Vegetable Oil In An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying foods. However, some people are surprised to learn that you do need to use oil in some air fryer recipes. So, which oils can you 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, and more. It's important to note that you should avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM, as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer/mister filled with a high smoke point oil.

How much vegetable oil to use in an air fryer

Yes, you can use vegetable oil in an air fryer. The amount of oil you need to use when air frying is significantly less than what you would use when deep frying food or sautéing it in a skillet. When air frying, you use anywhere from a few sprays to 1 tablespoon of oil depending on the type of food you are cooking.

If you are cooking fresh meats and vegetables, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. For frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls, you don't need to add any additional oil as they already have oil in them as a byproduct of the manufacturing process.

For roasted vegetables, place the cut-up vegetables in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil and toss together until well coated. You can also use a basting brush when you are cooking something with a bigger surface, such as frozen chicken breasts.

Best alternatives to vegetable oil for an air fryer

Yes, you can use vegetable oil in an air fryer. However, if you are looking for alternatives, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best alternatives to vegetable oil for an air fryer:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for air frying and can be used in a spray or mist form to coat food lightly. It has a lower smoke point than vegetable oil, so it should only be used for temperatures up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another suitable option for air frying. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at higher temperatures. You can add a small amount of coconut oil to the air fryer basket and rub it in before turning the appliance on.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is recommended by some as a healthy alternative to vegetable oil. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is also a viable option for air frying. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it versatile for various dishes.

Other Alternatives

Other oils that can be used in an air fryer include grapeseed oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil. Additionally, you can use butter or ghee for roasting vegetables or cooking certain types of foods.

It is important to note that the amount of oil used in an air fryer is typically minimal, ranging from a few sprays to about a tablespoon, depending on the food being cooked. It is also recommended to put the oil directly on the food rather than in the air fryer basket to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.

Can you spray vegetable oil in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a healthier and cheaper alternative to deep fryers. They work by convection heating, using a fan to circulate hot air around the food, similar to an oven. This means that only a fraction of the amount of oil used in deep frying is required for air frying.

While air fryers do not require oil to produce great results, a little oil can improve the texture and flavour of the food. Oil can be applied directly to the food or to the air fryer basket. However, it is important to note that not all oils are suitable for air frying.

The best oils for air frying

Oils with a high smoke point are best for air frying. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil will start to smoke and break down. Using an oil with a low smoke point can introduce off-flavours and destroy nutrients.

Oils with a high smoke point include:

• Avocado oil
• Peanut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Light olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Refined coconut oil

Using oil in an air fryer

When using oil in an air fryer, it is important to follow these dos and don'ts:

• Read the user's manual before adding oil to your air fryer.
• Use a small spray bottle or measuring spoon.
• Use the correct type of oil (with a proper smoke point).
• Only use a few sprays in the basket.
• Cook in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Do not allow the cooking oil to touch the heating element.

It is also important to note that you should never use cooking spray, such as PAM, in an air fryer as it can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer or mister filled with a high smoke point oil.

Foods that benefit from oil in an air fryer

While some foods do not need oil when cooked in an air fryer, such as frozen foods like chicken nuggets, French fries, and pizza rolls, most recipes will benefit from a small amount of oil. Oil gives a nice golden colour to certain foods and helps to keep food moist during cooking.

Foods that benefit from oil in an air fryer include:

• Breaded chicken cutlets
• Vegetables
• Frozen dumplings
• Air fried ravioli
• Sweet potato fries
• Baby carrots
• Baby potatoes
• Potato chips

Foods that need vegetable oil in an air fryer

While air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep fryers, it is still recommended to use oil in some capacity for almost 75% of what you cook. The amount of oil used in an air fryer is significantly less than that of a deep fryer, and it can take weeks or even months to go through the same amount of oil.

So, which foods need vegetable oil in an air fryer?

Frozen Foods

Frozen dumplings, egg rolls, and fried ravioli are some examples of frozen foods that need a little vegetable oil when cooking in an air fryer. Spray food with about 1 teaspoon of oil using an oil sprayer on all sides. If the food looks too dry at any point, spray a little more oil on it.

Roasted Vegetables

All roasted vegetables require a little oil or butter when air-fried. Cut-up vegetables should be placed in a bowl with about 1 tablespoon of oil and tossed together until well coated. Leaving out the oil can cause the food to become dry and possibly even tough. Examples of vegetables cooked with a little oil/butter include sweet potato fries, baby carrots, baby potatoes, and potato chips.

Breaded Foods

Breaded foods like ravioli, breaded mushrooms, and zucchini chips are also recommended to be cooked with a light coating of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Chips

Tortilla chips and pita chips are examples of chips that benefit from a coating of vegetable oil when cooked in an air fryer.

It is important to note that applying too much oil can cause air-fried food to become greasy and soggy, so it is generally recommended to start with a light coating or a tablespoon of oil and adjust as needed. Additionally, different air fryer models may have different temperature settings, so always refer to your air fryer's manual for recommended cooking temperatures and oil usage guidelines.

Pros and cons of using vegetable oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to cook a variety of foods, from chicken legs to salmon teriyaki. While you don't need to use oil in an air fryer, it can be beneficial for certain dishes. Here are the pros and cons of using vegetable oil in your air fryer:

Pros:

• Vegetable oil is versatile and can be used in an air fryer, just like any other oil suitable for oven use.
• It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and producing smoke. This makes it suitable for high-heat cooking in an air fryer.
• Vegetable oil is a blend of different oils, making it a cost-effective option.
• Using vegetable oil in an air fryer can enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes, especially if you're cooking homemade chips, roast potatoes, or chicken.
• Vegetable oil can help prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket or tray, making cleanup easier.

Cons:

• Using too much vegetable oil or any oil can be detrimental. It can cause the air-fried food to become greasy and soggy, instead of crispy and flavorful.
• Vegetable oil may not be the best choice for those seeking a neutral flavor profile. It has a distinct taste that can be imparted to the food.
• If you use an aerosol cooking spray with vegetable oil, it can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time.
• Vegetable oil may not be the healthiest option compared to other oils like avocado oil or light olive oil.
• Some air fryer models have different temperature settings, and using vegetable oil may not be suitable for all of them due to its smoke point.

Frequently asked questions