Best Oils to Use in An Air Fryer

Oil is not necessarily a requirement for using an air fryer.

One of the main advantages of an air fryer is that it allows you to cook food using little or no oil, which can be healthier than traditional frying methods.

However, using a small amount of oil in an air fryer can help to improve the texture and flavor of the food you are cooking.

Using oil in an air fryer also helps to prevent the food from sticking to the basket of the air fryer.

If you choose to use some oil, there are recommended oils that minimize the production of smoke and make it simpler to use this handy kitchen appliance.

An example of an oil sprayer

Check out more oil sprayers for your air fryer in our detailed review.

Best Oils to Use in an Air Fryer

It is recommended to use oils with a smoke point of at least 400 °F.

The smoke point of oil varies depending on factors such as its age, the presence of impurities, and the way it is processed.

These oils include:

1. Canola Oil

Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil.

It is made from crushed canola seeds. Canola oil has a neutral flavor and can be used to bake, fry, and cook.

It has a smoke point of between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is considered a high smoke point, which makes canola oil suitable for high-heat cooking methods.

Canola oil is also a good source of healthy fats which can help to improve heart health when used in moderation.

2. Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil is a type of coconut oil that has been processed to remove impurities and enhance its flavor and aroma.

It is commonly used for cooking, baking, and frying.

It has a high smoke point of about 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (204-232 degrees Celsius).

Compared to other types of coconut oil, refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor and aroma.

This makes it a good choice for dishes where you don’t want the flavor of coconut to overpower the other ingredients.

It is also a good source of healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids, which can have various health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Overall, refined coconut oil is a versatile and healthy option for use in an air fryer.

3. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a type of oil that is made from various plant sources, such as corn, soybeans, sunflowers, or canola.

Not all vegetable oils are created equal, and some may be processed using chemicals or additives that can be harmful to your health.

The smoke point of vegetable oil can vary depending on the type of vegetable oil you are using and the way it is processed.

Good vegetable oil to use in an air fryer has a smoke point of 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Therefore, it is always a good idea to choose a high-quality, unrefined vegetable oil for use in an air fryer.

4. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made from the seeds of grapes.

It is known for its mild flavor and high smoke point.

This means that it can be heated to a high temperature without burning or smoking.

The smoke point of grapeseed oil is typically between 420-485 degrees Fahrenheit

Grapeseed oil is versatile and a healthy option for use in an air fryer.

5. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made from the flesh of avocados.

It is commonly used for usual cooking, frying, and baking.

Avocado oil has a mild flavor that adds a great taste to food.

The smoke point of avocado oil is typically between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This means that it is suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying and sautéing.

6. Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is a type of vegetable oil that is made from soybeans.

Oil from soybeans is neutral in terms of flavor.

You can use it to bake, cook and fry.

The smoke point of soybean oil is between 450-510 degrees.

This makes it suitable for high-heat cooking.

Oils to Avoid When Using an Air Fryer

When using an air fryer, it is generally best to avoid oils with a low smoke point.

These oils can burn or smoke at the high temperatures used in air frying.

Oils with a low smoke point include butter, extra virgin olive oil, and sesame oil.

These oils are better suited for low or no-heat food preparation.

You can drizzle it over finished dishes, rather than use it in an air fryer.

It is also important to avoid using any oils that have been heavily processed or refined.

They may contain harmful chemicals or additives.

Oils to avoid when using an air fryer include:

· Olive Oil

Olive oil is a type of oil that is made from the fruits of olive trees.

It has a rich flavor and numerous health benefits.

The smoke point of olive oil can vary depending on the type of olive oil you are using.

Extra virgin olive oil, which is the highest-quality and least-processed type of olive oil, has a low smoke point of about 325-375 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Butter

Butter is a type of fat that is made from the cream of cow’s milk.

It is commonly used for cooking, baking, and spreading.

Butter has a rich flavor and creamy texture.

Although it is commonly referred to as an “oil,” butter is a solid fat at room temperature and becomes a liquid when heated.

The smoke point of butter is typically between 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit which is considered low.

It is not recommended to use butter as an oil in an air fryer.

· Margarine

Margarine is a type of spreadable fat that is made from vegetable oils, water, and emulsifiers.

It is commonly used as a substitute for butter.

Margarine has a spreadable texture and neutral flavor.

Margarine is a type of oil, made from a blend of different oils.

Its composition can vary depending on the brand and type of margarine you are using.

Margarine is also often heavily processed and may contain added ingredients like artificial flavors and preservatives.

The smoke point of margarine can also vary depending on its composition, but it is generally lower than the smoke point of most oils.

It is not recommended to use margarine as an oil in an air fryer.

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