Spray Oil In Air Fryers: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience, speed, and ability to cook food with minimal oil. However, there is some confusion about whether or not spray oil can be used in an air fryer. Some people claim that using spray oil can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer, while others say that it is safe to use as long as it is a non-aerosol spray oil. So, what is the truth? Can you use spray oil in an air fryer?

Why you shouldn't use cooking spray in an air fryer

Air fryers are a relatively new kitchen appliance, but they have quickly become a go-to for many home cooks. While they are a convenient and healthy way of cooking, there is some confusion about whether or not you can use cooking spray in an air fryer.

The dangers of using cooking spray in an air fryer

The main issue with using cooking spray in your air fryer is that it can damage the non-stick coating. Cooking sprays often contain lecithin, an emulsifier that can build up on the non-stick surface of your air fryer over time. This build-up can result in a sticky residue that is difficult to remove and can degrade the non-stick properties of the coating, making it less effective and potentially unsafe for use.

Additionally, cooking sprays with lecithin can cause discolouration and produce an off-putting flavour in your food. The lecithin can also lower the smoke point of the cooking spray, causing it to smoke and break down at a lower temperature. This can result in an unpleasant smell or taste in your food.

Alternatives to cooking spray

So, what can you use instead of cooking spray in your air fryer? The best option is to use a small amount of high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. You can lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel. You can also toss your food in oil before placing it in the air fryer, ensuring an even coating.

Other alternatives include using air fryer liners, racks, or trays to keep food elevated and prevent sticking. You can also make a foil packet for your food, ensuring that air can circulate, or use parchment paper or a silicone liner to eliminate the need for oil altogether.

How to prevent food from sticking in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food with minimal oil. However, some foods may stick to the air fryer basket or tray, making them difficult to remove and causing a mess. Here are some tips to prevent food from sticking in your air fryer:

Use a small amount of oil

Even though air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, using a small amount of oil can help prevent sticking. You can brush the air fryer basket and food with oil using a pastry brush, or spray it lightly with an oil sprayer.

Choose the right type of oil

Not all oils are suitable for air frying. It is important to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, or light olive oil. Oils with a lower smoke point, like extra virgin olive oil, may start smoking and affect the taste of your food.

Spray the basket with vegetable oil spray

If you are cooking foods that are prone to sticking, such as fried chicken or chicken Parmesan, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil spray. This will help create a protective barrier between the food and the cooking surface.

Make a foil sling

For the ultimate barrier against sticking, you can create a foil sling by folding a sheet of aluminum foil and placing it in the basket, pressing it up and into the sides. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it easier to remove foods like fish fillets or cheesy potatoes.

Avoid non-stick cooking sprays

Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. These sprays contain chemicals and propellants that can harm the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer filled with a high smoke point oil.

Toss food in oil before cooking

Another way to ensure your food is coated with oil is to toss it in a bowl with a small amount of oil before placing it in the air fryer. This method works well for vegetables or breaded foods like chicken tenders.

By following these tips, you can help prevent food from sticking in your air fryer and make the cleaning process much easier.

Oils with a high smoke point

• Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a smoke point of around 520°F (271°C). It is a great choice for air frying due to its high smoke point, neutral flavour, and health benefits.
• Peanut Oil: Peanut oil has a pleasant nutty flavour and a smoke point of approximately 450°F (232°C).
• Sunflower Oil: With a smoke point of 450°F (232°C), sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats, making it a good option for air frying.
• Light Olive Oil: Refined olive oil, often labelled as light or extra light, has a smoke point between 465-470°F (241-243°C). It has a neutral flavour and a longer shelf life than extra virgin olive oil.
• Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil has a smoke point of around 420°F (216°C). It is a byproduct of winemaking and has a clean taste, making it a good all-purpose cooking oil.
• Canola Oil: All canola oil is refined and has a smoke point ranging from 400-475°F (204-246°C).
• Refined Sesame Oil: Refined sesame oil has a smoke point of 410°F (210°C) and is suitable for high-heat cooking.
• Safflower Oil: Safflower oil has an extremely high smoke point, ranging from 475-500°F (246-260°C).
• Macadamia Oil: Macadamia oil has a smoke point of 413°F (212°C) and is suitable for high-heat cooking applications.
• Soybean Oil: Soybean oil has a smoke point of 450°F (232°C) and is commonly used in cooking.
• Refined Coconut Oil: While unrefined coconut oil has a low smoke point, refined coconut oil has a smoke point of 400°F (204°C), making it suitable for air frying.

How much oil to use in an air fryer

Air fryers are a healthier and cheaper alternative to deep fryers. While you do not need to use oil in an air fryer, adding a small amount of oil can keep your food moist and give it a golden brown colour. The amount of oil you use depends on the type of food you are cooking. For example, frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls already have oil in them, so you don't need to add any more. However, most recipes will benefit from a small amount of oil.

How Much Oil to Use

When air frying, you can use anywhere from a few sprays to 1 tablespoon of oil, depending on the type of food you are cooking. For frozen foods like dumplings, egg rolls, and ravioli, spray the food with about 1 teaspoon of oil on all sides. If the food looks too dry during cooking, spray on a little more oil. For fresh vegetables, place the cut-up veggies in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil and toss until well coated.

Where to Put the Oil

When air frying, put the oil on the food, not in the basket. You can use an oil mister or a basting brush to apply the oil to the food. If you are using oil in the air fryer basket, remove the basket and hold the spray bottle a few inches away before spraying. This keeps overspray from getting into the cooking chamber or the heating element.

Types of Oil to Use

You can use any type of oil in an air fryer that you would use in an oven, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or canola oil. However, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, as air fryers cook at high temperatures. Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil are examples of oils with high smoke points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not use cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use an oil sprayer or mister to apply the oil. Also, make sure to preheat the air fryer before placing food sprayed with oil inside, or the oil could make the food greasy or soggy.

How to oil an air fryer

Oiling your air fryer can be a great way to keep your food moist and give it a golden brown colour. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Oil

Not all oils are suitable for air frying. It's important to select an oil with a high smoke point, as air fryers cook at high temperatures. Avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil are all good options. These oils have smoke points above 450°F (232°C), which is higher than the maximum temperature of most air fryers.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil

You can apply oil to your air fryer in several ways. The simplest method is to use an oil spray bottle, which you can fill with your chosen oil. Spray a light coating onto the air fryer basket or tray before adding your food. Alternatively, you can use a pastry brush to brush oil onto the surface. If you don't want to apply oil directly to the air fryer, you can toss your food in a bowl with a small amount of oil and seasoning before placing it in the air fryer.

Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes

It's important to note that you should never use non-stick cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as these can damage the non-stick coating. Only apply oil to your air fryer when it is cool, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

Step 4: Know When Oil Is Unnecessary

While oil can enhance the flavour and texture of some dishes, it's not always necessary. Frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls already contain oil, so adding more will only make them greasy. For these foods, simply place them in the air fryer without any additional oil.

Step 5: Experiment and Enjoy

Using your air fryer can be a fun and healthy way to cook. Don't be afraid to experiment with different oils and application methods to find what works best for your favourite dishes. Happy frying!

Frequently asked questions