Pam In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

The use of Pam cooking spray in air fryers is a highly debated topic. While some people claim that using Pam in an air fryer is safe, others argue that it can damage the non-stick coating of the appliance. The issue stems from the presence of propellants and other additives in Pam, which can leave a sticky residue and potentially cause flaking of the coating over time. To prolong the lifespan of your air fryer, it is recommended to use alternative greasing methods such as brushing with oil, using an oil mister, or wiping the basket with an oil-soaked paper towel.

Should I use Pam on my air fryer basket?

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, mimicking the results of deep frying but with a fraction of the oil.

Cooking spray, such as Pam, is widely used to prevent food from sticking to pots and pans. However, when it comes to air fryers, the answer is not as straightforward.

The Short Answer:

The short answer is no, you should not use Pam or any other aerosol cooking spray in your air fryer. Aerosol cooking sprays are one of the worst things for your health and your air fryer basket.

The Long Answer:

Aerosol oil sprays like Pam are a combination of various ingredients, including chemical oil, lecithin (a fat substance that helps to emulsify the oil), and a propellant. The propellant could be food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and/or propane, which helps prevent the spray from clogging in the nozzle.

Why You Shouldn't Use Aerosol Oil Spray in an Air Fryer:

Of all the ingredients listed above, the propellant is the most concerning. It can damage and erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time, causing it to flake and mix with your food.

Additionally, aerosol spray cans are often made from genetically modified vegetable oils, such as canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, or soy lecithin, which are intentionally designed to withstand harsh chemical agents. Even those labelled as 'healthy' olive oil sprays may contain lecithin, which is extracted using hexane, a solvent also used in glues and varnishes.

Alternatives to Aerosol Sprays:

Instead of using aerosol cooking sprays, there are several alternatives you can consider:

• Brushing with oil: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil using a pastry brush or silicone brush. This allows you to control the amount of oil and reduces the risk of damaging the coating.
• Oil mister: Purchase an oil mister to spray a fine mist of oil directly onto your food, distributing the oil precisely without using cooking spray.
• Oil-soaked paper towel: Pour a small amount of oil onto a paper towel and carefully wipe the air fryer basket, ensuring it is saturated but not dripping.
• DIY Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Buy a spray bottle or a pastry brush and fill it with your favourite cooking oil. Spray directly on your food or brush onto your food.

By using these alternative methods, you can achieve the desired results without compromising the quality of your air fryer or your food.

What are the health implications of using Pam?

While Pam and other cooking sprays are convenient, they can have negative health implications. The main ingredient in Pam is canola oil, which is produced from the rapeseed plant, a crop that has been genetically modified to be resistant to pests, herbicides, and weather. The safety of genetically modified foods has been questioned due to their adverse side effects, and most health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid them.

Another ingredient in Pam is soy lecithin, which is derived from soybeans, another genetically modified crop. Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps hold the ingredients together. The extraction process for lecithin involves using hexane, a solvent also used in glues and varnishes. There are also studies suggesting that soy consumption reduces testosterone levels.

In addition to the potential risks of consuming genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and toxic chemicals, the propellants used in spray cans, such as butane and propane, are hydrocarbons that are highly flammable and should not be used near an open flame. These hydrocarbons are also toxic to the environment and have been linked to the destruction of the Earth's ozone layer.

Due to these concerns, it is recommended to switch to healthier alternatives, such as organic butter or olive oil, for cooking.

What are the alternatives to Pam?

While you can use Pam in an air fryer, it is not advisable. Pam and other aerosol cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, causing it to flake over time. Not only are aerosol cooking sprays bad for your health, but they are also bad for your air fryer's non-stick surfaces and Teflon pans.

• Brushing with oil: Use a pastry brush or silicone brush to lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. This method gives you better control over the amount of oil used and reduces the risk of damaging the coating.
• Oil mister: Purchase an oil mister to spray a fine mist of oil directly onto your food. This allows for precise distribution of oil without the use of cooking spray.
• Oil-soaked paper towel: Pour a small amount of oil onto a paper towel and carefully wipe the air fryer basket. Ensure the towel is saturated but not dripping to avoid using too much oil.
• DIY Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Instead of using store-bought non-stick aerosol cans, make your own cooking spray by purchasing an olive oil sprayer or using a regular food-friendly squirt bottle. Fill the spray bottle with your chosen cooking oil and spray directly onto your food.
• Pastry brush: Use a pastry brush to apply a small amount of oil directly to your food. This method is preferred over spray bottles as they can get clogged and are difficult to clean.

What is the best way to grease an air fryer basket?

Air fryers are a fantastic kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food with little to no oil, mimicking the results of deep frying. However, the question of whether or not to use cooking sprays like Pam in an air fryer basket has sparked much debate. While some people claim that using Pam or other aerosol cooking sprays is safe, the majority of sources, including air fryer manufacturers, recommend against it.

The main issue with using aerosol cooking sprays like Pam in an air fryer basket is that they can damage the non-stick coating. This is due to the presence of propellants and other additives in the spray, which can leave a sticky residue and cause the coating to flake over time. Not only does this affect the performance of your air fryer, but it can also result in food particles containing metal, which is certainly not something you want to ingest.

So, what are the best alternatives for greasing your air fryer basket? Here are some recommended methods:

• Brushing with oil: Use a pastry brush or silicone brush to lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. This method gives you better control over the amount of oil used and reduces the risk of damaging the non-stick coating.
• Oil mister: Invest in an oil mister, which allows you to spray a fine mist of oil directly onto your food. This way, you can distribute the oil evenly without using cooking spray.
• Oil-soaked paper towel: Pour a small amount of oil onto a paper towel and carefully wipe the air fryer basket. Ensure that the towel is saturated but not dripping to avoid using too much oil.
• Use parchment paper: Cut the parchment paper to the correct size to fit your air fryer basket. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier without interfering with air circulation.
• Use aluminium foil: Aluminium foil can be used as a liner or barrier in your air fryer basket to prevent food from sticking or to catch drippings.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to reach for the cooking spray, it's best to opt for one of the alternative greasing methods mentioned above. Not only will you prolong the life of your air fryer, but you'll also ensure that your food remains safe and healthy to eat.

What oils can I use in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook food quickly and healthily. While you don't need to use oil in an air fryer, adding a little can help to create an even colour and keep food moist.

The type of oil you use depends on the food you're cooking, the temperature you're cooking at, and the smoke point of the oil. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil will start to smoke and break down, which can affect the taste of your food.

It's best to use oils with a high smoke point in an air fryer, such as:

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

You can also use extra virgin olive oil in an air fryer, but due to its lower smoke point, it's best for recipes at 375°F (190°C) or lower.

You should avoid using aerosol cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer as they can damage the non-stick coating of the basket. Instead, use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer/mister filled with a high smoke point oil.

Happy frying!

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