smoke, stick to the basket, or burn after touching the heating element. You should not wait to see which result occurs.
The main danger is not limited to an open flame. Burning paper can create smoke, leave residue on the appliance, and damage parts near the heating element. A small mistake can also turn into a kitchen fire.
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The paper may move
The fan can push the paper around the basket. This may expose it to direct heat.
The paper may turn brown
High heat can dry and scorch the paper, even before visible flames appear.
Smoke may appear
Burning fibers or hot grease can produce smoke and a strong burning smell.
The paper may ignite
If the paper reaches a hot heating element, it can catch fire.
Food may cook poorly
A paper sheet can block airflow and keep hot air from reaching the food.
Can a Paper Towel Catch Fire at 350°F?
Yes, it can. A setting of 350°F does not make paper towels safe inside an air fryer. The temperature setting controls the cooking environment, but the heating element itself can become hotter than the air around the food.
A paper towel that stays away from the heating element may not ignite right away. However, it can still move during cooking and reach a hotter surface. The risk also changes with the paper’s size, moisture, and grease content.
Do not use a lower temperature as a way to make paper towels safe. Keep them outside the appliance at every cooking temperature.
Does Grease Make Paper Towels More Dangerous?
Yes. A paper towel soaked with bacon grease, butter, or cooking oil is a poor choice for an air fryer. The grease can produce smoke and may burn when exposed to intense heat.
This is especially important when cooking fatty foods. Bacon, sausages, and some cuts of meat release grease as they cook. That grease should collect in the appliance’s intended drip area, not soak into a paper towel placed near the heating element.
Cook the food in the approved basket or rack. After cooking, move it to a plate and use a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Bacon
Let the grease collect in the intended tray or drawer. Blot the cooked bacon on a plate afterward.
Chicken wings
Cook them in the basket or on an approved rack. Do not line the basket with kitchen paper.
Sausages
Allow excess fat to drain into the designed collection area. Remove the food before using paper towels.
Can You Use a Paper Towel in an Air Fryer for Any Reason?
You can use paper towels for air fryer cooking tasks, but only outside the hot cooking chamber. They are useful for preparing ingredients, removing grease from cooked food, and cleaning the basket after it cools.
The key is to separate food preparation from cooking. A paper towel can help make food crispier when you use it to remove surface moisture before cooking. However, it should never remain under the food while the air fryer runs.
This small change can help you get the result you want without adding a fire hazard.
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Before cooking
Use a clean paper towel to pat chicken, fish, vegetables, or potatoes dry. Throw it away before placing the food in the air fryer.
After cooking
Place cooked bacon, sausages, or other greasy foods on a paper towel-lined plate.
After cooling
Use a paper towel to wipe loose grease and crumbs from a cool, unplugged basket.
Can You Put Paper Towels Under Food to Catch Grease?
No. Placing a paper towel under food does not make it safe. The food may hold down part of the sheet, but exposed edges can still lift when the fan runs.
The paper may also absorb hot grease as it comes out of the food. This creates another problem because grease-soaked paper can smoke and burn.
If you want to remove excess fat, let the air fryer collect it in the drip tray or drawer. Transfer the cooked food to a plate and use a paper towel there.
Can You Use Paper Towels to Clean an Air Fryer?
Yes, paper towels can help clean an air fryer after use. First, turn the appliance off, unplug it, and let it cool fully. A hot basket can burn your hands and may damage the paper.
Once the basket and drawer are cool, use a paper towel to remove loose crumbs and excess grease. Then wash the removable parts according to the manual. Avoid pushing paper into the fan, heating element, or electrical parts.
Never wipe the heating element while it is hot. If grease has reached an internal part that you cannot safely access, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions or contact its support team.
Turn off the appliance
Switch it off and unplug it before cleaning.
Wait for it to cool
Do not clean a hot basket or reach near the heating element.
Remove loose grease
Use a paper towel on the cool basket and drawer.
Wash removable parts
Use the cleaning method approved in your appliance manual.
What Are the Safest Alternatives to Paper Towels in an Air Fryer?
The best alternative depends on why you want to use a paper towel. If you want to keep food from sticking, a manufacturer-approved liner may help. If you want to catch grease, use the appliance’s drip tray. If you want to clean the basket, wait until it cools and wipe it outside the cooking process.
Do not assume that every material called paper, baking paper, or liner is safe. Some products are made for oven use, while others are designed for specific air fryer baskets. Their size, heat rating, and placement all matter.
Always check your model’s manual before adding anything to the basket. Some manufacturers allow certain liners, while others advise against paper products.
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Perforated parchment paper
Some air fryer models allow heat-rated parchment liners with holes. They must be correctly sized and held down by food during cooking.
Reusable silicone liners
An air fryer-rated silicone liner can help with sticky or messy foods. Check its heat rating and make sure it does not block the airflow your appliance needs.
Metal oven-safe dishes
A suitable metal dish may work in models that allow oven-safe cookware. It must fit without touching the heating element or blocking required air circulation.
The original air fryer basket
Cooking directly in the basket is often the simplest option. It allows the appliance to work as designed.
Is Parchment Paper Safe in an Air Fryer?
Parchment paper is different from a regular paper towel. It is made for baking and has heat-resistant properties. However, that does not mean every parchment product is safe in every air fryer.
Some fire safety services advise against using baking paper in air fryers. Other cooking guidance allows certain heat-rated parchment products when used correctly. This difference makes the appliance manual the most important source for your specific model.
If your manufacturer permits parchment paper, use a product rated for the cooking temperature. Choose a size that fits the basket and does not cover the sides or block airflow. Never put an empty sheet in the basket during preheating.
The food must hold the paper down. If the recipe uses only a few light ingredients, they may not weigh enough to keep the liner in place. In that case, cook without the paper.
Check the manual
Confirm that your air fryer allows parchment paper before using it.
Check the heat rating
The paper must be rated for the temperature you plan to use.
Keep it secure
Food must hold the liner down so it cannot move toward the heating element.
Keep airflow open
Do not cover the basket in a way that stops hot air from circulating.
Are Silicone Air Fryer Liners Better?
A reusable silicone liner may be a practical option for people who want easier cleanup. It is heavier than a paper towel and does not burn like ordinary paper under its rated conditions.
However, silicone is not automatically safe at every temperature. Check the product’s heat limit and make sure the manufacturer allows it in your air fryer. A liner that is too large or too deep may interfere with airflow.
Silicone liners can also change how food cooks. A solid liner may trap moisture beneath food, so fries and breaded snacks may not become as crisp as they would in an open basket.
For the best cooking results, use a liner only when it suits the recipe and the appliance.
Good for messy foods
A suitable liner can make cleanup easier when cooking saucy or sticky foods.
Reusable
You can wash and reuse it when the product instructions allow.
Check the temperature limit
Never exceed the heat rating printed on the product.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil Instead?
Some air fryer models allow aluminum foil, but you should not treat it as a universal substitute for paper towels. Foil can block airflow, cover vents, or move toward the heating element if it is not properly secured.
Check the appliance manual before using foil. Keep it away from the heating element and do not cover parts of the basket that need to remain open. Never allow foil to touch the heating element.
Foil also does not absorb grease or moisture. If your main goal is to soak up excess fat, it will not do the same job as a paper towel on a plate after cooking.
Follow model rules
Some air fryers allow foil, while others restrict it.
Keep vents open
Do not block airflow paths or cover the entire basket.
Keep foil in place
Loose foil can move during cooking and create a hazard.
What Should You Do If a Paper Towel Starts Burning in an Air Fryer?
If a paper towel starts smoking or burning inside an air fryer, treat the situation as a possible fire. Do not pull the drawer open to inspect the paper. Opening the cooking chamber can let more oxygen reach the flames and may expose you to hot smoke or fire.
Your first concern should be the people in the home. If flames are visible outside the appliance, the fire grows, or you cannot safely control the situation, leave the area and call 911 in the United States. Do not risk injury to save the appliance.
A fire inside an electrical appliance needs careful handling. Never pour water into the air fryer. Water can create an electric shock risk and may spread burning grease if it is present.
Turn off the power if safe
Switch off the appliance. Unplug it only if the plug and outlet are safe to reach without going near flames or smoke.
Keep the drawer closed
Do not open the basket to remove burning paper while flames or heavy smoke are present.
Never use water
Do not pour water into an electrical appliance or onto burning grease.
Leave if the fire continues
Get everyone out and call 911 from a safe location if the fire does not stop or spreads.
Do not restart the appliance
Have the air fryer checked if it has suffered a fire or heat damage.
What If You Only See Smoke?
Smoke without visible flames is still a warning. Turn off the air fryer and disconnect power if you can do so safely. Keep the drawer closed while the situation settles.
Do not assume that the smoke is harmless or that the paper has stopped burning. If smoke becomes heavy, flames appear, or you feel unsafe, leave the home and call 911.
Once everything is fully cool and there is no sign of fire, inspect the basket and accessible areas for burnt paper or grease. Do not reach inside near the heating element while the appliance is plugged in.
If the appliance has an unusual burning smell, damaged wiring, melted parts, or repeated smoke, stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
Should You Open the Air Fryer Drawer to Remove the Paper?
No. Do not open the drawer while the paper is burning or the appliance is producing heavy smoke. Opening it may expose the fire to more oxygen and release hot smoke toward your face and hands.
Wait until the appliance is off and the situation is safe. If you cannot confirm that the fire has stopped, do not approach it. Leave and call emergency services.
A damaged air fryer should not be used again until it has been inspected or the manufacturer has advised you that it is safe.
How to Prevent Air Fryer Fires When Cooking at Home
The best way to prevent an air fryer fire is to use the appliance as its manufacturer intended. Keep loose paper, kitchen towels, plastic bags, and other flammable items away from the cooking chamber.
Good cooking habits also help. Clean grease and food crumbs from the basket and drawer after each use. Grease that builds up over time can smoke or ignite when exposed to high heat.
Stay in the kitchen while the air fryer is running. If you notice an unusual smell, sparks, smoke, or strange sounds, turn it off and investigate only after the appliance is safe to approach.
Read the user manual
Check the rules for liners, foil, cookware, temperature settings, and cleaning.
Keep the basket clean
Remove leftover food and grease after each cooking session.
Avoid overfilling
Leave enough room for hot air to move around the food.
Keep flammable items away
Store paper towels, napkins, dishcloths, and packaging away from the hot appliance.
Use a suitable outlet
Follow the manufacturer’s electrical instructions. Avoid extension cords unless the manual specifically permits them.
Stay nearby
Watch the appliance while it cooks and respond quickly to warning signs.
Allow ventilation
Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface with the clearance required by its manual.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
An air fryer may produce a small amount of normal cooking odor, especially when preparing fatty foods. However, a strong burning smell, visible smoke from an unusual source, or sparks should not be ignored.
Stop the appliance if you notice any of these signs. Do not continue cooking to see whether the problem goes away. If you suspect an electrical fault, contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair professional.
Burning paper smell
This may mean a paper product or food residue is scorching.
Unusual smoke
Smoke that does not come from normal food cooking may signal burning grease or a fault.
Sparks or flames
Turn off power if safe, keep away, and call emergency services if a fire develops.
Damaged power cord
Stop using the appliance and arrange a proper inspection.
Repeated overheating
Do not keep restarting an appliance that repeatedly overheats or shuts down.
A Simple Pre-Cooking Safety Check
A quick check before every cooking session can prevent many common mistakes. It takes only a moment and helps keep the cooking area clear.
Check the basket
Make sure it is clean and free of loose paper, packaging, and excess grease.
Check the food
Remove paper towels and packaging before placing food inside.
Check accessories
Use only approved liners, trays, and cookware.
Check the appliance
Look for damage to the cord, plug, basket, and housing.
Check the area
Keep the appliance away from curtains, paper products, and other flammable items.
Paper Towel vs. Other Air Fryer Materials
Different materials react to heat and airflow in different ways. A regular paper towel is not the same as parchment paper, silicone, foil, or a metal baking dish.
The table below gives a general guide. It does not replace the instructions for your air fryer. Always check the appliance manual and the accessory’s own heat rating before use.
Paper towel
Not suitable for cooking inside an air fryer. Use it before or after cooking.
Parchment paper
May be allowed in some models when heat-rated, correctly sized, and held down by food.
Silicone liner
May be suitable if designed for air fryer use and rated for the cooking temperature.
Aluminum foil
Allowed by some manufacturers with placement limits. It must not block airflow or touch the heating element.
Wax paper
Not a suitable substitute for baking parchment. Its wax coating can melt when heated.
Paper plates
Do not use them unless the appliance manufacturer specifically approves the exact product and use. They can move or block airflow.
Which Material Should You Choose?
If you are cooking fries or chicken wings and want a crisp result, cooking directly in the approved basket is often the simplest option. The open design allows air to move around the food.
For sticky foods, a suitable silicone accessory may help with cleanup. For recipes that need parchment, use only a product and setup approved by the appliance maker.
If you are trying to absorb grease, do not place an absorbent material in the cooking chamber. Let the grease drain into the intended collection area and blot the food after cooking.
For crispy fries
Use the basket without a liner unless your manual recommends a suitable accessory.
For sticky foods
Consider an approved silicone liner with the correct heat rating.
For baking recipes
Use an approved oven-safe dish or permitted parchment setup.
For greasy food
Use the drip tray and blot the food after it leaves the air fryer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Air Fryer
Many air fryer problems come from small mistakes. A person may use a paper towel because it seems like an easy way to catch grease or keep the basket clean. The problem is that the cooking chamber is not designed for loose absorbent paper.
Avoid these habits even if you have used your air fryer for months without a problem. A lack of past trouble does not mean an unsafe method is safe.
Using a paper towel as a basket liner
Paper towels are not made for air fryer heat and airflow. Keep them outside the cooking chamber.
Preheating with a loose liner
An empty liner can move before food is added. Follow the manual’s rules for approved accessories.
Covering every basket opening
Blocking airflow can affect cooking and may increase the risk of overheating.
Using greasy paper
Oil-soaked paper is still flammable and should never go inside the running appliance.
Ignoring a burning smell
Turn off the air fryer rather than continuing to cook.
Cleaning while the appliance is hot
Wait until the appliance has cooled and unplug it before cleaning.
Assuming every liner is safe
Check both the appliance instructions and the accessory’s heat rating.
Does a Food Item Make a Paper Towel Safe?
No. Putting food on top of a paper towel does not make it a safe air fryer accessory. Food may hold down the center, but the edges can still lift and reach the heating element.
Some approved parchment products are used with food on top because their design and heat rating suit that purpose. Regular paper towels do not have the same intended use.
The safest choice is to remove the paper towel before cooking, regardless of how much food you place on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Will a paper towel catch fire in an air fryer at 400°F?
Yes, it can. At 400°F, an air fryer is operating at a high cooking temperature, and its heating element can be even hotter than the surrounding air. A paper towel may move toward the element, scorch, or catch fire. Never use a paper towel inside an air fryer at this or any other cooking temperature.
Q
Can I put a paper towel under chicken in an air fryer?
No. Chicken does not make a paper towel safe. The fan can lift exposed edges, and the paper can soak up hot fat as the chicken cooks. Cook chicken in the approved basket or on a permitted rack. Use paper towels to dry the chicken before cooking or blot it after cooking.
Q
Can I use a paper towel in an air fryer to absorb bacon grease?
No. Bacon grease can soak into the paper and create smoke or a fire hazard. Cook bacon using the appliance’s approved basket or rack and let the grease collect in the intended drawer. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove extra grease.
Q
Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer for one minute?
No. Even a short cooking time does not make it safe. The fan can move the paper as soon as the appliance starts, and the paper may reach the heating element. Keep paper towels outside the cooking chamber, even for short cooking tasks.
Q
Can I use parchment paper instead of paper towels?
Sometimes. Parchment paper is designed for baking and is different from a regular paper towel. However, not every air fryer permits it. Check your manual, use a heat-rated product, and follow the instructions for size and placement. Never preheat with a loose sheet inside, and make sure food holds an approved liner in place.
Q
Is a silicone liner safer than a paper towel?
A properly rated air fryer silicone liner is a more suitable option than a paper towel for some recipes. It is heavier and designed for high-heat cooking. Still, you must check its temperature limit and your appliance manual. A liner that blocks too much airflow can affect cooking.
Q
What should I do if my air fryer smells like burning paper?
Turn the air fryer off and unplug it if you can safely reach the plug. Keep the drawer closed if you suspect something is burning inside. If flames appear, smoke becomes heavy, or the situation feels unsafe, leave and call 911. After everything cools, inspect the accessible areas. Do not use the appliance again if it has signs of damage or an unexplained burning smell.
Q
Can I put a wet paper towel in an air fryer?
No. A wet paper towel is not a safe alternative. Heat can dry it during cooking, and the fan can still move it toward the heating element. Water does not make ordinary paper suitable for air fryer use.
Q
Can paper towels damage an air fryer?
Yes. A paper towel can scorch, leave burnt residue, block airflow, or catch fire. If it reaches the heating element, it may also damage nearby parts. Even without a fire, loose paper can create a mess and affect cooking.
Q
Can I use paper towels to clean my air fryer basket?
Yes. Turn off and unplug the air fryer, then allow it to cool fully. Use a paper towel to remove loose grease and crumbs from the basket and drawer. Wash removable parts as directed in the manual. Never wipe a hot heating element or push paper into the internal fan.
✦ Wrapping Up
Conclusion
A paper towel can catch fire in an air fryer, so it should never be used inside the cooking chamber. The combination of hot air, a powerful fan, and a nearby heating element creates a risk that is not worth taking. Grease-soaked paper can make the problem worse.
You can still use paper towels for many air fryer tasks. Pat food dry before cooking, blot excess grease after cooking, and clean the cool basket after use. Just keep the paper away from the running appliance.
If you need a liner, check your air fryer’s manual first. A permitted parchment product or a heat-rated silicone liner may suit certain recipes, but correct placement and open airflow matter. When in doubt, cook directly in the basket.
💡 Key Takeaway
Before your next cooking session, remove all paper towels and loose paper from the air fryer basket. Use the original basket or a manufacturer-approved accessory, keep the appliance clean, and stay nearby while it cooks.
