Both parchment paper and aluminum foil are helpful to have in the kitchen. Here's when to use each one.
When to Use Parchment Paper vs. Aluminum Foil
Updated on Feb. 22, 2024
Growing up, my mother lined her baking sheets with aluminum foil before putting them in the oven (although she always called it tin foil). It significantly cut down on scrubbing time because those baked-on bits clung to the foil instead of the pan!
It wasn’t until I worked in a professional kitchen that I started using parchment paper instead. The prep cooks at the restaurant used long parchment sheets on every pan, reducing cleanup time while also making it easier to remove roasted vegetables or meat loaf from the paper’s nonstick surface.
Today, I use both, but does it really matter which you reach for? Is it possible to make a wrong choice when considering parchment paper vs. aluminum foil?
When to Use Parchment Paper
First, it’s important to know that while the two look strikingly similar, waxed paper and parchment paper aren’t the same. Waxed paper is made with a nonstick coating made from soybean or paraffin wax, which melts at low heat. That makes waxed paper great for cooking prep tasks, wrapping food or for use in the freezer.
Parchment paper, on the other hand, has a heat-resistant nonstick coating, so it’s safe for use in the oven. The parchmenting process makes the paper greaseproof, durable and heat- and moisture-resistant, too. Here’s when to use it.
Can parchment paper go in the oven?
Parchment paper may darken in the oven, but it’s safe for use at temperatures up to 450°F. Lining your pans with parchment paper is a great way to cut down on cleaning time. You can trace cake pans and cut out circles before lining them or pick up pre-cut parchment paper sheets from the store.
The benefit of using parchment paper vs. aluminum foil in the oven is that the parchment is naturally nonstick. You’ll have to spritz an aluminum foil liner with cooking spray to get the same nonstick benefits.
Can you put parchment paper in an air fryer?
Technically, it’s safe to use parchment paper in the air fryer so long as the temperatures don’t exceed 450°. But keep in mind how an air fryer works: It’s basically a countertop convection oven, so it circulates hot air around the food. Parchment paper can block the air from reaching the food, reducing the efficiency of the air fryer.
Instead, use store-bought air fryer liners. The liners have pre-cut holes that allow the air to circulate while also cutting down on cleaning time.
When to Use Aluminum Foil
Can aluminum foil go in the oven?
Aluminum foil has many uses, but it’s particularly helpful in the oven. It’s easy to form around any baking vessel, so it protects the pan from grease and burned-on bits better than parchment paper. Use it to line baking sheets for roasted vegetables, make special-shaped cake pans like hearts for Valentine’s Day or trees for Christmas or wrap bread loaves or rolls to keep them from drying out as they reheat. Can you bake cookies on foil? Here’s what experts have to say.
Then, after you’re finished baking, we recommend reaching for another storage method. You don’t want to wrap leftovers in foil because it doesn’t seal the food off from air, allowing bacteria to grow faster.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes: Just like parchment paper, you can put foil in an air fryer. Aluminum foil is easy to secure so it won’t fly around because it can mold to the shape of the basket. You’ll want to avoid using aluminum foil when air-frying acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus), as the metal is reactive and the acids can cause the foil to break down.
Here’s the real reason aluminum foil has a shiny side and a dull side.
Can you put aluminum foil in the microwave?
While you can put aluminum foil in the microwave under the right circumstances, we don’t often recommend it. The microwaves used to heat food can’t pass through the metal. That will prevent your food from heating properly, and it can even cause a fire hazard if the microwaves heat up the pieces of metal too rapidly.
However, the USDA offers the following guidelines for using aluminum foil in the microwave:
- Use new, smooth foil only. Wrinkled foil can cause sparks.
- Cover no more than 1/4 of the food with foil.
- Shape the foil smoothly to the food so no edges stick out.
- Do not place the foil closer than 1 inch from the oven walls.
You can grab parchment paper or aluminum foil to make delicious sheet-pan dinners!
Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard ChickenThis sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It's now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas
This sheet-pan meal features juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, tangy honey mustard sauce made with zesty lemon and smoky paprika. The chicken is roasted with fresh green beans and colorful sweet peppers, creating a beautiful dinner that’s easy to prep. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds before serving.
Easy Stuffed PoblanosMy partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
Craving a hearty meal of seasoned beef, rice and cheese? Whip up this quick sheet-pan dinner for a satisfying, high-protein dinner in less than 30 minutes. This is a good meal prep recipe because the stuffed poblano peppers can be made ahead and enjoyed all week.
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic ChickenEveryone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
The tangy lemon-garlic marinade makes this chicken sheet-pan recipe a standout. The marinated chicken and potatoes are baked until tender to create a filling meal with peppery notes in each citrus-infused bite. If you end up with leftovers, we recommend reheating this dish in the oven to keep the chicken tender and the potatoes crisp.
Sheet-Pan Pork SupperI created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family's needs. It's so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
This simple sheet-pan supper combines teriyaki-glazed pork tenderloin, roasted baby potatoes and crisp green beans. A finishing touch of garlic-chive butter brings richness to every bite while the veggies roast to golden perfection. For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chives before serving.
Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan MealI grew up with this classic meat loaf recipe, but I adapted it to mini meatloaves so that they would bake more quickly. The sauce topping is always a hit. I added the potatoes and asparagus to make an easy complete meal. —Deanne Johnson, Reading, Pennsylvania
Meat loaf on a sheet pan? Oh yeah! Seasoned with aromatic spices and baked alongside golden potatoes and tender asparagus, our glazed mini meat loaves turn out perfectly juicy and delicious—and in record time. While they roast, the potatoes become tender with a caramelized edge, and the asparagus takes on an earthy flavor to balance out the dish's richness.
Turkey Lattice PieWith its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish looks as good as it tastes. It's easy to make, too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough. —Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Warm, golden crescent rolls form the base for this pie’s savory filling of tender turkey, melted cheese and broccoli. The blend of creamy soup, Dijon mustard and dried onion ensures each bite is as delicious as the last.
Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry DinnerThis sheet-pan chicken curry is a quick way to get a meal on the table without fuss. Everyone loves it, and it's healthy to boot! Serve it with a side of jasmine rice. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Are you a fan of curry-flavored food but not the multiple pots and pans it usually takes to make from scratch? Try this sheet-pan chicken curry dinner. The combination of aromatic curry powder, smoked paprika and lemon pepper seasoning creates layers of flavors, just like a curry that simmered on the stovetop all day. But cleanup is significantly easier since it’s made on a foil-lined sheet pan.
Rosemary Salmon and VeggiesThis rosemary salmon is a favorite, thanks to the savory herb that adds unbelievable flavor to the fish as it bakes. Cooked with asparagus and red peppers, it's a healthy and quick dinner option that pulls in rave reviews too.
This quick dinner recipe features succulent salmon fillets roasted with fresh asparagus and red peppers. The blend of balsamic vinegar, garlic and rosemary creates a tangy glaze that gives the fish and veggies a sweet and savory taste. Ready for the oven in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, low-carb dinner packed with nutrients and flavor.
Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan SupperThis is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
This vegetarian sheet-pan supper combines earthy portobello mushrooms, protein-packed chickpeas, asparagus and cherry tomatoes with a fragrant blend of balsamic vinegar, garlic and fresh oregano. Don’t have asparagus on hand? Fret not! You can easily swap in zucchini.
Potato and Pepper Sausage BakeWhen my family smells this dish baking in the oven, they know they are in for a treat! If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or switch the mild Italian sausage to hot Italian sausage. —Ashli Claytor, Chesapeake, Virginia
What's not to love about tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet peppers and flavorful Italian sausage? The sausage’s savory character increases when roasted with garlic, paprika and thyme, perfectly balancing the peppers’ sweetness. Sprinkle some minced fresh thyme on top before serving to enhance the aromatic flavor.
Pork Chops and AsparagusThis pork chop and asparagus recipe is a complete dinner (even dessert) cooked on a single sheet pan. Hands-off cooking and simple clean-up make this ideal for busy weeknights.
On days when you have too much going on, this high-protein meal delivers a quick and satisfying solution. It preps in just 20 minutes, and everything bakes together on a single foil-lined pan. You’ll end up with a plate full of seasoned asparagus, potatoes, apples and pork chops—and minimal cleanup after dinner.
Shrimp-Stuffed Poblano PeppersI created this dish for my mother when she moved back to our hometown. Since she really enjoys shrimp and slightly spicy food, I decided to create a shrimp-stuffed poblanos to surprise her. She was delighted.—Tina Garcia-Ortiz, Tampa, Florida
Mild poblano peppers are filled with a creamy shrimp and rice mixture, which is topped with a golden, crispy panko-Parmesan crust. The filling includes lemon juice, a Mexican cheese blend and a dash of cilantro, creating a delightful combination of savory and slightly spicy flavors in each bite.
Avocado Crab BoatsThese boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon. Try one of these sheet pan dinner recipes this spring.
This recipe combines fresh crab, spicy serrano peppers and rich avocados for a satisfying bite that works equally well as a quick snack or a light dinner. The crab mixture contains hints of lemon and cilantro and perfectly fills ripe avocado halves. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese and a sprinkle of paprika, the avocado boats have the right level of heat.
Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan ChickenThe convenience and simplicity of this chicken dinner make it extra awesome. Feel free to change the veggies throughout the year—the sticky-spicy-sweet sauce is tasty on everything!! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Try this hoisin-Sriracha chicken to indulge in the ultimate combination of savory, sweet and spicy. A rich hoisin sauce coats tender chicken thighs, while maple syrup and Sriracha chili sauce add depth and heat to the roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower and red peppers. For an added crunch, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable MedleyUnlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
This high-protein meal consists of delicate tilapia fillets seasoned with fresh tarragon and a medley of roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts and radishes. The veggies caramelize beautifully while the fish broils to flaky perfection. Serve with a wedge of lemon and a dollop of tartar sauce for an added tang.
Smoked Sausage and Veggie Sheet-Pan SupperThis recipe is tasty and quick, and it can easily be doubled for last-minute dinner guests. Cook it in the oven or on the grill, and add the veggies of your choice. —Judy Batson, Tampa Florida
This smoky, savory, one-pan supper is ready in just 30 minutes. Smoked sausages and a colorful medley of Brussels sprouts, zucchini, sweet peppers and mushrooms are tossed in a zesty Greek vinaigrette and finished under the broiler to give them a golden brown touch. This sheet-pan dinner is loaded with vegetables, making it a high-fiber meal option.
Baked Chicken FajitasThese baked chicken fajitas are one of our top-rated chicken dinners for a reason. Cooks rave about the easy prep, robust flavor and effortless cleanup—everything we want in a weeknight dinner!
These bold and smoky chicken fajitas feature tender strips of chicken, sweet peppers and onions seasoned with cumin and chili powder. After it’s baked with diced tomatoes and fresh green chiles, load the mixture into warm tortillas and top with fresh avocado, tomato and lime for a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. Serve the fajitas with a bowl of fresh corn salsa to add more texture to your meal.
Sheet-Pan Chicken and VeggiesOur sheet-pan chicken and veggies recipe features herby chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes and spinach in one no-muss, no-fuss dish. The best part: Cleanup is a breeze!
This sheet-pan recipe is popular for a reason! It's a simple protein-rich meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. You'll appreciate the flavorful combination of seasoned chicken, potatoes and spinach, but you can always swap in other vegetables to create a unique sheet-pan medley.
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp BakeI like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
This sheet-pan meal is perfect for seafood lovers, even on busy weeknights. With only 10 minutes of prep time, it combines roasted baby potatoes with seasonal veggies like asparagus, Broccolini and shrimp for an easy, flavorful dinner. The recipe calls for baby red potatoes, but you can use baby Yukon Gold potatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Sheet-Pan Tandoori ChickenThis tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas
This high-protein recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in an aromatic blend of yogurt and tandoori masala seasoning. They’re roasted alongside sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes for a hearty, flavorful dish. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of cilantro can help brighten the dish even more. For a complete desi experience, pair it with homemade bread machine naan to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Cod and Asparagus BakeThe lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Baked cod and asparagus is a low-calorie dinner option combining lean meat with fiber-rich vegetables. Cod fillets, asparagus and sweet cherry tomatoes are seasoned with lemon juice and topped with Romano cheese. Fresh green beans make a fine substitute if asparagus isn’t available.
One-Pan Sweet Chili Shrimp and VeggiesThis one-pan shrimp and veggies recipe has everything I'm looking for in a weeknight family dinner: quick, flavorful, nutritious and all three of my kids will eat it! My oldest son loves shrimp and I thought it would work well as a sheet-pan supper. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
This low-calorie recipe cooks in just 15 minutes. Shrimp, zucchini, mushrooms and sweet orange pepper are tossed in a sauce made with sweet chili sauce, lime juice and soy sauce. Serve with coconut rice to complete the tropical vibes.
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken FajitasFor our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sweet pineapple and smoky spices flavor the chicken in these easy-to-prep sheet-pan fajitas. Chicken tenderloins and bell peppers are roasted to perfection and then served in warm corn tortillas. Top with your favorite fajita fixings for a fresh, vibrant meal.
Chicken Foil PacketsThese herbed chicken foil packets are individually portioned and conveniently cooked in the oven, perfect for meal prep.
This simple sheet-pan supper features tender chicken breasts and a savory mix of mushrooms, carrots, onions and sweet red pepper. But the best part? It’s all wrapped in foil, making cleanup a total cakewalk. Simply discard the foil after eating and wipe down the sheet pan to eliminate any residual odors. Serve with rice or quinoa tabbouleh to complete the meal.
Sausage and Peppers SandwichThese sausage and pepper sandwiches are sweet and savory and they're finished with a layer of molten provolone to make it even more decadent.
Savor the flavors of this hearty sheet-pan sandwich, where savory turkey sausage, sweet peppers and caramelized onions come together for the perfect bite. After the sausage and veggies bake for 30 minutes, melt some provolone cheese on the buns to give the sandwiches a cheesy finish. This handheld delight tastes fantastic alongside southern potato salad.
Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green BeansI'm always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. Even our kids love it. —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina
This one-pan meal perfectly balances rich, savory flavors and subtle sweet notes. The salmon fillets are glazed with a tangy brown sugar and Dijon mustard sauce, then roasted with fresh green beans for a well-rounded meal. Make sure to buy salmon fillets of the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Poblano PeppersSince I do not like green bell peppers, I decided to create a filling that would go well with my favorite pepper, a poblano. After a few taste tests with my family, this stuffed poblano peppers recipe is now one of our favorites. I have also added black beans, used Cubanelle peppers and served with cilantro lime rice. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
These stuffed poblano peppers double down on the heat with a spicy Buffalo chicken filling. Tender chicken, melted cheese and a hit of Buffalo wing sauce create the perfect combination of bold and savory flavors, delivering a delicious and hearty meal. Try pairing this one with cilantro lime rice to balance the dish's heat.
Baked Chicken ParmesanBaked chicken Parmesan is just as tasty as the original, without the fuss and hassle of frying. This recipe cooks your vegetable side dish right alongside the chicken, in the same pan, for added ease.
This baked version of chicken Parmesan is a delicious spin on the classic Italian dish. Chicken breasts are coated with bread crumbs and baked on a sheet pan with broccoli until golden and crispy. Marinara sauce and mozzarella are added for a saucy, melty finish.
Andouille Sausage and PeppersThis tasty sheet pan meal is just what you need when the nights are busy and you have too much to do.
In this simple sheet-pan dinner recipe, andouille chicken sausage is baked with potatoes, sweet peppers and onions. The vegetables and sausages are tossed in olive oil to help them achieve a golden brown color, and Creole seasoning adds a touch of heat. Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking in the oven.
Mediterranean TilapiaI recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio
This Mediterranean tilapia is a low-calorie dinner idea that comes together in just 20 minutes. Fresh tilapia fillets are topped with a medley of diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives and feta for a one-pan meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This one definitely ranks high on our to-make list on a hectic weeknight!
Buffalo Chicken PizzaOur easy Buffalo chicken pizza lets you crank up the heat for pizza night! Just add crunchy veggies and your fave dipping sauces.
Enjoy this unique pizza, where crispy crust meets spicy Buffalo sauce, melty cheese and tender chicken. After just 20 minutes in the oven, this tasty dinner is ready to be devoured. It’s perfect anytime you can’t decide between pizza and chicken wings (especially if you serve the pizza with celery and blue cheese dressing).
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke HeartsI've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Lean, protein-packed chicken breasts take center stage in this savory dish. They’re roasted alongside artichoke hearts, fresh herbs and a splash of white wine. The Parmesan cheese and zesty lemon slices combine to create a rich, tangy flavor.
Chicken Caesar PizzaDressed greens on top of warm pizza may sound a little strange but trust me, it's fantastic. —Tracy Youngman, Post Falls, Idaho
This meal is a mash-up between a Caesar salad and a pizza. It perfectly balances flavors and textures by combining the savory chicken, melted cheese and tangy dressing on a crispy crust. Top it with romaine lettuce, tomatoes and green onions to create a quick dinner that satisfies all your cravings.
Pepperoni CalzoneIndulge in a homemade pepperoni calzone, a blend of melty cheese and zesty pepperoni wrapped in a crispy golden crust. Serve this classic Italian-inspired favorite with a side of zesty marinara sauce.
Indulge in these pepperoni calzones for a quick and filling meal. This sheet-pan recipe takes only 10 minutes to prep and delivers a cheesy handheld delight. They’re also highly customizable, so feel free to swap in veggies to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root VegetablesI will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
This recipe pairs marinated chicken with a tangy balsamic mustard glaze and root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes and shallots. Finished with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh parsley, this dish bursts with savory flavors and earthy sweetness.
Sheet-Pan Kielbasa and VeggiesSheet-pan kielbasa and veggies is a quick and easy dinner—the key is cutting the ingredients into roughly equal pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Try this one-pan roasted kielbasa and vegetable dish for a hearty dinner. It delivers a vibrant flavor in every bite. For a tangy finish, serve with Dijon mustard on the side.
