Parchment Paper for Air Fryer: Sizes, Safety and Liner Picks

The best parchment paper for an air fryer is a pre-cut, unbleached liner sized to your basket, rated to at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit, with small holes if you cook food that needs airflow. For most 5 to 8 quart baskets, Baker’s Signature liners are the easiest all-round pick, and the BYKITCHEN perforated square is the one to choose when you want crisping to stay strong.

Parchment paper in an air fryer is a small purchase that causes outsized frustration when you get it wrong. Liners that are too big curl up toward the heating element, liners without holes block the airflow under the food, and a liner dropped into a hot empty basket can fly around once the fan starts. This guide covers the six best paper liners to buy, how to match the size to your basket, the safety rules that matter, and when a silicone liner or plain foil is a better answer.

We did not personally use these products. The guide is research-based, drawing on listing details, product titles and general kitchen safety guidance; any specification we could not confirm is marked as not listed. Heat ratings and material claims such as PFAS-free come from the sellers, so check the pack for the exact wording.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Baker’s Signature 125 pack, unbleached, fits 5 to 8 Qt baskets, heat safe to 450 degrees
• Best Value Bulk: OLESBUR 200 pack of 8 inch liners for basket fryers
• Best Perforated: BYKITCHEN 100 pack of 9 inch perforated squares for 5 to 8 Qt fryers
• Best for Toaster Ovens and XL Fryers: Katbite 160 pack of perforated 9 x 11 inch sheets
• Best Small Pack: Reynolds Kitchens 50 count unbleached liners from a familiar kitchen brand
• Best Everyday 150 Pack: ctizne 150 pieces, 8 inch square, for 5 to 8 Qt baskets

1. Baker’s Signature Air Fryer Liners: Best for All-Round Use

• Unbleached parchment paper baking liners
• Non-stick and oil-proof
• Fits 5 to 8 Qt baskets
• Heat safe to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
• BPA-free and PFAS-free per the listing

Best for: Cooks who want one liner that fits most Ninja, Cosori and Instant Pot style baskets.

Skip if: you want holes for extra airflow, which these liners do not list.

A 450 degree rating is the figure to look for, because most air fryers top out at 400 to 450. A liner rated below your highest setting is a risk. The listing also names the basket range it fits, 5 to 8 quarts, which covers most single-basket fryers sold today.

Unbleached parchment is brown and does not use chlorine bleaching. That is a preference rather than a safety rule, though it avoids the white-bleached look in the basket. The oil-proof feature is a coating or finish that keeps grease from seeping, which keeps the basket cleaner.

Always put food on the liner before the basket goes into a hot fryer. A liner alone is light enough to be lifted by the fan, and a free corner touching the heater can scorch. Trim any overhang above the food line with scissors.

Pros

• 450 degree rating listed
• Sized for common baskets
• Oil-proof finish
• Unbleached

Cons

• No perforations
• Pack size smaller than bulk options

2. OLESBUR Air Fryer Liners 200 Pack: Best for Stocking Up

• 200 pre-cut 8 inch liners
• Unbleached parchment
• Non-stick
• For basket air fryers and baking
• Perforation and heat rating: not listed in the title

Best for: Daily air fryer users who go through a few sheets a week.

Skip if: you need a documented heat rating; check the pack before you buy.

A bulk pack drives the cost per use down. At one liner a day, a 200 count lasts about six and a half months. At one liner every other day it lasts more than a year, so unused sheets should be stored flat and dry.

The title does not state the heat rating, so check the specification block. If it says 428 or 450 degrees, you are fine for most cooking. If it is not stated, avoid using the liner at your highest setting.

An 8 inch square suits a round basket of 5 to 6 quarts. For a bigger basket, the corners will lie flat; for a smaller one, trim them.

Pros

• Bulk pack lasts months
• Pre-cut
• Unbleached

Cons

• Heat rating not in the title
• No perforations stated

3. BYKITCHEN Perforated Square Liners: Best for Crisping Fries and Wings

• 100 pieces, 9 inch squares
• Perforated for airflow
• For 5 to 8 Qt fryers
• Compatible with Ninja Pro AF141 and AF181, Chefman, Instant Vortex and Cosori per the listing
• Square form

Best for: Foods that need hot air under them, such as frozen fries, wings, and breaded cutlets.

Skip if: you cook very wet or saucy foods, where drips will fall through the holes.

Perforated liners trade some mess protection for better airflow. The small holes let hot air reach the underside of the food, so the bottom crisps instead of steaming. For anything breaded, that matters.

Saucy foods will leak through the holes onto the basket, which defeats part of the liner’s cleaning benefit. For marinated chicken or glazed salmon, a plain liner or a small foil tray may keep the basket cleaner.

The 9 inch size is larger than 8 inch squares, so check that your basket is wide enough. If not, fold the corners up to form a shallow tray.

Pros

• Holes improve airflow
• Listed compatibility
• Good for crispy foods

Cons

• Leaks with sauces
• Smaller pack

4. Katbite Perforated 9 x 11 Liners: Best for XL Fryers and Toaster Ovens

• 160 pieces
• Perforated, 9 x 11 inch rectangles
• Fits air fryer ovens and toaster ovens
• Cuisinart and Ninja Foodi compatibility per the listing
• Disposable and non-stick

Best for: Rectangular baskets, air fryer ovens and toaster ovens.

Skip if: you have a small round basket; the rectangle will waste paper.

Rectangular tray fryers need rectangular liners. A round sheet leaves the corners uncovered, so grease and crumbs fall on the tray. A 9 x 11 sheet suits the common half-tray size.

Perforation helps in oven-style units where hot air circulates around a flat tray. Because the sheets are flat, they can curl at the edges when hot, so weigh the corners with food.

Use fewer liners if you only cook occasionally. Parchment gets brittle after repeated heating, so do not reuse a sheet that has darkened.

Pros

• Rectangular for trays
• Perforated
• 160 sheets

Cons

• Not for round baskets
• Edges can curl

5. Reynolds Kitchens Air Fryer Liners: Best for Occasional Use

• 50 count
• Unbleached parchment sheets
• Disposable
• Brand with a long record of kitchen paper products
• Exact size and heat rating: not listed in the title

Best for: Anyone who wants a trusted brand name in a small pack.

Skip if: you need a specified size match; check the listing’s dimensions.

The attraction is brand familiarity. Reynolds is known for parchment and foil, so many buyers feel confident about a pack at this tier. The smaller count suits a household that air fries a few times a month.

Because the title omits size and rating, look at the back of the pack for the dimensions and temperature. Do not guess based on brand name.

A small pack also avoids the storage problem of hundreds of sheets that go stale, curl in humidity or pick up odors.

Pros

• Familiar brand
• Small pack
• Unbleached

Cons

• Size and rating not in the title
• Higher cost per sheet

6. ctizne 150 Pack Square Liners: Best for Everyday Batches

• 150 pieces, 8 inch square
• Fits 5 to 8 Qt air fryers
• Food-grade unbleached parchment
• Non-stick, waterproof and oil-proof
• Heat rating: not listed in the title

Best for: Weekly air fryer cooks who want a mid-size pack.

Skip if: you need holes or a rectangular shape.

The listing describes the paper as food grade, non-stick and oil-proof. The 150 count sits between the small pack and the bulk pack, which suits weekly cooking.

Heat rating is not in the title, so confirm it before using it above 400 degrees.

For a round basket, fold the corners inward; for a square basket, the sheet should fit snugly.

Pros

• Mid-size pack
• Non-stick and oil-proof
• Fits 5-8 Qt

Cons

• Heat rating not in the title
• No perforations

Also Consider

Tripho 360 Pack Heavy Duty Liners

A large 8 inch square pack described as heavy duty and non-leak, for households that use liners every day.

ZYP Rectangular Liners for Dual Basket Fryers

A 200 sheet perforated pack made for Ninja DZ201 and DZ401 style double-basket fryers.

PINTAUR Silicone Air Fryer Liners

A reusable 2 pack of silicone liners for 5 to 6.5 Qt fryers, an alternative if you do not want to buy paper.

vailnd 400 Pack Liners

A 400 sheet pack of 8 inch squares for 5 to 8 Qt baskets in the bulk tier.

How We Chose

We searched the store catalog for air fryer parchment liners and compared product titles for size, count, heat rating, perforation and the fryers they name. We picked at most two models per brand, and left out prices in favor of tiers. We did not personally use these products.

We checked the site for an existing silicone liner article and kept this one focused on paper liners, sizing and safety.

Buying Guide: Choosing and Using Parchment Liners

Match the Size to the Basket

Liner size depends on the basket diameter or tray size. As a rule, choose a liner that is about an inch smaller than the basket floor and let the sides fold up. The table in the next section gives starting sizes.

These are typical sizes, not measurements for specific models; always measure your basket.

Perforated or Plain

Plain liners protect the basket best, while perforated liners let air reach the bottom of the food. Use plain for sticky, saucy and marinated foods, and perforated for fries, nuggets, wings and breaded items.

Heat Rating and Safety

Look for at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Never let a liner touch the heating element, never preheat the fryer with a liner alone, and place food on the liner before it goes in. Do not use wax paper. If the paper browns heavily or smokes, stop and replace it.

Unbleached or Bleached

Unbleached parchment is brown, and bleached is white. Both are used in kitchens. Unbleached is often chosen to avoid bleaching processes. Neither is better for performance.

Parchment vs Silicone vs Foil

Parchment is disposable, cheap and quick. Silicone is reusable but can trap grease and block airflow. Foil is useful for acidic foods only if you follow the maker’s instructions, since it can interfere with airflow and react with acids.

Common Mistakes

• Preheating the fryer with a loose liner inside
• Using oversized liners that curl up
• Using wax paper instead of parchment
• Using plain liners for foods that need crisping
• Reusing a liner that has darkened
• Ignoring the manufacturer’s manual for liner use

Questions Buyers Ask Before Ordering

Will it fit my basket? Compare the basket floor measurement to the sheet size in the title and in the images, and choose the sheet with the closest shape. Will it burn? Not if the paper is rated for your temperature, stays below the rim and has food on it. Is unbleached better for food? It is a preference; both types are used in baking. Can I cook without a liner? Yes, a clean nonstick basket works without one, but liners cut cleanup time for sticky and saucy foods.

What about a liner for every cook? You do not need one for every cook. Foods that release a lot of oil, such as bacon, are better cooked in the basket with the drawer wiped afterward. Foods that stick or melt, such as cheese-topped items or glazed fish, benefit most from paper.

How do I know when to replace a half-used sheet? If it has darkened, become brittle or picked up strong smells, discard it. A sheet that looks clean after a quick cook can be used again once, but never after raw meat residue.

Which Liner for Which Food

A simple habit makes the table easy to use: if the food drips a sauce, use plain paper; if the food needs a crisp underside, use holes or skip the liner. When in doubt, cook a small test batch and see how the underside browns.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The liner flies up and touches the element: the food is too light or the liner is too big. Add weight with heavier food, trim the liner to the basket and avoid preheating with it loose. If it keeps happening, switch to a perforated liner that lets air pass through rather than lift.

The bottom of the food is soggy: the liner is blocking airflow. Use a perforated liner or cut slits in a plain one, and shake or flip the food during cooking. Leave space between pieces.

The liner smokes or browns heavily: you are probably above its rating, or grease has pooled on it. Lower the temperature, change to a liner rated for 450 degrees and wipe the drawer before cooking. If it smokes persistently, turn off the fryer and let it cool before checking.

The basket still gets dirty: grease can run under and around a liner. Use a liner with raised edges or a bowl-shaped liner for greasy foods, and clean the basket as normal.

Storage and Handling

Keep liners flat in their box or a shallow drawer, away from steam and damp. Humidity makes parchment curl, and curled sheets are harder to place. If a stack curls, press it under a book overnight. Do not store liners above the stove, where heat and moisture will age them.

When you lift a liner from a hot basket, use tongs or let it cool for a minute, since the paper can hold hot grease. Throw it away in the household trash, not the compost, unless the manufacturer says it is compostable and your local service accepts greasy paper.

Worked Example: Cost per Cook

Suppose you cook with a liner five times a week. A 100 sheet pack lasts 20 weeks, about five months. A 200 sheet pack lasts about nine months. If a pack costs the same per sheet, bulk is better only if you will use all the sheets before they curl or pick up moisture; otherwise a 50 or 100 count pack is the smarter buy. Cut a sheet in half for small portions and you extend each pack further.

Compare this with a reusable silicone liner. The silicone liner is a one-off purchase and can be washed, but it takes longer to clean and can reduce airflow. If you cook sticky foods daily, silicone may pay off; if you cook crispy foods, paper wins.

Which Foods Need a Liner

Liners help with sticky or marinated foods, delicate fish, cheese-topped items and anything that would stick to the basket. They are less useful for foods that need direct contact for browning, such as steak crust, or for foods you shake often.

For fries, nuggets and wings, use perforated liners or no liner at all. For cookies, brownies and small baked items, use plain liners and the correct size. After cooking, lift the liner out with the food and discard it once it is greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as it is rated for the temperature, it does not touch the heating element, and food weighs it down. Use pre-cut air fryer liners where possible.

Is parchment paper safe at 400 degrees?

Many parchment papers are rated to about 420 to 450 degrees, but ratings vary. Check the pack and stay within the stated limit.

Do I need holes in the parchment paper?

Holes help air reach the bottom of the food, so they are useful for crispy items. They are not needed for baked goods.

Can parchment paper catch fire in an air fryer?

It can if it touches the heating element or is left loose. Keep it weighed down and trimmed to the basket size.

Should I preheat with parchment paper in the basket?

No. Preheat the empty basket without a liner, then place the liner with food in it.

Can I reuse parchment paper?

Briefly, if it is still clean and flat. Discard it if it darkens or becomes brittle.

What size parchment liner fits a 5.8 quart air fryer?

An 8 inch square or round liner suits many 5 to 6 quart baskets. Always measure the basket floor.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy Baker’s Signature liners if you want a dependable all-round paper, BYKITCHEN perforated squares for crispy foods and Katbite rectangles for tray-style fryers. Choose bulk packs only if you cook daily.

Measure your basket, check the heat rating and keep the liner weighed down with food.

Sources

• Product listing details for Baker’s Signature, OLESBUR, BYKITCHEN, Katbite, Reynolds and ctizne liners
• Air fryer maker manuals on liner use and heating element clearance
• Food-safety guidance on parchment paper temperature limits
• Listing details for the Also Consider liners

Last updated: October 2026