No, you should not put paper towels in an air fryer. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to cook it, and placing paper towels inside the air fryer can be a fire hazard.
Paper towels are flammable, and if they come into direct contact with the heating element or hot surfaces inside the air fryer, they can catch fire. Additionally, paper towels can block the airflow, affecting the performance of the air fryer and potentially causing it to overheat.
If you need to absorb excess oil or moisture from the food you're cooking in the air fryer, it's best to use a non-flammable and oven-safe alternative, such as parchment paper or silicone mats. These are designed to withstand the heat of an air fryer and can safely be used during the cooking process.
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines for your specific air fryer model to ensure safe and proper usage.