Air Fryer Cooking Spray: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their convenience and versatility. They can bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, roast, and more. A common question that arises is whether cooking spray can be used in an air fryer. While it may seem like a convenient option, it is important to note that not all cooking sprays are suitable for air fryers. Cooking sprays with additives like soy lecithin, an emulsifier, can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer by breaking down at high temperatures and leaving behind a sticky residue. This can be difficult to clean and may lead to poor performance. Therefore, it is recommended to use oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, and apply them using a brush or by greasing the food directly.

Cooking spray can damage non-stick coatings

While cooking sprays may seem like a convenient option to grease up your air fryer, they can actually damage the non-stick coating of your appliance. Cooking sprays often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that helps to blend oils and liquids. However, soy lecithin cannot withstand the high temperatures of air fryers, causing it to break down and leave behind a sticky residue that is difficult to remove. This residue can build up over time, resulting in a sticky surface that is not only unpleasant to touch but can also degrade the non-stick coating, making it less effective and harder to clean.

The key to achieving crisp and evenly cooked food in an air fryer is to use oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, which has a smoke point of around 500°F (271°C). Oils with high smoke points can withstand the high temperatures of air fryers without burning, ensuring a smoother cooking experience. Instead of spraying the basket directly, it is recommended to grease the food itself or use accessories like cooking racks or silicone liners to prevent food from sticking without the need for excess oil.

If you do choose to use a cooking spray, it is crucial to select one that is specifically designed for high-temperature cooking and does not contain additives that can deteriorate at high heat. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray, for example, is a popular option as it is made from 100% pure avocado oil with no additives, fillers, or propellants. However, it is important to note that even with the right cooking spray, you should avoid spraying the air fryer basket directly to minimize the risk of damage to the non-stick coating.

While some people argue that proper cleaning techniques can prevent damage to the non-stick coating, it is still a risky move. To clean your air fryer, use a soft sponge and warm soapy water immediately after cooking. If there is any stuck-on residue, try softening it with hot water and baking soda or a non-toxic oven cleaner before scrubbing. By taking the time to clean your air fryer properly and choosing the right oils or cooking sprays, you can help maintain the integrity of the non-stick coating and prolong the life of your appliance.

Avocado oil is a good alternative

While some sources advise against using cooking spray in an air fryer, others recommend using avocado oil spray as a healthier alternative to traditional cooking sprays. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking. This makes it a good option for air frying, which requires cooking at high heat.

Avocado oil sprays are also a good option for low-oil cooking. A light mist of avocado oil spray can be used to coat food before placing it in the air fryer, providing moisture and a golden brown colour without making the food greasy. This can be especially useful when cooking breaded foods, as a light coating of oil can help prevent sticking.

When choosing an avocado oil spray, look for a product that does not contain any additives or propellants. Some cooking sprays contain lecithin, an emulsifier, and dimethyl silicone, an anti-foaming agent, which can build up and create sticky spots on your air fryer basket or racks. Avocado oil sprays that use "bag on valve" technology deliver only pure avocado oil, without any chemical propellants.

To use avocado oil spray in your air fryer, start by tossing your food in a metal mixing bowl and giving it a light mist of oil. Then, add any desired seasonings and toss everything together. Lightly mist the internal cooking basket of the air fryer with avocado oil spray, place the seasoned food inside, and set the desired time and temperature.

Grease the food, not the basket

While air fryers do need a little oil, it is important to know how to use it properly. Cooking sprays can leave a sticky residue that fuses to your air fryer basket, which can be difficult to remove and can leave lasting damage. This is because cooking sprays often contain soy lecithin, an ingredient that emulsifies and stabilises processed food. Soy lecithin cannot reliably stand up to the high temperatures air fryers use, and will break down, causing residue buildup in your air fryer.

If you are worried about your food sticking to the air fryer basket, you can mist it with a pure oil (buy a mister bottle and fill it yourself), or toss the food in a separate bowl with a little fat to lightly coat it. Greasing the food, instead of the basket, will ensure there’s no excess pooling or splattering, while preventing the dreaded basket-stickage.

If you need to use a cooking spray, like when cooking breaded food items like chicken tenders, only spray the food directly before turning on the air fryer. You can also add some oil to whatever you're air-frying, mix everything thoroughly to coat your ingredients, and then put everything into the basket. Either way, you only need a small amount of oil to ensure your food gets crispy and delicious.

To prevent the need to clean your air fryer between each batch of food, you can try lining the air fryer basket with something like an air fryer liner, aluminium foil, or reusable silicone liners.

Use a mister bottle with pure oil

While air fryers are convenient, easy-to-use appliances, they can be a bit tricky when it comes to oil application. Cooking sprays may seem like a convenient option, but they can cause sticky residue buildup and even damage your air fryer's non-stick coating over time. This is because cooking sprays often contain additives like soy lecithin, an emulsifier that can break down at high temperatures, leading to poor performance and a messy appliance.

A better alternative is to use a mister bottle filled with pure oil. This method offers several advantages. Firstly, you can control the amount of oil being applied, ensuring that your food doesn't become overly greasy. Secondly, by misting the food directly instead of the basket, you prevent excess oil from pooling or splattering, reducing the risk of basket stickage.

Avocado oil is an excellent choice for air frying due to its high smoke point of around 500°F (260°C). Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray, for instance, is 100% pure avocado oil with no additives, fillers, or propellants. It's easy to use and can be applied directly to your food or the air fryer basket, ensuring a thin, even layer of oil.

If you prefer to use other types of oil, opt for those with high smoke points. Oils like canola oil are suitable for cooking temperatures below 400°F (204°C). For higher temperatures, avocado oil or oils with similar smoke points are recommended to prevent burning and damage to your air fryer.

Remember, a little oil goes a long way in an air fryer. You may also want to consider using a cooking rack or liner, such as aluminium foil or silicone liners, to further reduce the amount of oil needed and make cleanup easier.

Clean your air fryer properly

While it is possible to use cooking spray in an air fryer, it is important to clean the appliance properly to prevent damage to the non-stick coating. Here are some tips to clean your air fryer properly:

Firstly, always clean your air fryer after each use, especially if there is stuck-on food. If you are in a hurry and no food residue is visible, you can simply wipe the air fryer down with a wet paper towel or microfiber cloth until you can give it a proper cleaning.

If your air fryer has a lot of grease and food residue built up, fill the basket halfway with hot water and add some dish soap. Dawn dish soap is a good choice due to its degreasing agents. You can also add a small amount of vinegar to the mixture to help cut through the grease. Set the appliance to air fry for about three minutes. After three minutes, pull out the basket and dump the water. Give the air fryer a final rinse and repeat the process if necessary.

If there is still stubborn grease or food residue, make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about ten minutes. Then, scrub the air fryer components with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse well and repeat if needed.

It is important to note that the heating element of the air fryer should never be soaked in water. Additionally, do not use steel wool or metal utensils to scrape off stuck-on food, as this can damage the non-stick coating.

To prevent sticking and make cleaning easier, you can use parchment paper or a silicone mat in the basket. You can also use an oil mister or a refillable spray bottle filled with your choice of oil, such as avocado, canola, or olive oil, as these oils have higher smoke points.

By following these tips, you can properly clean your air fryer and maintain its condition and functionality.

Frequently asked questions