Spray Oil In Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for those looking to cook food quickly and healthily. While air fryers can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from chicken legs to salmon teriyaki, there is some confusion about whether or not spray oil can be used in them. Some sources claim that using spray oil can ruin the non-stick coating of the air fryer, while others suggest that it is perfectly safe to use as long as it is a non-aerosol spray. So, can you use spray oil in an air fryer?

Can you use spray oil in an air fryer?

Using a non-aerosol spray bottle

While cooking spray should be avoided in an air fryer, you can still use oil in a non-aerosol spray bottle. This is a healthier alternative to deep frying or even sautéing in a skillet, as it requires only a fraction of the oil.

A non-aerosol spray bottle allows you to disperse a small amount of oil evenly over the food. You can also use a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, peanut, sunflower, or light olive oil, to prevent the oil from burning at high temperatures.

If you are using an air fryer with a non-stick surface, you usually don't need to spray the basket. However, for foods that tend to stick, like salmon with skin, you may want to spray or brush the basket with oil. Alternatively, you can use a silicone liner or perforated parchment paper.

When using a non-aerosol spray bottle, lightly coat the air fryer basket or food with oil. You can also toss the food in a bowl with a small amount of oil before placing it in the air fryer. This is especially useful for vegetables like asparagus or butternut squash.

It is important to note that you should avoid using non-stick cooking spray, as it can damage the lining of the air fryer basket. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol spray bottle or a refillable oil sprayer filled with a high smoke point oil.

Oiling the food, not the pan

While it is possible to use oil in an air fryer, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Instead of spraying the air fryer basket or racks with oil, it is preferable to oil your food. This is because cooking sprays can damage the non-stick finish inside the machine, which is essential for crisping up food and ensuring it releases cleanly.

If you do want to use oil, it is recommended to use a high smoke point oil such as avocado, canola, peanut, sesame, or sunflower oil. These oils can be lightly brushed onto the air fryer basket using a silicone brush, or wiped on with a paper towel.

However, it is usually more effective to toss the food itself in a light coating of oil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps to ensure even colouring and prevents dry spots. It is also a good idea to spray or brush the other side of the food if it needs to be flipped during cooking.

If you are cooking something that tends to stick, like salmon with skin, you may want to consider spraying or brushing the basket with oil. Alternatively, you can use a silicone liner or perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Using a high smoke point oil

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 oils begin to smoke, which can cause an unpleasant smell or taste. Air fryers can reach high cooking temperatures, so it is best to use an oil with a high smoke point.

High smoke point oils are those that won't burn at high temperatures. Using a high smoke point oil will give better-tasting food and fewer smoking issues. Some examples of oils with a high smoke point include:

• Avocado oil (smoke point: 570°F/375-400°F)
• Ghee (clarified butter) (smoke point: 485°F)
• Extra light olive oil (smoke point: 468°F)
• Soybean oil (smoke point: 460°F)
• Sunflower oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Coconut oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Peanut oil (smoke point: 450°F)
• Grapeseed oil (smoke point: 420°F)
• Canola oil (smoke point: 400-450°F)
• Vegetable oil (smoke point: 400°F)

When cooking with an air fryer, it is recommended to lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. This can be done using either a non-aerosol spray bottle, a silicone brush, or by wiping the oil on with a paper towel. It is important to note that cooking sprays should be avoided as they can damage the air fryer. Instead, it is recommended to use a high smoke point oil in a spray bottle.

Additionally, when cooking with an air fryer, it is not necessary to use oil on the pan. Instead, you can toss the food itself in a light coating of oil before cooking. This will help to keep the food moist and golden brown.

Using a refillable oil sprayer

• Make sure the spray bottle is designed for refilling and can handle the heat.
• Clean the sprayer thoroughly with soapy water before adding new oil.
• Use short bursts of oil to ensure even coating and avoid overdoing it.
• If your air fryer basket is non-stick, you may need less oil.
• Always clean your air fryer basket before using oil spray to maintain food quality and keep your air fryer in top shape.
• Be mindful that some oils, like extra virgin olive oil, have a lower smoke point and may not be the best option for air frying.

Using parchment paper or silicone liners

Using parchment paper in an air fryer is generally safe, but there are a few precautions to be observed. Firstly, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper and not any other paper product. Check the maximum temperature restriction of the parchment paper, which will be printed on the box, and do not exceed this temperature in your air fryer. Cut the paper to fit the size of the bottom of your air fryer basket, and consider perforating and trimming the paper to further assist with air circulation and grease drainage. Do not put the parchment paper in the air fryer while it is preheating, as it may float up and burn. Instead, add the paper after preheating, and weigh it down with food.

Parchment paper is good for foods that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, and it makes cleanup easier. However, it may interfere with airflow, so consider using a hole punch to create perforations in the paper. If you are concerned about the waste generated by using parchment paper, consider using a silicone liner instead.

Silicone liners are a great alternative to parchment paper and can be reused, reducing waste. They are flexible mats that are placed at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent food from sticking and make cleanup easier. Silicone liners are durable, form a tight seal in the basket, and can be washed in warm soapy water. They also protect your air fryer basket from wear and tear caused by constant scrubbing. However, some people have found that silicone liners restrict airflow, leading to longer cooking times. Additionally, some users have reported that silicone liners can retain grease and are difficult to clean, even with the use of a dishwasher.

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