Air Fryer Oil Use: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, and roast. They are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep fryers, as they require less oil. However, the question of whether or not to use oil in an air fryer remains a source of confusion for many users. While air fryers do not require as much oil as traditional frying methods, a small amount of oil can enhance the taste and texture of your food.

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 and the results you are trying to achieve. While some foods do not require oil, a light coating of oil can be brushed or sprayed to prevent food from sticking. This can be done directly onto the air fryer basket or tray, or onto the food itself.

For foods like vegetables, roast potatoes, chicken, homemade chips, and breaded foods, a light coating of oil is recommended. This can be done by adding the food to a bowl and drizzling oil over it, along with seasonings, and then mixing or shaking to coat everything evenly before placing it in the air fryer.

For vegetables, it is recommended to start with around 1/2 a teaspoon of oil and then add more if needed, in 1/2 teaspoon increments, until the vegetables are lightly coated. For the air fryer basket or tray, one to two teaspoons of oil are usually enough.

It is important to note that the type of oil used is also crucial. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil, are better suited for air frying as they can withstand higher temperatures without producing smoke. On the other hand, oils with a low smoke point, like extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, and butter, should be avoided as they can cause smoking and undesirable results.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some foods, such as frozen chicken nuggets, french fries, and other processed foods, typically do not need to be sprayed with oil as they already contain oil from the manufacturing process.

Where to put the oil

When using an air fryer, you should add oil to the food itself, rather than directly to the air fryer basket. This can be done by tossing your food in a bowl with a few teaspoons of oil and seasoning before placing it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

If you are cooking something that requires butter, such as hot sandwiches or dough-based foods, brush melted butter onto the food before placing it in the air fryer.

For breaded foods like chicken tenders, you can use a cooking spray, but only spray the food directly, not the air fryer basket, as this can damage the non-stick coating.

Some foods, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods, may already contain oil, so adding more oil can make them too greasy.

Which oil to use

You can use any oil in an air fryer that you would use in an oven. This includes vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and canola oil.

Recommended Oils

EVO Oil Sprayer Bottle

Misto Aluminum Bottle Oil Sprayer

Premium Olive Oil Mister and Cooking Sprayer

Misto Brushed Aluminum Olive Oil Sprayer

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• When air frying, put the oil on the food, not in the basket.
• For frozen foods, spray food with about 1 teaspoon of oil using an oil sprayer on all sides.
• For roasted vegetables, place the cut-up vegetables in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil and toss until well coated.
• Do not use cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating.
• If your food is sticking to the air fryer, spritz a little oil into the basket before placing your food in, or use a small amount of coconut oil and rub it into the basket before turning it on.

Whether to use cooking spray

While air fryers don't always require oil, a small amount can go a long way in keeping your food moist and providing a golden brown colour. However, it's important to note that cooking sprays can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer, so it's best to avoid them.

Alternatives to cooking spray

Instead of using cooking spray, you can try the following methods to prevent sticking:

• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower oil, using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel.
• Oil your food by tossing it in a light coating of a high smoke point oil before placing it in the air fryer.
• Use air fryer liners, such as disposable parchment paper liners or reusable silicone liners. These liners are dishwasher-safe and don't require the use of oil.
• Try racks or trays that keep your food elevated, allowing for even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Make a foil packet by arranging your food inside a piece of aluminium foil and rolling up the sides. Ensure that air can circulate around the packet.

Other tips for using oil in an air fryer

• Add oil and seasoning to your food before placing it in the air fryer. Toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil, along with your seasoning, in a bowl before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.
• Brush melted butter onto foods when making a recipe that calls for butter, such as hot sandwiches or anything that incorporates dough.
• Avoid using non-stick spray on the basket of your air fryer, as it can damage the non-stick coating and make the pan unsafe for use.

When oil is not needed

Air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep fryers, and they do not require oil to function. In fact, some foods you cook in your air fryer already contain oil, and adding more may make your food too greasy. Oil is rarely needed for frozen foods that already contain oil, such as frozen fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods.

Most meats, excluding some frozen options, do not need oil. As a rule of thumb, if you don't need to add oil when cooking a particular food in the oven, you probably don't need to add oil when cooking it in an air fryer. For example, hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken bites can be cooked in an air fryer without the addition of oil.

Similarly, you can cook frozen foods like sweet potato fries, which already contain oil in their ingredients, without adding extra oil. Simply cook the food halfway, shake the basket, and add oil only if the food appears dry.

It's also worth noting that air fryers are not the same as deep fryers, and you should not fill the basket with oil. Instead, they function more like toaster ovens with a fan or tiny convection ovens, using hot air to cook the food.

Frequently asked questions