Pam In The Air Fryer: What You Need To Know

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you use Pam in them? The short answer is no, you shouldn't use an aerosol oil like Pam in your air fryer. Aerosol cooking sprays are one of the worst things for your health and your non-stick surfaces and Teflon pans. The propellants in aerosol oils can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, causing it to flake and mix with your food. However, you can use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer/mister with a high smoke point oil.

PAM Air Fryer non-stick spray is formulated for air fryers

PAM Air Fryer Non-Stick Spray

Overview

Using PAM in an Air Fryer

While you can use PAM in an air fryer, it is generally recommended not to, as aerosol cooking sprays are known to be one of the worst things for your health and can also damage non-stick surfaces and Teflon pans. The propellants in aerosol sprays, such as food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and propane, can damage and erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, causing it to flake and mix with your food.

Alternatives to PAM

It is best to use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant or a refillable oil sprayer/mister filled with a high smoke point oil. Examples of oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil.

Tips for Keeping Food from Sticking

Some alternatives to using cooking sprays in your air fryer include using a pastry brush to apply oil, purchasing premade paper or silicone liners, or using perforated foil and parchment paper. Routinely shaking the contents of your basket during the cooking process can also help prevent sticking.

Aerosol oils can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket

Aerosol oils can damage the non-stick coating of an air fryer basket in several ways. Firstly, they tend to have a lower smoke point, which means they can burn when the surface of the air fryer basket gets too hot, resulting in damage to the non-stick coating.

Secondly, aerosol oils contain propellants and other additives that can create a film on the air fryer basket over time, compromising the integrity of the non-stick coating and reducing its non-stick properties. This film is resistant to conventional soap and water cleaning methods, making it difficult to remove.

Thirdly, certain aerosol oils may break down at elevated temperatures, resulting in the deposition of a sticky residue that can negatively affect the non-stick coating. The chemical composition of these sprays can interact with the non-stick coating, further compromising its integrity.

Finally, regular use of aerosol oils without thorough cleaning can lead to a gradual build-up of residues, diminishing the effectiveness of the air fryer basket. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using aerosol oils on non-stick surfaces, including air fryer baskets, to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance.

Non-aerosol pump-style oil sprays are safe to use in air fryers

Pam, an aerosol oil, is not recommended for use in an air fryer. Aerosol oils contain chemical oil, lecithin, and a propellant, which could be food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, or propane. The main concern with aerosol oils is the potential damage to the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket. The harsh chemical agents and propellants can erode the coating, causing it to flake and mix with food.

However, non-aerosol pump-style oil sprays are safe to use in air fryers. These sprays do not contain propellants and will not damage the air fryer's non-stick surface. Examples of such sprays include avocado oil spray, which has a smoke point of 500°F, and olive oil spray.

If you prefer to use a specific type of oil, you can purchase a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with your chosen oil. Options like the EVO oil sprayer and the Misto oil sprayer are non-aerosol and do not contain propellants or chemicals. However, these sprayers may require more maintenance as they tend to get clogged and can be challenging to clean.

Another alternative is to brush oil onto the food or the air fryer basket using a pastry brush. This method ensures control over the amount of oil used and avoids the potential issues associated with aerosol sprays.

Olive oil is the best oil spray for air fryers

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook food without using too much oil. While some foods may not need any extra oil, a light coating of oil can help your food crisp up and stop it from sticking to your air fryer.

Olive oil is a healthy option for cooking. It has a light taste, making it a versatile oil that works well with many dishes. It is also safe for the environment and good for your body. Monounsaturated fats from olive oil may also reduce the risk of heart disease.

Other oils such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil are also suitable for air fryers. They have higher smoke points than olive oil, which means they can withstand higher temperatures without burning. However, olive oil is a better option than vegetable or canola oil, which have lower smoke points and may not be able to handle the heat of an air fryer.

While you can use PAM in an air fryer, it is not recommended. PAM is a non-stick cooking spray that contains a blend of seed oils, which may have lower smoke points than olive oil. It can also leave a gummy oil film on your air fryer and make it harder to clean. Some people also believe that PAM can damage the non-stick coating on air fryer trays.

When using olive oil in an air fryer, it is best to use a light olive oil, as it has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. You can use a pre-filled spray bottle, a mister, or a refillable oil sprayer to apply a thin layer of oil to your air fryer basket or food.

You can also brush oil onto food or the air fryer basket with a pastry brush

If you want to oil your air fryer basket, you can brush it with oil using a pastry brush. This is a good alternative to using cooking sprays, which are generally not recommended for air fryers.

Most air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating, so you don't need to add oil to the basket itself. However, if you're cooking something that tends to stick, like salmon with the skin on, you might want to add a little extra oil.

You can also brush oil directly onto your food with a pastry brush. This is a good way to ensure that your food doesn't dry out and achieves an even colour. This is especially useful for breaded foods like chicken tenders or coconut shrimp.

If you're using oil, it's important to choose one with a high smoke point that won't burn at high temperatures. Some good options include avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil.

Frequently asked questions