Yes!, you can use aluminum foil in an air fryer. It helps to prevent food from sticking to the basket and makes cleaning easier.
Unlike a microwave, where aluminum foil can cause sparks due to electromagnetic radiation, air fryers work differently. They circulate hot air with a fan to crisp and brown your food without oil. So, no worries about sparks!
When using aluminum foil, mold and shape it to fit the basket or the food you're cooking. Tuck in any loose ends or edges to prevent it from flying around.
However, you should be cautious not to cover the entire basket, as it may obstruct the airflow and affect cooking.
Avoid using aluminum foil for cooking at extremely high temperatures, as it may leach a small amount of aluminum into the food. This is especially true for acidic or spicy foods. Keeping the temperature moderate reduces the risk.
Avoid using aluminum foil for cooking highly acidic or salty foods, as these can cause a reaction that releases aluminum into the food. Plus, Acidic foods can react with the foil, causing it to break down.
If you're air-frying acidic foods, consider using parchment paper instead. It's less likely to stick to food and won't react with acids.
However, aluminum foil is generally safe for wrapping and covering food during cooking, as it forms a barrier that limits direct contact between the aluminum and the food.
1. Never let foil touch the heating element; 2. make sure the foil is weighted, so it doesn't blow around the basket; and 3. avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.