Air Fryer Oil: What You Need To Know

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and ability to cook food with less oil than traditional frying methods. While it is not necessary to add oil to an air fryer, doing so can enhance the taste and texture of your food. The type and amount of oil used, as well as when and how it is added, can vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the food being cooked.

How much oil to use in an air fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook crispy food with minimal oil. While you can use oil in an air fryer, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Too much oil can create excess smoke and cause sogginess, defeating the purpose of using an air fryer.

Moderation is key when using oil in an air fryer. Typically, you only need a teaspoon or two, and at most, a tablespoon to achieve crispy results. This is because a thin, even coating of oil is usually sufficient to create a crispy texture and enhance the flavour.

How to Apply Oil in an Air Fryer

There are a few different methods to apply oil to your food when using an air fryer:

• Lightly coat your food with oil by tossing it in a bowl with a small amount of oil before placing it in the air fryer.
• Use an oil spray bottle to apply a light, even coat of oil to your food. This helps distribute the oil uniformly and reduces excess oil.
• Use a brush to apply oil for precise control over the amount of oil used. This method is useful for foods that need a specific oil application, like baked goods or delicate items.

Types of Oil to Use

You can use various types of oil in your air fryer, each offering different flavours and smoke points. Here are some popular options:

• Avocado oil: Best for high-heat cooking and maintaining the crispiness of fried foods. It has a neutral flavour.
• Canola oil: Great for all-purpose air frying due to its neutral taste.
• Refined coconut oil: Ideal for lower-temperature cooking, adding a light coconut flavour.
• Vegetable oil: A versatile option with a neutral flavour, suitable for various dishes.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific recommendations on oil usage, as some models may have particular requirements or restrictions.
• Avoid adding oil directly to the cooking chamber or heating elements, as this can cause smoking and potential fires.
• When preparing vegetables or foods with little to no fat, remove all traces of moisture before coating them with oil.
• For frozen foods that already contain oil, such as french fries or chicken nuggets, you don't need to add extra oil.

The type of oil to use in an air fryer

When it comes to choosing an oil for your air fryer, you have a lot of options. However, there are some differences you need to consider. Each type of oil has its own specific characteristics.

Some oils are known as neutral, meaning they will not change the taste of food. These oils are perfect for spicy or strong-flavoured recipes and they tolerate high heat well. Examples include deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, grapeseed oil, and light olive oil.

Other oils are fragrant and have a stronger taste. When chosen wisely, they will enhance the milder flavour of certain foods or foods that need a little extra. Delicate extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil are good examples.

When selecting an oil, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. You want to use an oil with a higher smoke point than the temperature you are cooking at.

• Avocado Oil - 520°F to 570°F smoke point
• Ghee (clarified butter) - 482°F to 485°F smoke point
• Extra Light Olive Oil - 465°F to 470°F smoke point
• Soybean Oil - 460°F smoke point
• Sunflower Oil - 450°F smoke point
• Coconut Oil - 450°F smoke point
• Peanut Oil - 450°F smoke point
• Grapeseed Oil - 420°F to 421°F smoke point
• Canola Oil - 400°F to 450°F smoke point
• Vegetable Oil - 400°F smoke point
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 375°F to 410°F smoke point
• Butter - 200°F to 250°F smoke point

It is important to note that you should not use non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray, a refillable oil sprayer, or a pastry brush to apply oil to your food or air fryer basket.

The benefits of using oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with less oil, but adding a small amount of oil can have several benefits.

Firstly, adding a little oil can help keep your food moist and prevent it from drying out. This is especially important for meats, which can dry out and not brown properly without a light coating of oil. Oil also helps to create that golden brown colour and yummy crunch that makes fried food so delicious.

Secondly, oils can enhance the flavour of your food. Some oils are neutral in flavour and won't interfere with the taste of your food. These include deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil. Other oils, like extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil, have a stronger taste that can enhance milder foods.

Thirdly, oils store and transmit heat better than other types of fat, so using oil in an air fryer can speed up the cooking process.

Finally, using a small amount of oil in an air fryer is still healthier than deep frying, which requires submerging food in hot oil. Air frying uses far less oil, resulting in food that is lower in fat and calories. It is also safer, as there is no risk of spilling or splashing hot oil.

When to use oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reduce the amount of oil used for cooking. However, adding a small amount of oil to your ingredients can help create a crispy layer and improve the taste of your dish.

Most manufacturers recommend adding 5 ml to 30 ml of oil when cooking with an air fryer. This amount can vary depending on the type of food you are cooking. For example, when making homemade French fries, you only need about half a tablespoon of oil to coat the potatoes. For larger ingredients like meat or chicken, a light coating of oil is usually sufficient.

When to Use Oil

You should use oil when cooking fresh meats, vegetables, or homemade breaded dishes. The oil helps to keep your food moist and provides a golden brown color. It is best to toss your food in a bowl with a few teaspoons of oil and seasoning before placing it in the air fryer.

Foods That Don't Need Oil

Pre-fried foods such as frozen French fries, chicken nuggets, pizza rolls, and other high-calorie frozen foods typically do not need extra oil. These foods already contain oil, and adding more can make them too greasy.

Types of Oil to Use

You can use various oils in your air fryer, including vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. It is important to avoid using butter or cold-pressed oils, as these are likely to burn and smoke.

Foods that don't need oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reduce the amount of oil used for cooking. While you don't always need to add oil to an air fryer, a small amount of oil can help keep your food moist and provide a golden brown colour. Some foods that can be cooked in an air fryer without oil include:

• Frozen foods such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, and other high-calorie frozen foods.
• Steak
• Fresh meats and vegetables (although some sources suggest adding a light coating of oil to meats to prevent them from drying out)

When preparing vegetables or foods that contain little or no fat, it is recommended to remove all traces of moisture before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, when cooking breaded foods like chicken tenders, it is best to spray them with oil directly rather than spraying the air fryer basket to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions