Have you ever cooked with an air fryer? If you have, do you know which cooking oil you should use? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran of the appliance, you might be wondering which cooking oils are best to use in your air fryer. I’ve been using an air fryer for almost two years now and have tested out a wide variety of oils to cook with.
It can be tough to figure out what oil to use in your air fryer. There are quite a few different types of oils that are best suited for the job when it comes to cooking in an air fryer.
In this blog post, we compare the best oils for cooking in an air fryer. As well as how to clean them to maintain your fryer’s performance over time.
These are the Best Oil for Air Fryers
Air fryers are great because they keep your food from getting soggy or greasy, so you can enjoy crispy chicken wings without having to worry about how much fat is on your plate. But that doesn’t mean you should skip out on oils altogether.
We’ve researched the best oils for use in an air fryer and found these best suited for the job.
- Avocado Oil
- Extra Light Olive Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Sesame Oil
- Vegetable Oil
Avocado Oil:
Avocado oil is a great choice for an air fryer and here’s why. It has a high smoke point of 500 Degree F. This means that you can use avocado oil in the highest temperature settings which results in a crispier food item.
Furthermore, it enhances the flavour of food and is gluten free. The vitamins, minerals and other nourishing properties make this oil a great choice to use in an air fryer. Use 2 tbsp. of avocado oil in your air fryer with meats or veggies to create a nice crisp that we all desire in cooking. It provides better browning than other oils.
If you are looking for a healthy cooking oil to use in your air fryer. Avocado oil is your best bet.
Extra Light Olive Oil:
Extra Light Olive Oil is a great all-purpose oil for frying, sautéing, and baking. It has a neutral flavor that works exceptionally well in cooking. If you prefer to use a light tasting oil in your food, this is your best option. This versatile cooking oil will add healthy fats and a crispy texture to your fried food
Additionally, this air-fryer-friendly extra light olive oil has a high smoke point of 410 Fahrenheit, meaning it can withstand higher temps without breaking down.
When you are cooking with an air fryer, it is important that you use oil that does not smoke at high temperatures. This will ensure the food doesn’t have a burnt taste and will avoid any safety concerns.
Peanut Oil:
Peanut oil is a great option for air frying. It has a high smoke point of 450F, which means you will get a deeper fry flavour and crispier food without worrying about dangerous oils popping out of the air fryer. It allows you to create the perfect crispy fried food without the guilt. And since it’s also low in carbs this oil will not interfere with burning or browning either.
Peanut oil is a highly recommended cooking oil from us because it contains high levels of Omega 3 and Vitamin E. It is a healthier option for cooking that does not have any trans fats or cholesterol.
Sesame Oil:
The taste of sesame oil is most distinctly identified with Asian cuisine, but is used throughout the globe.
The smoke point of sesame oil is 410 degrees Fahrenheit, which is significantly higher than most other cooking oils. As a result, it is a good option for air frying. The food will not burn and at the same time it is good for your health as it lowers blood pressure.
It is rich in monounsaturated fats that can lower bad cholesterol and also help burn belly fat.
Vegetable Oil:
Vegetable oil is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. In the instance that you do fry food, using vegetable oil will help reduce your intake of trans fats and cholesterol. It has a smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for air frying.
With its cholesterol free delicious taste, you will soon find yourself making French fries, onion rings, chicken wings and even doughnuts. It never leaves your food greasy instead yielding tasty crispy foods every time.
Lastly, Vegetable oil is a great alternative to butter and other oils, which can actually cause your food to be unhealthier. On top of all this, it is not very pricey.
What to Consider Before Buying Oil for Air fryer
Air fryers are a great way to cook a variety of foods without using a lot of oil. However, some oils are better than others when it comes to air frying. Here’s few important points to keep in mind before buying oil for an air fryer.
High Smoke Point Oils
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food, which means that they can easily burn if you use the wrong kind of oil. High smoke point oils have high temperatures that allow them to withstand the heat of an air fryer without burning or smoking. These oils are also less likely to absorb flavors from other foods or spices used in cooking.
Free From Trans Fat and Cholesterol
Trans fats and cholesterol are common in fried foods but can be avoided with the right type of oil for your air fryer. Trans fats increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, while cholesterol is linked to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Both trans fat and cholesterol are found in animal products such as butter or lard—and sometimes vegetable oils like canola or corn oil—which means you’ll want to look for an option without these ingredients when choosing what kind of oil works best for your air fryer!
Can You Oil Spray in Air Fryer?
The only time it would be safe to use an oil spray in your air fryer is if you are using a baking sheet or pan.
Don’t make the mistake of using an oil spray in your air fryer basket. Your nonstick basket will end up sticking to the food, which makes it difficult for you to clean it. Wipe away any excess grease before cooking and use parchment paper or foil instead.
Since using oil spray is so messy, you can use brush to oil your food instead.
Use Brush Instead Of Oil Spray:
Spraying may create an uneven coating on the product, meaning some areas are crispy while other parts are still undercooked. On the other hand, the brush ensures an even coating of oil, so you have a delicious deep-fried treat every time.
Air fryers work great with only one to two tablespoons of oil.
Note: Using too much oil will not only change the taste of your dish but will also affect the nutritional value. Therefore, it is advised to not use more than 2 tbsp. of oil in an air fryer.
