Stop Using Olive Oil in Your Air Fryer, a Chef Warns. Use This Instead

20 hours ago 5

Longing for a crunch without the calories? The prospect of "healthy" fried food sounds too good to be true, but the mighty air fryer has made it possible with technology that rapidly circulates hot air around ingredients to emulate the effect of deep-frying. Best of all, it requires only a fraction of the oil required in a standard deep fryer.

"The convenience air fryers provide is the ability to cook with the same speed and efficiency as a deep fryer without having to use as much oil," reiterates John Marchetti, executive chef of Carcara at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. "It's for anything that you want that deep-fried crispness but without the extra fat."

Some foods fare best with a light coating, however. This raises the question: Which oil is best to use in an air fryer?

Air fryer chicken in a basket being poured onto a blue floral plate.

While an air fryer is certainly a wise purchase for those seeking healthier versions of typically fat-forward foods such as fried chicken and french fries, its effectiveness is only as good as the knowledge one has while using it. Luckily, the appliance is extremely easy to use if a few general guidelines are followed.

We've rounded up the most important information, including which oils work best and which ones work worst.

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How to use oil in an air fryer

hand holding an oil sprayer releasing a mist of oil

When it comes to using oil with your air fryer, in general, your choice should have less to do with type and everything to do with volume. "Any oil that you put too much of, the heat will distribute unevenly and the food will burn," warns Marchetti.

With too little oil, food might not crisp up and will remain soggy, especially when applied to ingredients with batters. "If I were to batter an item, I would freeze it, lightly season it with oil, salt and pepper, and then cook a small amount at a time to prevent [the ingredients from] sticking and cooling the air fryer down," he suggests.

Other air frying tips to take into consideration:

Don't overcrowd the basket: If pieces of food are touching, heat will not distribute evenly and ingredients will stick together.
Choose the right temperature: Cooking times and temperatures with air fryers are precise and typically don't reflect those of a standard oven. Be sure to research both of these settings in advance.
Flip the ingredients halfway through cooking: This will guarantee that both sides achieve that craveworthy crunch.
Ensure ingredients are mostly dry: Again, air fryer items that are too wet with oil will yield soggy, burnt, or unappetizing outcomes.

Best oils to use in an air fryer

bottle of avocado lays in between an avocado cut in half and a piece of avocado toast

Oils with a high smoke point tend to perform best, as they can withstand higher temperatures without burning, smoking or igniting the house. Since air fryers cook foods at high heat for a short period, it's essential to find an oil that retains its flavor integrity and ability to infuse moisture, while also producing light and crispy results for proteins and produce.

Three of the most common oils for air fryers are avocado oil, grapeseed oil and extra-light olive oil (OK, not all olive oil is a no-no).

a bottle of peanut oil standing in between a bowl of shelled peanuts and a small bowl with oil

Marchetti, however, is an even bigger fan of peanut oil, particularly for its depth of flavor, affordability and potential health benefits. "I believe the best oil for frying is peanut oil. It has a high smoke point and is healthier than more common frying oils. If unable to use peanut oil, avocado oil provides similar benefits but can get pricey," he shares.

If flavor is of the utmost priority, canola and sunflower oils also have distinct tastes that pair well with a wide range of dishes, from broccoli to chicken.

Worst oils to use in an air fryer

up close shot of person holding bottle of olive oil in supermarket

Unrefined oils, such as extra-virgin olive oil and some coconut oils, have lower smoke points and may not yield the coveted crispiness when used in an air fryer. It's also advised to avoid melted butter, as it has a low smoke point and can burn easily.

Aerosol cooking sprays, such as Pam, sound good in theory for an even coating, but many contain lecithin (a lubricant to prevent food from sticking) and other additives that can damage the interiors of your air fryer and degrade the quality of nonstick trays. Lecithin has also been proven to cause gastrointestinal distress.

Lastly, while many Asian delicacies, such as spring rolls and crab rangoons, taste fantastic when cooked in an air fryer, options like toasted sesame oil make better finishers or additions to dips and dressings. They lose their essence when exposed to higher temperatures, rendering them bland and practically useless.

When in doubt, experiment

Air fryers allow even the most novice of home cooks to experiment (safely, of course) with different varieties until you identify a winner. Take something neutral like potato slices and air fry them with a range of oils to determine which works for your go-to recipes. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, which is entirely the purpose of what will inevitably be your new favorite investment.

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