Can You Use PAM Non-stick Cooking Spray in an Air Fryer?

PAM cooking spray is a popular non-stick cooking spray that many people use in their kitchens.

But when it comes to air fryers, there is some confusion about whether or not PAM cooking spray is safe to use.

This blog post will discuss this product and its relation to air fryers.

We’ll explore the ins and outs of using PAM non-stick cooking spray, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy all the benefits of this versatile appliance.

What Is PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray?

PAM is a brand of non-stick cooking spray that’s been around since the 1960s.

It’s a convenient way to add a thin layer of oil to your cooking surface to prevent food from sticking.

PAM is made with a blend of vegetable oil, lecithin, and propellants. It comes in a variety of flavors like olive oil, butter, and canola oil.

PAM has become a staple in many kitchens because it’s easy to use and can save time when preparing food.

It’s also great for those who are watching their calorie intake since it can help reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking.

Can You Use PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray in An Air Fryer?

PAM non-stick cooking spray should not be used in an air fryer.

This non-stick cooking spray contains propellants and other additives that can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket.

This can result in the coating peeling off and mixing in with your food, which is not only unappetizing but can also be harmful to your health.

PAM non-stick cooking spray is also not designed to be used at the high temperatures that air fryers can reach.

Some air fryers get very hot with some attaining temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

This can cause the spray to burn and create a foul smell that can linger in your kitchen.

Why You Should Not Use PAM Non-stick Cooking Spray in an Air Fryer

While PAM non-stick cooking spray may seem like a quick and easy solution for preventing food from sticking to the air fryer basket, it is not recommended for several reasons.

1. The Ingredients in PAM Non-stick Cooking Spray

PAM non-stick cooking spray contains a mixture of ingredients, including canola oil, palm oil, soy lecithin, dimethyl silicone, and propellant.

When these ingredients are sprayed into the air fryer, they can create a sticky residue that is difficult to clean.

Moreover, the propellant used in PAM cooking spray is highly flammable and can cause a fire hazard if it comes into contact with the heating element of the air fryer.

This can be dangerous and lead to serious accidents in the kitchen.

2. PAM Non-stick Cooking Spray Can Damage the Air Fryer Basket

The non-stick coating on air fryer baskets is designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent food from sticking.

Using PAM non-stick cooking spray can damage the coating and cause it to peel off over time.

This can make the basket less effective at preventing food from sticking, and it can also create a health hazard as the coating may get into the food.

Peeling off of the protective coating also encourages rusting in the air fryer.

3. There are Better Alternatives to PAM Non-stick Cooking Spray

Instead of using PAM non-stick cooking spray, there are several better alternatives that are safer and more effective.

For example, you can use a small amount of cooking oil or brush the air fryer basket with melted butter to prevent food from sticking.

You can also use air fryer liners such as parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the basket.

These liners not only prevent food from sticking but also make cleaning up easier.

Alternatives To PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray for Air Fryers

So, what can you use instead of PAM non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer?

a) Air Fryer Liners

A great option is to use air fryer liners.

These liners can be placed on the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray to prevent food from sticking.

Some of the options such as silicone liners can be used multiple times making them affordable and environmentally friendly.

Examples of liners you can use in an air fryer include:

• Parchment paper
• Aluminum foil
• Silicone Liners
• Air Fryer Racks

b) High Point Cooking Oils

Another option is to use a misting spray bottle filled with your favorite cooking oil.

This allows you to control the amount of oil you use and avoid any harmful additives that may be present in some cooking sprays.

The best cooking oils are those with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Simply fill the bottle with oil and spray a light mist over the surface of your air fryer basket, food, or tray before cooking.

What Cooking Oils Are Best for An Air Fryer?

If you do decide to use cooking spray in your air fryer, it’s important to choose the right one.

Look for oils that are specifically designed for high-heat cooking, as these will be less likely to damage your appliance’s non-stick coating.

Also, choose oil sprays that are free of additives which can create a buildup on the surface.

We have a detailed article on the best oils to use in an air fryer.

Helpful Cooking Oil Tools You Should Have

If you’re looking for ways to use less oil in your air fryer, there are a few tools that can help.

One option is an oil mister or sprayer. Check out our detailed article on the best oil sprayers for an air fryer.

It allows you to evenly distribute a small amount of oil over your food.

In my experience, it helps you cut down on the amount of oil you use while still achieving a crispy texture.

Another tool is a basting brush.

This basting brush for cooking adds a thin layer of oil over your food before cooking.

This is a great option for foods like chicken or fish, which may need a little extra oil to prevent them from drying out.

Final Thoughts

It is not recommended to use Pam non-stick cooking spray in an air fryer.

The ingredients in Pam cooking spray can create a sticky residue, damage the air fryer basket, and pose a fire hazard.

There are several better alternatives to Pam cooking spray that are safer and more effective.

Also read: Can You Use Oven Cleaner on an Air Fryer?