Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Here is a practical guide on using aluminum foil in an air fryer:

I. Safety Prerequisites

* **Do not completely seal:** When wrapping food in aluminum foil, you must poke holes or leave gaps (e.g., leave a 1cm opening at the folded edge). Otherwise, hot air circulation will be obstructed, leading to overheating and shutdown.
* **Strictly prohibit contact with the heating element:** The distance between the aluminum foil and the top heating element must be >3cm. Contact will cause a short circuit and sparks (especially wavy aluminum foil, which is prone to floating).

II. Applicable Scenarios and Techniques

* **Preventing sticking:** Lay aluminum foil flat in the frying basket, and also in the edge basket. Fold the edge up 2cm for a neat border. This prevents tofu and cheese from sticking.
**Key point:** Poke numerous small holes in the bottom of the aluminum foil (20+ holes with a toothpick). Otherwise, the bottom of the food will be soggy.
**Wrapping juicy ingredients:** Example: Roasted eggplant, soft tofu → Fold the aluminum foil into a boat shape to hold the food, preventing juices from dripping and contaminating the fryer.
**Important:** Leave the top open to allow hot air to enter.

III. High-Risk Prohibited Practices

Directly Wrapping Frozen Food
Ice crystals vaporize upon heating → Aluminum foil seal forms a vapor bomb → Potentially explodes and splatters oil.
Laying Down Crumbly Food
For example: breaded shrimp, breaded chicken nuggets → The reflective side of the aluminum foil accelerates the burning of the bottom (faster than placing directly in the frying basket).
Corrosive Effects from Acidic Foods
Prolonged contact between ketchup and lemon juice and aluminum foil → Dissolves aluminum and seeps into the food (harmful to health).

IV. Recommended Alternatives