When using an air fryer, choosing an oil with a high smoke point is best to prevent smoke or burning. Great options include canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, and grapeseed oil.
These oils can handle the high cooking temperatures of an air fryer without making a bad taste or too much smoke. Alternatively, you can use a cooking spray with minimal oil for a lower-calorie air frying option.
Table of Contents
Best Oils to Use in the Air Fryer
Here are 8 best oils to use in an air fryer:
1. Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil stands out due to its impressively high smoke point of 520°F (270°C). This makes it an exceptional choice for air frying at high temperatures because it can withstand the heat without breaking down or producing harmful smoke.
Moreover, avocado oil offers a subtle flavor, which can be a delightful addition for those who love the taste of avocados. It’s important to remember that it has a mild taste that won’t overpower the natural flavors of the food you’re cooking. This makes avocado oil versatile for various dishes, from crispy vegetables to air-fried chicken.
2. Clarified Butter (Ghee)
Clarified Butter (Ghee) is a luxurious option with a smoke point of 482°F (250°C). This high smoke point ensures it remains stable during air frying, preventing the formation of acrid smoke or undesirable flavors. What makes clarified butter particularly appealing is its rich, buttery taste.
It adds a luxurious depth of flavor to your air-fried creations, enhancing both savory and sweet dishes. The beauty of clarified butter lies in its ability to infuse your food with that irresistible buttery goodness without the risk of burning, making it a versatile choice for air frying.
3. Light Olive Oil
Light Olive Oil is known for its high smoke point, typically between 465-470°F (240-243°C). Extra-light olive oil, in particular, is an excellent choice for air frying because it can handle high cooking temperatures without smoking or burning.
Its neutral flavor profile sets light olive oil apart, making it adaptable to a wide range of recipes. Unlike extra-virgin olive oil, which has a more pronounced taste, the light version won’t impose a strong olive oil flavor on your dishes, allowing the natural ingredients to shine through.
4. Refined Coconut Oil
Refined Coconut Oil offers a viable option for air frying, even though it has a slightly lower smoke point at 400°F (204°C) than other oils. It adds a subtle coconut aroma to your dishes, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming the flavors.
Additionally, refined coconut oil is often chosen for its ability to provide a hint of coconut without dominating the dish’s taste, making it versatile for various air-fried recipes.
5. Peanut Oil
Peanut Oil has a smoke point of 450°F (232°C) and is a popular choice for those seeking to replicate the classic deep-fried flavors in their air fryer-cooked dishes. It imparts a sweet, nutty taste to the food, which can be especially appealing for items like chicken tenders or french fries.
However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid using peanut oil if you or anyone you’re serving has peanut allergies to ensure a safe dining experience.
6. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Oil is a practical option for air frying, thanks to its decent smoke point of 450°F (232°C). This means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without breaking down or creating smoke.
Sunflower oil is also a neutral oil, which means it won’t significantly alter the taste of your ingredients. It allows your dishes to achieve the desired level of crispiness without introducing any unexpected or unwanted flavors.
7. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is a versatile and widely used cooking oil. It boasts a smoke point that prevents burning at high temperatures, making it suitable for air frying. A neutral flavor ensures your air-fried dishes turn out crispy without imparting unexpected tastes.
Moreover, its popularity in American kitchens is attributed to its reliability and ability to preserve ingredients’ natural flavors while achieving a satisfying crunch.
8. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed Oil is celebrated for its neutral flavor and ability to withstand high temperatures, with a smoke point of 421°F (216°C). Its neutral profile means that it won’t overshadow the existing flavors of your food but instead adds a subtle boost to the overall taste.
Moreover, Grapeseed oil’s stability under high heat makes it an excellent choice for air frying, helping your dishes achieve that coveted crispy texture without any unwanted flavor interference.
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Best Oil Sprays for the Air Fryer
The best oil sprays for your air fryer should balance cooking convenience with safety. Avoid traditional non-stick cooking sprays like PAM, which can harm your air fryer’s basket and contain chemical propellants. Instead, consider these alternatives:
Non-Aerosol Pump-Style Oil Sprays
Opt for pump-style oil sprays that skip the harmful propellants and chemicals. For instance, an avocado oil spray with a high 500°F smoke point is safe for air frying. These sprays distribute oil evenly, ensuring your air fryer stays in good shape.
Refillable Oil Sprayers or Misters
Consider getting refillable oil sprayers or misters you can fill with your preferred high smoke point oil. The EVO and Misto oil sprayers are popular and free from propellants and chemicals. They provide precise oil application, though they may occasionally clog and can be tricky to clean.
Moreover, if you don’t have an oil sprayer, another option is to use a pastry brush to apply oil to your food or air fryer basket. This manual approach gives you control over the amount of oil used, helping you achieve delicious results while keeping things clean and safe for your air fryer.
What Oils Should I Avoid While Using an Air Fryer?
Here are some oils you need to avoid while using an air fryer:
Unrefined Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil should be avoided in your air fryer. It has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong coconut flavor to your dishes, which may not be desirable for every recipe.
Instead, if you wish to use coconut oil, consider using refined coconut oil, which has a higher smoke point and a milder taste profile, making it better suited for air frying.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has a relatively low smoke point, which can result in burning and a bitter taste when used in an air fryer. To enjoy its distinct sesame flavor, it’s advisable to use sesame oil sparingly as a finishing touch for your dishes after air frying.
This way, you can add that characteristic sesame taste without compromising the quality of your air-fried creations.
Corn Oil
Although corn oil has a moderate smoke point, it’s best avoided when air frying due to its potential to produce smoke and alter the flavors of your dishes. To achieve better results and avoid unwanted smoke, consider using oils with higher smoke points, like canola or vegetable oil when using your air fryer.
Oils With Low Smoke Points
Oils like extra-virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, or walnut oil have low smoke points, meaning they start to smoke and produce off-flavors at high temperatures commonly used in air frying.
Using these oils can result in undesirable outcomes, including smoke and altered tastes in your air-fried dishes. It’s wise to choose oils with higher smoke points, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, for air frying at elevated temperatures to achieve better results.
Butter
Regular butter is not recommended for direct use in an air fryer due to its low smoke point. This can lead to burning and the development of unwanted flavors in your dishes.
However, you can still enjoy the rich buttery taste by using clarified butter, also known as ghee. Ghee has removed its milk solids, giving it a higher smoke point and making it suitable for air frying while preserving that delightful buttery flavor.
Pressurized Propellant Oil Sprays
It’s advisable to steer clear of oil sprays that use pressurized propellants. These sprays often contain additives and chemicals that may be unsafe for high-heat air frying.
To ensure a safer cooking experience, choose non-aerosol oil sprays that do not contain pressurized propellants. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of oil application without compromising your health or the quality of your air-fried dishes.
Does the Air Fryer Need Oil?
No, an air fryer does not always require oil. While oil can enhance the flavor and texture of certain dishes, you can also prepare a variety of foods in an air fryer without any oil. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior, similar to deep-frying, without excessive oil.
Here are some scenarios where you might not need oil in an air fryer:
Frozen Foods
Many frozen foods, like French fries or chicken nuggets, have an already applied thin layer of oil or coating, which is sufficient for air frying. You can cook these items directly in the air fryer without adding extra oil.
Meats
Lean meats like chicken breasts or turkey burgers are well-suited for air frying without added oil. These cuts naturally contain moisture and juices that help maintain their tenderness and flavor. The air fryer’s high-temperature circulation crisps the meat’s surface, creating a delightful crispy texture while keeping the interior juicy and delicious.
Vegetables
Certain vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, can achieve delightful crispiness in the air fryer without added oil. Their innate moisture interacts with the hot air to produce satisfying results. Nonetheless, if desired, a touch of oil can be added for seasoning or flavor enhancement.
Baking
Oil may not be obligatory when using an air fryer for baking tasks like muffins or brownies. The hot air effectively bakes these items while preserving moisture. If a recipe mandates oil, you can include it as directed to enhance flavor or texture as needed.
However, if you want to add extra flavor, enhance crispiness, or prevent sticking, you can use a minimal amount of oil or a non-stick cooking spray. It’s essential to use oil in moderation to avoid excessive greasiness and to choose oils with high smoke points for safe and effective air frying.
Ultimately, whether or not you use oil in your air fryer depends on your preferences and the specific recipe you’re preparing.
FAQs
How Much Oil to Use in the Air Fryer?
Start with a tablespoon of oil in your air fryer to achieve the perfect air-fried texture and flavor. However, the ideal amount can vary depending on your recipe. Adding too much oil can produce greasy, soggy food rather than crispiness. So, always refer to specific recipe guidelines for the best results.
Where Do I Put Oil in My Air Fryer?
To apply oil in your air fryer, place it directly on the food you’re cooking. Lightly coat the food’s surface or use a non-aerosol oil spray to distribute the oil evenly. Avoid adding oil directly to the air fryer’s basket to prevent damage or smoking during cooking.
Final Verdict
In the world of air frying, the best oil depends on your preferences and the dish you’re preparing. Oils with high smoke points, like avocado, light olive, and peanut oil, are versatile choices for various recipes. With its 520°F smoke point, Avocado oil adds a subtle flavor.
However, remember that some dishes can be air-fried effectively without oil. To explore the best oils and tips for air frying, read our full article for culinary success and healthier meals.
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