Can You Put Aluminum Foil In The Oven? Never Make These 5 Mistakes Again

Aluminum foil mistakes are more common than you think.

Aluminum foil may be the most common kitchen material alongside other staples like wax paper and plastic wrap. Most commonly used during cooking and baking, as well as covering items for storage, aluminum foil is malleable sheets of metal that are made by rolling elements together.

Knowing that aluminum foil is metal, it makes sense to use it in the oven as opposed to less durable materials, but is that safe? The short answer is yes, aluminum foil can go into the oven. That said, aluminum foil can cause problems in your oven if not used correctly, including starting a fire.

If you’re thinking of using aluminum foil in the oven, this article discusses everything you need to know, including five times you should rethink it.

Related: Should You Use Aluminum Foil With The Shiny Side Up Or Down?

Is It OK To Put Aluminum Foil In The Oven?

Yes, aluminum foil can go in the oven. Because aluminum foil is made of metal, when placed in the oven, it heats up and becomes a conductor. It can be used in the oven to cover dishes as they cook or to line pans or baking sheets.

What Is Aluminum Foil?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that aluminum foil is 98.5% aluminum balanced with iron and silicon to add strength and puncture resistance to the sheets.

“The molten alloy is rolled thin and solidified between large, water-cooled chill rollers. During the final rolling, two layers of foil are passed through the mill at the same time,” the USDA writes on their website. “The side coming in contact with the polished steel rollers becomes shiny; the other side comes out dull. It does not make any difference which side of the foil contacts the food.”

When Not To Put Aluminum Foil In The Oven

Aluminum foil should never be used as an oven liner.

When used as an oven liner, aluminum foil can block air vents, creating issues with air flow and heat distribution. Foil can also scratch the enamel of your oven.

Aluminum foil should not be used when baking cookies.

Baking cookies on aluminum foil may cause uneven cooking. Because aluminum foil is a conductor, any part of the cookies that directly touch the foil will cook faster and can burn the dough. Opt for parchment paper instead.

Aluminum foil should never be used in the microwave.

Putting aluminum foil in the microwave can cause damage to your appliance or start a fire. “Metal pans or aluminum foil should also not be used in a microwave oven, as the microwaves are reflected off these materials causing the food to cook unevenly and possibly damaging the oven,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states on their website.

Aluminum foil should never be used if you're cooking acidic foods.

Foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits contain acid that can interact with the aluminum foil, causing the foil to disintegrate or create small holes.

Aluminum foil should not be used if you're trying to reduce aluminum exposure.

While not large quantities, studies have shown that aluminum foil can leach aluminum into your food. The amount of aluminum passed onto you depends upon temperature while cooking and the food itself.

Why Does Foil Get Dark In The Oven?

If you’re noticing that your aluminum foil has darkened while cooking, don’t panic. According to the Reynolds Brand website, aluminum foil can sometimes darken or get discolored during baking – and it’s normal. “The darkening of foil may be caused by moisture from the food being covered,” the website states. “This results in a buildup of aluminum oxide. This is a totally harmless substance that is naturally present on the surface of foil. Moisture tends to accelerate this buildup.”

Related: 10 Clever Ways To Use Aluminum Foil

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