Air-Frying Chicken: Oil Or No Oil?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, offering a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying. While it is possible to cook chicken in an air fryer without oil, some recipes and techniques do incorporate a small amount of oil to enhance the flavour and texture of the chicken. This has sparked a debate among air fryer enthusiasts about whether using oil in an air fryer defeats its purpose as a healthier cooking option. Some users opt for oil sprays or a light coating of oil on the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden brown crust without the excess grease associated with traditional frying methods.

Do you need oil to cook chicken in an air fryer?

Air fryers don't always require oil

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, offering a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. One of the biggest selling points of air fryers is that they can produce crispy, golden brown fried food with minimal or no oil required. This makes air fryers a healthier option compared to deep frying or pan-frying, which typically require a significant amount of oil.

When it comes to cooking chicken in an air fryer, the need for oil depends on the desired outcome and the specific recipe being followed. Some recipes for air-fried chicken do include a small amount of oil, which helps to achieve a crispy, browned exterior. A light coating of oil can be applied by brushing, misting, or spraying the chicken before cooking. This technique is especially useful for skinless chicken, as it adds moisture and helps the seasonings stick, resulting in a more appetizing dish.

However, it's important to note that air fryers don't always require oil, and there are recipes for air-fried chicken that omit oil entirely. This is because air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, and the high temperature can produce crispy results without the need for additional fat. For those who prefer to avoid oil or are looking for an even healthier option, cooking chicken in an air fryer without oil is a viable choice.

Additionally, some frozen foods that are cooked in an air fryer may already contain oil. Adding more oil to these foods can make them too greasy, so it's important to check the ingredients and adjust the amount of oil used accordingly. For example, frozen fries, pizza rolls, and other high-calorie frozen foods typically contain oil, and adding extra may result in an overly oily dish.

In conclusion, while oil can be used in an air fryer to enhance the flavor, texture, and appearance of certain dishes, it is not always necessary. Air fryers are designed to reduce the amount of oil needed in cooking, and they can produce delicious, crispy chicken with or without the addition of oil. The versatility of air fryers allows home cooks to experiment with different recipes and techniques to find the best results for their taste preferences and dietary needs.

Oil helps chicken get crispy and brown

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken without using much oil. However, adding a little oil can help the chicken get crispy and brown. Using oil is entirely optional, but it can enhance the texture and appearance of the chicken.

Oil helps to crisp up the chicken and gives it a nice, appetizing browning. It can be applied directly to the chicken or used as a coating with seasonings. The oil ensures that the chicken develops a beautifully browned crust while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This is especially true if you are using skinless chicken, as the oil can help add some extra flavour and texture to the skinless variety.

There are several ways to apply oil to the chicken. You can brush it on with a basting brush, or put it in a spray bottle and spritz the chicken. You can also toss the chicken in a bowl with oil and seasonings before placing it in the air fryer. If you are using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it first, and then you can brush or spray it with oil.

It is important to note that if your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you should avoid using aerosol non-stick cooking sprays as they can damage the coating. Instead, use an oil sprayer bottle filled with your choice of oil, or simply brush the oil onto the chicken while it is in the basket.

The type of oil you use is also flexible. You can use any kind of oil you like cooking with, such as canola, safflower, olive, or avocado oil. Just a few teaspoons are enough to help the chicken crisp up and brown.

Oil spray bottles are better than aerosol nonstick cooking sprays

While air fryers can cook chicken without oil, adding a small amount of oil helps the chicken develop a nice browning that makes it appetizing. You can use any kind of oil you like for cooking, such as canola, safflower, olive, or avocado oil.

When it comes to oil spray bottles versus aerosol nonstick cooking sprays, there are several reasons why oil spray bottles are the better option:

No Damage to the Air Fryer Basket

Oil spray bottles do not contain additives or chemicals like aerosol nonstick cooking sprays, which can potentially damage the nonstick coating on the air fryer basket. The accelerant in aerosol sprays, which helps the oil flow through the spray nozzle, can cause the nonstick coating to break down, chip, and even get into your food.

Healthier Option

Oil spray bottles allow you to control the amount of oil used, ensuring a healthier cooking option. A light coating of oil is sufficient for air frying, and the spray bottle helps disperse the oil evenly over the food. On the other hand, aerosol sprays may contain additives or chemicals that can be harmful.

High Smoke Point Oils

Oil spray bottles can be filled with oils that have high smoke points, such as avocado oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or grapeseed oil. These oils are ideal for air frying as they can withstand higher temperatures without smoking or breaking down.

Cost-Effective

Oil spray bottles are refillable and reusable, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. You can purchase a bottle and refill it with your choice of oil, rather than constantly buying new aerosol sprays.

Environmental Impact

By using a refillable oil spray bottle, you reduce the waste associated with aerosol cans, which often end up in landfills. This simple switch contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly cooking practice.

Chicken can be soaked in buttermilk for classic fried chicken tenderness

Chicken can be cooked in an air fryer without using oil. The air fryer is designed to reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, while still achieving a crispy, crunchy texture. However, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of oil to the chicken to enhance its colour and crispiness.

To prepare the chicken for buttermilk soaking, cut it into pieces and place them in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated, and then refrigerate. For a thicker coating, the chicken can be dipped in flour, then buttermilk, and then coated with breadcrumbs. This double-coating method provides a crispier texture to the chicken.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it with a dry mixture. This can be done by placing the chicken pieces in a bag containing the dry mixture and shaking it to ensure an even coating. The dry mixture typically consists of flour, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices. It is important to shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken in the air fryer to prevent it from burning.

Once the chicken is coated, it can be placed in the air fryer basket, which has been sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray. The chicken should be cooked in batches to ensure even cooking, and it may be necessary to flip the pieces halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of doneness. A meat thermometer can be used to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature.

Chicken breasts can be marinated in Italian dressing

After marination, the chicken breasts should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set to 360 degrees F, and cooked for 15-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken is cooked when the inside reaches at least 165 degrees F, which can be checked with a meat thermometer.

Some recipes suggest brushing on extra Italian dressing when you flip the chicken, or misting the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil before adding seasonings to ensure they stick. However, if you want to reduce the amount of oil used, you can simply season the chicken with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, and let the hot air of the air fryer do the rest.

Air fryer chicken breasts are a perfect healthy dinner option, as the air fryer makes the meat tender and juicy on the inside, while nicely crisped and golden on the outside. It is also a quick and easy way to cook chicken, with minimal cleanup required.

Frequently asked questions