Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a great way to cook food without using excessive amounts of oil. However, using a small amount of oil can enhance the texture and flavour of your food. A light mist of oil is all you need to get that crispy texture and golden-brown exterior. You can use a spray bottle or mister to coat your food with oil. You can also use a brush to oil your food. It is important to note that you should not use aerosol spray cans like Pam in your air fryer as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use a good quality oil mister or bottle and fill it with your favourite high smoke point oil. Avocado oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil are great choices for high smoke point oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil type | Avocado, Coconut, Grapeseed, Olive, Peanut, Vegetable, Sesame, Canola, Ghee (clarified butter), Soybean, Sunflower, Butter |
| Oil sprayer | Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle, Misto Aluminum Bottle Oil Sprayer, Premium Olive Oil Mister and Cooking Sprayer, Pompeian Cooking Sprays, Bertolli Light Olive Oil Spray, 365 by Whole Foods Market Olive Oil Spray |
| Oil spray characteristics | Non-aerosol, no harmful aerosols or chemicals, no propellants, 100% oil, fine mist, continuous spray, non-allergenic, non-GMO |
| Oil characteristics | High smoke point, no added flavour |
What You'll Learn
Oil sprayers are better than aerosol sprays, which can damage the air fryer basket
Oil sprayers are a great way to ensure your air fryer basket remains in good condition. Aerosol sprays, such as Pam, are known to cause chipping and flaking in air fryer baskets. This is due to the harsh agents in the aerosol cans, which do not mesh well with the coating on most baskets.
Oil sprayers, on the other hand, are a safe and effective way to coat your air fryer basket and food. They are also more economical and environmentally friendly than aerosol sprays. With an oil sprayer, you can fill it with the oil of your choice and use it over and over again, reducing waste and saving you money.
Additionally, oil sprayers give you more control over the amount of oil you use. A light mist of oil is all you need in an air fryer to achieve the same taste and texture as deep-fried foods. Oil sprayers allow you to evenly coat your food and basket with just a small amount of oil, resulting in healthier, less greasy food.
There are a variety of oil sprayers on the market, made from materials such as glass, stainless steel, or plastic. You can choose one that suits your needs and fits your kitchen aesthetic. Keep in mind that if you plan to switch between different types of oils, it's best to go for a glass or stainless steel option as plastic can retain odors and flavors.
Some popular options for oil sprayers include the Misto Oil Sprayer, the Evo Reusable Oil Sprayer, and the CHEFVANTAGE Olive Oil Mister, which is a great choice for air fryers specifically.
By using an oil sprayer instead of an aerosol spray, you'll not only be protecting your air fryer basket, but you'll also be able to better control the amount of oil you use, resulting in healthier and more delicious food.
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Use a high smoke point oil to avoid burning
When making an oil spray for your air fryer, it's important to use an oil with a high smoke point to avoid burning. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke. Using an oil with a low smoke point can not only affect the taste and texture of your food but also destroy nutrients within the oil. It can even become highly flammable.
Oils with high smoke points that are suitable for air frying include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, and sesame oil. These oils have smoke points ranging from 375°F to 570°F (190°C to 230°C). Regular olive oil also has a fairly high smoke point of around 468°F (242°C), but it's important to note that it can start to burn and give off a rancid smell at temperatures of 400°F (205°C) or higher. Therefore, it's best to use olive oil for air frying at temperatures of 375°F (190°C) or lower.
You can use an oil spray bottle or mister to coat your food and air fryer basket with a thin layer of oil. This will help to ensure that your food doesn't stick and will also give it a crispy texture. It's important to avoid using aerosol cooking sprays like PAM, as these can destroy the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket and leave a thick layer of sticky residue. Instead, opt for a refillable oil sprayer that you can fill with your favourite high smoke point oil. Not only is this a more economical option, but it's also better for your health and the environment.
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You can use a brush to oil your food
If you don't want to use an oil sprayer or a mister, you can use a brush to oil your food. This is a good option for recipes that call for butter, such as hot sandwiches or anything that incorporates dough. Use a pastry brush to ensure you're evenly coating your food with melted butter before cooking in the air fryer.
You can also use a basting brush to oil your food, especially if you're cooking something with a bigger surface area, like frozen chicken breasts.
If you're using oil on your food, remember to only coat it with a single layer. Excess oil will drip into the pan of your air fryer during the hot air frying process.
You can also use a brush to oil your air fryer basket. This will help to ensure your food doesn't stick. Just rub or spray a little bit of oil on the bottom grates of the basket.
If you're adding oil to homemade breaded dishes, you can either mix some oil with your breadcrumbs before breading the food or brush or spray some oil onto the coat of breadcrumbs afterward.
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You don't need to oil frozen foods
While a small amount of oil can help keep your food moist and give it a golden-brown colour, you don't always need to use it when air frying. Many frozen foods already contain oil, and adding more can make your food too greasy.
Frozen foods like fries, pizza rolls, or other high-calorie frozen foods don't need extra oil. If you're cooking something that's already greasy, like bacon, you can place a slice of bread in the bottom of the unit to soak up the excess grease.
If your frozen food looks dry, you can always add a little oil halfway through the cooking process.
How to Oil Your Air Fryer Basket
If you do decide to oil your air fryer basket, avoid using aerosol spray cans like PAM, as these can ruin the non-stick coating. Instead, use a brush to coat the basket and your food in oil, or invest in a good-quality oil mister or bottle.
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Don't overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking
When using an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and food sticking together. By overcrowding the basket, you restrict the airflow and prevent the hot air from circulating properly. This can result in steaming instead of crisping, leading to soggy and unevenly cooked food.
To avoid overcrowding, it's best to cook in batches or invest in a bigger air fryer. Cooking in batches allows for better airflow and faster cooking. If you're cooking for a larger group, consider getting an air fryer with a larger basket so you can cook more food at once without overcrowding.
Additionally, when cooking smaller items like chicken wings or french fries, it's recommended to shake the basket every few minutes or use tongs to flip them over to ensure even cooking.
By following these tips, you'll achieve better results with evenly cooked and crispy food that doesn't stick to the air fryer basket.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use any oil in an air fryer. However, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil and choose one with a high smoke point to avoid smoking and burning. Some oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, grape seed oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil.
It is not necessary to use oil in an air fryer, but adding a light coating of oil can enhance the texture and flavor of your food, making it crisp and golden-brown. This is especially useful for foods like french fries, chicken wings, and breaded foods.
There are two options: buying a cooking spray or using a reusable bottle and filling it with oil. When choosing an oil spray, look for one that contains only 100% oil, has a fine mist, can be used when tilted or upside down, and is non-allergenic and non-GMO. Avoid aerosol sprays like Pam, as they can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
You only need a small amount of oil in an air fryer, especially for frozen foods that already contain oil. A light coating or a few sprays are usually enough to achieve the desired results.
Yes, you can use olive oil in an air fryer, but it is best to use it for recipes that are under 375 degrees Fahrenheit due to its low smoking point. If you want to use olive oil at higher temperatures, consider using extra light olive oil, which has a higher smoke point.
