Use Cooking Spray In Your Air Fryer?

Whether or not you can use PAM in an air fryer is a highly debated topic. While some people claim that you can use PAM in an air fryer, others strongly advise against it. The product itself is formulated for the high temperatures and cooking conditions of an air fryer, and it is marketed as a non-stick spray. However, the use of aerosol cooking sprays is generally discouraged as they are considered harmful to health and can damage non-stick surfaces and Teflon pans. It is recommended to use alternative oils or sprays that do not contain propellants, which are known to damage the coating of air fryer baskets.

PAM Air Fryer non-stick spray

Aerosol Cooking Sprays and Air Fryers

Most air fryer manufacturers recommend against using aerosol cooking sprays in your air fryer. The reason for this is that the propellants in aerosol cooking sprays, such as food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and propane, will damage and erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time. This will cause the basket to start flaking, and the food will contain small particles of the basket.

Alternatives to Aerosol Cooking Sprays

If you want to use a cooking spray with your air fryer, it is recommended that you use a nonaerosol bottle. You can purchase a refillable olive oil mister, or use a spray bottle or pastry brush with your favourite cooking oil. You can also add a bit of oil directly to your food.

Keeping Food from Sticking to Your Air Fryer

To avoid food sticking to your air fryer, you can use a nonaerosol cooking spray or add oil directly to your food. You can also use premade paper liners, washable silicone liners, or perforated foil and parchment paper. Routinely shaking the contents of your basket during the cooking process can also help to keep food from sticking.

Aerosol cooking sprays and health

Aerosol cooking sprays are not recommended for use in air fryers due to health and functionality concerns. Firstly, aerosol sprays are often made from genetically modified vegetable oils such as canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, or soy lecithin. These oils are designed to withstand harsh chemicals like bug and weed killers, which are not suitable for consumption. Even "healthy" olive oil sprays may contain lecithin, which is extracted using hexane, a solvent found in glues and varnishes. Additionally, some studies suggest that soy consumption can reduce testosterone levels.

Aerosol sprays also contain propellants such as propane, butane, isobutane, or grain alcohol, which are not appealing for culinary use. The chemical agents in these sprays can ruin non-stick coatings and permanently damage air fryers. Soy lecithin, in particular, can create a sticky build-up that is challenging to remove and can lead to the deterioration of the non-stick surface.

To preserve the longevity of your air fryer, it is recommended to use alternative methods for greasing, such as a DIY non-stick cooking spray or a pastry brush. You can fill a spray bottle with your preferred cooking oil and spray it directly on the food or use a pastry brush to apply a small amount of oil. Another option is to use premade paper liners, washable silicone liners, or perforated foil and parchment paper to prevent food from sticking.

Some users have reported successful experiences using aerosol cooking sprays like PAM in their air fryers, but it is generally advised to proceed with caution. While PAM offers an Air Fryer non-stick spray formulated for high temperatures, it is recommended to consider the potential health implications and the possibility of damaging your air fryer.

Aerosol cooking sprays and non-stick surfaces

Aerosol cooking sprays, such as PAM, are not recommended for use on non-stick surfaces, including air fryers. While it is possible to use them, it is not advisable due to potential health and appliance durability concerns.

Aerosol cooking sprays are often made from genetically modified vegetable oils, such as canola, soybean, corn, or soy lecithin, which are designed to withstand harsh chemicals like bug and weed killers. Even those labelled as 'healthy' olive oil sprays may contain lecithin, which is extracted using hexane—a solvent also found in glues and varnishes. Additionally, soy consumption has been linked to reduced testosterone levels in some studies.

The propellants used in aerosol cooking sprays, such as propane, butane, isobutane, or grain alcohol, can also be detrimental to your health and the longevity of your air fryer. These propellants can damage and erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, causing it to flake and mix with your food.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use nonaerosol spray oils or bottles, such as olive oil sprayers or food-friendly squirt bottles. These alternatives allow you to control the ingredients and avoid potential health and appliance hazards.

When choosing an oil to use in your air fryer, it is important to consider the smoke point—the temperature at which the oil breaks down and starts smoking. Refined oils, such as avocado, safflower, peanut, and sunflower oil, have high smoke points due to their refined nature, making them suitable for high-temperature cooking. On the other hand, raw or virgin oils have lower smoke points and should be avoided in air fryers.

In summary, while it is technically possible to use aerosol cooking sprays like PAM in an air fryer, it is not recommended due to potential health risks and damage to the non-stick surface. Instead, opt for nonaerosol spray oils or bottles and choose oils with high smoke points to ensure the best results and preserve the longevity of your air fryer.

DIY non-stick cooking spray

Store-bought cooking sprays often contain questionable ingredients and only a fraction of the oil. By making your own, you can use healthy oils and know exactly what's in your cooking spray.

What you'll need:

• A spray bottle (preferably glass)
• Oil (olive, avocado, flaxseed, peanut, or fractionated coconut oil)
• Water
• (Optional) Little bands to label your bottles

How to make it:

The ratio for your spray is 1 part oil to 5 parts water. Simply measure out 1 and 1/4 cup of water and add 1/4 cup of liquid oil. Give the bottle a few good shakes and you're ready to coat your pan, veggies, or anything else!

Tips:

• If you're using a plain spray bottle, you may need to dilute your oil with a little water to thin it out.
• You can also use a pastry brush to apply oil to your food. This method may be preferable as sprayers can get clogged and are difficult to clean.
• If you're using an air fryer, avoid spraying oil on the basket and apply it directly to your food.

Best spray oil alternatives to PAM

While you can use PAM in an air fryer, it is not recommended due to the negative impact on your health and the air fryer itself. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives to PAM that you can use in your air fryer. Here are some of the best spray oil alternatives:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great option for air frying due to its high smoke point, ranging from 520° - 570°F (271°-299°C). It has a light, rich, nutty flavour and is perfect for mild-tasting foods like fish or cauliflower. Just be sure to use the refined form when cooking at very high temperatures, as it has an even higher smoke point.

Safflower Oil

Made from safflower petals, safflower oil has a mild flavour with subtle notes of chocolate. It has a high smoke point ranging from 450°-510°F (232°-266°C). This oil is a great choice for air fryer recipes that involve mild-flavoured vegetables and eggs.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Ghee, or clarified butter, is made by heating butter and separating the water and milk solids from the butter fat. It has a nutty and nourishing flavour and a smoke point in the range of 450°-485°F (232°-252°C). Ghee is a fantastic option for air-frying recipes that are enhanced by a buttery flavour, such as zucchini chips or stuffed mushrooms.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a great choice when you're looking for that deep fryer taste. It has a high smoke point of around 450°F (232°C), making it perfect for homemade French fries, chicken, fish, or shrimp.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is very neutral in taste and won't overpower the natural flavours of your fresh vegetables. It has a smoke point equivalent to peanut oil and works well for 'baked or broiled' air fryer recipes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVO oil) has gotten a bad rap due to the misconception that heating it releases toxic compounds. However, EVO oil actually has a high smoke point, making it a perfect choice for your air fryer. Unrefined EVO oil has a natural smoke point as high as 410° F (210°C) and can safely sustain high heat without releasing toxins.

Other Alternatives

In addition to these spray oil alternatives, you can also use parchment paper, butter, lard, vegetable oil, vegetable shortening, or olive oil. Parchment paper is a healthy and affordable option that can be easily found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Butter and lard can be spread with a kitchen towel, a silicone brush, or even your fingers, making them a great option for cakes or muffin tins. Regular vegetable oil can also withstand higher temperatures and is readily available in most kitchens.

Frequently asked questions