Nonstick Spray: Air Fryer Safe?

There is much debate about whether or not nonstick spray can be used in an air fryer. While some people claim that it can ruin the non-stick coating of the appliance, others argue that it is safe to use as long as it is applied directly to the food and not the pan. So, can you use nonstick spray in an air fryer?

Non-aerosol sprays

Another option is to use a silicone brush or a paper towel to lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. This method ensures that you don't use too much oil, as a little goes a long way in an air fryer.

Additionally, you can also oil your food directly instead of spraying the air fryer itself. This is a good option if you're cooking breaded food items like chicken tenders. Just be sure to use a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or sunflower oil.

Remember, when using non-aerosol sprays or oils in your air fryer, always use silicone-tipped tools and soft sponges to avoid scratching the coating.

High-smoke-point oils

When using an air fryer, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil you are using. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to break down and emit smoke. If you use a low smoke point oil to cook food at high heat, it will start smoking and give off a burnt smell that can affect the taste of your food.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a smoke point of around 375-400°F (190-205°C) or 570°F (299°C). It has a neutral flavour and is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has a smoke point of around 450°F (230°C). It has a pleasant, nutty flavour and is commonly used in stir-frying and deep frying.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil has a smoke point of around 400-450°F (205-230°C). It is a common and versatile oil that can be used for air frying a variety of dishes.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has a smoke point of around 390°F (195°C) or 421°F (216°C). It is a byproduct of winemaking and has a high smoke point and clean taste, making it a good all-purpose cooking oil.

Light Olive Oil

Light olive oil, also known as refined or extra light olive oil, has a smoke point of around 465-470°F (241-243°C). It has a lighter colour and more neutral flavour than extra virgin olive oil, and a longer shelf life.

Coconut Oil (Refined)

Refined coconut oil has a smoke point of 400°F (204°C). It is important to choose refined coconut oil over unrefined, which has a lower smoke point of 350°F (177°C).

When using high-smoke-point oils in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a small amount to lightly coat your food. You can use a spray bottle, brush, or toss your food in a bowl with the oil before putting it in the air fryer.

Air fryer liners

If you're set on using liners, there are a few options to choose from. You can use disposable paper liners, which are usually made from parchment paper and can be purchased from most major retailers. These liners are convenient, as they can be thrown away after use, but they may not be the best option for the environment. Alternatively, you can use reusable silicone liners, which can be washed and used multiple times. These are a more sustainable option but may require more effort to clean.

To use a liner, simply place it in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Then, place your food on the liner and cook as usual. Some people recommend putting the food on the liner before placing it in the air fryer to prevent the liner from flying up and getting burned.

It's important to note that using a liner may not completely eliminate the need for cleaning, as you may still need to wash the wire rack or basket that sits on top of the liner. Additionally, liners are not necessary if you're just cooking something simple like chicken nuggets or vegetables, as these foods are unlikely to make a mess.

So, while air fryer liners can be helpful for certain types of cooking, they may not be worth the trade-off in terms of cooking quality and cleanup convenience.

Racks or trays

If you are using racks or trays, it is still important to remember that air fryers have a non-stick coating, and spraying them with cooking spray can damage this coating. Instead, you can lightly coat the rack or tray with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, extra virgin olive, grapeseed, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower oil. You can use a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or a paper towel to apply the oil.

If you are cooking breaded food items, like chicken tenders, you can spray them directly with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

Foil packets

While it is possible to use nonstick spray in an air fryer, it is generally not recommended. Most air fryers already have a nonstick surface, so using aerosol-based nonstick sprays can potentially damage the coating, causing it to chip and get into your food. The chemicals in aerosol nonstick sprays can cause the nonstick coating to wear down.

Instead, you can use non-aerosol sprays, or a mister with a high-smoke-point oil such as avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, or grapeseed oil. You can also use liners made from parchment paper, silicone, or even aluminum foil.

Now, on to foil packets!

• Cut out two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12 by 18 inches.
• Place your chosen ingredients in the middle of the foil. For example, for a beef and potato foil packet, you can add potatoes, onion, green beans, and a patty of ground beef on top.
• Seal the foil and place it in the air fryer with the seam side up.
• Cook at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

You can also make foil packets with salmon, corn, and broccoli. Season the ingredients with cajun seasoning and add butter before sealing the foil. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Frequently asked questions