Paper vs Silicone Liners for Ninja AF400: Which Is Better?
Paper and silicone liners both claim to make the Ninja AF400 / AF400UK easier to live with—but they solve different problems. Paper is about speed (line, cook, bin), while silicone is about stability and reusability (cook, rinse, repeat).
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This comparison keeps the AF400 in mind: dual baskets, strong airflow, and lots of weeknight meals. We’ll break down what changes in cooking, cleaning, and cost—then finish with a clear pick.
For more liner-only advice, see Best liners for Ninja AF400. For a bigger shopping list, browse Best Ninja AF400 accessories.
Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side using the three products listed for this post. Links open on Amazon UK.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120Pcs Air Fryer Liners for Ninja Dual, Stone TH Disposable Airfryer Parchment Paper Liners Accessories Compatible with Ninja AF300UK AF400UK SL400UK AF500UK, Other Dual Zone Air Fryer | Best Overall pick for most AF400 owners | Pre-shaped bowl liner; quick disposal; designed for dual-zone baskets | £8.99 | Check today’s price on Amazon UK |
| BYKITCHEN Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liner, 50PCS Square Air Fryer Liners Disposable, Greaseproof Paper, Compatible with COSORI, Ninja, Tefal, Russell Hobbs Fryers (Unbleached) | Best Budget choice for value-focused shoppers | Simple parchment-style liner; low cost; good for lighter, less oily meals | £5.65 | Check today’s price on Amazon UK |
| Silicone Air Fryer Liners 2 Pack for Ninja Foodi Dual AF300UK AF400UK/KCP, AF451UK, Tower, Keplin, COSORI, Russell Hobbsand, Instant for 7.6L 8L 9.5L Baskets, Reusable Airfryer Accessories | Best Reusable option for wash-and-reuse routines | Reusable silicone tray; sturdy walls; great for saucy foods and easy rinsing | £8.99 | Check today’s price on Amazon UK |
Winners: Best Overall (P1), Best Budget (cheapest), Best Reusable (silicone). Jump to the picks: Check today’s price on Amazon UK, Check today’s price on Amazon UK, Check today’s price on Amazon UK.
Paper vs silicone in the AF400: what actually changes
Paper liners tend to breathe better, especially if they’re perforated or sit flat, which helps crisping. Silicone is heavier and doesn’t blow around, but it can trap a little more moisture at the base if food sits in pooled grease.
Crispiness & airflow: which material helps (and when)
If your priority is crunchy chips or breaded foods, airflow is king. Paper liners usually interfere less—provided they’re not oversized and folded up. Silicone can still work, but you may need to turn food more often or rely on the crisper plate to keep air moving underneath.
Clean-up, waste, and day-to-day convenience
Paper is the fastest clean-up: bin the liner and wipe. Silicone reduces waste, but you’ll wash it every time. Silicone can stain with spicy sauces, while paper can soak if you put very wet foods straight onto it.
CTA: If you want quick clean-up for weeknights, start with paper: Check today’s price on Amazon UK. If you want to reduce waste, check the reusable set: Check today’s price on Amazon UK.
Ninja AF400 Fit & Size Notes
The AF400’s dual-zone baskets are larger than many air fryers, and the airflow is strong. That makes fit and stability important. Oversized paper can lift; undersized paper can leak drips into corners. Silicone tends to stay put because it’s heavier, but you still want it to sit flat so airflow isn’t blocked.
Who should pick paper (and who should pick silicone)
Pick paper if you value speed and want minimal washing up. The Best Overall paper-style pick is here: Check today’s price on Amazon UK. If you want the lowest upfront spend, the Budget option is here: Check today’s price on Amazon UK.
Pick silicone if you cook saucy meals often, dislike disposable waste, or want a liner that won’t lift. The reusable pick is here: Check today’s price on Amazon UK.
Final call: For most AF400 owners, paper wins as the everyday choice because it’s fast and keeps baskets clean with minimal effort—then add silicone if you cook sticky foods weekly.
FAQ
Does silicone make food less crispy?
It can if it traps moisture. Turning food halfway and avoiding pooling grease helps a lot.
Can paper liners lift or move in the AF400?
Yes, if they’re used empty or if the rim is loose. Add paper only when food goes in and keep edges down.
Which is better for fish or sticky sauces?
Silicone is often easier because it’s sturdy and rinses clean, which helps with delicate or saucy foods.
What’s the best ‘one and done’ choice?
For most households, a good paper liner is the simplest everyday pick, with silicone as an optional upgrade for frequent saucy meals.
How to get crisp results when using liners
The simplest way to keep crispiness is to treat the liner like a tray, not a blanket. Keep food in a single layer, shake or flip halfway, and avoid thick folds that trap steam. If you’re cooking very wet foods, consider silicone so liquid doesn’t soak into paper.
CTA: For everyday paper convenience, check the Best Overall option: Check today’s price on Amazon UK. For sauces, the silicone pick is here: Check today’s price on Amazon UK.