Can You Use Aluminum Foil In An Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer?

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Shari Mason

Utilizing an air fryer greatly streamlines our cooking process, especially when preparing dishes for our loved ones. Yet, the Emeril Lagasse air fryer elevates cooking capabilities to a higher level, surpassing the usual functions of an air fryer.

But some users are still cynical about using aluminum foil in air fryers. In this article, we’ll find out if you can use aluminum foil in an Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer.

Is It Ok To Use Aluminum Foil in An Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer?

Yes, aluminum foil can be used in Emeril Lagasse air fryers, and it is safe to do so. The functioning air fryer cannot be affected by aluminum foil.

If used properly, you never have to be concerned about the foil catching fire or sparking in an air fryer. The air fryer operates more like a convection oven and uses fans to circulate hot air around.

However, it is not advisable to put aluminum foil in an air fryer if you’re unaware of some precautions before using it. 

Some food cannot be cooked inside the air fryer with aluminum foil because it can easily absorb small particles of aluminum. [1]

Read: Can You Put An Aluminum Pan In The Oven?

Benefits of Using It 

Easy to Clean

Many of us find it hard to clean the nooks in the air fryer cooking basket, and using aluminum foil wrapped around the food will make the air fryer easy to clean up.

Using foil in an air fryer prevents the food drippings from sticking to the basket and falling to the air fryer’s cooking surface. Seeing your air fryer clean after trying a messy dish is a relief.

You also don’t have to scrub the walls of the basket of air fryers because the aluminum foil doesn’t stick to the surface, making cleaning hassle-free even if you want to cook different foods.

Distributes Steam

Using aluminum foil in an air fryer to cook food helps to prevent food from being half-cooked. The foil allows the dish to cook evenly because of its better and even heat distribution.

Foil serves as a steam distributor in all meat parts to be cooked evenly. 

Also, the additional steam from the foil makes the cooking time faster.

Easy Cleanup

Some dish types are messy and sticky. Using an aluminum liner in the air fryer basket helps remove food easily without ruining the food’s appearance while not leaving juice droplets or stains on the air fryer’s heating element surface.

The foil helps to prevent food from burning. The non-stickiness of the foil provides clean and better food cooking when inside the air fryer. 

Having a good-looking dish is what we always wanted—aside from the great taste.

Improves Flavor

Aluminum foil helps in improving the flavor of your fried food. Food made in an air fryer is often cooked fast over high heat, which makes them appetizing. The cooking process with foil essentially traps the flavor inside your food.

If you line the basket of your air fryer with foil, the air will be kept away from your meal, preserving the flavor. This frying technique ensures that your food cooks without sacrificing flavor or aroma.

Read: How To Cook Fish In The Oven Without Foil

How To Use Aluminum Foil In Your Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer

First, do not cover the entire inside of the air fryer with foil, but what’s in the basket only to let the air circulate properly.

Second, make sure that the aluminum foil is not covering the heating elements of the air fryer to prevent the foil from sparking and causing a fire. 

Third, after putting cooking spray, make sure that you wrap the food with foil and weigh it down so it won’t be blown by the hot air.

Next, poke a few holes in the aluminum foil for better hot air circulation. The holes also help lessen the moisture inside. 

Lastly, avoid overfilling the basket, so the air fryer will work properly. But should you cover baked mac and cheese with foil?

Things to Avoid When Using Aluminum Foil

Doubling Aluminum Foil

Do not double the amount of foil needed in cooking. Only a small cut of foil is necessary to line the air fryer basket. 

Doubling the foil might crowd the basket, and some ends of the foil might stick to the heating element and cause a fire.

Acidic Foods

Because aluminum foil is a reactive material, you shouldn’t use it when cooking acidic foods like tomatoes. 

You would end up having a metallic taste in your food because the foil starts to break down when it comes into contact with the acid in the food. [2]

Placing Foil at the Air Fryer’s Base

Putting aluminum foil in an air fryer’s bottom is not safe where the wide metal cooking racks or the heating element is placed. The foil will block the hot air flow inside the basket and might result in uneven cooking. 

The foil might also get caught in the high temperature and burn. Just place the foil on the line of the basket and wrap the food.

FAQs

Should I use parchment paper in my Emeril Lagasse air fryer?

Yes, you can use parchment paper. In contrast to a paper towel, which cannot tolerate high temperatures, parchment paper or a baking sheet is acceptable for use in an Emeril Lagasse air fryer.

If you’re concerned about metal leaching into your meal, parchment paper, which can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, is a decent substitute for aluminum foil. But why doesn’t parchment paper get burned?

Will the air fryer explode with aluminum foil?

Yes, if not appropriately used, aluminum foil might cause the air fryer to explode or catch fire.

That’s why it is very important to read the manual and follow the safety rules and dos and don’t’s.

In Summary

Generally speaking, you can use heavy-duty aluminum foil in the Emeril Lagasse air fryer to avoid unevenly cooked food. 

Also, foil may help to ensure uniform high-temperature distribution, improve dish flavor, and make air frying less dirty.

However, it is still vital to understand how to use it properly and safely. Take note of all the precautions in using aluminum foil in the air fryer to avoid the extra cost of kitchen accidents.

Moreover, avoid using it with extremely acidic dishes to prevent adding aluminum to your meal.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16019791/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aluminum-foil-cooking#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2