Q. Can I use wax paper instead of parchment paper? -D. Piazza, San Diego, CA
A. Wax paper and parchment paper can be used interchangeably in many applications, but not all. Wax paper melts when exposed to heat, while parchment can withstand temperatures up to 450°F, depending on the brand. Both types of paper are a great surface for rolling out pastry dough to prevent sticking and for layering cookies and candies when storing. But parchment paper is the one to choose when lining a baking sheet for a batch of cookies or a pan for roasting meat or vegetables. It's also the only paper to use when cooking en papillote (i.e., when you fold food in a packet and bake it). There's one exception to the rule of keeping wax paper away from heat: it can be used to line the bottom of cake pans because the cake batter absorbs much of the heat and prevents the wax from melting.
FAQs
Wax paper features a thin, waxy coating on each side that makes it both nonstick and moisture-resistant (though it tends to absorb more water than parchment). It's a great substitute for parchment if you're looking to save money, as parchment paper usually ends up costing twice as much.
What happens if you use wax paper instead of parchment paper? ›
The biggest difference between parchment paper and wax paper is that wax paper is not heat-resistant. This means you cannot use it for baking, or even use it in the oven at all because the wax could melt and even catch fire inside your oven.
What can I use if I don't have parchment paper? ›
5 Substitutes for Parchment Paper
- Silpat: Best for Lining Baking Sheets. ...
- Wax Paper: Best for Room Temperature Storage and Makeshift Work Surfaces. ...
- Greased Baking Sheet: Good for Baking. ...
- Aluminum Foil with Oil: Good for Baking, Especially at Hotter Temperatures. ...
- Nonstick Sheet Pans: Good for Baking.
Wax paper is moisture-resistant and nonstick, but it cannot withstand heat and should never be used in the oven. When exposed to high temperatures, the wax will melt and paper itself can catch fire. That's why you should never use wax paper in the oven, toaster oven or other appliances, regardless of temperature.
Can you use wax paper to line baking pans? ›
But wax paper is not heat-resistant. The wax will melt at high temperatures, and the paper itself can catch on fire. Because of this, don't use wax paper to line baking sheets or cake pans or put it in a hot oven. Here are the other ways to use wax paper and when it's best to stick with parchment paper.
What happens if you accidentally use wax paper in the oven? ›
"At high oven temperatures, wax paper may smoke and catch fire as it is combustible,” says Kelly Magurany, senior manager of toxicology at the NSF.
Is it OK to not use parchment paper? ›
If baking, it's best to replace parchment paper with either a greased baking sheet, silicone baking mat, or aluminum foil coated in oil. For storing, substitute parchment paper with wax paper or plastic wrap.
Can you put wax paper in the oven at 400 degrees? ›
Can You Put Wax Paper in the Oven? Wax paper is not safe to put in the oven. The wax coating on the paper can melt or even ignite, so it is not a suitable non-stick barrier when using heat from any source.
Can I use aluminum foil instead of baking sheet? ›
However, if you're baking something that absolutely can't stick, and you only have aluminum foil on hand, simply grease it up as you would an unlined baking dish, and be on your way. Both aluminum foil and parchment paper are totally safe to use—though parchment is more environmentally friendly.
Can you put Reynolds wax paper in the oven? ›
Wax paper should not be directly exposed to the heat of an oven. However, Reynolds Kitchens® Cut-Rite® Wax Paper may be used as a pan liner when baking cakes, bread, muffins or any baked food in which the dough or batter completely covers the wax paper lining.
Dry wax paper should only be used in the oven if it will be completely covered by the batter of the cake, brownies, quick bread, or muffins you are baking. Dry wax paper should not be directly exposed to the heat of the oven because it could smoke or even catch fire.
Can you line a springform pan with wax paper? ›
Some recipes instruct you to grease and flour your springform pan. For extra non-stick insurance, you can also line the bottom with a round of parchment paper (not waxed paper).
Why does wax paper smoke in my oven? ›
Wax paper doesn't fare well in the heat
In fact, that thin coating of paraffin will melt in the oven, which can not only ruin your pans, but also smoke up your kitchen. Wax paper does just fine in the microwave, but if you use it in the oven, Martha Stewart warns that it could even catch fire.
Can I put wax paper in the air fryer? ›
Can you put wax paper in an air fryer? No, you cannot put wax paper into an air fryer. Wax paper is sensitive to heat and, given the air fryer cooking process is dependent on hot air, they do not mix.
Can I bake bread without parchment paper? ›
A really economical way to avoid parchment paper altogether is to use a bakers peel and some flour to ensure your bread slides off. A bakers peel is usually made from wood (but can also be metal). It is floured and then the bread is placed on top.
How to unstick wax paper from food? ›
Wax paper can be peeled off baked goods fairly easily when they are hot. The longer the wax paper sits, the harder it is to peel off the waxed paper. Just peel it off while the cake is still warm.
What can you use instead of parchment paper in an air fryer? ›
If you don't have parchment paper in the kitchen, aluminum foil can make a good alternative. You'll want to follow the same rules: cut the foil to fit in the basket and make sure to weigh the foil down with food. You can also purchase silicone liners designed to fit in an air fryer basket.
