This is one of the most important safety precautions.
Parchment should remain inside the cooking vessel or on the baking surface, not hanging over the edge where it can come into contact with an oven’s heating element.
The same applies to broilers.
A broiler exposes food to intense direct heat from above, and parchment paper isn’t intended to sit directly beneath that kind of heat.
If you need to broil a dish, remove the parchment first unless the manufacturer specifically states that the product is suitable for that application.
Parchment Paper and Air Fryers
Air fryers can create confusion because they cook with rapidly circulating hot air.
Parchment liners can be used with some air fryers, but they need to be used correctly.
The paper should generally be weighted down by food rather than placed loose in an empty preheating basket.
A loose sheet can be lifted by the airflow and pushed toward the heating element.
If you’re using parchment specifically designed for air fryers, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
What About Parchment Paper in a Microwave?
Many parchment products can be used in the microwave, but you should still check the package directions.
Avoid using parchment if the manufacturer doesn’t indicate that it’s suitable for microwave cooking.
Also remember that parchment is paper. It shouldn’t be used in situations involving direct contact with a heating element or an open flame.
Can You Use Parchment on the Grill?
This is generally not a good application.
A grill involves direct heat, open flames, and temperatures that can vary dramatically.
Parchment paper is designed primarily for controlled cooking environments such as conventional ovens, within its specified temperature range.
If you’re grilling food, use cookware and materials specifically designed for grilling rather than trying to improvise with parchment.
Parchment Paper Is Not the Same as Wax Paper
This distinction is extremely important.
Parchment Paper
Parchment is treated to withstand oven heat within the manufacturer’s specified temperature range.
Wax Paper
Wax paper has a coating of wax and is generally intended for cold or room-temperature food preparation and storage, not direct oven baking.
Putting wax paper in a hot oven can cause the wax coating to melt and the paper to smoke or burn.
If a recipe specifically calls for parchment paper, don’t substitute wax paper simply because both products look similar.
What Happens If Parchment Paper Gets Too Hot?
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