If you’re looking to make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods, an air fryer can be a great investment. However, if you’re new to using an air fryer, you might be wondering about the best way to use oil. Can you put oil in an air fryer? How much oil should you use? And what are the best oils for air fryers? Here you will find all the answers of these questions.
Key Takeaways
- You can put oil in an air fryer, but you don’t necessarily need to.
- Use just enough oil to lightly coat your food.
- Some of the best oils for air fryers include avocado oil, canola oil, and olive oil.
Can You Put Oil In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can put oil in your air fryer. However, the amount and type of oil you use will depend on the food you are cooking.
When it comes to using oil in an air fryer, you have a few options. You can use a spray bottle to lightly coat your food with oil, or you can toss your food in a small amount of oil before placing it in the air fryer.
Keep in mind that some foods, such as chicken wings or salmon, may not require additional oil due to their natural fat content.
How To Use Oil In An Air Fryer?
1. Use Oil Sparingly
When using an air fryer, you only need to use a small amount of oil. You can use your favorite oil to lightly coat your food with oil or use a brush to apply a thin layer of oil. Using too much oil can make your food greasy and unhealthy.
2. Choose the Right Type of Oil
It’s important to choose the right type of oil. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado, canola, vegetable, and peanut oil, are best for air frying. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking.
3. Add Oil Before Cooking
To ensure that your food is evenly coated with oil, it’s best to add the oil before cooking. This will help your food cook evenly and give it a crispy texture.
4. Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly
To prevent your air fryer from becoming clogged with oil, it is important to clean your air fryer regularly. Here you can find my best air fryer cleaning guide!
What Foods Need Oil To Cook In An Air Fryer?
My air fryer recipes always state whether you should use oil. As a rule, I usually use oil for vegetables like zucchini, broccoli and sometimes for other dishes, in which case it is also indicated as an ingredient.
Examples of fresh vegetables cooked with oil:
It’s important to note that not all foods need oil to cook in an air fryer. Some foods are naturally oily and do not require any additional oil when cooking in an air fryer. So be sure to read the recipe carefully before adding oil to your air fryer.
Best Oils For Your Air Fryer
Here are some of the best oils (with their respective smoke points) for your air fryer:
- Avocado Oil*: With a high smoke point of 520°F, avocado oil is a great choice for air frying. It has a neutral flavor and is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Canola Oil*: Canola oil has a smoke point of 400°F and a neutral flavor, making it a good all-purpose oil for air frying. It’s also low in saturated fat and high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Peanut Oil: Peanut oil has a smoke point of 450°F and a mild, nutty flavor. It’s a popular choice for Asian-inspired dishes and is also great for air frying chicken.
- Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil has a smoke point of 450°F and a neutral flavor. It’s a good choice for air frying foods that need a crispy coating, like french fries or chicken tenders.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil has a smoke point of 410°F and a bold, nutty flavor. It’s a good choice for air frying Asian-inspired dishes, like stir-fries or egg rolls.