Coconut Oil In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular, healthy way of cooking food. They work by circulating hot air around the food, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep-fried food, but with minimal oil. While not all foods need oil, most recipes benefit from some, as it gives a nice golden colour and keeps food moist. When choosing an oil, it's important to consider the smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and emit smoke. For air frying, it's best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil. Refined coconut oil is also suitable for air frying, with a smoke point of 400°F. However, unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point of 350°F, so it's not recommended.

Refined vs unrefined coconut oil

Coconut oil is a popular choice for cooking, thanks to its health benefits and high smoke point. It can be used in air fryers, but it is important to choose the right type.

Refined vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil

The main difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil is the way they are produced. Unrefined coconut oil, sometimes labelled as "virgin" or "pure", is extracted from fresh coconut meat using either a dry or wet method. The dry method uses a machine to press the oil out of dried coconut meat, while the wet method presses fresh coconuts and then separates the oil from the coconut milk. Unrefined coconut oil has a strong coconut flavour and scent, and a lower smoke point of around 350°F (177°C).

On the other hand, refined coconut oil undergoes additional processing such as bleaching and deodorising to improve its qualities for cooking. This type of coconut oil has a mild flavour and a higher smoke point of 400-450°F (204-232°C).

Using Coconut Oil in an Air Fryer

When using coconut oil in an air fryer, it is best to opt for refined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil has a low smoke point, which means it will start smoking before the air fryer reaches the target temperature. This will affect the taste of your food and could damage your air fryer. Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, has a high smoke point, making it ideal for the high temperatures used in air frying.

In conclusion, while both types of coconut oil have their uses, refined coconut oil is the best choice for air frying due to its higher smoke point and milder flavour.

Coconut oil's health benefits

Coconut oil has a unique fatty acid composition and is said to have several health benefits. However, it is important to note that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends consuming low-saturated fat foods and using healthier oils for cooking. Therefore, it is best to consume coconut oil in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Here are some of the potential health benefits of coconut oil:

• May Encourage Fat Burning: Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that may increase the number of calories burned by the body. However, there is no conclusive evidence that consuming coconut oil alone will increase calorie burn.
• May Work as a Quick Source of Energy: The MCTs in coconut oil provide a rapid source of energy that can be absorbed and used faster than other types of saturated fat.
• May Have Antimicrobial Effects: Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties due to its MCT content, specifically lauric acid. Research suggests it may have antimicrobial effects against certain disease-causing microorganisms.
• May Help Lessen Hunger: MCTs may increase feelings of fullness and reduce food intake by producing ketones, which can reduce appetite. However, there is no evidence that coconut oil reduces appetite more than other oils.
• May Help Reduce Seizures: The MCTs in coconut oil may help reduce seizure frequency by increasing blood ketone concentrations, which can provide an alternative energy source for the brain.
• May Boost Skin Health: Coconut oil can improve skin moisture content, prevent water loss, and protect against external factors such as infectious agents and allergens.
• May Protect Your Hair: Coconut oil can deeply penetrate hair strands, making them more flexible and stronger, thus reducing breakage.
• May Improve Oral Health: Using coconut oil as a mouthwash through oil pulling can be a cost-effective way to improve oral hygiene by reducing the count of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• May Help Reduce Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease: Coconut oil is rich in MCTs, which can increase blood ketone levels. This may help offset early signs of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease by providing an alternative energy source for brain cells.
• A Good Antioxidant Source: Coconut oil contains antioxidants that help neutralize damaging free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Coconut oil's smoke point

Coconut oil is a popular choice for cooking due to its unique fatty acid composition and possible health benefits. However, when it comes to air frying, it's important to consider the smoke point of the oil. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke. Using an oil with a higher smoke point than the cooking temperature is crucial, as overheating oils can lead to undesirable flavours and potential health risks.

The smoke point of coconut oil depends on whether it is refined or unrefined. Refined coconut oil has a smoke point ranging from 400°F to 450°F, while unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point of around 350°F to 380°F. This distinction is important because unrefined coconut oil will start smoking at a lower temperature, which can affect the taste and quality of your air-fried food. Therefore, when using coconut oil in an air fryer, it is recommended to choose refined coconut oil to avoid smoking.

Compared to other oils commonly used for air frying, coconut oil falls within a similar smoke point range. For instance, avocado oil has a smoke point of up to 520°F, while light olive oil can reach 465-470°F. On the other hand, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point of 320-374°F, making it less suitable for high-heat air frying. Other oils with similar smoke points to coconut oil include sunflower oil (450°F), peanut oil (450°F), and grapeseed oil (421°F).

In summary, coconut oil can be used in an air fryer, but it's important to select refined coconut oil to ensure a higher smoke point. By choosing an oil with a smoke point suitable for your cooking temperature, you can avoid smoking and potential negative impacts on the flavour and healthfulness of your air-fried dishes.

Coconut oil vs other oils

Coconut oil is a versatile oil with a range of uses, from cooking to skincare. But how does it compare to other oils, especially when it comes to air frying?

When it comes to air frying, the type of oil you use is important. Air frying requires oils with a high smoke point, as this is the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke. Oils with a low smoke point will burn at high temperatures, affecting the taste of your food and releasing harmful compounds.

Coconut oil, specifically refined coconut oil, has a smoke point of 400°F (204°C). This is higher than unrefined coconut oil, which has a smoke point of 350°F (177°C). The high smoke point of refined coconut oil makes it suitable for air frying, as it can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down.

Now, let's compare coconut oil to some other commonly used oils:

Avocado Oil:

Avocado oil has the highest smoke point among all oils, with a smoke point of 520°F (271°C) or even 570°F (299°C) according to some sources. This makes it an excellent choice for air frying, as it can handle very high temperatures without breaking down. Avocado oil is also nutrient-dense, offering vitamins and healthy fats.

Olive Oil:

There are different types of olive oil, but for air frying, refined olive oil, also known as light or extra light olive oil, is recommended. It has a smoke point of around 465-470°F (241-243°C), which is significantly higher than extra virgin olive oil, which has a smoke point of 320-374°F (160-190°C). Olive oil is a heart-healthy option and is rich in monounsaturated fats.

Peanut Oil:

Peanut oil has a pleasant nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for stir-frying and deep frying. It is a good option for air frying, especially if you want to add a nutty aroma to your dishes.

Sunflower Oil:

Sunflower oil has a smoke point of 450°F (232°C) and is a good choice for air frying. It has a light flavor, is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats, and is less expensive than some other oils.

Butter:

Butter has a lower smoke point, but it can still be used for air frying, especially if added towards the end of the cooking process. It adds a rich flavor to dishes and offers health benefits such as strengthened bones and teeth due to its high vitamin K and D content.

In conclusion, coconut oil is a healthy and suitable option for air frying, but there are several alternative oils to consider as well. Avocado oil, refined olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and even butter can all be used in an air fryer, each offering unique benefits in terms of flavor, nutrition, and smoke point.

Coconut oil cooking spray

Coconut oil is a great option for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and a smoke point of 400°F (204°C) for refined coconut oil, or 350°F (177°C) for unrefined coconut oil. This means it can be used for cooking at medium heat. Coconut oil is a healthy option, with possible health benefits including boosting brain power and keeping you feeling full for longer.

When using coconut oil in an air fryer, it's best to use it in a spray form. Cooking sprays are a convenient way to add a small amount of oil to your food, and they help to ensure an even distribution. However, it's important to avoid aerosol sprays, as these can contain harmful chemicals that may damage the air fryer basket lining. Instead, use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray, or a refillable oil sprayer or mister filled with a high smoke point oil like coconut oil.

Some examples of non-aerosol oil sprayers include the Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle, the Misto Aluminium Bottle Oil Sprayer, and the Premium Olive Oil Mister and Cooking Sprayer. These non-aerosol sprayers are safe to use in your air fryer and won't damage the lining.

When using coconut oil spray in your air fryer, it's important to follow a few simple guidelines. Firstly, always spray your food directly, rather than spraying the air fryer basket. This helps to prevent any oil from coming into contact with electrical components. Secondly, be mindful of the smoke point and avoid heating the oil above 400°F (204°C) for refined coconut oil, or 350°F (177°C) for unrefined coconut oil. Lastly, always clean your air fryer after use, as oil residue can be difficult to remove if it's allowed to build up over time.

Frequently asked questions