Finding the right size liner for your air fryer is a simple task that makes cleanup much easier. Using the correct liner protects your basket and helps your food cook evenly. This guide will help you figure out exactly what you need, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals.
Air fryer liners are usually made from parchment paper or thin silicone. They sit in the bottom of your basket or drawer. Their main job is to catch crumbs, grease, and drips from your food. This prevents mess from sticking directly to the basket’s mesh or surface.
Liners also help with airflow. A good liner will have perforations or be cut to allow the hot air to circulate properly around your food. If you block the airflow, your food won’t get crispy. It might even cook unevenly. So, the right size and type are key.
What Size Liner For Air Fryer
This is the core question. The answer is almost always: match the liner to your air fryer’s basket or drawer diameter. You can’t just guess. Using a liner that’s too big or too small causes problems.
A liner that’s too large will curl up the sides of the basket. This can block the air vents and potentially touch the heating element, which is a fire hazard. It also prevents proper browning on the sides of your food. A liner that’s too small leaves parts of your basket exposed, defeating the purpose of easy cleanup.
How to Measure Your Air Fryer for a Liner
You need two measurements: the diameter and the depth. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
- Unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely. Safety first.
- Remove the basket or drawer from the unit. Take out any rack or separator that’s inside.
- Measure the diameter. Use a tape measure or ruler. Place it across the center of the bottom of the basket, from one inner edge to the other. Note this number in inches or centimeters. Most brands list the basket capacity (e.g., 5 qt) but not the diameter, so measuring is best.
- Measure the depth. Place your ruler inside the basket and measure straight up from the bottom to the top inner rim. This tells you how tall a liner or how high up the sides it can go.
- Check the shape. Most baskets are round, but many are square or rectangular. If yours isn’t round, measure the length and width of the bottom.
Write these numbers down. They are your guide for buying liners. If you see a product labeled “Fits 5-6 quart round air fryers,” you can check your measurements against the product details online or on the box.
Standard Air Fryer Liner Sizes
While measurements are best, here’s a general chart based on common capacities. Remember, brands vary, so this is a guideline.
- 2-3 Quart Air Fryers: Often need a 6-inch diameter liner.
- 4-5 Quart Air Fryers: Often need a 7-inch or 8-inch diameter liner. This is a very common size.
- 5-6 Quart Air Fryers: Often need an 8-inch or 8.5-inch diameter liner. Many popular models like the Cosori and Nineta fall here.
- 7+ Quart & Oven-Style Air Fryers: May need 9-inch round liners or specific square/rectangular liners. Always measure oven-style trays.
What About Square or Rectangular Baskets?
For these, you need liners cut for squares or rectangles. You can find pre-cut parchment sheets designed for specific brands (like the Ninja Foodi). Alternatively, you can buy rolls of air fryer parchment and cut them to fit your basket’s exact length and width, leaving a little space around the edges for air flow.
Silicone liners also come in square shapes. Just ensure the dimensions match your basket. A square liner in a round basket (or vice versa) won’t work well and can creat unsafe airflow blockages.
Types of Air Fryer Liners
Knowing the size is half the battle. You also need to choose the material. Each has pros and cons.
Parchment Paper Liners
These are the most common. They are disposable, affordable, and convenient. Look for ones labeled “air fryer safe” or “high heat resistant.” They usually have perforations or are pre-cut to allow air flow. Never use standard wax paper, as it can’t handle the high heat.
- Pros: Inexpensive, no cleaning, good for greasy foods.
- Cons: Single-use, can sometimes blow around if not weighted with food, not ideal for very liquidy foods (like marinades).
Silicone Liners
These are reusable, flexible mats. They are often more durable and can be washed in the dishwasher. They typically have raised nubs or patterns to lift food slightly for better airflow.
- Pros: Reusable, eco-friendly, stable (won’t blow), easy to clean.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, can retain odors from strong foods if not washed well, need storage space.
Perforated vs. Non-Perforated
This is crucial. Always choose perforated liners for air fryers. The small holes let the hot air circulate up through the bottom of the basket, cooking your food evenly and making it crispy. A solid liner will block airflow and steam your food, leading to soggy results. Most liners made for air fryers will have these holes.
Step-by-Step: How to Use an Air Fryer Liner Correctly
- Ensure the air fryer is cool and the basket is clean. Any large debris under the liner can cause uneven cooking or tearing.
- Place the liner flat in the bottom of the basket. Don’t press it up the sides. It should lay flat on the basket’s bottom surface. If it’s a silicone liner, it should sit naturally.
- Add your food on top of the liner. Distribute the food evenly. The weight of the food will help keep the liner in place.
- Cook as you normally would. You usually don’t need to adjust time or temperature when using a perforated liner.
- After cooking, carefully remove the basket. Let it cool. For parchment, you can often just grab the edges and lift the liner and crumbs out together. For silicone, wash it with warm soapy water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a liner that’s too big: It curls and blocks air vents. This is a safety risk.
- Using aluminum foil instead of a liner: Foil can easily block airflow completely and can even get sucked up into the heating element, causing a fire. It’s not recommended unless your manual specifically says how to use it safely (usually only for certain oven-style models).
- Using a liner for very wet batters: Things like funnel cake batter or excessive marinade will just pool on the liner and make a mess. For these, it’s better to use a proper oven-safe dish or pan that fits inside your air fryer.
- Forgetting to check the liner during cooking: Especially with parchment, very light foods (like herbs) might cause the edges to lift if they’re not weighted down. Just pause cooking and tuck it back if needed.
- Reusing parchment liners: They are designed for one use. They become brittle and can tear or burn if reused.
Where to Buy the Right Size Liners
You can find them in many places. The key is to know your size before you shop.
- Amazon or Online Retailers: Search for “air fryer liners for [your model, e.g., Ninja 5 qt]” or “8-inch air fryer liners.” Read the reviews and product details carefully to confirm sizing.
- Big Box Stores: Walmart, Target, and home goods stores often carry them in the kitchenware aisle near the air fryers or parchment paper.
- Grocery Stores: Sometimes they stock common sizes near the aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
- Direct from Manufacturer: Check the website of your air fryer’s brand. They often sell accessories, including perfectly fitted liners.
What If You Can’t Find the Exact Size?
Don’t worry. You have options.
- Buy a roll of air fryer parchment paper. It comes with a guide to cut rounds for different sizes. You simply trace the included template and cut. This is very economical and ensures a perfect fit.
- Use kitchen scissors to trim a pre-cut liner. If you have a 7-inch basket and only 8-inch liners, you can carefully trim the edges down to size. Make sure the perforations are still on the bottom part.
- Consider a slightly smaller silicone mat. A 7.5-inch mat in an 8-inch basket is safer than one that’s too big. It will leave a small outer ring exposed, but it will still catch most of the mess.
FAQs About Air Fryer Liners
Q: Can I use regular parchment paper as an air fryer liner?
A: Yes, but you must cut it to the correct size and ensure it is weighted down with food. It’s best to use parchment rated for high heat (usually up to 425°F or 220°C). Avoid letting large, unperforated sections block the basket holes.
Q: Are silicone air fryer liners better than paper?
A: “Better” depends on your needs. Silicone is reusable and more stable, making it cost-effective over time and better for the environment. Paper is more convenient for quick cleanup, especially with very greasy foods. Both work well if they are the right size and perforated.
Q: Do liners affect cooking time?
A: Properly perforated liners should not change cooking time or temperature. If you notice food is less crispy or taking longer, your liner might be blocking too much airflow. Check that it’s laying flat and is the correct size.
Q: Can you use an air fryer without a liner?
A: Absolutely. Air fryers are designed to work without liners. The liner is purely for easier cleanup. Some people prefer not to use them for maximum air circulation, especially when making extra crispy foods like french fries.
Q: How do I clean a reusable silicone liner?
A> Let it cool completely. Wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. You can usually put them on the top rack of the dishwasher. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can damage the surface.
Q: My liner burned or smoked. What happened?
A: This can happen if the liner touches the heating element (more common with basket-style fryers if the liner is too big and curls). It can also happen if you use a liner not rated for high heat, or if you cook something with a very high fat content that drips and smokes. Always ensure your liner is sized correctly and rated for at least 400°F.
Final Tips for Success
Choosing the right size liner for your air fryer is simple once you know your basket’s measurements. Keep those numbers in your phone or on a note in the kitchen. When shopping, double-check the product specs against your numbers, not just the quart capacity.
Start with a small pack of parchment liners to test the fit and see if you like them. If you use your air fryer frequently, investing in a couple of silicone mats can be a great time and money saver. Remember, the goal is to make cooking easier and more enjoyable, not to add complication. A well-fitted liner does just that.
With the right liner in place, you can focus on finding great recipes and cooking delicious, crispy food with minimal mess to clean up afterwards. It’s a small accessory that makes a big difference in your daily kitchen routine.