Sesame Oil In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular cooking appliance that helps you achieve a deep-fried taste with fewer calories. While they don't require the use of oil, adding a small amount can help make your food crispier. However, not all oils are created equal when it comes to air frying. Sesame oil, in particular, has a polarising effect on air fryer enthusiasts. Some recipes, like sesame chicken and asparagus, call for the use of sesame oil in an air fryer. On the other hand, some sources advise against using sesame oil due to its low smoke point and strong flavour, which can negatively impact the taste of your food.

Sesame oil is best used to flavour food after air frying

While it is possible to use sesame oil in an air fryer, it is not recommended as it has a low smoke point and a strong flavour that can negatively impact your food. Sesame oil is best used to flavour food after air frying.

Sesame oil has a toasted flavour that can be too strong for some recipes. Its smoke point is around 320º F, which is lower than other oils, and it can develop a rancid flavour at high temperatures. This means that it can start to smoke and impart a poor flavour to your food.

Instead, it is better to use sesame oil as a flavour enhancer after cooking. For example, you can drizzle it over roasted asparagus or use it in a dressing for a salad. This way, you can still enjoy the unique taste of sesame oil without risking any negative effects on your food from the high heat of the air fryer.

Other oils that are better suited for air frying include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and refined coconut oil. These oils have higher smoke points and milder flavours, making them better choices for air frying.

Dark sesame oil has a low smoke point and a strong flavour

When choosing an oil for air frying, it's important to consider the recipe's cooking temperature and compare it to the smoking point of the oil. Dark sesame oil has a toasted flavour that can be overpowering for some recipes, so it's not typically recommended for use in an air fryer.

However, some recipes specifically call for dark sesame oil, and it can be used successfully in an air fryer if the cooking temperature is below its smoking point. For example, in an air fryer set to 360°F, asparagus can be tossed with a teaspoon of dark sesame oil and air-fried for 5-12 minutes, resulting in a tasty side dish.

Additionally, sesame oil can be used to season chicken breasts before air frying, adding a delicious flavour to the crispy skin. In this case, the oil is not being heated above its smoking point, so there is no risk of it smoking or imparting a poor flavour to the food.

Sesame oil is safe to use in an air fryer, unlike Pam and other cooking sprays

While dark sesame oil is not recommended for air frying due to its low smoke point and strong flavour, regular sesame oil can be used. Toasted sesame oil can also be used, but it will impart a slightly stronger flavour to your food.

If you're looking to add some crunch and flavour to your vegetables, a drizzle of sesame oil on asparagus, for example, can be a great option before air frying.

It's important to note that the quality of the sesame oil you use can impact its smoke point, so be sure to choose a good quality oil and always compare the smoke point of the oil to the cooking temperature of your recipe.

When using sesame oil in an air fryer, it's best to lightly spray or coat your food with the oil, rather than putting it directly into the air fryer. This will help ensure your food gets crispy without becoming saturated with oil.

Sesame oil is a good choice for an air fryer if you want a crispy crunch

Sesame oil is also a healthy choice, as it contains good fats, and it has a mild flavour that won't overpower your dish. When using sesame oil in an air fryer, it's important to note that there are two types: regular sesame oil and dark sesame oil. Regular sesame oil has a slightly milder flavour, while dark sesame oil has a toasted flavour that can be too strong for some dishes.

When air frying with sesame oil, it's best to use a mister or spray bottle to lightly coat your food with oil. This helps to control the amount of oil used and ensures that your food gets crispy without becoming saturated with oil.

In addition to its culinary benefits, sesame oil also has a unique flavour that can enhance the taste of your dish. Its nutty and slightly sweet aroma can add depth and complexity to your air-fried creations.

So, if you're looking for a crispy crunch and a unique flavour profile, sesame oil is definitely a good choice for your air fryer. Just remember to use it in moderation and be mindful of its strong flavour when pairing it with other ingredients.

Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and canola oil are also good options for an air fryer

Avocado oil is considered one of the healthiest oils to use in an air fryer due to its good fats. It has a very mild flavour and a high smoke point of 375-400°F/190-205°C or 270C/520F, depending on the source, making it suitable for a wide range of healthy air fryer recipes. Avocado oil is also available in a spray bottle, which is convenient for misting oil onto air-fried foods.

Grapeseed oil is another mild oil that can be used in an air fryer. It has a smoke point of 390°F/195°C or 215C/420F, again depending on the source. It is high in vitamin E, making it a good all-rounder.

Canola oil is a mild, almost tasteless oil that is great for an air fryer. It is lower in saturated fats compared to vegetable oil and has a smoke point of 400º F/204º C.

In addition to these three oils, some other options for air frying include refined olive oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, and sunflower oil. It is important to note that the smoke point of the oil should be higher than the temperature you are cooking at, to avoid a fire hazard and the release of harmful compounds.

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