Air Fryer Oil: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, and roast. They are a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they require less oil to cook food. While air fryers do not require oil to function, using a small amount of oil can enhance the taste of your food and keep it moist. The amount of oil used can range from a few sprays to one tablespoon, depending on the type of food being cooked. It is recommended to put the oil on the food itself rather than in the air fryer basket, and to use oil misters or basting brushes for application.

How much oil to use

The amount of oil you should use in an air fryer depends on the type of food you are cooking. While some foods require a light coating of oil, others do not need any oil at all.

For foods that need to be coated in oil, a good rule of thumb is to start with a tablespoon of oil and adjust from there. If you are using an oil sprayer, a couple of sprays should be enough. You can also brush a light coating of oil on the air fryer basket or tray.

Some foods that typically need a light coating of oil include:

• Roasted vegetables (e.g. sweet potato fries, baby carrots, baby potatoes, potato chips)
• Breaded foods (e.g. ravioli, breaded mushrooms, zucchini chips)
• Chips (e.g. tortilla chips, pita chips)

However, it is important to note that applying too much oil can cause air-fried food to become greasy and soggy, rather than crispy and flavorful. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a small amount of oil and add more as needed.

Additionally, some foods do not require any oil at all when cooked in an air fryer. These include frozen foods, anything breaded, and most meats. This is because they already contain oils or have a protective layering.

Where to put the oil

When using an air fryer, you should add oil to your food before placing it in the air fryer. It is not necessary to add oil to the air fryer itself. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

If you are making a recipe that calls for butter, such as hot sandwiches or anything that incorporates dough, use a pastry brush to ensure you are evenly coating your food before cooking in the air fryer.

It is important to note that you should never use non-stick spray in an air fryer as it can damage the non-stick coating and make the pan unsafe for use. If you need to use a cooking spray, such as when cooking breaded food items, only spray the food directly before turning on the air fryer.

While using oil is common when cooking in the oven or on the stovetop, air fryers do not always require it. Some foods you cook in your air fryer already have oil, and any excess oil can make your food too greasy. Oil is rarely needed for frozen foods with oil already in them, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods.

When using oil in an air fryer, it is best to use a small amount and add it directly to your food rather than the air fryer basket or tray.

Best oil misters

Best Oil Sprayers for Air Fryers

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using too much oil. However, using a small amount of oil in an air fryer can help keep your food moist and give it a golden brown colour. Here are some of the best oil sprayers for air fryers:

Evo Oil Sprayer

The Evo Oil Sprayer is a popular choice for many home cooks. It has a durable glass bottle and a trigger-style cap that delivers an even spray of oil with a single pull. It can be used with various oils, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. The Evo Oil Sprayer is easy to clean and can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher, although some users prefer to wash it by hand due to its unique shape. It is available in several colours and has a capacity of 16 ounces.

Flairosol Olivia Advanced Oil Sprayer

The Flairosol Olivia Advanced Oil Sprayer is a good option if you want a continuous spray of oil. It has a decorative glass bottle with a gold botanical design and a wide opening for easy filling. The fan nozzle creates a wide spray of mist for better coverage. However, some users have noted that thicker oils like coconut oil may clog the nozzle. It has a capacity of 4.4 ounces.

Hibabe Olive Oil Sprayer

The Hibabe Olive Oil Sprayer is a budget-friendly option that is small and compact. It has a button on the top that dispenses oil in a wide fan-shaped mist. It comes with a funnel for easy filling, but it is important to note that the bottle is delicate and may break if dropped. It has a capacity of 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces).

Cuisinart Grilling Oil Mister

The Cuisinart Grilling Oil Mister is a versatile option that can be used for grilling or in the kitchen. It has a glass bottle with a button-style trigger that allows you to dispense oil in a stream or a mist. It is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. However, the glass bottle is fragile, so it should be handled with care. It has a capacity of 200 milliliters (6.8 ounces).

Other Options

In addition to the above-mentioned products, there are several other oil sprayers available on the market. The Prepara Simply Mist Oil Sprayer, Mistifi Olive Oil Sprayer, Evo Stainless Steel Oil Sprayer, and Trudeau Oil Spray Bottle are all worth considering, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Foods that need oil

While air fryers don't always require the use of oil, a small amount can go a long way in keeping your food moist and providing that golden brown colour.

If you're cooking fresh meats and vegetables, it's recommended to toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. For recipes that call for butter, like hot sandwiches or anything that incorporates dough, use a pastry brush to ensure you're evenly coating your foods before cooking.

When it comes to frozen foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and pizza rolls, these typically don't require additional oil as they already contain oil from the manufacturing process.

For breaded foods like chicken tenders, you can spray the food directly with cooking spray before turning on the air fryer. However, avoid spraying the basket as this can damage the air fryer's non-stick coating.

When choosing an oil for your air fryer, consider the smoke point of the oil, the temperature you're cooking at, and the type of recipe you're making. Avocado oil, ghee (clarified butter), and extra light olive oil are recommended for their high smoke points. For a neutral-tasting oil that won't change the flavour of your food, try deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, or grapeseed oil. If you want to enhance the flavour of milder foods, choose fragrant oils like extra virgin olive oil or organic cooking sunflower oil.

Healthiest oils to use

While air fryers don't always require oil, it can be beneficial to use a small amount to keep your food moist and give it a golden brown colour. 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.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a very high smoke point of 520°F (271.1°C) or 570°F, depending on the source. It has a neutral flavour and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Avocado oil also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and omega 9, which are effective at balancing and regulating cholesterol.

Light/Refined Olive Oil

Light or extra light olive oil has a smoke point of 465-470°F, which is higher than that of extra virgin olive oil. It has a neutral flavour and is rich in monounsaturated fats, making it perfect for anyone looking to lose weight. Light olive oil also contains vitamins E and K and antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and fight oxidation.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil has a smoke point of 450°F and is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats. It has a light flavour, making it a good choice for air frying.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has a pleasant, nutty flavour and a high smoke point. It is commonly used in stir-frying and deep frying.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has a smoke point of 421°F and is a good source of vitamin E and unsaturated fats. It has a high smoke point and a clean taste, making it a good all-purpose cooking oil.

Clarified Butter (Ghee)

Ghee has a smoke point of 482°F or 485°F. It is commonly used in French and Indian cuisine and is perfect for cooking foods in your air fryer at low to medium heat. Ghee is over 50% saturated fat, so it is a stable cooking oil that won't oxidise. It also has health benefits, such as reducing insulin resistance and boosting energy.

Coconut Oil

Use 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. Coconut oil has become popular due to its unique fatty acid composition and possible health benefits. It has no taste, so it won't affect the flavour of your food.

Frequently asked questions