Using Nonstick Spray In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook food. They use hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep-fried food but with minimal oil. While air fryers already use less oil than traditional frying methods, some recipes may call for a small amount of oil to be added to the air fryer. However, it is important to note that using nonstick cooking spray in an air fryer is not recommended as it can damage the nonstick coating, causing it to flake and potentially end up in your food. Instead, it is suggested to use a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil, and apply it sparingly with a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel.

Why nonstick spray damages the air fryer basket

Nonstick spray can damage the air fryer basket in several ways. Firstly, it is important to understand that cooking spray is not simply oil. It often contains lecithin, an emulsifier, which builds up on the air fryer basket over time. This build-up results in sticky spots that are difficult to remove and can degrade the non-stick coating of the basket, making it less effective at releasing food cleanly. The lecithin in the spray can also burn at lower temperatures, damaging the non-stick coating and turning your air fryer basket into a sticky mess.

Additionally, cooking sprays often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that is less stable than high-smoke-point oils. When used in an air fryer, soy lecithin can deteriorate and gunk up the equipment, potentially ruining the surface. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke, signalling that the oil is breaking down. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado, sunflower, or coconut oil, are recommended for use in air fryers.

Cooking sprays can also negatively impact the taste and appearance of food in the air fryer. They can cause discolouration and produce an off-putting flavour. Furthermore, using cooking spray in an air fryer can make it harder to use less oil in future air-frying endeavours, as the coating may become compromised.

To preserve the integrity of your air fryer basket, it is best to avoid using nonstick spray and opt for high smoke point oils applied sparingly with a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel.

How to prevent food from sticking in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook food, but one common issue that people may encounter is food sticking to the air fryer basket. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Avoid using nonstick cooking spray

While it may be tempting to use nonstick cooking spray in your air fryer, it is important to avoid doing so. Cooking sprays such as Pam often contain lecithin, an emulsifier that can build up and become nearly impossible to remove. This buildup will ruin the coating of your air fryer basket, making it sticky and difficult to clean. The propellant in aerosol sprays can also damage and erode the nonstick surface, causing flaking and potentially contaminating your food with metal particles.

Use high smoke point oils

Instead of cooking spray, opt for a high smoke point oil such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. These oils have a smoke point of 400°F or higher, which means they can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without breaking down and causing an unpleasant smell or taste. You can lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel.

Oil your food

Instead of applying oil to the basket, you can toss your food in a light coating of oil before placing it in the air fryer. Be sure to use a high smoke point oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Use air fryer liners

Disposable parchment paper liners or reusable silicone liners can be placed in your air fryer to create a barrier between your food and the basket. These liners are dishwasher-safe and eliminate the need for oil altogether.

Try racks or trays

Metal racks or trays can be placed inside your air fryer to elevate your food slightly, allowing for even cooking and preventing direct contact with the bottom of the basket. This helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Make a foil packet

Arrange your food inside a piece of aluminum foil, ensuring that air can circulate around it. This method allows you to cook your food without it touching the basket, and the used foil can be easily discarded after cooking, leaving your air fryer clean and ready for your next meal.

The best oils to use in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly and healthily, using minimal oil. However, not all oils are created equal when it comes to air frying. The type of oil you use depends on factors such as the food you're cooking, the temperature you're cooking at, and the smoke point of the oil.

Although you don't need to use oil in the same way as you would for deep frying, a small amount of oil is usually beneficial for most recipes. Oil helps to give a nice golden colour to certain foods and keeps food moist during cooking so that it doesn't dry out.

The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke as it is heated. When oil reaches its smoke point, a chemical breakdown occurs, releasing gas and other byproducts. This can cause the oil to develop an undesirable burnt flavour, which can affect the taste of your food.

Best Oils for Air Frying

It is important to choose an oil with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at. Some examples of high smoke point oils are:

• Avocado oil
• Peanut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Light olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Refined coconut oil
• Canola oil
• Vegetable oil
• Soybean oil
• Ghee (clarified butter)

These oils are suitable for a variety of recipes and have high smoke points, so they won't burn at high temperatures.

Oils to Avoid

Low smoke point oils such as flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and butter are better suited for drizzling over finished dishes, making salad dressings, or using in low-temperature cooking.

How to Use Oil in an Air Fryer

When using oil in an air fryer, it is best to lightly coat the air fryer basket or the food itself with oil. You can use a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or wipe the oil on with a paper towel. You can also toss the food in a light coating of oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Remember, when it comes to air frying, less is more. A little oil goes a long way!

How much oil to use in an air fryer

While air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep fryers, a small amount of oil can go a long way in keeping your food moist and providing a golden brown colour.

The amount of oil you use in an air fryer depends on the type of food you are cooking. For example, frozen foods such as dumplings and ravioli need a little oil when cooking in an air fryer, otherwise they will start to get a little dry. Spray food with about 1 teaspoon of oil using an oil sprayer on all sides. When shaking the basket while cooking, if the food looks too dry, spray a little more oil on it.

For roasted vegetables, place the cut-up vegetables in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil and toss together until well coated.

Most meats do not need oil. If you need oil when cooking a food in the oven, you should use a little oil in the air fryer. This includes if you just need to spray a baking sheet to make it non-stick. You can, however, choose to marinate meat with ingredients such as oil.

Most frozen foods do not need added oil when being air-fried. Foods like frozen sweet potato fries when cooked in an air fryer already have oil in their ingredients and don’t need an extra spritzing while cooking. Simply cook your frozen food halfway, open the drawer to flip or shake the basket, and add any oil if the food appears dry.

When using oil in an air fryer, it is recommended to use high smoke point oils such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil.

Cooking sprays such as Pam should be avoided as they can damage the non-stick coating and make the pan unsafe for use. If you need to use a cooking spray, only spray the food directly before turning on the air fryer.

How to clean an air fryer

Step 1: Unplug and Cool

Always unplug the air fryer from the power outlet and let it cool down completely before you start cleaning. This is important for safety reasons, as it prevents any electrical accidents while handling water or cleaning solutions.

Step 2: Remove Removable Parts

Take out the basket, tray, and pan. These parts are usually dishwasher-safe, but it's best to check your air fryer's manual to be sure. Washing these parts by hand with warm, soapy water is also an option. If there is baked-on grease or stubborn food residue, you can soak them in hot water and soap for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing with a soft sponge or brush.

Step 3: Clean the Main Unit

The main unit of the air fryer should not be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior, removing any food splatters or grease residue. Be careful not to scrub the interior cooking surface too hard to avoid scratching it. You can also use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue.

Step 4: Dry and Reassemble

Ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling the air fryer. This is important to prevent moisture from affecting the performance of your air fryer or causing a malfunction.

Deep Cleaning:

For a deeper clean, it is recommended to clean the heating coil and the interior of the unit with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning solution. Rinse well to ensure no soap residue is left on the coil. You can also use a baking soda and vinegar paste to scrub away any stuck-on food and remove odours.

Maintenance Tips:

To keep your air fryer in good condition, it is recommended to clean it regularly after each use and to deep clean it about once a month or more often if you use it frequently. Using liners or parchment paper can help reduce mess and make cleaning easier. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter.

What Not to Do:

• Do not submerge the entire air fryer in water.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges/metal utensils as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Do not skip cleaning the heating element, as grease can accumulate and reduce efficiency.
• Do not reassemble the air fryer before all parts are completely dry.

Frequently asked questions