Pam In An Air Fryer: Is It Safe?

Cooking spray is a convenient way to prevent food from sticking to pans and baking sheets, but can you use it in an air fryer? While some people claim that you can use cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, others strongly advise against it. So, what's the verdict?

Well, it's important to note that cooking sprays like PAM often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that is less stable than high smoke point oils. This means that it can deteriorate at the high temperatures used for air frying, leading to a build-up of gunk in your air fryer basket or tray. This build-up can be challenging to remove and may even damage the non-stick coating. Additionally, cooking sprays can affect the taste and appearance of your food, causing discolouration and an off-putting flavour.

Instead of using cooking spray, it's recommended to use a high smoke point oil like avocado, sunflower, or peanut oil. You can lightly coat your food or the air fryer basket with oil using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel. So, while you might be tempted to reach for the cooking spray, it's best to opt for a healthier alternative when it comes to your air fryer.

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

PAM is a non-stick cooking spray that is almost magical. Spritz it on your cookie sheet or your grilled cheese skillet and the finished food just slides off without sticking.

Yes, you can use PAM in an air fryer, but the better question is, should you? That would be a resounding no! Nor should you use any other aerosol cooking spray in your air fryer.

Aerosol spray cans like PAM, Crisco, and generic cooking sprays are almost always made from genetically modified vegetable oil like canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, or soy lecithin. Genetically modified crops are intentionally designed to withstand the chemical warfare of harsh agents like bug and weed killers.

Even many of those labeled as 'healthy' olive oil sprays still contain lecithin. Part of the extraction process for lecithin involves using hexane, the same solvent used in glues and varnishes. There are also a number of studies that suggest soy consumption reduces testosterone.

If you're fortunate enough to find a cooking spray without any of these ingredients, you also have the propellants to deal with, which typically contain propane, butane, isobutane, or grain alcohol. As someone who values the quality of what goes in my mouth, none of these things sound appealing at all.

But if you don't care about your own health, then consider the health of your air fryer. The harsh chemical agents found in cooking sprays are notorious for ruining nonstick coatings and can permanently damage your air fryer.

While soy lecithin might keep your food from sticking, it's also known to create a sticky build-up on your non-stick coating that's near impossible to remove. Even if you could miraculously remove it, it usually takes your nonstick surface with it.

• DIY Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Instead of buying pre-made non-stick aerosol cans that ruin your air fryer basket, make your own cooking spray. All you need is a spray bottle or a pastry brush. You can purchase an olive oil sprayer designed especially for cooking, or you can just use a regular old food-friendly squirt bottle.
• High Smoke Point Oils: Choose a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower. A very little goes a long way. Just lightly coat the air fryer basket in the oil using either a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or by wiping the oil on with a paper towel.
• Oil your food: Instead of spritzing the basket, you can toss the food itself in a light coating of oil before using the air fryer. Be sure to use a high smoke point oil like canola or sunflower.
• Air fryer liners: There are disposable parchment paper liners that look somewhat like coffee filters or choose reusable silicone liners that are dishwasher safe. You don’t need to use oil with these liners.
• Racks or trays: These inserts are metal racks that keep your food elevated, allowing even cooking all around. It also keeps your food from touching the bottom of the basket, preventing sticking.
• Make a foil packet: Arrange your food inside a piece of aluminum foil, then roll up the sides. Make sure that air can circulate all around the packet. When your food is finished, you can toss the used foil, and your air fryer should be perfectly clean and ready for the next meal.

So, is there a PAM product that is safe to use in an air fryer?

Cooking sprays like PAM can damage the air fryer basket

While it may be tempting to use a cooking spray like PAM in your air fryer, it is important to note that it can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. This is because cooking sprays often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that is less stable than high smoke point oils. When used at the high temperatures required for air frying, soy lecithin can deteriorate and gunk up your equipment, potentially ruining the surface.

In addition to the risk of damage, cooking sprays can also negatively impact the taste and appearance of your food. The spray oils can cause discolouration and produce an off-putting flavour.

So, what are the alternatives? Well, you can opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant and is safe to use in the air fryer. Avocado oil spray, for example, has a high smoke point and contains no propellants, chemicals, or emulsifiers. You can also buy a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with a high smoke point oil like avocado, peanut, or sunflower oil.

If you don't want to use a spray, you can simply brush oil onto your food or the air fryer basket using a pastry brush or silicone brush. Alternatively, you can toss your food in a light coating of oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Other ways to prevent sticking in your air fryer include using liners (disposable parchment paper or reusable silicone), racks or trays, or making a foil packet for your food.

Soy lecithin in cooking sprays can deteriorate at air frying temperatures, causing a build-up in your equipment

Cooking sprays are a convenient way to add oil to your dishes, but they may not be the best option for air fryers. While you can use cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, it is generally advised against due to potential damage to the appliance and health concerns.

Soy lecithin, a common ingredient in cooking sprays, is a key factor in this debate. Soy lecithin is a waste product produced during the refining of soybean oil, and it acts as an emulsifier, preventing ingredients from separating. However, critics argue that soy lecithin consumption may be harmful due to the potential presence of pesticides and solvents used in soybean cultivation and processing.

The issue with soy lecithin lies in its propensity to deteriorate at high temperatures, such as those reached in air frying. When soy lecithin breaks down at air frying temperatures, it can form a sticky, brown residue that is challenging to remove. This build-up can accumulate on the surfaces of your air fryer, potentially damaging the non-stick coating and reducing the appliance's lifespan.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to opt for alternative oils or oil sprays that do not contain soy lecithin. Avocado oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil are popular choices for air frying as they have high smoke points and are less likely to break down and cause build-up. You can use these oils with a spray bottle, a pump-style oil sprayer, or a pastry brush to apply a light coating to your food or the air fryer basket.

By choosing oils without soy lecithin and using them in appropriate amounts, you can maintain the longevity of your air fryer while still enjoying the convenience and health benefits of this cooking method.

Cooking sprays can cause discolouration and a slightly off flavour

While it is possible to use PAM in an air fryer, it is not recommended. Cooking sprays such as PAM often include soy lecithin, an emulsifier, in their formulation. This is less stable than high smoke point oils and will deteriorate at the temperatures used for air frying. This can gunk up your equipment, specifically the tray or basket, and potentially ruin the surface.

The smoke point is the temperature at which oils begin to smoke. Smoking means that the oil is breaking down and this can cause an unpleasant smell or taste. High smoke point oils include avocado oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil.

Cooking sprays can also negatively impact the taste and look of food in the air fryer. "The spray oils can cause discolouration and produce a slightly off flavour," says Martin Bucknavage, an expert in food safety in the Penn State Department of Food Science. "If you have ever sprayed PAM onto a hot pan, you see how dark the colour gets."

So, if you want to avoid discolouration and off flavours, it is best to avoid using cooking sprays in your air fryer. Instead, opt for a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower. A little goes a long way, so just lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil using either a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or by wiping the oil on with a paper towel.

Instead of cooking sprays, use a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower oil

While some people claim that they have had success using PAM in an air fryer, most sources advise against it. Cooking sprays such as PAM often include soy lecithin, an emulsifier that is less stable than high smoke point oils and will deteriorate at temperatures used for air frying. This can gunk up your equipment, specifically the tray or basket, and potentially ruin the surface.

If you want to use a cooking spray, you can make your own by purchasing a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant and is safe to use in the air fryer. For example, an avocado oil spray has a smoke point of 500°F and contains no propellants, chemicals, or emulsifiers. Another option is to buy a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with a high smoke point oil.

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