Air Fryer Oil Options: Can I Use Cooking Oil?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and ability to cook food with minimal oil. While air fryers do not require oil to cook food, using a small amount of oil can improve the taste and texture of your dish. The type and amount of oil used depend on the food being cooked. For example, fresh meats and vegetables benefit from a light coating of oil to prevent drying out and improve browning. On the other hand, frozen foods with oil already in their ingredients, such as frozen fries or pizza rolls, typically do not need additional oil. It is important to note that oil should not be poured directly into the air fryer's pan, as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, oil should be added directly to the ingredients or sprayed onto the air fryer basket.

Can I use cooking oil in my air fryer?

Using cooking oil spray on air fryers

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook food as they require minimal oil. While air fryers do not require oil to cook, adding a small amount of oil to fresh ingredients can create a crispy layer and improve the taste of your dish.

When using cooking oil spray on air fryers, it is important to note that you should not spray the basket of the air fryer as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, spray the food directly with oil before placing it in the air fryer. This will ensure that your food doesn't stick to the air fryer and that the non-stick coating remains intact.

You can use any type of grilling, baking, roasting, or frying oil in your air fryer. Some popular choices include olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and soybean oil. It is recommended to use refined coconut oil as it has a higher smoke point than unrefined coconut oil.

When using oil spray, ensure that you only coat the food with a single layer. Excess oil will drip into the pan of your air fryer during the cooking process. If you are cooking breaded food, you can also mix some oil with your breadcrumbs before breading the food or spray the coat of breadcrumbs afterward.

In conclusion, while not necessary, using cooking oil spray on air fryers can enhance the taste and texture of your food. Just be mindful of the amount of oil you use and always spray the food directly, never the air fryer basket itself.

How much oil to use in an air fryer

The amount of oil you use in an air fryer depends on the type of food you are cooking. While air fryers don't always require oil, a small amount of oil can go a long way in keeping your food moist and providing a golden brown colour.

For frozen foods, a light coating of oil or a spritz of cooking spray can be used to prevent the food from drying out. For fresh meats and vegetables, tossing your food in a few teaspoons of oil in a bowl before placing it in the air fryer can help with seasoning and browning.

When cooking with dough or butter, use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating. For breaded foods, spray the food directly with oil before turning on the air fryer.

It is important to note that any excess oil can make your food too greasy, and oil should not be added directly to the air fryer basket as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, apply oil to the food directly or use an oil sprayer or mister to spritz oil onto the food or basket.

The best oils for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to other cooking methods. While some foods can be cooked in an air fryer without oil, a light coating of oil can help achieve a crispy, golden texture.

When using oil in an air fryer, it is best to add it directly to the food before placing it in the basket. This ensures that the oil does not come into contact with any electrical components. It is also important to note that cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating of an air fryer, so it is recommended to use an oil sprayer instead.

Some foods that benefit from a light coating of oil include meat, which can dry out without oil, and breaded foods like chicken tenders. Frozen foods, on the other hand, often do not need added oil as they already contain oil in their ingredients.

Oils to avoid in an air fryer

While air fryers do not always require oil, it is sometimes necessary to prevent food from sticking to the fryer. However, there are certain oils that you should avoid using in an air fryer.

Non-stick cooking sprays, such as PAM, should be avoided as they can damage the lining of the air fryer basket, creating a gummy and sticky surface that can ruin the non-stick properties of the basket. Similarly, pressurized, propellant oil sprays that contain added chemicals should also be avoided. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that does not contain any propellants, or use a refillable oil sprayer or mister filled with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil.

When it comes to specific oils, it is best to avoid extra virgin olive oil as it has a lower smoke point than other types of olive oil. Virgin olive oil, for example, has a smoke point of 410°F, so it is best to use regular olive oil when cooking at temperatures above 400°F.

In general, it is important to consider the smoking point of the oil you are using in your air fryer, as different oils have different smoke points. Using an oil with a low smoke point may cause it to smoke at high temperatures, affecting the taste and quality of your food.

Adding oil to frozen foods in an air fryer

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of frying but with far less oil. This means you can cook your favourite frozen snacks, like French fries and chicken tenders, with a guilt-free crunch.

While using oil is second nature when cooking in the oven or on the stovetop, air fryers don't always require it. Some frozen foods you cook in your air fryer already contain oil, and any excess oil can make your food too greasy. Oil is rarely needed for frozen foods with oil already in them like frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods.

However, while not always necessary, a spritz of oil can enhance the texture and flavour of your frozen foods. For example, you can toss frozen veggies in oil and spices before air frying for added flavour. You can also use a light oil spray on foods you want to be crispy, like frozen chicken tenders or green beans. For larger cuts of chicken, spray them lightly with oil and flip them halfway through cooking for an even golden finish.

If you need to use a cooking spray, like when cooking breaded food items, only spray the food directly before turning on the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions