What is better aluminum foil or parchment paper?

Parchment paper and aluminum foil are the same for some purposes

In a lot of cases, parchment paper and aluminum foil are interchangeable. Both can be used to line baking sheets to prevent food from sticking to the pan (and make clean-up easier), but I always have both in my kitchen because parchment paper can do things that foil cannot, and vice versa. And, though we have fairly extensive guides on both kinds of kitchen roll, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose between the two.

Aluminum foil is more widely used than parchment

Conversely, aluminum foil makes a much better shield than parchment, and can reflect heat away from food to keep it from burning. This is especially helpful for pie and poultry, two things whose outsides have a tendency to brown more quickly than their insides cook.

Both materials can be manipulated into various kitchen tools. Folded parchment makes a great cupcake liner (and a decent piping bag), and foil can be fashioned into a makeshift baking rack, or a ring to help buns or eggs keep their round shape while cooking. Switch their roles, however, and you’ll quickly see that the two are not always interchangeable.