When I first got my air fryer, I had no clue that air fryer paper liners even existed. I used to spend forever scrubbing off sticky crumbs and grease. It was such a mess. Then I found these simple paper liners for air fryers, and wow—total game-changer. They made clean-up so much faster and easier.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned. I’ll show you what air fryer liners are, how to use them, and where to buy the best ones (Walmart has some great deals!). I’ll even walk you through common mistakes—like burning one on my first try. If you’ve ever asked, “Do air fryer liners work?”, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
What Are Air Fryer Paper Liners (And Why They’re a Game-Changer)
Air fryer paper liners are thin, round sheets, usually made from parchment paper, that you place inside your basket before cooking. They catch crumbs, grease, and sauces so your basket stays clean. It’s like using a muffin liner for crispy chicken wings or roasted veggies.
Let me tell you, before I found these liners, I was scrubbing every single time I used my air fryer. Sticky cheese, greasy bacon bits… it was a nightmare. I almost gave up on using it for anything messy. Then one day, while scrolling through kitchen hacks, I saw someone using a paper liner. I thought, “Wait, that’s allowed?” Game. Changed.
Most air fryer liners are made from parchment paper, which is heat-safe and food-safe. Do not use wax paper. Wax melts at high heat and can smoke or catch fire. (Trust me, you don’t want that drama in your kitchen.)
Another bonus? These liners save your air fryer basket from scratches. You won’t need to scrub with steel wool or soak it overnight. I noticed my basket started looking newer once I began using liners. No weird build-up, no stains. Just a quick toss of the liner, and you’re done.
You’ll also find different names for them, “paper liners for air fryers,” “air fryer disposable paper liner,” or just “air fryer parchment circles.” No matter what they’re called, they all serve the same purpose: to make air frying easier and cleaner.
Where to Buy the Best Air Fryer Paper Liners
Let’s be real, shopping for air fryer liners shouldn’t feel like rocket science. But the first time I looked, I had no clue what to pick. So I did what most of us do: I hit up Amazon. There were hundreds of options. Round ones, square ones, ones with handles, even ones printed with little food icons. It was a lot.
Then I saw a pack of 100 liners at Walmart for under five bucks. Score.
Walmart is one of the easiest places to grab air fryer paper liners in person. I found a good deal in the kitchen aisle, near the foil and Ziploc bags. The packaging didn’t look fancy, but they worked like a charm. So if you’re wondering about “air fryer paper liners Walmart,” yes—they’ve got solid options.
Amazon is great if you want more variety. I’ve ordered liners in bulk when I was running low. They often come with size options, so you can pick exactly what fits your air fryer (more on that in the next section). Just check the reviews—some of the cheaper ones tear easily or don’t hold up to greasy foods.
Target is a nice middle ground. Their kitchen section usually has a small selection, but the quality is good. I’ve picked up liners there during grocery runs and never had an issue.
Store Brands vs Name Brands
Honestly? Don’t stress too much about the brand. I’ve used both no-name liners and ones from big kitchen companies. As long as they’re parchment and made for air fryers, they usually get the job done.
That said, some store brands (like Great Value at Walmart) are surprisingly great. I once grabbed a pack without thinking, and it became my go-to. They didn’t curl up, didn’t tear, and even handled a batch of greasy bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers.
How to Choose the Right Size (Especially for Your Gourmia or Ninja Air Fryer)
When it comes to air fryer liners, size matters. If the liner is too big, it can block the air circulation. That means your food won’t cook as evenly. If it’s too small, grease and food can leak out.
The key is to measure your air fryer basket. You want the liner to fit just right, no gaps, no overlaps. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get liners that are a bit smaller than your basket. You don’t want them sticking out or hanging over the edges.
For most air fryers, here are a few common sizes:
- 6.3 inches (good for smaller baskets)
- 7.9 inches (fits most medium air fryers)
- 9 inches (works for larger baskets or square ones)
For specific brands like Gourmia or Ninja, I suggest checking the product specs or looking at the size options. Most liners are sold in different sizes, so you can easily pick the one that fits your air fryer.
How to Use Air Fryer Liners the Right Way
Okay, so you’ve got your liners. Now what?
First things first, don’t just toss it in and press start. I made that mistake early on. I preheated my air fryer with just the liner inside. Big oops. The hot air blew it around like a paper kite, and it started curling and browning at the edges. Lesson learned.
Here’s the right way to use an air fryer liner:
- Place the liner flat inside the basket.
Make sure it sits snug at the bottom. No folding, no bunching. - Add your food before turning on the air fryer.
This part’s key. The weight of the food holds the liner down. No food? The liner can fly up, hit the heating element, and even burn. - Don’t overload it.
Too much greasy food, and you might still get some pooling or dripping. I usually blot extra oil off chicken wings first if I’m using a liner—just a habit now. - After cooking, lift it out carefully.
It might still be hot or oily, so use tongs or a spatula. I usually wait a minute or two before pulling it out.
Another thing to watch for, holes. Some liners come pre-punched with little vent holes. These help the hot air circulate so your food gets crispy. If your liners don’t have them, you can poke a few yourself with a fork or knife. Just a few tiny holes will do.
Using liners the right way saves you from extra cleanup, but it also helps your food cook better. I’ve found that when I follow these steps, everything, from frozen fries to leftover pizza, turns out just right. Crispy edges, no sticking, and zero scrubbing after. Win-win.
What NOT to Use: Can You Put Wax Paper in an Air Fryer?
I get it, wax paper kind of looks like parchment paper. I used to think, “Eh, what’s the difference?” Big mistake.
Wax paper is coated in, you guessed it, wax. And guess what wax does in a hot air fryer? It melts. Sometimes it smokes. Worst case? It catches fire. Yep, actual flames. Not exactly the kitchen vibe we’re going for.
I almost learned the hard way. One time, I grabbed the wrong paper from my drawer. I lined my air fryer, added some veggies, and turned it on. Within two minutes, I smelled something weird, kind of sweet and burnt. I opened the drawer and saw smoke curling up from the edges. Total panic mode. I yanked the plug out and tossed the whole thing outside. Never again.
- Here’s the thing:
- Parchment paper = safe.
- Wax paper = kitchen chaos.
Parchment is made to handle heat, usually up to 425°F or more. It’s treated with silicone, so it won’t melt or smoke. Wax paper? Not built for the heat. It’s more for cold stuff like wrapping sandwiches or rolling out dough.
So if you’re ever wondering, “Can I use wax paper in an air fryer?” just remember: Only if you like surprises, and not the good kind.
Stick with parchment. Your air fryer (and your smoke alarm) will thank you.
Do Air Fryer Liners Work?
Let me be real with you, when I first heard about air fryer liners, I was skeptical. I thought, “Do I need another kitchen accessory?” I figured it was just one of those things people buy and forget about.
But after using them for a few months? Total convert.
Yes, air fryer liners work. They catch all the greasy drips, cheesy bits, and sticky sauces that would otherwise bake onto the basket like glue. I’m talking no more scraping off burnt BBQ sauce or soaking your basket overnight. Just lift the liner out and toss it. Done.
They’re not perfect every time. If you’re making something super lightweight, like kale chips or thin-cut fries, the liner can blow around inside the air fryer unless it’s held down by food. I learned this the hard way. One time, I tossed in some sliced zucchini and turned on the heat. The liner flipped up and got stuck in the fan. Not fun.
Now I make sure the food covers the liner before I start. Problem solved.
Another thing? Liners don’t help much if you’re cooking dry foods that barely make a mess. Toasted nuts, for example, don’t need a liner. I skip it unless I’m making something saucy or greasy.
Disposable vs. Reusable?
I’ve tried both. Disposable ones are super convenient—great for quick clean-up. Perfect for lazy days (aka most of my weekdays). Reusable ones are better if you’re trying to cut down on waste. Just rinse and reuse. I keep both on hand and pick depending on what I’m cooking.
Here’s how I think about it:
- Greasy or saucy foods? Use a liner. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Dry or crisp foods? You can skip it.
- Lightweight foods? Only use a liner if it’s weighted down with food.
So yeah—they work. And once you get the hang of when to use them (and when not to), they’re a total kitchen hack.
What I Like
Over the last year, I’ve used air fryer paper liners almost every time I cook. Here’s why I’ve grown to love them:
- No More Sticky Messes
I used to dread cleaning my air fryer basket. These liners changed that. They catch drips, crumbs, and grease—so cleanup takes seconds. - Food Doesn’t Stick
Ever had chicken skin rip off because it stuck to the tray? Not anymore. These liners keep food intact and perfectly crisp. - They Save Time
I can just lift out the liner and toss it. No scrubbing. No soaking. That means more time enjoying the food, less time cleaning. - They’re Super Handy for Meal Prep
When I prep multiple batches, I can just switch liners between batches. Quick, clean, and easy. - Fits Most Air Fryers
They come in different sizes, and I’ve always found ones that fit my models. The round, pre-cut ones are my favorite.
What Could Be Better
Even though I enjoy using air fryer paper liners, a few things could be improved. These aren’t deal-breakers—just honest thoughts:
- They Can Fly Around Without Food Weight
If I preheat the air fryer with the liner in it, sometimes it floats up and touches the heating element. I just learned to place the food on top first to weigh it down. - Some Brands Are Thin
A few cheaper ones feel flimsy and tear easily when wet. I stick to thicker liners now, even if they cost a bit more. - Not Eco-Friendly
I do feel a little guilty tossing them out after one use. If you’re eco-conscious, look for compostable versions. Some are made from unbleached paper. - Size Matters
A liner that’s too small won’t catch grease, and one that’s too big can block airflow. Measuring your basket helps a lot before buying.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using air fryer paper liners for over two years now. After trying several brands, I’ve found some real gems—and a few duds. Here’s what I’ve learned from long-term use.
Design
I’ve noticed good design makes a difference.
The best liners have a raised edge like a cupcake wrapper. That rim catches splatters and oil without letting anything spill over. The pre-cut holes in some also help keep airflow steady, so food cooks evenly. It may sound simple, but a little edge makes a huge difference when you’re making wings or bacon. It’s thoughtful design like this that shows the brand understands what air fryer users need.
Performance
These liners have honestly made me enjoy using my air fryer more.
I used to dread cleaning it after oily foods like burgers or ribs. With liners, grease is contained. Food still gets crispy, and I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing quality. I was worried they might interfere with cooking, but the airflow still does its job. I’ve even used them with wet batters, and they hold up surprisingly well. For daily air fryer users, that convenience is a total win.
Build Quality
Not all liners are created equal, and it shows in the material.
Thicker liners don’t tear when you lift greasy or saucy food. They also don’t curl or burn at the edges. I once tried a super-thin brand, and it scorched. Lesson learned. Now I stick to brands that use heavy-duty parchment. You can feel the difference the second you open the pack. It’s that sturdy, reliable quality that gives you confidence every time you cook.
Final Thoughts: Are Air Fryer Paper Liners Worth It?
Honestly? I didn’t think I’d care about air fryer liners. I thought they were just one of those random kitchen gadgets people hype up online.
But after using them week after week—especially on those busy nights when I’m just trying to get dinner done—they’ve earned a permanent spot in my drawer.
They do what they promise:
✅ Less mess.
✅ Quicker cleanup.
✅ Basket stays looking new.
✅ Fewer burnt-on bits to deal with.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need to use them every single time. I don’t. I skip them when I’m air frying something dry or simple, like toast or reheating pizza. But if I’m cooking anything greasy, cheesy, saucy, or sticky? I’m reaching for a liner every time.
To me, that’s what makes them worth it. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about making cooking easier. And let’s be real—anything that saves me from scrubbing gunk at the end of the day is a win in my book.
If you’re still on the fence, try a pack. Start with the cheap ones (Walmart and Amazon both have great deals), and see how it fits into your routine. You might be surprised at how much you love the low-effort cleanup.
Read More: Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid Review
FAQ
Is it worth using air fryer paper liners?
Absolutely! They make cleanup easier, prevent food from sticking, and save time. Learn more about why I never cook without them.
Do air fryer paper liners affect cooking performance?
Not at all. Good liners let air flow freely, so your food still comes out crispy. Discover how the right liners make all the difference.
Can you preheat an air fryer with paper liners inside?
It’s not recommended. The liners can fly up and burn. Always place food on the liner before starting. Learn more tips for safe use.
Are air fryer paper liners reusable?
Most are single-use, but some thicker or silicone ones can be reused. See which types work best and why I prefer certain brands.
What size air fryer paper liners should I buy?
Measure your basket and pick liners that fit snugly without blocking airflow. Find out how to choose the perfect size for your air fryer.
