Hot Air Fryers And Oil: A Healthy Combination?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats. While air fryers are known for being a healthier alternative to deep fryers, there is still some confusion about whether or not oil can be used in an air fryer. So, can you put oil in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, you can put oil in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that the amount of oil used and the type of oil used will depend on the food being cooked and the desired results.

How much oil to use in an air fryer

Air fryers are a healthier and cheaper alternative to deep fryers. While they don't require oil to cook food, adding a small amount of oil can improve the taste and texture of your food.

The amount of oil you should use in an air fryer depends on the type of food you are cooking. For example, frozen foods like chicken nuggets and spring rolls typically don't need extra oil, as they already contain oil in their ingredients. On the other hand, fresh ingredients like potatoes and chicken can benefit from a light coating of oil to create a crispy layer and enhance the flavour.

When preparing vegetables or foods that contain little to no fat, it is recommended to coat the entire surface of the food with a thin layer of oil. This can be done by tossing the food in a bowl with oil before placing it in the air fryer. For roasted vegetables, you can use about 1 tablespoon of oil. For potatoes, a half tablespoon of oil is usually enough.

It is important to note that you should never pour oil directly into the basket of the air fryer. Always apply the oil directly to the food or use a spray bottle to create a non-stick layer in the basket.

Some recommended oils for air frying include vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and canola oil. It is best to use oils with a high smoke point, as air fryers cook at high temperatures.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for an oil sprayer or a basting brush to apply oil to your food or the air fryer basket.

Which oils are best for an air fryer

While air fryers do not require oil to cook food, adding a small amount of oil to fresh ingredients can create a crispy layer and improve the overall taste of your dish.

When using an air fryer, it is important to note that oil should be added to the ingredients and not directly to the pan of the air fryer. This is because any excess oil will drip into the pan during the hot air frying process.

There are several oils that are suitable for use in an air fryer, including:

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

When choosing an oil for air frying, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and emit smoke. Oils with a higher smoke point are better suited for air frying, as they will not burn at high temperatures. For example, extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point of 320-374°F, while avocado oil has a smoke point of 520°F.

In addition to the type of oil, the amount of oil used is also important. When air frying, you only need anywhere from a few sprays to 1 tablespoon of oil, depending on the type of food being cooked.

How to apply oil to an air fryer

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods with little to no oil. While air fryers do not require oil to cook food, adding a small amount of oil to fresh ingredients can improve the taste and texture of your dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply oil to an air fryer:

Step 1: Choose the Right Oil

You can use any type of grilling, baking, roasting, or frying oil in your air fryer. This includes vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and more. Avoid using cold-pressed oil, as it will burn at high temperatures.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

If you are cooking something like French fries or chicken, start by preparing the ingredients. For example, peel and cut the potatoes into the desired shape. Soak the potatoes in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes, then dry them with kitchen paper.

Step 3: Apply Oil to the Food

Place the prepared ingredients in a bowl and add a small amount of oil. Use about half a tablespoon of oil for French fries or a light coating of oil for meat. Toss the ingredients in the bowl until they are evenly coated with oil. You can also use an oil spray or a basting brush to apply oil to larger ingredients.

Step 4: Place the Food in the Air Fryer

Once the ingredients are coated in oil, place them in the basket of your air fryer. Do not pour oil directly into the pan of the air fryer. The excess oil will drip into the pan during the cooking process.

Step 5: Cook the Food

Follow the cooking instructions for your specific air fryer model and the type of food you are preparing. Remember that air fryers cook food quickly, so keep an eye on your dish to avoid overcooking.

Tips:

• If you are cooking breaded food, you can add oil to the breadcrumbs before coating the food or spray/brush oil onto the coated breadcrumbs.
• You can also marinate meat or poultry instead of brushing oil onto the outside.
• Do not use cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating.

Foods that need oil to cook in an air fryer

While air fryers are marketed as a way to cook food without oil, some foods do benefit from a little extra grease.

Frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls already have oil in them as a byproduct of the manufacturing process, so you don't need to add any more when reheating them. However, if you're making something from scratch, a small amount of oil can keep your food moist and give it a golden-brown colour.

For fresh meats and vegetables, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil, along with your seasoning, before putting it in the air fryer. You can also brush melted butter onto foods that call for it, like hot sandwiches or anything that uses dough.

If you're cooking breaded foods, like chicken tenders or coconut shrimp, you can spray them with oil to get even browning and prevent dry spots. For something like asparagus or butternut squash, toss the veggies in a bowl with a little oil before putting them in the air fryer.

When air frying, remember to put the oil on the food, not in the basket. You can use an oil mister, a basting brush, or an oil sprayer to apply the oil.

Why use oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, roast, and more. While air fryers do not require oil to cook food, adding a small amount of oil can improve the taste and texture of your dish. Here are some reasons why you may want to use oil in your air fryer:

Moisture and Taste

A small amount of oil can help keep your food moist and prevent it from drying out during the cooking process. This is especially important for certain types of food, such as fresh vegetables, which can become dry and tough without a little oil or butter.

Golden Brown Colour and Crispiness

Oil can also help give your food a golden brown colour and a crispy layer. This is achieved by tossing your food in a few teaspoons of oil and seasoning before placing it in the air fryer. This technique works well for fresh meats and vegetables.

Better Seasoning Adherence

Oil can help spices and seasonings stick to your food, enhancing the flavour of your dish.

Types of Oil to Use

You can use any type of grilling, baking, roasting, or frying oil in your air fryer, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or canola oil. It's important to note that you should never pour oil directly into the pan of the air fryer, but instead, apply it directly to the ingredients. Additionally, avoid using cold-pressed oils as they can burn at high temperatures.

Amount of Oil to Use

The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of food you are cooking. For most dishes, a few sprays or teaspoons of oil are sufficient. For example, when cooking frozen foods, a light spray of oil may be enough to prevent them from drying out. On the other hand, when roasting fresh vegetables, you may need to toss them in a tablespoon of oil to ensure they are well-coated.

Frequently asked questions