Vegetable Oil In An Air Fryer: Is It Safe?

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance, but many people are unsure about whether they can use vegetable oil in them. The short answer is yes, you can use vegetable oil in an air fryer. In fact, you can use any oil in an air fryer that you would use in an oven, including olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and more. However, it's important to note that you only need a light coating of oil or a few sprays for most foods, as too much oil can cause your food to become greasy and soggy. Additionally, avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage the coating of your air fryer basket.

How much vegetable oil to use in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying. They use hot air circulation to cook food, and only require a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods.

The amount of vegetable oil you should use in an air fryer depends on the type of food being cooked. For example, frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls already have oil in them, so no additional oil is needed. For other foods, a light coating of oil can help to keep them moist and provide a golden brown colour.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is recommended to add a few teaspoons or a light spray of vegetable oil directly to the food before placing it in the air fryer. This is especially important for fresh meats and vegetables, as it can help prevent them from drying out and ensure even cooking. For example, when making homemade sweet potato fries, air-fried baby carrots, or roasted vegetables, a light coating of oil is recommended.

It is important to note that the type of oil used is also important. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, or light olive oil, are best suited for air frying as they can withstand higher temperatures without burning.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating of the appliance. Instead, opt for a refillable oil sprayer or mister filled with a high smoke point oil.

In summary, when using an air fryer, a light coating of vegetable oil, typically applied directly to the food, is usually sufficient. The exact amount may vary depending on the type of food being cooked and personal preferences.

Best alternatives to vegetable oil for an air fryer

While vegetable oil is a suitable oil for air fryers, there are several alternatives with a higher smoke point that can be used. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke. Using an oil with a lower smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at will result in a burnt smell that can affect the taste of your food.

• Avocado oil
• Peanut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Light olive oil
• Refined coconut oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Safflower oil
• Canola oil
• Soybean oil

Some oils with a low smoke point that are better suited for low-temperature cooking include flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and butter.

It is important to note that the amount of oil used in an air fryer is significantly less than what would be used in deep frying or sautéing. A light spray or brush of oil on the food or air fryer basket is usually sufficient. Additionally, non-aerosol pump-style oil sprays or refillable oil sprayers can be used to evenly disperse a small amount of oil onto the food.

Can you put oil directly in the air fryer basket?

Yes, you can put oil directly in the air fryer basket. However, it is important to only use a light coating of oil in the basket to prevent food from sticking. You can brush the oil directly onto the basket or use an oil spray or mister. It is important to note that you should never use large quantities of oil in the air fryer basket as you would in a deep fryer.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is recommended to add oil directly to your food. This can be done by tossing your food with a few teaspoons of oil and your desired seasonings in a bowl before placing it in the air fryer. This method is ideal for cooking fresh meats and vegetables. For frozen foods, it is best to spray the food with about 1 teaspoon of oil using an oil sprayer on all sides. If the food looks dry during the cooking process, you can add a little more oil.

It is important to use the correct type of oil when cooking with an air fryer. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil, are ideal as air fryers cook at high temperatures. Using a low-smoke-point oil can cause smoking and an undesirable finish to your food.

What foods need oil to cook in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with minimal oil. However, some foods benefit from the addition of a small amount of oil when cooked in an air fryer. The type of oil and amount used will depend on the food being cooked and the desired outcome.

Frozen Foods

Frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls typically do not need additional oil when cooked in an air fryer as they already contain oil from the manufacturing process. However, if the food appears dry during cooking, a light spray of oil can be added.

Meat

Meats generally do not require oil when cooked in an air fryer. However, a light coating of oil can help prevent the meat from drying out and aid in browning. For example, breaded chicken cutlets benefit from a spray of oil to achieve an even golden colour.

Vegetables

Vegetables typically require a small amount of oil when cooked in an air fryer. Coating the vegetables with a thin layer of oil helps to ensure even cooking and prevents them from drying out. Examples of vegetables that benefit from oil include sweet potato fries, baby carrots, baby potatoes, and potato chips.

Breaded Foods

Breaded foods, such as chicken tenders or coconut shrimp, can benefit from a light spray or brush of oil to ensure even browning and prevent dry spots.

Foods Requiring Butter

Recipes that call for butter, such as hot sandwiches or dough-based dishes, can be cooked in an air fryer by brushing the food with melted butter before cooking. This helps to ensure even coating and prevents the butter from pooling at the bottom of the air fryer.

Non-Stick Foods

When cooking foods that may stick to the air fryer, such as salmon with the skin on, it is recommended to spray or brush the basket with oil or use a silicone liner or perforated parchment paper.

Foods Cooked in an Air Fryer Basket

When cooking foods directly in the air fryer basket, such as fish fillets, pizza, or chicken cutlets, it is recommended to pour a small amount of oil into the bottom of the basket before adding the food.

Foods That Do Not Need Oil

Most meats, such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and chicken bites, do not require oil when cooked in an air fryer. Additionally, frozen foods with oil already in them, like frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods, typically do not need additional oil.

How to apply vegetable oil in an air fryer

Yes, you can use vegetable oil in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to apply it:

How Much Oil to Use

The amount of oil you need depends on the type of food you are cooking. For most recipes, use approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons (or 15ml) of oil. Some recipes may need a light coating of oil spray, while others will need none at all. It is important not to use too much oil, as this can cause it to drip and burn, creating smoke.

When to Use Oil

Some foods will not need oil, such as frozen foods, anything breaded, and most meats. This is because they already contain oils or have a protective layering. Foods that typically need oil include vegetables, breaded foods, and chips.

Where to Put the Oil

When air frying, put the oil on the food, not directly into the basket. You can brush the oil onto the food, or spray it using an oil mister or oil sprayer. You can also toss the food in a bowl with oil before putting it into the air fryer.

Types of Oil to Use

You can use any oil in an air fryer that you can use in an oven. This includes vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and more. However, avoid using cooking sprays like PAM, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer. Instead, use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer/mister filled with a high smoke point oil.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• Different air fryer models have different temperature settings, so always refer to your air fryer's manual for recommended cooking temperatures and oil usage guidelines.
• Never use large quantities of oil in the air fryer basket or compartment, as you would in a deep fryer.
• If there is excess oil in your air fryer, wipe it clean with a paper towel.
• If you don't want to use oil, you can use parchment paper liners or aluminium foil for easier cleanup.

Frequently asked questions