How To Use Silicone Mat In The Air Fryer (A Guide to Silicone Mats)

Originally posted on 19 August 2023 @ 13:09

How To Use Silicone Mat In The Air Fryer

Air fryers are the hottest kitchen gadget right now, letting you enjoy deliciously crispy “fried” foods without all the oil. But those handy little baskets can be a pain to clean, with leftover bits of food stuck on after cooking. That’s where silicone mats come to the rescue!

These flexible, nonstick mats make air fryer cooking and cleanup an absolute breeze. As someone who just got an air fryer, I was curious about how to use silicone mats properly to get the best results.

After doing some research and testing it out myself, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with my fellow air fryer newbies.

Why Silicone Mats Are So Great for Air Fryers

Silicone mats seem almost too good to be true. Unlike parchment paper, you can reuse them again and again. And since silicone naturally repels food, you can lift it off the mat effortlessly without leaving any crumbs or residues behind.

I love the silicone mats:

• Let you skip extra oil or cooking sprays
• Protect the fryer basket from scratches and stains
• Allow for quick cleanups—just wipe or toss in the dishwasher!
• Are heat-resistant up to about 480°F
• Work for everything from fries to chicken wings

With those kinds of benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people use silicone mats in their air fryers.

Choosing the Right Size Mat for Your Fryer

One of the most important things is getting a silicone mat that fits your particular air fryer basket perfectly.

You’ll want the mat to lay flat and cover the entire bottom of the basket without excess overhang. Take a ruler and measure the length and width of your basket if needed to find the right dimensions.

I’d also recommend going with a mat that’s 1-2mm thick so heat and airflow can circulate properly around food. And be sure to pick a mat rated for temps of 400°F or higher to handle typical air frying.

Step-By-Step Guide to Using Silicone Mats

My first time using a silicone mat in the air fryer, I was worried it would be complicated. But it turned out to be super simple!

Here’s exactly how I use silicone mats for air frying:

1. Clean out the air fryer basket thoroughly and dry it well. You want a pristine surface under that mat.
2. Lay the mat inside the basket. Trim any edges that hang over the sides with scissors for a perfect fit.
3. Lightly spray or brush food with oil if needed. The mat itself should not need any grease.
4. Arrange food in a single layer on the silicone mat, being careful not to overload.
5. Slide the loaded basket back into the air fryer carefully.
6. Add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time, since the mat provides a bit of insulation.
7. Press start and air fry foods according to recipe directions until crispy.
8. Remove the basket when done cooking and use tongs to lift food off the silicone mat.
9. Transfer everything to a serving dish, then just wipe the mat clean!

It really couldn’t be much easier. The silicone mat protects the basket and only needs the occasional rinse or run through the dishwasher after heavy use.

Handy Tips and Tricks

After playing around with silicone mats in my air fryer, I’ve picked up some useful tips for success:

• Spray oil directly onto food instead of the mat for maximum crispiness
• Place paper towels between the mat and bacon or other greasy foods
• Avoid cooking spray buildup on the mat by oiling foods only
• Let stained mats cool completely before scrubbing by hand gently
• Use tongs or silicone utensils when turning food during cooking
• Store mats flat or rolled up without creases or folds
• Replace mats with excessive staining, tears, or stickiness

Following those suggestions, your silicone mats should last for many months of frequent air fryer use.

FAQs

Conclusion

After getting to know the ins and outs of using silicone mats in my new air fryer, I can confidently say they live up to the hype.

These reusable, flexible mats make air fryer cooking super convenient. They eliminate the mess of oiling, prevent basket scratches, and release food perfectly with zero sticking.

Choosing the right size high-heat silicone mat and caring for it properly ensures you’ll get tons of use out of this handy accessory. I don’t see myself air-frying without one ever again!

Give silicone mats a try to make your air fryer experience easier from cooking to cleanup. They just might become your new secret weapon for oil-free, crispy “fried” foods minus the hassle. 

Let me know if you have any other air fryer silicone mat tips!