How to Use Air Fryer Liners? | Non-Stick Setup

Using an air fryer liner means placing it flat in the basket and adding food immediately so the food holds the paper down.

An air fryer liner keeps your basket clean and cuts scrubbing time, but only if you set it up correctly. The most important rule is preventing the liner from lifting into the heating element — that risk shapes everything else about how you use one. Whether you use paper or silicone, the placement and preheating steps are what keep the liner safe and your food cooking evenly.

What Is the Correct Way to Place a Liner in the Basket?

Place the liner flat against the bottom of the basket, then put food on top of it right away. The food’s weight keeps the liner from shifting or flying up when the fan starts. Reynolds’ official guidance on air fryer liners walks through the same sequence: remove the liner from the package, set it in the basket, and add food immediately.

For even cooking, arrange the food in a single layer when possible. Single-layer placement lets hot air move through the liner’s perforated holes and reach every piece. If you pile food high, the pieces on top steam instead of crisp.

You should also make sure the liner sits flat without bunching. A liner that folds against the basket’s sides can block airflow, so choose one sized to your basket base. If your liner is too large, trim it to fit rather than folding the edges up the sides.

Do You Preheat the Air Fryer With the Liner Inside?

Preheat the air fryer with the liner in place only when the manufacturer’s instructions cover that arrangement — otherwise, preheat without the liner and add it afterward.

Reynolds’ safety guidance specifically warns against preheating with a loose paper liner inside. An empty liner can lift in the airflow and make contact with the heating element, which creates a fire risk. The safer sequence:

• Preheat the air fryer empty, with no liner.
• Open the basket, place the liner flat on the base.
• Add food on top immediately so the food weighs the liner down.
• Return the basket to the fryer and cook as usual.

Check your air fryer’s manual first. Some brands warn against using liners entirely, and the manual takes priority over general advice whenever the two conflict.

Which Liner Type Works Best — Paper or Silicone?

Perforated paper liners are the most common choice because the holes let hot air circulate around the food. The same guides that recommend them note that unperforated liners can reduce crisping unless you’re cooking something saucy that produces its own moisture.

Silicone liners make repeated cleanup easy and hold up for dozens of batches. Before using one, check the temperature rating printed on the package. You’ll also want to confirm the silicone version fits your basket properly — loose silicone can flap in the airflow much like paper.

If you’re weighing liner options before buying, you can compare top-rated models in our tested air fryer liner roundup to see real cleanup performance and fit notes.

What Are the Most Common Liner Mistakes?

Several errors turn a useful liner into a frustrating cooking session. Here’s what to avoid:

• Preheating with a loose liner: The liner can lift and touch the heating element. Preheat empty, then add the liner and food.
• Overcrowding the basket: Too much food blocks airflow and leaves your food soft instead of crispy.
• Using an oversized liner: A liner that covers the basket’s vents or rides up the sides stops hot air from moving correctly.
• Leaving the liner unweighted: Food must sit on top immediately so the paper cannot fly into the heating element.
• Using unperforated liners for frying: Without airflow holes, food steams rather than crisps.

For very saucy or fatty foods, consider skipping the flat liner entirely. Pooled grease under a paper liner can smoke as it heats, so a tray or rack arrangement handles those dishes better.