What happens if you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

How an Air Fryer Works

Air fryers do not cook with microwaves or direct radiation from a heating element. Instead, they combine a built-in heating element with a powerful fan to create high-speed circulation of hot air inside a compact cooking chamber. That hot air quickly coats the food and produces a crispy texture similar to deep-frying.

Safety Considerations for Placing aluminum foil

Although aluminum foil withstands high temperatures, the air fryer environment has special considerations and potential risks:

• Impact on heat circulation: Covering the bottom of the basket or blocking the basket's perforations with large sheets of foil can severely restrict air flow, producing uneven cooking and poor results.
  
  
• Contact with the heating element: Thin foil may be lifted by the fast-moving air and touch the heating element, where it can burn or cause a fire.
  
  
• Scratching the coating: Low-quality foil or abrasive cleaning can scratch non-stick coatings on baskets, shortening appliance life and potentially releasing unwanted substances.
  

Tips for Proper aluminum foil Use

Aluminum foil can still be useful in an air fryer if used carefully. Follow these suggestions to reduce risks and get good cooking results:

• Use in moderation and leave space: Use small pieces to wrap or hold food, but never cover the entire basket bottom; leave the air pathways clear.
  
  
• Add weight to prevent movement: Make sure the food sits on the foil so its weight keeps the foil from blowing up toward the heating element. For very light foods (thin vegetables, chips) consider heavier utensils or no foil at all.
  
  
• Choose specialized accessories: Consider silicone liners, parchment paper made for high heat, or dedicated non-stick air fryer baskets instead of always relying on foil.
  
  

Best Practices

Placing aluminum foil in an air fryer is possible, but it must be done with care. Avoid blocking ventilation holes and never allow loose foil to contact the heating element. When in doubt, use air-fryer-specific accessories for safer, more consistent results.

Additional Considerations

If you often need a non-stick surface or want easier cleanup, choose high-quality accessories. A small, correctly placed piece of aluminum foil can be convenient, but it should never compromise safety or the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air.