Learn all about the best oil sprays that work for an air fryer. A little oil is necessary to make the best air-fried foods!
Most people assume that the air fryer does not need oil, which is usually why they buy one in the first place, but this isn’t actually true. A little bit of oil is needed in almost EVERY air fryer recipe, this is what gives it that crispy outer layer, whether you are making Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fried Eggplant.
It’s important though to choose the right oil and to use oil spray, which means it will not be deep fried in oil as you would traditionally do, instead just a little bit of oil spray will add all the oil you need to make your food crispy.
Why do you need oil for the air fryer?
Oil is used in the air fryer to get a similar taste and texture as you would with deep-fried foods. It also helps keep the foods moist during the cooking time. Instead of using a quart of oil though, just a light mist of oil will do the trick.
The best way to get crisp air-fried foods is to stick with an oil spray.
Oil Sprays can be used to coat the air fryer basket as well as the food. This helps the food avoid sticking to the basket. Oil Sprays are DIFFERENT from Nonstick Cooking Sprays or any Aerosol Spray. It is not recommended to use a Non-Stick Spray on your Air Fryer Basket as it could ruin the coating. That means it’s important to stay with non-propellant oil sprays.
What is a Smoke Point?
Smoke Points in regards to oils are the point at which the oil starts to smoke.
This means it can greatly alter the taste and texture of any given food and it can also destroy nutrients within the oil too.
Not only that but if you exceed the smoke point of an oil, it becomes highly flammable. It’s very important to know each smoke point of the oil spray that you prefer to use for your air fryer.
What oil sprays work for an air fryer?
My absolute favorite sprays to use are Pompeian Cooking Sprays, they have a variety and they a wonderful high-quality that you can find at your local store.
The most used oil sprays are Avocado, Coconut, Grapeseed, and Olive Oil Sprays.
Smoke Points for Oil Sprays:
- Avocado Oil Spray – 450°F
- Grapeseed Oil Spray – 400°F
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray – 350°F
- Coconut Oil Spray – 350°F
Our go-to oil for the air fryer is the Grapeseed Oil Spray from Pompeian.
Grapeseed oil is not only high heat but it’s also full of good health benefits too!
I do use their olive oil spray regularly as well without an issue; however, that one has a lot of controversies too because it is not as high heat as the other options.
The majority of foods I make in the air fryer are not much higher than 375 degrees F, which I believe is why the Olive Oil Spray tends to work just fine; however, if you want to have a go-to that does have a high smoke point, choose one such as Grapeseed Oil Spray.
Grapeseed Oil Spray and Avocado Oil Spray will be the best choices of oil for your Air Fryer. These both have a higher smoke point so they will be more versatile for a variety of food options. The type of oil and the use of the oil will make a difference when using your Air Fryer.
Making foods like pizza rolls or tater tots requires a light coat of oil to get the crispy texture, the oils listed here like Grapeseed or Avocado are neutral oils and will not greatly affect the flavor of the food.
Can you use a spray bottle for the oil?
The oil you choose to use can be added to a spray bottle or mister. An oil mister is a great option that can be used by refilling it with your oil of choice.
This is the more economical choice when it comes to choosing the right oil for the air fryer.
Choosing the right oil is very important to maintain the quality of your appliance plus giving you that crispy texture that you are looking for in air-fried foods.
Be sure to check out the recipe index for more air fryer recipes!
Jaime geiser says
can sprays harm the air fryer if so what about butter
Kristy says
I haven’t had any harm mine, prefer them to butter.
karen whitaker says
I make clarified butter which has a smoke point of 500 versus regular butter that will burn at 275. Once the water and solids are removed it is my go to choice for frying and air frying. I have used off brand spray oils such as olive oil and vegetable oil and everything still sticks to the coated air fryer surface. So I would avoid many off brands of spray oil and stick to tried and proven brands such as Non Stick Pam or higher quality. If I do use an oil it is a high quality Avocado oil.
LaVerne Grundhoefer says
I broiled salmon. Tray will not clean. What xan I do
Kristy says
I usually use Dawn Dish Soap to clean mine.
Linda says
PAM and similar sprays will cause your air fryer to vhop or flake! You should spray your food with oil via an oil sprayer you can buy on Amazon.
Never use aerosol spray cans in your air fryer. Aerosol spray cans (like Pam and similar brands) are known to cause chipping in many Air Fryer baskets. The aerosol cans have harsh agents that just don’t mesh with the coating on most baskets.
Kristy says
Pompeian Sprays are non-aerosol, I agree you should not use pam.
Virginia says
I have washed mine and there still is meat on it. I washed it in Dawn soap It still has a film on it from the chicken that I had air fried can you help me from how to prevent this.
Kristy says
I would let it soak really well with dawn dish soap in very hot water and see if that helps get it off.
Nancy says
Dawn Powerwash works very well. Even cleaned my oven with a little baking soda as scrubber!!
Kristy says
I agree Dawn Powerwash is by far my favorite!
Carrie says
I was looking at buying a bottle made for spraying oil for air fryer for same reason as described above, as some can spray products can damage the inner coating surface. I am thinking it is the propellent added that causes the damage. Can anyone answer to this. I have two types of can sprays, Canola oil (ingredients include propellent) and Avocado oil (nothing but AO no propellent). So if I am correct, I am going to stop my search to purchase a bottle with spray handle attachment that I would fill with oil of choice.
Kristy says
You are correct, you’d just want to watch the smoke points for any oils that you use. I typically use Pompeian Sprays, but you can use avocado oil with a spray bottle as well.