Air Fryer Oil: To Use Or Not To Use?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, and roast. They are a healthier alternative to deep fryers as they require little to no oil. However, some people wonder if oil can be used in an air fryer at all. The answer is yes, you can use oil in an air fryer, but it is essential to use the right type of oil and apply it correctly. Using oil can add moisture and crispiness to food, enhancing the taste and texture. It is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Only a small amount of oil is needed, and it should be added directly to the ingredients in a separate bowl before placing them in the air fryer.

Oil is not required in an air fryer

Oil is not required when using an air fryer. In fact, many people who use air fryers avoid using oil altogether. This is because air fryers use hot air propelled at high speed to cook food, meaning that oil is not necessary to achieve a crispy texture.

However, some people choose to add a small amount of oil to their ingredients before placing them in the air fryer. This can help to improve the taste and texture of the food, making it crispier and more moist. If you do use oil, it is important to only add a small amount directly to your ingredients, rather than pouring it into the pan of the air fryer. This is because excess oil can make your food too greasy.

There are several types of oil that are suitable for use in an air fryer, including deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil. It is important to avoid using butter or delicate cold-pressed oils, as these are likely to burn and smoke.

Only add oil to ingredients, not the air fryer pan

When using an air fryer, you should only add oil to the ingredients and not directly to the pan. This is because air fryers use hot air propelled at high speed to cook food, and oil in the pan can burn and smoke.

Before placing your ingredients in the air fryer, toss them in a bowl with a few teaspoons of oil and your desired seasoning. This will help keep your food moist and provide a golden-brown colour. The amount of oil recommended by manufacturers is generally between 5ml and 30ml.

It is also important to note that not all oils are suitable for air frying. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, are best, as they are less likely to smoke and burn. Oils to avoid include butter and cold-pressed oils.

Oil improves taste and creates a crispy layer

Using oil in an air fryer can significantly improve the taste and texture of your food. 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 enhance the flavour of your dish.

How Oil Improves Taste

When preparing vegetables or foods that contain little to no fat, removing all traces of moisture before coating them with a thin layer of oil is essential for achieving the best results. Oils are exceptionally effective in an air fryer as they store and transmit heat better than other types of fat, resulting in faster cooking.

Additionally, certain oils, such as extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil, have a stronger taste that can enhance the flavour of milder foods.

How Oil Creates a Crispy Layer

To create a crispy layer, it is recommended to add 5 ml to 30 ml of oil when cooking with an air fryer. This amount is generally suggested by most manufacturers. When using oil with fresh meats and vegetables, it is best to toss the food in a few teaspoons of oil along with seasoning before placing it in the air fryer.

For frozen foods that already contain oil, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods, oil is rarely needed as excess oil can make the food too greasy.

Types of Oil to Use

It is important to select an oil with a high smoke point for air frying. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, and grapeseed oil are recommended options. Oils with a lower smoke point, such as extra virgin olive oil, butter, or margarine, are not recommended as they are more likely to burn and smoke.

Additionally, cooking sprays should be avoided as they can damage the air fryer's non-stick coating. Instead, use a small silicone brush to apply a thin coating of oil or invest in an oil sprayer that does not contain propellants.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• Always add oil directly to the ingredients and not to the pan of the air fryer.
• Pre-fried or frozen foods with oil, such as chicken nuggets or spring rolls, do not need extra oil.
• When using oil with homemade breaded dishes, mix it with the breadcrumbs before breading the food or spray/brush the oil onto the coat of breadcrumbs.
• For foods that require butter, use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating.
• When cooking meat, marinating it in oil can also help improve taste and texture.

Use grilling, baking, roasting, frying oil or animal fat

Using Grilling, Baking, Roasting, Frying Oil or Animal Fat in an Air Fryer

Air fryers are versatile appliances that can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, roast, and more. They are a healthier alternative to deep fryers and can also be cheaper in the long run. While air fryers do not require oil to cook food, adding a small amount of oil can keep your food moist and provide a golden brown color.

Which Oils to Use

You can use any grilling, baking, roasting, or frying oil in your air fryer. Animal fat can also be used. However, it is important to note that you should never pour oil directly into the pan of the air fryer. Instead, add oil directly to the ingredients before placing them in the air fryer. Pre-fried foods such as frozen French fries, chicken nuggets, and spring rolls do not need extra 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 being cooked. For example, frozen foods such as dumplings, egg rolls, and ravioli need a little oil when cooking in an air fryer to prevent them from drying out. On the other hand, most meats do not need oil, especially if they are frozen.

How to Add Oil to Food

There are a few ways to add oil to your food when using an air fryer:

• Use an oil sprayer to spray food with about 1 teaspoon of oil.
• Use a basting brush to brush oil onto food.
• Toss food in a bowl with oil and seasoning before placing it in the air fryer.

Avoid butter or cold-pressed oils

While air fryers can use oil, it is important to note that they do not require it. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, and this circulating hot air can make food crispy without the need for oil.

If you do want to use oil in your air fryer, it is important to remember that only a small amount is needed. A light coating or a few teaspoons will be enough to keep food moist and give it a golden-brown colour.

Butter

Butter has a low smoke point, and cooking food with a lot of butter can make your air fryer smoke. If you are cooking something that requires butter, it is better to brush it on or use clarified butter (ghee). Ghee has a high smoke point and is a great option for air frying.

Cold-Pressed Oils

Cold-pressed oils should not be used in an air fryer as they will burn at high temperatures. Oils with a high smoke point are best for air frying, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil.

Frequently asked questions