Pam In Air Fryer: Is It Safe?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and ability to cook food with minimal oil. However, the question of whether cooking sprays, such as PAM, can be used in air fryers is a highly debated topic. While some people claim that PAM can be used without any issues, others argue that it should be avoided as it can damage the air fryer's non-stick coating and negatively impact the taste and appearance of food. So, can you use PAM in an air fryer? The answer is yes, but it is generally not recommended due to potential health and appliance-related concerns.

PAM Air Fryer non-stick spray is formulated for high temperatures and cooking conditions of an air fryer

PAM Air Fryer non-stick spray is formulated for the high temperatures and cooking conditions of an air fryer. However, there are differing opinions on whether it is safe to use PAM in an air fryer.

The case for PAM in an air fryer

PAM Air Fryer non-stick spray is designed for the high temperatures and cooking conditions of an air fryer. PAM's website states that the spray will deliver "superior no-stick performance" for your next air-fried meal. Some people also say they have had great success with clean-up and crispy food when using PAM in their air fryer.

The case against PAM in an air fryer

Some people strongly advise against using PAM in an air fryer, or any other aerosol cooking spray for that matter. They argue that cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating of an air fryer basket, potentially ruining the surface.

Martin Bucknavage, an expert in food safety in the Penn State Department of Food Science, explains that cooking sprays such as PAM often include soy lecithin, an emulsifier, which is less stable than high smoke point oils and will deteriorate at the temperatures used for air frying. This can cause a build-up of residue in your equipment and potentially ruin the surface.

Alternatives to PAM in an air fryer

If you are worried about using PAM in your air fryer, there are several alternatives you can use instead. You can buy a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant and is safe to use in the air fryer, such as an avocado oil spray. Another option is to buy a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with a high smoke point oil. You can also brush oil onto your food or the air fryer basket with a pastry brush or wipe it on with a paper towel.

Tips to keep food from sticking to your air fryer

If you are worried about food sticking to your air fryer, there are several things you can try. Firstly, you can lightly coat the air fryer basket with a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower. You can also oil your food by tossing it in a light coating of oil before putting it in the air fryer. Make sure to use a high smoke point oil for this.

You can also use air fryer liners, which are disposable parchment paper liners or reusable silicone liners that are dishwasher-safe. You don't need to use oil with these liners. Another option is to use racks or trays that keep your food elevated, so it doesn't touch the bottom of the basket and prevent sticking. Finally, you can make a foil packet by arranging your food inside a piece of aluminum foil and rolling up the sides, ensuring that air can circulate all around the packet.

Cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating of an air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, speed, and ability to cook food with minimal oil. However, it is important to note that not all oils or cooking sprays are suitable for use in air fryers.

Cooking sprays, such as Pam, often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier, in their formulation. According to Martin Bucknavage, an expert in food safety, lecithin is less stable than high smoke point oils and will deteriorate at the temperatures used for air frying. This can lead to a build-up of sticky residue on the air fryer's basket or tray, which can potentially ruin the non-stick surface over time.

Additionally, cooking sprays can impact the taste and appearance of food in the air fryer. The spray oils can cause discoloration and produce an off-flavor, as evidenced by the dark color that forms when Pam is sprayed onto a hot pan.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using cooking sprays like Pam in your air fryer to prevent damage to the non-stick coating and maintain the optimal performance of your appliance.

Alternatives to Cooking Sprays

So, what are the alternatives? Here are some suggestions:

• High Smoke Point Oils: Opt for oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. These oils can be lightly coated on the air fryer basket or tray using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel.
• Oil Your Food: Instead of spraying the air fryer basket, you can toss the food itself with a light coating of high smoke point oil before placing it in the air fryer.
• Air Fryer Liners: Use disposable parchment paper liners or reusable silicone liners that do not require oil.
• Racks or Trays: Utilize metal racks or trays that keep your food slightly elevated, allowing even cooking and preventing direct contact with the bottom of the basket.
• Foil Packet: Arrange your food inside a piece of aluminum foil, ensuring that air can circulate, and then place it in the air fryer.
• DIY Non-Stick Spray: Purchase a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant, or make your own cooking spray by filling a spray bottle with your chosen cooking oil and spraying it directly on your food.

By following these alternatives, you can effectively use your air fryer while preserving the integrity of its non-stick coating.

Soy lecithin, an ingredient in cooking sprays, is less stable than high smoke point oils and can gunk up your equipment

While it is possible to use cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, it is not recommended. Cooking sprays are often made from genetically modified vegetable oils such as canola, soybean, corn, or soy lecithin. Soy lecithin, in particular, is a waste product of soybean oil refining and acts as an emulsifying agent to prevent ingredient separation. However, it is less stable than high smoke point oils and can create a sticky brown residue on your equipment if not washed off promptly. This residue is more likely to form on thick/dark pans like cast iron that retain heat for longer periods.

To avoid the potential for gunked-up equipment, consider using a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray without propellants or a refillable oil sprayer/mister filled with a high smoke point oil. Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil are examples of oils with high smoke points suitable for air frying. Alternatively, you can brush oil directly onto your food or use perforated parchment paper, washable silicone liners, or a pastry brush.

Cooking sprays can cause discolouration and a slightly off flavour

While cooking sprays like PAM are convenient, they can cause discolouration and a slightly off flavour when used in an air fryer. This is because cooking sprays tend to contain lecithin, an emulsifier, which is less stable than high smoke point oils and will deteriorate at the temperatures used for air frying.

Martin Bucknavage, an expert in food safety in the Penn State Department of Food Science, explains that "the spray oils can cause discolouration and produce a slightly off flavour. If you have ever sprayed PAM onto a hot pan, you see how dark the colour gets."

In addition to the negative impact on taste and appearance, cooking sprays can also damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket or tray, creating a sticky build-up that is difficult to remove and can lead to permanent damage.

So, while it may be tempting to reach for the cooking spray when using your air fryer, it's best to opt for a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower oil instead. A little goes a long way, and your air fryer, and taste buds, will thank you!

Alternatives to PAM include avocado oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil

While you can use PAM in an air fryer, it is not recommended, as it can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. Aerosol cooking sprays are also not great for your health and are known to ruin non-stick surfaces. So, what are some alternatives to PAM?

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is one of the best oils to use in an air fryer. It has a very high smoke point, a neutral flavour, and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Avocado oil has a smoke point of 520°F.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another excellent option for air frying. It is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats, has a light flavour, and a high smoke point of 450°F. Sunflower oil is perfect when you want to retain the natural flavours of your fresh vegetables.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular alternative to cooking spray because of its high smoke point and the subtle coconut flavour it adds to food. If you are using coconut oil for air frying, opt for refined coconut oil, which has a smoke point of 400°F, instead of unrefined coconut oil, which has a lower smoke point of 350°F.

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