Our Top Recommendations for Air Fryer Liners in 2026: A Guide to Easier Cleanups
The air fryer has earned its place on kitchen counters across the UK, celebrated for its ability to deliver crispy, delicious meals with less oil. But while the cooking is quick and simple, the cleanup can be anything but. Scrubbing baked-on grease and stubborn food residue from the basket is a chore that can take the joy out of a quick meal.
This is where air fryer liners come in. These simple but effective air fryer accessories create a protective barrier between your food and the basket, making cleanup significantly easier. Whether you prefer the convenience of disposable paper or the sustainability of a reusable silicone option, the right liner can help you save time and maintain the condition of your appliance.
This guide will walk you through the key considerations when choosing a liner and present some of our top recommendations to help you find the perfect fit for your cooking habits.
A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Air Fryer Liners
With a growing market of options, selecting the right non-stick air fryer inserts can feel confusing. Here are a few practical points to consider to ensure you get the performance and convenience you need.
1. Disposable vs. Reusable: Weighing Convenience and Sustainability
Your first decision is between single-use and multi-use liners.
- Disposable air fryer liners, typically made from air fryer parchment paper or air fryer baking paper, offer maximum convenience. After cooking, you simply discard the liner, leaving you with a virtually clean basket. This is an excellent choice for very busy households or for cooking particularly messy foods.
- A reusable air fryer basket, usually a silicone air fryer liner, is a more sustainable and cost-effective choice in the long run. These are durable, flexible and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. They also do an excellent job of protecting your air fryer's non-stick coating from scratches.
2. Size and Shape Matter for Performance
Air fryer liners are not one-size-fits-all. Using a liner that is too large can obstruct airflow, leading to unevenly cooked food. More importantly, a loose liner can be lifted by the air fryer's fan and pushed into the heating element, creating a fire hazard.
Before purchasing, measure the internal diameter or width of your air fryer basket. Check if you need a round or square liner and match the product dimensions (e.g., 16cm round, 20cm square) to your appliance for a safe and effective fit.
3. Material and Key Features
Look for liners made from food-grade materials designed to withstand high temperatures.
- Parchment paper liners should be greaseproof and non-stick to prevent food from sticking and to contain oils.
- Silicone liners should be made from 100% food-grade silicone and be free from BPA. A good silicone liner will have ridges on the base to help with air circulation and allow grease to drain away from the food.
Our Top Recommendations for Air Fryer Liners in 2026
Here are a few carefully selected options that cater to different needs and air fryer types.
COOKER KING Disposable Paper Liners Non-Stick (100pcs)
Why It Stands Out: This pack of air fryer paper liners 100pcs is all about efficiency. Made from food-grade silicone oil paper, these liners are designed to be oil-resistant and withstand high temperatures. Their round shape and 16cm diameter are a great fit for many popular circular air fryers, making them a reliable, everyday choice.
Pros:
- Completely disposable for zero cleanup effort.
- Made from food-grade, oil-absorbing and waterproof paper.
- A generous pack of 100 liners offers excellent value.
Who is it for?: Busy individuals and families who prioritise speed and convenience. If you use your air fryer for quick daily meals and want to eliminate the washing-up process entirely, this is an ideal solution.
BLACKMOOR Silicone Air Fryer Liner Set of 2
Why It Stands Out: The BLACKMOOR set offers a sustainable, long-term solution for keeping your air fryer clean. This set includes two rectangular liners made from high-quality, BPA-free food-grade silicone. The material is durable, flexible and designed for repeated use. One liner even includes handles for easier and safer removal from the hot basket.
Pros:
- Reusable and dishwasher-safe, reducing waste and long-term costs.
- Flexible, non-stick silicone allows for easy food release.
- Protects the air fryer's original non-stick coating from wear and tear.
Who is it for?: Frequent air fryer users and environmentally conscious cooks looking for a durable, cost-effective solution. It's perfect for those who don't mind a quick rinse or using the dishwasher in exchange for a long-lasting product.
Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners, Square (100pcs)
Why It Stands Out: Tailored for the increasingly popular square-basket air fryers, this pack of 100 liners provides excellent coverage. The 20cm x 20cm dimensions and 4.5cm high sides are effective at containing grease and crumbs, preventing them from baking onto the sides of the basket.
Pros:
- Precut square shape is designed to fit many larger air fryer models.
- High sides help contain splatters and keep the entire basket cleaner.
- A value pack of 100 disposable air fryer liners for convenient, mess-free cooking.
Who is it for?: Owners of square-basket air fryers who want a disposable solution that offers maximum coverage to minimise cleaning.
Looking for More Options?
Air fryers come in a vast range of shapes and sizes, and finding the perfect liner is key to getting the best results. If these recommendations aren't quite the right fit for your appliance, or if you'd like to explore a wider variety of materials and dimensions, you can browse our full collection of air fryer paper and liners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Liners
Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, but it must be specifically designed for air fryer use or be a high-quality baking paper. Crucially, never place a liner in the air fryer during the preheating cycle without food on top to weigh it down. The powerful fan can lift the lightweight paper into the heating element, posing a safety risk. Always ensure the liner allows for airflow around the edges.
Are silicone air fryer liners better than disposable ones?
This depends entirely on your priorities. A silicone air fryer liner is a reusable, sustainable and cost-effective option over time, and it offers great protection for your basket. Disposable air fryer liners provide ultimate convenience with no cleanup needed. The choice comes down to a balance of convenience, long-term value and environmental considerations.
Do air fryer liners affect cooking time?
When used correctly, a properly sized liner should not significantly affect cooking time or performance. The key is to ensure that the liner does not cover all the air circulation holes or fit so tightly that it blocks airflow around the edges of the basket. Impeded airflow can lead to uneven cooking and may slightly increase the required cooking time.