Can You Microwave Parchment Paper? A How-To Guide

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When we think about using parchment paper in the kitchen, we usually think about baking. But its use goes far beyond the cookie tray! We’re here to explore this simple question: Can you microwave parchment paper?

The short answer is yes; you can microwave parchment paper. However, there are a few things you need to know to do so safely – covered below.

This guide serves as a definitive safety reference for using parchment paper in the microwave—explaining when it’s safe, when it fails, and why manufacturing details matter more than labels.

To quickly name a few, ensure you see “microwave-safe” labeling and avoid cooking fatty foods from scratch on this paper.

Let’s get into the rest now:

On this page [Jump Ahead]

What Is Parchment Paper and How Is It Used?
Yes, Parchment Paper Can Go in the Microwave (But Follow These Guidelines):
- Parchment Paper’s Heat Tolerance
Is Microwaving Parchment Paper Safe for Your Health?
When Parchment Paper Is Not Microwave-Safe
Can You Microwave Other Types Of Paper? What to Avoid:
Conclusion & Recap

What Is Parchment Paper and How Is It Used?

Before we discuss purchasing and usage tips for safely microwaving parchment paper, it’s vital to first know what it is and how it works.

Parchment paper, also called baking or bakery paper, is coated with silicone, making it non-stick and heat-resistant. These properties make it a popular choice for baking that demands a slick surface, such as lining cookie trays. It’s most commonly sold as a roll, making it easy to tear off the length you need.

People use parchment paper for various functions, including baking and protecting countertops, especially when you’re trying to avoid aluminum. It’s grease-resistant, making it a popular choice for packaging food or separating sticky items. Many also use it as a surface to heat food in the microwave.

Yes, Parchment Paper Can Go in the Microwave (But Follow These Guidelines):

Parchment paper is not inherently unsafe in the microwave, but its safety depends on coatings, heat exposure, and whether it’s reused.

While you can microwave most parchment paper, checking the label is still essential to ensure safety. Follow these guidelines to ensure safety:

Check your package for microwave-safe labels or logos. These “labels” may include a written notice, a small picture of a microwave, or three wavy, horizontal lines. See the above image.
Check for disclosed coatings or treatments. Some parchment papers are silicone-treated to improve non-stick performance, while others are untreated. Concerns around PFAS coatings have been raised for some baking papers as well. These potential coatings directly affect microwave safety. More on this topic soon, but in short, avoid any paper with an undisclosed coating, as it may contain harmful PFAS chemicals.
Double-check the packaging to ensure you have “parchment” paper, not “wax” paper. Wax paper begins to melt even at temperatures as low as 200℉. So, it should stay out of both microwaves and ovens.
Bleached Vs. Unbleached: Bleached parchment paper is white from a chlorine treatment, while unbleached is brown. They’re often used interchangeably, and the difference will not affect your recipe. You can microwave both types, but some say unbleached is safer to use – more on that shortly.

If unsure about any of these, you can check the manufacturer’s website, contact the manufacturer, or even check government websites like the USDA for food safety information.

Also, check recycled parchment paper packaging for a microwave-safe label. Recycled or reused papers can differ slightly from brand-new ones. If parchment is reused or heavily wrinkled, hot spots can form, and repeated heating increases migration risk. Depending on the coating, this can spell trouble.

Parchment Paper’s Heat Tolerance

Most parchment paper brands are oven-safe up to roughly 420℉ (215.5°C). This is good news for microwave users since food rarely exceeds that temperature when heating. It also means you can safely use parchment paper in an air fryer at this temperature.

While parchment paper won’t burn in the microwave, it can get hot to the touch. Be careful when removing it. However, if you’re using it in the oven, don’t exceed 420℉, as the paper can burn.

It’s also important not to bake with parchment paper near a heat source in the oven, as it can scorch if too close. However, there is one exception to parchment’s microwave safety. That is:

Avoid cooking fatty (think: greasy) foods like bacon.

Fatty foods can get extremely hot when cooked and risk burning the paper. So, it’s safest to avoid microwaving greasy foods on parchment paper.

Is Microwaving Parchment Paper Safe for Your Health?

There is some debate on the health impacts of parchment paper.

Unbleached options are entirely non-toxic, as they’re just silicone-coated paper. However, some sources report that bleached parchment paper contains the chemical dioxin, although scientific research has not confirmed this.

Other parchment papers may contain PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals that can have serious adverse health effects when ingested in large quantities. However, according to a Safer Chemicals report, most available options do not contain PFAS. Or, it’s present in such small amounts that health impacts are unlikely.

Finally, some non-silicone parchment papers contain Quilon, a coating that some argue can become toxic when heated. The label will usually note if a paper is Quilon-coated rather than silicone-coated.

When Parchment Paper Is Not Microwave-Safe

For reliable safety, avoid microwaving parchment paper that:

Is bleached or coated without disclosure (unknown surface treatments).
Is reused or heavily wrinkled; hot spots can form, and single-use paper behaves more predictably than reused paper in terms of burn risk.
Is marketed for baking only, not microwave use. Dry oven heat and microwave heat stress paper fibers differently. Avoid paper labeled only as “oven-safe,” as this does not mean microwave-safe.

Can You Microwave Other Types Of Paper? What to Avoid:

It’s important to note that not all types of paper can go in the microwave.

Always check the packaging for a microwave-safe label. If you’re unsure if something is microwave-safe, follow this rule of thumb: when in doubt, leave it out!

These items are okay to put in the microwave:

Paper towels: At medium power for ~2 minutes.
Uncoated, white paper plates: At medium power for ~2 minutes (Read more about microwaving paper plates).

Don’t put the following paper items in the microwave:

Wax paper: This is different from parchment paper and may catch fire.
Newspapers: Newspapers may catch fire. They also contain ink that can contaminate food.
Brown paper bags: These are more likely to catch fire in the microwave.
Decorative paper plates or napkins (with designs): These may contain flammable or toxic inks.
Coated paper plates: Some paper plates are coated with a waxy plastic or PFAS substance to prevent moisture absorption. If your dish is shiny or feels a little waxy, or if it has any design on it, don’t put it in the microwave.

Other types of food packaging, including paper food packaging, may also contain dangerous chemicals that can leach into your food.

While some international regulations govern what chemicals companies can use in food packaging, you should avoid microwaving anything not labeled “microwave-safe.”

Conclusion & Recap

So, can you microwave parchment paper? Yes, but carefully!

Always make sure you follow these four safety tips to prevent mishaps:

Check for microwave-safe labeling or logos.
Do not microwave parchment paper with fatty, greasy foods like bacon.
Do not microwave wax paper or similar materials that might melt or burn.
Never use parchment paper above 420℉ (food in the microwave will stay below this temperature, so that’s safe).

Adam Heck

Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!

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