Butter In Air Fryer: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, juicy food without the use of cooking oils. But can you put butter in an air fryer? The answer is yes, you can put butter in an air fryer. However, there are some things you should keep in mind. Firstly, butter has a lower smoke point than the typical air fryer temperature, so it can burn easily. To avoid this, use clarified butter, which has a higher smoke point, or brush a thin layer of melted butter directly onto the air fryer basket or the food. You can also toss your food in a mixing bowl with butter to ensure an even coating. Using butter in an air fryer can add moisture and flavour to your dishes, but it's important to use it sparingly and keep an eye on it to prevent smoking or burning.

Will butter burn in an air fryer?

Air fryers cook food at a higher temperature than the smoking point of butter, which is 350°F. Most food is cooked in an air fryer at 400°F. Therefore, if you were to apply butter directly to the air fryer surface, it would burn.

However, this does not mean that you cannot use butter in an air fryer at all. There are ways to use butter in an air fryer without burning it. For example, you can lightly coat food with butter so that a small amount is used, and it will not burn but still add moisture and flavour to the food. You can also cut butter into small cubes or brush it onto the basket or pan. The butter will melt faster and is less likely to burn.

The best way to use butter in an air fryer is by clarifying it first. Clarified butter has a smoke point of 450°F, which is ideal for air fryers. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter because the milk solids and water are removed. Clarified butter also infuses a richer flavour than regular butter and cooking oils.

The best way to use butter in an air fryer is to brush melted butter directly onto the air fryer basket surface or the food to be cooked with a basting brush. This adds just the right amount of butter to your food without it burning during the cooking process. When brushing melted butter directly onto food, make sure to coat all sides, or it will cook unevenly. If you are brushing melted butter onto an air fryer basket, one to two tablespoons is all you'll need. If you brush on too much melted butter, it will drip into the air fryer and possibly smoke or burn.

Tossing food with butter in a mixing bowl is another way to ensure the food gets coated properly. Start with a little butter at the bottom and toss the food in the butter, adding small increments as needed, until all sides are lightly coated.

The primary concern with using fats like oil and butter in cooking is the smoke point. The smoking point is when a fat reaches its burning point and starts smoking. If you use a fat with a lower smoking point than the temperature setting of the cooking source, it will burn and infuse off flavours into your food.

Therefore, to avoid burning butter in an air fryer, it is important to use it sparingly and keep a close eye on it while cooking.

How to use butter in an air fryer

Air fryers are great for making crisp, juicy food without the use of cooking oils. However, some foods require fat to cook and some foods just taste better cooked in fat. Butter is a great option to use in an air fryer, but it does have a lower smoke point than cooking oil, so it must be used carefully.

Will the butter burn?

The smoking point of butter is 350°F, while most food cooks at 400°F in an air fryer. Therefore, you need to be careful not to use too much butter, or it will burn. A light coating of butter on your food will add moisture and flavour without burning.

• Melted butter is best for coating the air fryer surface or your food. It will heat more evenly than solid butter.
• If you are using solid butter, cut it into small cubes so that it will melt faster.
• Brushing butter onto your food or the air fryer basket is the best way to apply it. This will ensure you use a small enough amount that it doesn't burn.
• When brushing butter onto food, make sure to coat all sides so that it cooks evenly.
• Tossing food in a mixing bowl with a small amount of butter is another good way to ensure an even coating.
• If you are melting butter in your air fryer, use a low temperature and keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.

Tips for using butter in an air fryer

• A thin layer of butter will be less likely to burn.
• Always melt your butter before use, as this will make it easier to apply evenly.
• Keep an eye on your air fryer when cooking with butter to ensure it isn't smoking.
• Adding a small amount of water to the drawer under the air fryer basket can help to prevent smoking.

Cleaning your air fryer

• Before cleaning, ensure your air fryer has completely cooled down.
• Wipe away any excess butter grease with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
• Soak the basket, pan or rack in warm, soapy water to loosen hardened grease.
• Create a baking soda and warm water paste and scrub the interior of your air fryer gently with a toothbrush.
• Ensure your air fryer is completely dry before using it again.

Happy air frying!

Best foods to use butter on in an air fryer

While air fryers are known for dry frying food, a little bit of butter can go a long way to produce even better results. Here are some of the best foods to use butter on in an air fryer:

• Fish: A brush of melted butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich, mouth-watering flavor.
• Vegetables: The butter keeps them from clinging to the air fryer basket while locking in that much-needed moisture.
• Chicken Wings: Toss your wings in a mix of butter and hot sauce, and watch as they emerge from your air fryer, beautifully crispy and packed with flavor.
• Steak: A pat of butter on a steak before air frying brings a classic sizzle.
• Corn on the cob: Brushed with butter and air-fried to perfection.

You can also use butter on tofu, crab cakes, and even desserts like banana halves studded with cinnamon, nuts, and raisins.

When not to use butter in an air fryer

While butter can be used in an air fryer, there are some instances where it is best avoided.

Firstly, it is not advisable to use butter when cooking wet or marinated foods. The fan in the air fryer can cause the butter to splatter, creating a greasy mess. In these cases, it is better to opt for oil.

Secondly, due to its low smoke point, butter can easily smoke or burn in an air fryer, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures. If you must use butter, apply it sparingly and directly to the food or the basket.

Thirdly, fatty foods such as hamburgers and bacon are best cooked without the addition of butter. These foods produce their own grease, and adding butter can result in overly greasy and saturated dishes. It is recommended to let these foods cook in their own fat.

Additionally, when cooking breaded foods, butter can cause the coating to become soggy. If you are aiming for a crispy texture, it is better to use a cooking spray or oil instead of butter.

Lastly, for delicate pastries like phyllo or puff pastry, butter can make the dough too moist, inhibiting it from achieving the desired flaky texture. A light brushing of oil is a better option in this case.

Tips for using butter in an air fryer

Using butter in an air fryer can be tricky because of its low smoke point. However, with the right precautions, it can be done. Here are some tips to help you successfully use butter in your air fryer:

• Use clarified butter: Clarified butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter because the milk solids and water are removed. It also infuses a richer flavor.
• Thin layer: Apply a thin layer of butter to your food or the air fryer basket. This helps prevent burning while still adding flavor and texture to your dish.
• Melted butter: Melt your butter before use. It will be easier to apply evenly, whether you brush it on the air fryer basket or your food.
• Keep an eye on it: Air frying with butter requires constant attention. Keep a close eye on your air fryer to ensure the butter isn't smoking or causing any issues.
• Use a low temperature: If you need to melt butter in your air fryer, use a low temperature to reduce the risk of it burning.
• Short time intervals: Check the butter at short intervals to prevent overheating.
• Clean thoroughly: After cooking with butter, make sure to clean your air fryer thoroughly. Wipe away excess grease, soak the basket in warm soapy water, and scrub the interior with a baking soda and warm water paste.

By following these tips, you can successfully use butter in your air fryer to enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes.

Frequently asked questions