Butter In The Air Fryer: What You Need To Know

You can put butter in an air fryer, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, the smoke point of butter is around 350°F, so using butter in an air fryer may cause smoking if the temperature exceeds this limit. To avoid this, you can add a small amount of water below the air fryer basket. Secondly, while you can grease your air fryer basket or food with butter, using excessive amounts of butter or oil with wet foods can cause a mess as the hot air circulation will cause the grease to splatter. Finally, it is recommended to avoid using butter for cooking high-fat foods such as bacon or hamburger patties, as it can increase cholesterol.

Can you put butter in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put butter in an air fryer, but there are some important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, a little butter or oil can help to transfer heat more effectively, making food crispier and juicier, and helping the seasoning to stick to meat. However, adding too much butter defeats the purpose of healthy air frying, so it is best to lightly grease the surface or brush butter onto food. Use one to two tablespoons for breaded foods.

Secondly, the smoking temperature of butter is relatively low, so it may start smoking at around 350°F. If you are using butter in high-fat foods, put a little water beneath the basket to prevent excessive smoke when the grease drips down.

Thirdly, do not put a lot of butter or oil with wet foods or marinades in an air fryer, as this will cause grease to splatter. Also, avoid using butter for cooking high-fat foods, and do not use it beyond its smoking point.

Finally, to melt butter in an air fryer, place a butter cube in an oven-safe bowl and put it inside the air fryer at 200°F for two to three minutes.

How to use butter in an air fryer

Yes, you can put butter in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use butter sparingly; a little goes a long way. You can brush it on the basket or the food itself, or melt it in an oven-safe dish inside the air fryer. This will help transfer heat more effectively, make food crispier, and impart a juicy flavour.

When using butter in an air fryer, it's crucial not to exceed the smoking point of butter, which is around 350°F. Using butter at temperatures higher than this may cause smoking and burning. To avoid this issue, you can add a small amount of water to the drawer under the air fryer basket.

• Lightly grease the air fryer basket or your steaks with butter.
• Melt butter by placing it in an oven-friendly dish inside the air fryer.
• Lightly brush or marinate butter on frozen ready-to-cook foods like steaks, meat, fish, or shrimp.
• For breaded foods, use one to two tablespoons of butter.
• Use butter as a substitute for oil when cooking at temperatures below 350-375°F.
• Avoid using butter for high-fat foods like bacon or hamburger patties, as it can increase smoke formation.
• When cooking with wet foods or marinades, avoid using large amounts of butter or oil, as it may cause splattering.
• To clean your air fryer after using butter, let the grease solidify, then wipe it away and wash with hot soapy water.

Additionally, you can use butter in air fryer recipes like Air Fryer Butter Swim Biscuits, which require a baking dish to catch the butter.

When not to use butter in an air fryer

While you can put butter in an air fryer, there are some instances when you should avoid doing so. Here are some scenarios when it is not advisable to use butter in an air fryer:

When Cooking High-Fat Foods:

Avoid using butter when cooking high-fat foods such as bacon or hamburger patties. The combination of butter and high-fat foods can lead to excessive smoke formation and potential burning. Instead, use oil with a high smoking point, like olive oil or avocado oil, for recipes requiring temperatures above 350°F to 375°F.

When Using Wet Foods or Marinades:

Do not use butter with wet foods or marinades in an air fryer. The hot air circulation will cause the grease to splatter inside the appliance, resulting in a messy cleanup.

When Cooking Beyond the Smoking Point of Butter:

The smoking point of butter is 350°F. Do not use butter for cooking at temperatures above this point, as it will smoke and potentially burn. Using butter beyond its smoking point can also affect the taste of your food.

For People with High Cholesterol:

According to a 2015 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, individuals with high cholesterol should minimize their butter consumption. Butter has been found to increase cholesterol levels. Therefore, if you have high cholesterol or are conscious of your cholesterol intake, it is advisable to skip using butter in your air fryer and opt for alternative cooking oils or fats.

When Using Canned or Pressurized Sprayers:

Avoid using canned or pressurized sprayers with butter or any other substance in your air fryer. These products often contain chemicals and propellants that can cause issues with the coatings inside the air fryer basket and may also be unsafe for consumption.

How to remove butter grease from an air fryer

Yes, you can put butter in an air fryer. However, it is important to know how to remove the grease from your air fryer after cooking. Grease from leftover butter, if left uncleaned, can cause smoking and charring and may alter the taste of food cooked in the air fryer subsequently. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove butter grease from your air fryer:

Step 1: Let the Butter/Grease Turn Cold

Let the butter or grease cool down to room temperature. This will make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Wipe Away the Butter/Grease

Using a kitchen towel or a soft cloth, gently wipe away the butter or grease from the air fryer surfaces.

Step 3: Soak in Hot Soapy Water

Fill the air fryer basket with hot soapy water and let it soak for some time. This will help to loosen any remaining grease and food residue.

Step 4: Wash with Warm Water

After soaking, wash the air fryer basket with warm water to remove any remaining soap and residue.

Step 5: Dry the Air Fryer

Make sure to dry the air fryer basket and all removable parts thoroughly before reassembling and using it again.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use, even if it looks clean, as grease can be difficult to see.
• Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific cleaning instructions. Some parts may be hand-wash only, while others may be dishwasher-safe.
• To remove stubborn grease, you can create a paste with baking soda and liquid dish soap and apply it to the greasy areas. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

How much butter can you use in an air fryer?

Yes, you can put butter in an air fryer, but it's important to be mindful of how much you use. Air fryers typically cook food at 400°F, while butter has a smoking point of 350°F, so using too much butter can lead to smoking and burning.

A thin layer of butter is best when using it in an air fryer. This helps enhance the flavour and texture of your food without burning. It's recommended to use melted butter, as it's easier to apply evenly to the air fryer basket or the food. One to two tablespoons of melted butter is usually enough to coat the basket or pan. If you're coating food, just use enough to lightly coat it.

If you're cooking food that's high in fat, like bacon or burgers, it's best to skip the butter. However, if you do use butter with high-fat foods, place a small amount of water under the air fryer basket. This way, when the grease drips down, it will fall into the water instead of onto the metal, reducing smoke formation.

You can also use butter as a coating for food before air frying. For example, you can brush melted butter on vegetables or meat. This adds flavour and helps the food brown and crisp up.

Frequently asked questions