I once forgot I had greaseproof paper in the basket and preheated the air fryer. Yeah, rookie move. I opened it to find a sad, brown, curled-up disc of paper that looked like a fossilized leaf. It smoked a little, smelled vaguely of toasted cardboard, but it did not catch fire. My smoke alarm remained silent, which is basically a miracle in my house.
Lesson: it’s forgiving, but not invincible. If you remember to load food first, you’ll have zero issues. If you forget? You’ll just get a crispy, smoky souvenir. Treat it like a seatbelt—wear it (use it) correctly, and you’re golden. Ignore it, and you’ll have a bad time.
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When NOT to Use Greaseproof Paper
Don’t use it if you want super crispy food. The paper can trap a bit of steam, which means your fries might be a tad soggy compared to directly on the basket. For extra crunch, go paperless. Also, avoid it at super high temperatures (over 230°C) for long periods. Most air fryers don’t go that hot, but double-check your model. Safety first, comedy second.
And never use those pre-cut paper liners that are basically tiny buckets. They’re dangerous. They block airflow, food won’t cook evenly, and they can cause the fan to overheat. Stick to flat sheets. Your air fryer will thank you by not exploding.
