Air fryers use very little oil for cooking and that is what makes them so great and healthy for us but you might be wondering which oils you can be using and are best suited to your air fryer. This is a common question as many want to make sure they are using the best for themselves along with the best for the air fryer.
The best oils to use in an air fryer are those of natural substances such as sunflower oil, extra virgin oil and sesame oil. Try to stick to one oil while cooking unless you clean out your air fryer between uses as to not mix the flavours.
In this article, I am going to talk about what the oil does within the air fryer if you can use any oil and the best oils to use on the market.
What Does The Oil Do In An Air Fryer?
There are so many types of oils that you could use in an air fryer. Different oils fry at different temperatures. You will need to figure out what temperature you need to set the air fryer so that the oil can get hot enough to crisp the food.
When the air fryer reaches the right temperature, the oils will crisp your food and, in a sense, will attach to the food within the fryer. This disappearing act is why you don’t see the same oil that you put in there.
You will also see that some of the oil may still be in your pan. This residue is because oil does not evaporate. It attaches itself to the food or surfaces within the air fryer. It also can get destroyed or burned if the temperature is set on high.
The point where the oil crisps the food is often called the “smoke point” because it doesn’t evaporate but “smokes” the food. When you put too much oil, sometimes the air fryer can’t cook it all, and you can end up with moist food.
Can I Use Any Oil In An Air Fryer?
Air fryers are wonderful in the fact that you can use any type of oil in them. Depending on what oil you use, you will find that some are better than others. Each oil fries at different temperatures and varies on length of time.
You will not have to worry if you have the right oil, which is great when in a pinch. Just remember that your choice of oil can also affect the taste of the food you are frying. Each oil has its own flavour so you may want to change oils depending on the food you are cooking.
Each oil cooks at specific temperatures, so they are aware when using different oils. If you don’t set your air fryer at the correct setting, you may find your food soggy rather than crispy. You also want not to use too much oil either. Air fryers can use little and even no oil to cook your food.
Many of the most common oils used within an air fryer are:
- Vegetable oil
- Canola oil
- Peanut oil
- Olive oil
These are often used because they are the easiest accessible when going to the grocery store, but with the internet and online shopping, you can get your hands on any type of oil. These options include which ones are the best to use with your air fryer.
7 Best Oils To Use In An Air Fryer
You can use any type of oil in an air fryer. Using specific brands or types will not damage your kitchen gadget, but some are better in taste and health.
Here are the best oils to use when cooking your food.
1. Pure Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy choice that you can use to fry your food. It has a fresh and light taste, so you won’t feel like you’re eating heavy, greasy food when you use this. You won’t feel bloated or unhealthy.
One of the best olive oils you can buy is the Pompeian Classic Olive Oil. It has a mild taste of bitterness that many olive oils have while still having that fresh taste. This oil will not overpower the taste of your food.
You can get many different sizes in this oil at a rate that is cheaper than other brands. You will find that you will not have to spend a chunk of money on it.
For the best results when cooking with this oil, you will need to have your air fryer set anywhere between 375 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below may make your food soggy because the oil did not fry like it was supposed to do.
2. Sesame Oil
If you are looking for a smokey, toasty flavor, sesame oil is the way to go. It is great in combination with sweeter foods and is often made with many types of Asian style of cuisines.
This oil can give a little punch of flavor to any of your recipes and is a healthy choice. It is full of antioxidants and fatty acids. These characteristics help your body fight off diseases and sicknesses. It makes your immune system healthier and stronger.
La Touraganelle Sesame Oil is a great option if you are looking for that toasted flavour. It comes from high-quality sesame seeds in South America and Africa.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a better choice in health than just regular olive oil. It has more antioxidants but will be more bitter than its counterpart. Some studies even say that extra virgin olive oil can fend off certain cancers because of its health benefits.
One of the top-rated extra virgin olive oil brands is Happy Belly. It is a Mediterranean blend imported from Spain. You can use this one for cooking and for making other products like soap.
The flavour becomes more of a toasty, bitter taste once it cooks. It also needs to be heated at the same temperature as regular olive oil for the best results.
4. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a great product to use in your air fryer because you can’t get deep fry with it. It can help reduce your cholesterol because of the good fats that avocados have. It even has similar qualities to folic acid, which is great for everyone but especially pregnant women.
Avocado oil has a more neutral flavor compared to olive oil, even when it is fried. If you want something that doesn’t change the flavor of your food, this is the oil you need to use. You will need to set your temperature at anywhere between 500 degrees Fahrenheit to 520 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
Better Body Food is 100% avocado oil with no preservatives. They make sure to choose the best avocados that are homegrown. It is a newer brand and has offered this oil since 2016. This option is a great replacement for olive oil.
5. Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is perfect for frying for many reasons, but the number one is its high smoke point at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. With this high smoking point, you will find your food having crispier edges and add a subtly nutty flavour.
One of the best peanut oil brands is created by Planters. Planters have been known for their business in peanuts, so there is no surprise that they have dabbled in peanut oil. It isn’t always available at local grocery stores like other peanut oils, but it is good.
If you haven’t done so, try using it for cooking popcorn. You will love the flavour it brings. It doesn’t overpower your food like olive oil. It has great fats and Vitamin E, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Grape Seed Oil
This type of oil is a great alternative if you do not want your oil to overpower the flavours of your recipes. It has almost no taste but has many healthy attributes like vitamin E. It is a great replacement for vegetable oil if you are looking for something a little healthier.
It has a high smoke point which means that you will get a crispier texture, especially if you like your food with that extra crunch. You will need to have the air fryer set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to make the oil work its magic.
If you’re looking for a great brand and you can buy in bulk, Baja Precious grape seed oil is the route to go. It is 100% grape seed oil and is from Spain. It comes at such an affordable price, and you can buy in bulk without having to spend a large chunk of change.
7. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil can be used in an air fryer and a great oil to cook your food. With its smoke point at 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, you will find that you can get a wonderful crispy bite out of your meal.
This oil is easily accessible at many retail stores and online, and you won’t find yourself spending too much on it. You won’t find this oil disrupting the taste of your lovely meal.
Crisco’s Pure Vegetable Oil is a classic choice. Crisco has been around for quite a while. You can find this in most if not all grocery stores, or you can buy it online. This oil will not throw off the flavours of your food and still give it that crunch.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.