If scrubbing your air fryer basket feels tedious, you're in the right spot. As an avid air fryer fan and skilled cook, I've tried out the leading accessories that simplify cooking and cleaning.
Choosing the right air fryer liners can protect your appliance and extend its lifespan while catching oil and crumbs for quicker cleanup. I assessed popular varieties: silicone baskets, paper sheets, ceramic liners, and perforated options, using foods like French fries and sticky marinades.
Here's a quick rundown of my top picks. You'll find choices suitable for various air fryer sizes to match your cooking needs.
Top Air Fryer Liners: My Quick Review
Among all liners tested, I found the Pintaur Silicone Air Fryer Liners to be the best for everyday cooking, delivering crisp results and easy cleanup. They come in various shapes to fit most popular air fryers.
For single-serving dishes, the Staub 6 Piece Macaron Cocotte Set excelled in presentation and performance.
For messy foods, non-perforated paper liners like the COSORI paper liners are perfect for avoiding the hassle of cleaning sticky messes.
Top Silicone Air Fryer Liners (Ideal for Ninja and Cosori)
I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of silicone liners. I particularly liked those with raised grooves, as they yielded ultra-crispy fries and efficiently drained cooking oil.
The handles are quite handy, but they heat up quickly post-cooking, so let them cool before handling. After removal, the crisper plate below remained clean.
Cleaning is simple: they're dishwasher-safe, and hand washing is manageable, though scrubbing the grooves is necessary. For sticky marinades or melting chocolate, paper liners perform better.
These silicone liners are perfect for fries, fish cakes, nuggets, or any food needing a crispy texture. Just remember to measure your air fryer trays for the right fit. Here are my recommended options:
8.67 x 5.9 x 2.67in
These rectangular silicone liners suit dual-drawer air fryers with 8-10 quart capacity, like the Ninja DoubleStack or Instant Vortex Dual Drawer.
8.5in Square
These square liners are suitable for standard five to six-and-a-half-quart air fryers, such as the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL.
7in round
These are perfect for the popular Ninja Max XL air fryer at 5.5 quarts, fitting both circular and square baskets.
Best Disposable Paper Air Fryer Liners
Paper liners are undeniably practical thanks to their disposability, making cleanup a breeze for cheesy fries, air fryer s'mores, or cookies. I prefer food-safe, unbleached paper that can be discarded after use.
However, they come with drawbacks. Removing them while filled can be challenging, and they may not work well for small portions, as lightweight liners can float during cooking, posing a fire risk. They also lack perforations or grooves that enhance airflow and crispiness. In my tests, paper liners performed subpar for fries and breaded foods, though the texture difference was marginal.
For a mess-free experience without sacrificing crispiness, try placing a paper liner under your crisper plate. This setup allows airflow while catching drips, minimizing cleanup. Otherwise, silicone liners are my go-to for most air-frying tasks.
Given that paper liners aren't reusable, costs can accumulate. I recommend using a mix of silicone liners, paper baskets, and small ramekins, reserving paper for particularly messy meals.
I utilize these for cookies, sticky marinades, and melting s'mores. Just ensure you measure your air fryer to select the right size.
8.6in x 5.5in
These rectangular paper liners withstand temperatures up to 428°F and are best for dual-drawer air fryers with an 8-10 quart capacity, like the Ninja DoubleStack or Instant Vortex Dual Drawer.
7.9in Square
These square paper liners from a leading air fryer brand can handle temperatures up to 465°F and are thickened for durability. They come in sizes suitable for five or three-quart models.
8in circle
These round liners fit circular air fryers like the Ninja Max XL and are available in various sizes from two to eight quarts based on your fryer's capacity.
Best Air Fryer-Safe Ceramic Ramekins and Baking Molds
For single servings like molten lava cakes, crème brûlée, or mini casseroles, a set of air fryer-safe ramekins is a must. Their individual sizing aids portion control and makes meal prep simple.
I tested porcelain, ceramic, and silicone ramekins. Both porcelain and ceramic can withstand high heat and distribute it evenly, ensuring your dishes cook perfectly. Always check each ramekin's temperature limits to ensure safe use and use oven gloves when removing them.
My favorite is the STAUB cocotte set for baking eggs, which impressively presents to guests. I lightly oil the dish, add eggs with salt, pepper, and parmesan, and they cook perfectly in under 10 minutes.
I also enjoyed the OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Cups. These are fantastic for egg bites and muffins, effortlessly releasing from their surfaces, plus they're dishwasher safe.
Food-grade silicone
Perfect for cupcakes and mini quiches, these prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of your baked goods.
Heirloom quality ceramic
These six cocottes act like mini Dutch ovens, suitable for baked eggs or small breads. They're stackable and dishwasher-safe for easy storage.
Porcelain
Charming and colorful, these ramekins retain heat well, ideal for lava cakes, fruit crisps, or baked oats.
Silicone vs. Paper vs. Ceramic: What's Best for You?
Your choice of air fryer liner ultimately depends on your personal preference and the food you're preparing. Here's a quick comparison of key factors:
Silicone | Paper | Ramekins or molds | |
Best for | Crisping: Fries, breaded foods, chicken | Easy cleanup: Oily cookies, doughs, marinades, melting cheese | Single serve: Eggs, cakes. |
Pros | Crispy results with grooves | Disposable for easy cleanup | Even heat distribution (porcelain/ceramic) |
Cons | Hot after cooking | Can float if not weighed down | Porcelain/ceramic can be fragile |
Air Fryer Liners to Avoid
Perforated liners claim to enhance airflow and crispiness, but my tests showed they fall short compared to silicone liners with grooves. I found minimal differences in crisping, making the disposable option feel unnecessary.
Flat paper liners were the most problematic in my tests. Their lightweight nature can cause them to shift during cooking, leading to potential fire hazards. They also failed to contain messes, resulting in frequent cleaning of the air fryer.
While paper liners do allow oil to drain, I recommend using a fine-mist oil sprayer, such as the Flairosol, and cooking directly on the crisper plate for better oil management. If you need to catch drips, a simple paper liner at the bottom works better than cooking directly on one.
Overall, I think they're not worth the trouble. I suggest a mix of grooved silicone and paper baskets, using my recommended hacks for crispy dishes and easy cleanup.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Liners
Are Air Fryer Liners a Fire Hazard?
When used correctly, air fryer liners are safe. Parchment paper designed for air fryers can withstand high temperatures. Make sure the liner's heat resistance aligns with your air fryer's maximum temperature—most are safe up to 425°F (218°C).
Since paper liners are lightweight, ensure enough food is placed on top to prevent them from flying up near the heating element. Don't use them while preheating, as this poses a fire risk.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?
Generally, yes, aluminum foil is safe for air fryers. Check your manufacturer's guidance first. When placed correctly, foil can catch grease and crumbs. However, it can be a fire risk if too close to the heating element.
Where's The Best Place to Buy Air Fryer Liners?
Amazon, Target, and Walmart offer extensive selections of air fryer liners, making them great starting points for your search. Plus, they stock other air fryer accessories that enhance your cooking experience.
Even with a liner, clean your air fryer regularly for optimal hygiene and performance, and to prevent fire risks from oil and debris build-up. Avoid common cleaning mistakes to keep your appliance in top shape.
