Best Air Fryer Liners for Ninja AF400 (Dual Zone UK Guide)

Dual Zone models are brilliant for timing dinner, but they also double the washing up. The goal here is to keep the AF400 easy to use without turning chips soft or blocking airflow. I’ll keep this practical: you’ll get a quick Buy Box (using only the links you provided), then a clear comparison, then deeper advice and decision shortcuts.

Buy Box: quick picks (Amazon UK)

Comparison: paper vs silicone, cheap vs quality, and when liners help

Paper vs silicone

• Paper (disposable): quickest clean‑up, great for marinades/grease; choose perforated designs so air can circulate.
• Silicone (reusable): sturdier and better value over time; slightly more washing, and some designs can soften crispness if they block airflow.

Cheap vs better quality

• Very cheap: often thinner, can collapse into food, and may have fewer holes (uneven browning risk).
• Better quality: holds shape, has more consistent perforations, and fits the basket so air keeps moving around the food.

When liners are useful vs when not

• Useful: sticky sauces, fatty meats, messy crumbs, protecting basket coating, batch cooking.
• Not ideal: when you need maximum crispness (chips), very light foods that might blow around, or when preheating with an empty basket.

Decision matrix: pick in one glance

How to choose the right liner in 60 seconds

• Step 1 – Decide disposable vs reusable: If you cook 4+ times a week, reusable usually makes sense. If you cook occasionally, disposable is simpler.
• Step 2 – Check airflow: For chips, breaded food and anything you want crispy, choose a perforated liner or skip liners.
• Step 3 – Match the basket shape: Square/rectangular baskets need square/rectangular liners. Round liners waste space and can bunch up.
• Step 4 – Think about mess level: Saucy or sugary marinades benefit most from liners. Dry foods benefit least.

Main content and practical advice

What makes the AF400 different

The AF400 is a Dual Zone air fryer, so you’re often cooking two different foods at once — for example, chips in one drawer and chicken in the other. That matters because the “best liner” is not one-size-fits-all. A liner that’s perfect for sticky chicken can make chips softer. The practical approach is to use liners selectively per drawer.

AF400-friendly liner rules (simple but effective)

• For chips: no liner, or perforated paper only when you’re prioritising clean-up over maximum crispness.
• For saucy chicken: paper liner is ideal; it stops sugar and sauce baking onto the basket.
• For roast veg: either works; silicone is handy if you cook veg often and want reusable.

Common UK cooking scenarios and the best liner choice

• Weeknight “all-in” dinner: paper in the chicken drawer; cook chips directly in the other drawer.
• Meal prep (big batch): silicone keeps shape when you load more food, but don’t overcrowd.
• Kids’ freezer food: perforated paper can help with crumbs, but keep food in a single layer.

Safe use tips (small things that prevent big headaches)

• Never run an empty paper liner during preheat. Add the liner only when you add food so it stays weighed down.
• Keep the liner below the rim so it doesn’t sit too high or touch hot surfaces.
• Let the basket cool slightly before lifting out a greasy liner to reduce spills and tearing.
• Don’t use liners to “fix” overcrowding. Air fryers need space; liners can’t create airflow that isn’t there.

Troubleshooting: if liners “don’t work” for you

• Food went soft: switch to perforated paper, cook in a single layer, and shake halfway.
• Uneven browning: check the liner isn’t curled up the sides; use a better fitting size.
• Liner moved or lifted: add it only with food so it’s weighed down; avoid very light items.
• Grease leaked underneath: liner is too small or you overfilled it; reduce sauce and choose a better fit.
• Smoky smell: do a quick wipe while warm and a weekly deeper clean; liners reduce drips but don’t stop grease mist.

FAQ

• Do I need a liner in both drawers?
  Only if you’re cooking something messy in both. Many AF400 owners use a liner in one drawer (sausages / chicken) and cook chips directly in the other for crispness.
• Will a liner stop smoke?
  It can reduce burnt-on residue that causes smoke, but smoke usually comes from excess fat hitting hot surfaces. Trim fatty edges and wipe the basket regularly for the biggest improvement.
• Can I put a paper liner in the dishwasher?
  No — disposable paper is single use. If you want dishwasher-friendly, look at a reusable silicone option instead.

Related guides on this site

• Next, read: Are Disposable Air Fryer Liners Worth It? Honest UK Review (helpful if you’re choosing your first liner).
• Also useful: Best Air Fryer Liners Under £10 in the UK (2026 Budget Picks) (quick wins and common pitfalls).
• If cleaning is your main problem: Do Air Fryer Liners Affect Cooking Results? (practical grease control tips).