Spraying Your Air Fryer: Is It Safe?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and ability to cook food with minimal oil. However, a common question among air fryer users is whether it is safe to use cooking spray on the appliance. While it may seem convenient to use a cooking spray, it is generally not recommended as it can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer. Cooking sprays often contain lecithin, an emulsifier that can build up and degrade the non-stick surface over time, making it challenging to maintain a low-oil cooking environment. Instead, it is advised to use oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado, sunflower, or olive oil, directly on the food or the air fryer basket using a spray bottle, brush, or paper towel.

Cooking spray can ruin the non-stick coating of an air fryer

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their ability to bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, and roast. They can produce crispy food without using a lot of oil, but some people still like to add some oil to their food. While adding fat to the basket is generally fine, there are some important things to keep in mind when using an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important not to add too much oil, as this can cause splattering, which can hit the heating element and smoke. Secondly, and more importantly, you should never use a non-stick cooking spray on the air fryer basket. This is because cooking sprays can contain an emulsifying agent called lecithin, which can build up and become difficult to remove, potentially ruining the non-stick coating. This will make it harder to use less oil in the future and may require the use of harsh chemicals or abrasives to remove the stains, which can further damage the coating.

Instead of using a cooking spray, it is recommended to use a pure oil, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil, which has a high smoke point. You can mist the oil onto the food or the basket using a mister bottle or a non-aerosol spray bottle. Another option is to toss the food in a bowl with a small amount of oil to lightly coat it before placing it in the air fryer. This will ensure there is no excess oil that can cause splattering.

In summary, while air fryers can be a convenient and healthy way to cook food, it is important to follow certain guidelines to maintain the appliance and get the best results. By avoiding cooking sprays and using pure oils sparingly, you can protect the non-stick coating of your air fryer and ensure optimal performance.

Lecithin in cooking sprays can cause a sticky residue that is hard to remove

Cooking sprays are not recommended for use in air fryers as they can damage the non-stick coating. The lecithin in cooking sprays is the main culprit, causing a sticky residue that is hard to remove.

Lecithin is an emulsifier commonly found in cooking sprays, such as Pam, which helps to achieve a thin layer of oil. However, lecithin has low thermal stability, meaning it discolours, degrades, and forms a sticky residue at low temperatures. This residue adheres to the pan and builds up over time, impeding the non-stick abilities of the coating. The thinner layer of oil also means that the oil will heat up and carbonise faster.

Once the sticky residue forms, it is incredibly challenging to remove. People often resort to using abrasive sponges and cleaners to scrub their pans, which only serves to scratch or wear down the non-stick coating.

To avoid the issues caused by lecithin, it is recommended to use a cooking spray without lecithin or opt for oil or butter instead. If using oil, a small pool of oil or a light coating on the food is preferable to a thin layer, as it burns more quickly and easily. For butter, a pastry brush can be used to ensure an even coating.

In the case of air fryers, it is generally advised to oil the food directly rather than the pan. This helps to prevent the sticky residue from forming on the air fryer's non-stick coating.

Cooking sprays can discolour food and produce an off-putting flavour

While cooking sprays are a convenient way to grease pans and prevent food from sticking, they can also negatively impact the taste and appearance of food cooked in an air fryer.

Cooking sprays, such as Pam, often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that helps keep the ingredients from separating. However, according to food safety expert Martin Bucknavage, soy lecithin is less stable than high-smoke-point oils and will deteriorate at the temperatures used for air frying. This can lead to discolouration and an unpleasant taste in your food.

When you spray Pam or a similar product onto a hot pan, you may notice that it turns a dark colour. The same thing can happen when you use a cooking spray in an air fryer, causing discolouration and a slightly off-putting flavour in your food.

Additionally, cooking sprays are typically made with neutral oils, which do not add flavour to your dishes. If you want to enhance the flavour of your meals, it is better to use oils like olive oil or butter, which have more distinct tastes.

If you want to avoid discolouration and off-flavours in your air-fried food, it is best to avoid using cooking sprays. Instead, opt for high-smoke-point oils like avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil, which can be lightly brushed or wiped onto the air fryer basket.

Use a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or sunflower oil instead

If you want to use oil in your air fryer, it's best to use a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils have a smoke point of 400°F or higher, which means they can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without breaking down and causing an unpleasant smell or taste.

There are a few ways to use these oils in your air fryer. You can lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil using a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel. Just be sure to use a very small amount of oil, as a little goes a long way. You can also oil your food before placing it in the air fryer. Toss your food in a bowl with a light coating of oil and seasoning, or use a mister bottle to mist your food with oil. This will ensure that there's no excess oil pooling or splattering in the air fryer.

If you're looking for an alternative to using oil, there are a few other options to prevent sticking in your air fryer. You can use air fryer liners, which are disposable parchment paper liners or reusable silicone liners that don't require oil. You can also try using racks or trays that keep your food elevated and prevent it from touching the bottom of the basket. Another option is to make a foil packet by arranging your food inside a piece of aluminum foil and rolling up the sides, ensuring that air can still circulate around the food.

Oil your food before placing it in the air fryer

Oiling Your Food Before Placing It in the Air Fryer

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, and roast. They are a healthier alternative to deep fryers, as they use less oil.

While the need for oil in air frying is not as great as when using an oven or frying pan, a small amount of oil can keep your food moist and give it a golden-brown colour.

How to Oil Your Food

When using an air fryer, put the oil on the food, not in the basket. You can use an oil mister or a basting brush to apply the oil. For bigger surface areas, like chicken breasts, a basting brush works well. For smaller foods, like frozen dumplings or air-fried ravioli, an oil mister is a good option.

If you are cooking fresh meats and vegetables, it is recommended to toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil, along with your seasoning, before putting it in the air fryer.

For recipes that call for butter, like hot sandwiches or anything with dough, use a pastry brush to evenly coat your food with melted butter before cooking.

Foods That Do Not Need Oil

Most frozen foods do not need oil, as they already have oil in their ingredients. Simply cook the food halfway, then open the drawer to flip or shake the basket, and only add oil if the food appears dry.

Most meats also do not require oil, unless you would normally add oil when cooking that type of meat in the oven.

Recommended Oils

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

It is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point, as these are less likely to break down and cause an unpleasant smell or taste. Oils with a high smoke point include avocado oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil.

Frequently asked questions