Silicone vs Disposable Air Fryer Liners – Which Is Better?

Both types can work brilliantly. This guide helps you choose based on your habits, not hype — and explains the small details that change results. 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)

Best overall (most people): 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
If you want to choose once and be done, Good balance of airflow, fit and easy clean-up for day‑to‑day cooking.
Check price on Amazon UK

Best budget (use occasionally): BYKITCHEN Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liner, 50PCS Square Air Fryer Liners Disposable, Greaseproof Paper, Compatible with COSORI, Ninja, Tefal, Russell Hobbs Fryers (Unbleached)
Handy when you want a fast clean‑up after greasy or sticky foods without committing to washing a reusable liner.
Check price on Amazon UK

Best reusable (cook often): 150PC Air Fryer Liners, Ninja Air Fryer Paper Liners Disposable, Air Fryer Accessories for Ninja AF300UK AF400UK SL400UK, Compatible with Ninja, Keplin, Tower, Salter and Other Dual Zone Air Fryer
A solid option if you air fry most days and want something sturdier that won’t tear or shift when you load food.
Check price on 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

Your situation	Best choice	Why
I cook chips/frozen food most days	No liner or perforated paper only	Max airflow and crispness
I cook saucy/sticky meals often	Disposable paper	Stops burnt-on sugar and saves scrubbing
I batch cook/meal prep	Reusable silicone	Stays put and becomes good value
I hate washing up	Start with disposable, add silicone later	Convenience first, then reduce waste
I’m on a tight budget	Budget perforated paper	Lowest cost to test what works

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

The decision framework I use

Frequency: daily cooks benefit more from silicone.
Food type: saucy/sticky foods suit paper; bulk batch cooking suits silicone.
Texture priority: if you hate soft chips, you’ll prefer perforated paper (or no liner) for crisp foods.
Storage and washing: silicone needs a place to dry and store; paper doesn’t.

Real-world pros and cons

Disposable paper: quickest, cheapest to try, great for sauces; downside is ongoing cost and waste.
Silicone: reusable and sturdy, good long-term value; downside is washing and the wrong design can trap steam.

My practical recommendation

If you’re unsure, start disposable to test the concept. If you reach for liners more than a few times a week, add a reusable silicone liner and keep paper for the messiest dishes.

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

Which is healthier: paper or silicone?
Neither changes the nutrition much. The bigger factor is what you cook and how much oil you add. Liners mostly change clean-up and airflow.
Which lasts longer?
Silicone wins on lifespan. Disposable paper wins on convenience.
Do I need both?
Many people end up with both: silicone for regular meals, paper for sticky sauces or very greasy batches.

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: Do Air Fryer Liners Affect Cooking Results? (quick wins and common pitfalls).
If cleaning is your main problem: Best Air Fryer Liners Under £10 in the UK (2026 Budget Picks) (practical grease control tips).