Can You Put Paper Towels in the Oven or Air Fryer?
By AnoyUpdated Last reviewed How we calculate
No. Paper towels are not made for dry heat. In the oven they can scorch and catch fire, and in an air fryer the fan can lift them into the heating element. Use parchment paper, foil or a silicone liner instead, and save paper towels for draining food after cooking.
In the oven
No
Paper towels can ignite at normal baking temperatures, especially near elements. Use parchment instead.
In the air fryer
No
They are light enough to blow into the heating element. Use perforated parchment or a silicone liner.
What to avoid
- Lining a sheet pan or basket with paper towels.
- Covering food with a paper towel in the oven (that’s a microwave habit).
- Paper napkins and paper plates.
What to use instead
- Perforated parchment paper.
- Aluminum foil weighed down by food.
- Reusable silicone air fryer liners.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a paper towel in the air fryer to absorb grease?
No. Add a tablespoon of water to the drawer under the basket instead, and empty the grease between batches.
Why can you use paper towels in the microwave but not the oven?
A microwave heats the food, not the air, so the towel stays fairly cool. An oven or air fryer surrounds it with very hot air.
Can you put paper plates in the oven?
No, for the same reason: paper scorches and can ignite.
Always follow your appliance manufacturer’s instructions; they override general advice.