Pam Olive Oil Spray: Air Fryer Safe?

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep fryers. While air frying, you can use anywhere from a few sprays to one tablespoon of oil, depending on the type of food you are cooking. However, it is important to note that you should not use aerosol oil sprays like Pam in your air fryer as they can damage the non-stick coating of the basket. Aerosol oils contain chemical oils, lecithin, and propellants that can cause the coating to flake and mix with your food. Instead, you can use nonaerosol oil sprays or directly add a bit of oil to your food. Olive oil is a great option for air frying as it has a high smoke point and is heart-healthy.

Why you shouldn't use Pam in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance, and while they may seem similar to deep fryers, they are quite different. Air fryers cook food using hot air circulation, meaning you only need a fraction of the oil you would use in a deep fryer.

When it comes to using cooking sprays like Pam in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to avoid them. Here are several reasons why you shouldn't use Pam or similar aerosol cooking sprays in your air fryer:

Damage to Non-Stick Coating:

The non-stick coating on air fryer baskets is there to prevent food from sticking without the need for additional oils or sprays. Aerosol cooking sprays like Pam contain ingredients like soy lecithin, which can destroy this non-stick coating. Over time, the coating will start to chip and flake, leading to food particles containing metal. This not only affects the performance of your air fryer but also poses potential health risks.

Presence of Propellants:

Aerosol cooking sprays contain propellants such as food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, or propane. These propellants help prevent the spray from clogging the nozzle. However, when used in an air fryer, these propellants can damage and erode the non-stick coating of the basket. This results in flaking and the potential release of metal particles into your food.

Build-up of Sticky Residue:

The use of aerosol cooking sprays can lead to the build-up of a thick layer of sticky residue or gunk on your air fryer basket. This residue is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove. It not only affects the performance of your air fryer but also impacts the taste and quality of your food.

Health Concerns:

Aerosol cooking sprays often contain various chemicals and additives that may raise health concerns. These chemicals can include propellants, emulsifiers, and other ingredients that are not meant to be ingested. While these chemicals may be deemed safe in small quantities, their prolonged or excessive exposure could potentially have negative health effects.

Alternative Options Available:

Instead of using aerosol cooking sprays, there are alternative options available that are safer for your air fryer. You can use nonaerosol or pump-style oil sprays that do not contain propellants. Additionally, you can invest in a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with a high smoke point oil like avocado oil, light olive oil, or sunflower oil. These options provide the same convenience as aerosol sprays without the potential damage or health concerns.

Aerosol oils and their effects on air fryers

Aerosol oils are a combination of chemical oil, lecithin, and a propellant, which can be food-grade alcohol, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and/or propane. While they are convenient for cooking, they can be detrimental to your air fryer.

The propellants in aerosol oils can damage and erode the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. Over time, the coating will start to flake and the food will contain small particles of the basket. This is not only unpleasant but can also be harmful to your health.

Additionally, the ingredients in aerosol oils are often not premium grade. They typically contain soy, corn, or canola oils, which mostly come from GMO crops that have been engineered to withstand pesticide applications. The propellants used are also similar to those used in lighters and portable stoves, such as butane and propane.

To avoid the negative effects of aerosol oils on your air fryer, it is recommended to use a nonaerosol cooking spray or a refillable oil mister. You can fill these with your preferred oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, which have higher smoke points ideal for air frying. By using a refillable option, you also reduce waste and have more control over the ingredients used.

In summary, while aerosol oils may seem like a convenient option, they can cause damage to your air fryer's non-stick coating and may contain lower-quality ingredients. To maintain the longevity and performance of your air fryer, it is best to avoid aerosol oils and opt for nonaerosol or refillable alternatives.

Non-aerosol oil alternatives for air fryers

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance. However, it is not recommended to use aerosol oils like Pam non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer. Aerosol oils can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket, causing it to flake and mix with your food.

So, what are some non-aerosol oil alternatives for air fryers? Here are some options:

Non-aerosol oil sprays

Look for oil sprays packed in a non-propellant-style can, such as those by Pompeian. These sprays tend to come with healthier oil options, like avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or grapeseed oil.

Refillable oil misters

You can also use a refillable oil mister with a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or grapeseed oil. Simply pour the oil into the mister and spritz onto your food or the air fryer basket.

Air fryer liners

Consider using liners made from silicone or parchment paper. Parchment liners are disposable and easy to use, while silicone liners can be reused and are dishwasher-safe. You can also use aluminium foil as a liner, which will cut down on cleaning time.

Oil your food

Instead of spraying oil directly into the air fryer, you can toss your food in a light coating of oil before air frying. Be sure to use a high-smoke-point oil like canola or sunflower oil.

Cooking racks or trays

Using a cooking rack or tray will elevate your food slightly, allowing it to cook evenly from all sides. It also keeps your food from touching the bottom of the basket, preventing sticking and reducing the need for oil.

Foil packets

Arrange your food inside a piece of aluminium foil and roll up the sides, ensuring that air can still circulate around the packet. This method will keep your air fryer clean and ready for the next use.

How to use oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook food quickly, easily, and healthily. While you don't need to use oil when cooking with an air fryer, it is recommended that you do so for almost 75% of what you cook. Oil can help to give food a nice golden colour and keep it moist, ensuring it doesn't dry out.

How Much Oil to Use

You only need a fraction of the amount of oil that you would use when deep-frying or sautéing in a skillet. A few sprays or around one tablespoon of oil is usually enough, depending on the type of food you are cooking.

Where to Put the Oil

When air frying, put the oil on the food, not directly into the basket. You can use an oil mister, a basting brush, or toss the food in a bowl with oil.

Which Oils to Use

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, avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and more. It's important to consider the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which it begins to break down and emit smoke. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil, are best suited for air frying.

Oils to Avoid

Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM in your air fryer, as they can damage the non-stick coating of the basket. These aerosol sprays contain harsh agents and chemicals that can cause chipping and leave a thick layer of sticky residue.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• Grease your air fryer basket, even if your food doesn't require oil, to prevent sticking.
• Spray your food with oil halfway through cooking to get the best crisp.
• If you're cooking battered or breaded food, spray it with oil to get even browning and prevent dry spots.
• For roasted vegetables, toss them in a bowl with oil before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they are well-coated.

How to prevent food from sticking in an air fryer

While air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance, food can sometimes stick to the fryer basket. Here are some tips to prevent this:

Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer. Most air fryers need to be preheated to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply set it to your desired temperature and let it run for about three minutes before adding your food.

Use Oil if Necessary

Oil is not always necessary when cooking with an air fryer. For example, if your food already contains some fat, such as red meat or chicken, adding oil will only increase the fat content. However, a small amount of oil can help to crisp up your food and prevent sticking. Dry foods, in particular, may benefit from a light coating of oil.

Grease the Fryer Basket

Even if your food doesn't require oil, it's a good idea to grease the fryer basket to prevent sticking. You can do this by rubbing or spraying a small amount of vegetable oil on the lower racks.

Avoid Aerosol Sprays

Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays in your air fryer. These sprays often contain ingredients that can damage or spoil the non-stick coating of the basket, causing your food to stick. Instead, opt for a refillable oil mister or a nonaerosol spray bottle.

Don't Overload the Basket

To ensure your food cooks evenly and doesn't stick, avoid overfilling the basket. The more food you put in the basket, the more likely it is to stick and prevent crisping.

Shake the Basket During Cooking

When cooking smaller foods, such as chicken wings or chips, shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. For larger foods, you can use a pair of kitchen tongs to flip them instead of shaking the basket.

Use High Smoke Point Oils

The type of oil you use in your air fryer is important. Oils with a lower smoking temperature are not suitable for air fryers as they can burn and create smoke. Instead, opt for oils with a high smoke point (400 degrees Fahrenheit or more), such as refined avocado oil, almond oil, corn oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.

Frequently asked questions