Parchment Paper vs. Silicone Liners: Which is Better for Air Frying?

Hello! I'm Becky, and I'm Jen from Air Frying Foodie. Today, we're diving into a common question: which is better for air frying, parchment paper or silicone liners?

Why We’re in Different Locations

One reason we’re in different locations is because we live in separate states. I'm in Louisiana, which you might guess from my accent, and Jen is in Arizona. Despite the distance, we both use the same air fryer model to ensure our comparisons are consistent.

The Experiment: Air Frying Burgers

Becky has the parchment paper, and I have the silicone liner. We’re going to make burgers in our air fryers to compare the results and the cleanup process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat at 380°F for 3 minutes. Important tip: Do not preheat with parchment paper inside, as it can fly up into the fan and potentially cause a fire.

2. Cost Comparison: Parchment Paper vs. Silicone Liners

   • Parchment paper: 120 sheets for about $10.
   • Silicone liners: $10 for a pack of two, available in different colors for different types of food.

3. Cooking Process:

   • Place burgers in the air fryer at 380°F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Tools for Perfect Air Frying

A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring perfectly cooked burgers, chicken, or steak. It's one of the most important tools for air fryer users.

Our Cookbook: Air Fryer All Day

Check out our cookbook for a variety of air fryer recipes, including burgers, cookies, and desserts.

Results and Cleanup Comparison

After cooking, we compared the cleanup process:

• Parchment Paper: Becky’s air fryer required minimal cleanup. She simply removed and discarded the parchment paper and did a light cleaning of the basket.
• Silicone Liner: I had to wash the silicone liner in addition to doing a light cleaning of the basket.

Conclusion: Which is Better?

Both parchment paper and silicone liners work well for air frying. However, for ease of cleanup, parchment paper is the winner. It’s easier to discard the used paper than to wash the silicone liner. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the specific foods you’re cooking.