Everyone seems to be using parchment paper in their skillets—but is it really safe to do so?

At the Dinogo Test Kitchen, we always have parchment paper (also known as baking paper or baking parchment) within reach. Unlike wax paper, which can't go into the oven and isn't recyclable, parchment paper can withstand heat up to 425°F and is recyclable. In some cases, it can even be composted, depending on the brand and formula.

We use parchment paper for everything—from cooking en papillote and making DIY muffin liners to lining baking sheets to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. It also comes in handy for catching drips during holiday cookie decorating and doubling as a makeshift funnel when we're in a bind and can't find ours in the cluttered drawer.

However, there are a few uses for parchment paper that we're a bit unsure about.

What’s behind the trend of using parchment paper in skillets?

For example, using parchment paper in an air fryer works well when it's trimmed to size and the temperature stays below the maximum heat limit of the specific parchment brand. Just keep an eye on the food as it cooks to be safe.

Many home cooks and recipe creators are sharing cooking tips on social media and blogs, demonstrating how they place squares of parchment paper in skillets to:

• Fry eggs
• Sear seafood
• Cook hash browns
• Help create the crunchy exterior of tahdig
• Reheat pizza
• Crisp up Parmesan for crunchy chip-like creations

The idea of using parchment paper for frying has been around in professional kitchens for over a decade. Chefs began using it for its nonstick surface, which comes from a food-safe silicone coating, to make cooking and cleanup easier. Since influencers began experimenting with it on Instagram and TikTok in spring 2023, the hashtag #crispySalmonParchmentPaper has amassed over 119.8 million views on TikTok alone.

Food TV personality, chef, and culinary expert Andrew Zimmern weighed in on the topic when he commented on cookbook author J. Kenji López-Alt's Instagram post, saying, "I first saw [French chef Roger Vergé] do it, and 15 years later, I spotted it again (just 3 weeks ago) on IG. Apparently, Vergé wasn't the first... it probably traces back to equipment changes in the 50s and 60s, when cooks noticed how paper was used in pastry kitchens."

This parchment paper skillet trick mimics a silicone baking mat—only it’s a more affordable, disposable alternative that can be cut to fit any pan. The typical process involves adding oil to the pan, laying a trimmed piece of parchment on top, flipping it to coat both sides, and then placing the food to be cooked on top.

Is It Safe to Use Parchment Paper in Skillets?

Safety concerns arise if the parchment paper isn't trimmed properly. Any excess paper could catch fire if using a gas stove. Even with other stovetops, if the paper dries out and chars—like you might see with roasted vegetables—the flakes can break off and contaminate your food. Additionally, most stovetops reach a high setting of around 450°F, which could exceed the safe temperature recommended by the parchment’s manufacturer.

For Meggan Hill, a culinary school graduate, executive chef, and CEO of Culinary Hill, this overheating factor is the main safety concern with using parchment in skillets.

"Parchment paper comes with a specific temperature rating for safe use," Hill explains. "While parchment is coated with silicone, each type has its own temperature range, typically between 420-450°F. Some smaller pieces, like circles, can be rated as low as 390°F. I'm a stickler for the rules, so I always check the package of each parchment paper to make sure I stay within its recommended temperature range."

This means if you're cooking on medium, medium-low, or low heat in a skillet, parchment should be safe to use. Hill regularly uses it in the oven for temperatures under 450°F but avoids using it on the grill, under the broiler, or in a skillet over high heat since temperatures can exceed 500°F. If you decide to try the parchment paper skillet hack, proceed cautiously and monitor it carefully to prevent combustion (if it happens).

Why not just use a nonstick pan instead? Great question. If you have a ceramic-coated or another type of nonstick skillet, that can be a great alternative for all the tasks mentioned. Just make sure you're using utensils that are safe for the surface, and follow the temperature guidelines recommended by the manufacturer.

The Bottom Line

Many home cooks, chefs, bloggers, and social media influencers are sharing tips for using parchment paper in stovetop skillet recipes. Before you jump on the bandwagon, be sure to read your parchment paper’s label, trim it to fit your pan properly, avoid exceeding the temperature limit, and watch it closely to prevent it from catching fire, browning excessively, or flaking into your food.

"For me, ensuring food and kitchen safety always comes before following trends," says Hill, who plans to avoid using parchment paper in her own skillet recipes.

If possible, the safest option is to stick to the same recipe but use a skillet with a naturally nonstick surface, such as a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or a ceramic-coated pan or pot.