Air fryers have taken our kitchens by storm, promising crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. They’re fantastic for whipping up everything from golden fries to succulent chicken wings, but getting that perfect, healthy crisp often hinges on one crucial element: choosing the best oil for air fryer cooking. Not all oils are created equal when it comes to high-heat cooking, and picking the wrong one can lead to smoke, bad flavors, or even damage to your appliance.
So, what makes an oil ideal for your air fryer? It mostly comes down to its smoke point – the temperature at which an oil starts to burn and smoke. For air frying, you want an oil with a high smoke point to handle those intense temperatures without breaking down. You also want an oil that imparts great flavor without being overpowering, or one that’s neutral enough for versatility.
We’ve done the legwork and picked out five top contenders that can help you achieve air frying perfection, along with a clever accessory that’s a game-changer for even oil distribution. Let’s dive in and find the best oil for air fryer use that suits your needs!
1. Mantova Air Fryer Spray 450F Smoke Point – All-Natural
Mantova’s Air Fryer Spray is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss way to add just the right amount of oil to your air-fried meals. What makes this spray stand out is its impressive 450°F smoke point, ensuring it can handle the intense heat of your air fryer without a problem. It’s also made with all-natural ingredients, meaning you’re getting pure oil without any unwanted additives or artificial flavors, making it a healthy and reliable option for everyday cooking.
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Key Features:
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made with pure oil, free of additives and artificial flavors.
- High Smoke Point: Stands up to temperatures as high as 450°F, perfect for high-heat cooking.
- Versatile: Great for air fryers, roasting, grilling, baking, and more.
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Pros:
- Convenient spray format ensures even coating and less mess.
- High smoke point makes it very safe for air frying.
- Pure, natural ingredients appeal to health-conscious cooks.
- Excellent for achieving crispiness without excessive oil.
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Cons:
- Can be used up quickly if you air fry often.
- Some users might prefer a refillable sprayer for cost-efficiency.
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User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and effectiveness of this spray. Many report achieving perfectly crispy results, especially with vegetables and potatoes, without any greasy residue. The natural ingredients are also a big hit, making it a staple in many air fryer enthusiasts’ kitchens.
See it on Amazon here
2. BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil, Non-GMO Cooking Oil
BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil is a true kitchen workhorse, and it’s certainly a strong contender for the best oil for air fryer applications. Its naturally high smoke point (often exceeding 500°F) makes it incredibly stable under high heat, meaning no smoking or burning in your air fryer. This oil boasts a wonderfully subtle, smooth flavor that enhances your food without overpowering it, making it incredibly versatile for anything from air-fried chicken to homemade salad dressings. Plus, it’s refined, Non-GMO, and gluten-free, fitting seamlessly into various dietary preferences.
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Key Features:
- Great for Cooking: Perfect all-purpose cooking oil, suitable for fried dishes, baking, and cold preparations.
- Everyday Versatility: Rivals olive oil for everyday use in frying, sautéing, baking, and more.
- Light Flavor Enhancer: Subtle and smooth flavor that enhances food without adding a strong taste.
- No Additives: Refined, Non-GMO, gluten-free, and carefully sourced with no additives.
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Pros:
- Extremely high smoke point makes it one of the safest oils for air frying.
- Neutral flavor allows the natural taste of your food to shine.
- Rich in monounsaturated fats, offering health benefits.
- Highly versatile for a wide range of cooking methods beyond air frying.
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Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other common cooking oils.
- Comes in a bottle, so you’ll need a separate sprayer for even distribution in your air fryer.
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise its high smoke point and neutral taste, noting how well it performs in air fryers and for high-heat searing. Users appreciate its health benefits and versatility, often making it their go-to oil for all cooking needs.
See it on Amazon here
3. La Tourangelle, Avocado Oil Spray, Handcrafted from Premium Avocados
La Tourangelle brings the goodness of premium avocado oil into a convenient, non-aerosol spray format, making it an excellent choice for air fryer aficionados. This emerald green oil isn’t just for cooking; it’s handcrafted from premium avocados and can even be used for skin and hair! When it comes to air frying, the non-aerosol, chemical-free, and alcohol-free spray design ensures you’re applying pure oil with ease and precision, helping you achieve beautifully crisp results without over-oiling your food or your air fryer basket.
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Key Features:
- For Food and Beyond: Wonderful in salad dressings, on fresh cut fruit or grilled fish; also great for skin and hair.
- Pure Artisan Oil in Spray Form: Non-aerosol, chemical-free, and alcohol-free for easy application and quality.
- Delicious and Versatile: Makes it easy to create distinctive dishes for various culinary needs.
- Gourmet and Sustainable: High-quality ingredients with nature-friendly tin packaging.
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Pros:
- Avocado oil’s high smoke point is perfect for air frying.
- Non-aerosol spray means no propellants or chemicals.
- Provides an even, light coating of oil, ideal for crisping.
- Versatile for both cooking and beauty applications.
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Cons:
- The spray mechanism might occasionally clog if not cleaned properly.
- A premium product, so the price point might be higher than standard oils.
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User Impressions: Users love the quality and purity of the avocado oil, noting its subtle flavor and excellent performance in air fryers. The non-aerosol spray is a frequently lauded feature, as it allows for precise application without the worry of harmful chemicals. Many consider it a pantry staple for healthy cooking.
See it on Amazon here
4. Primal Kitchen Air Fryer Spray Oil, 4.7 ounces
Primal Kitchen’s Air Fryer Spray Oil is specifically designed with air frying in mind, offering a unique blend of high-quality avocado oil and MCT oil from coconuts. This isn’t just about high heat; it’s about flavor too! This spray adds a bold, distinct taste with extracts of familiar seasonings like garlic, onion, and black pepper, elevating your air-fried chicken, veggies, and fries. Plus, like the others, it’s free from chemical propellants and silicone, making it a clean and convenient choice for your family meals.
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Key Features:
- Convenient Cooking Spray: Blend of high-quality avocado oil and MCT oil from coconuts.
- No Mess, Less Stress: Quick-spray formula for easy, direct application to food.
- No Chemical Propellants: Free from chemical propellants and silicone.
- Ingredients with Integrity: Certified Paleo, Keto Certified, Whole30 Approved, and Non-GMO Project Verified.
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Pros:
- Formulated specifically for air frying, ensuring high performance.
- Adds a distinct, savory flavor, reducing the need for extra seasoning.
- Clean ingredients and certifications appeal to specific dietary needs.
- Easy-to-use spray bottle for even coverage.
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Cons:
- The added flavor might not be suitable for all dishes or personal preferences.
- Smaller bottle size might mean more frequent repurchasing.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the convenience and the added flavor this spray provides, making air-fried meals even more delicious. Its compatibility with various diets like Keto and Whole30 is a huge plus for many. Users find it incredibly effective for achieving a perfect crisp while enhancing taste.
See it on Amazon here
5. PCBEAR Oil Sprayer for Cooking, 100ml Oil Sprayer for Air Fryer
While not an oil itself, the PCBEAR Oil Sprayer is an absolute must-have accessory that allows you to use the best oil for air fryer cooking in the most efficient and healthy way possible. This isn’t just any sprayer; it features a high atomizing nozzle for a super uniform oil distribution, ensuring every part of your food gets a light, even coating. Made with 304 stainless steel and edible glass, it’s durable, easy to clean, and lets you monitor your oil levels. Using your own preferred high smoke point oil in this sprayer is key to consistent, crispy, and healthy air-fried results.
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Key Features:
- Powerful Nozzle: High atomizing nozzle for uniform oil distribution and a better spray effect.
- Thoughtful Design: Made of 304 stainless steel and edible glass, anti-slip texture, sealed, and leak-proof.
- Convenient To Use: Small, exquisite, and easy to carry for home, travel, and outdoor activities.
- Bottle Body: Edible high transparency glass with a scale for scientific oil usage.
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Pros:
- Allows you to use any bulk oil, offering cost savings and control over ingredients.
- Achieves incredibly even oil distribution, preventing soggy spots and promoting crispiness.
- Reusable and environmentally friendly compared to disposable aerosol sprays.
- Durable construction with quality materials.
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Cons:
- Requires manual pumping for pressure before spraying.
- Needs regular cleaning to prevent clogging, especially with thicker oils.
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User Impressions: Users universally praise this sprayer for its ability to deliver a fine mist, which is crucial for air frying. Many note how it significantly reduces oil consumption while still achieving perfectly crispy results. It’s often described as a “game-changer” for those looking to cook healthier and more efficiently with their air fryer.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is smoke point so important for air frying?
A1: The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to burn, producing smoke and potentially harmful free radicals. Air fryers cook at high temperatures (often 350-400°F or more), so using an oil with a high smoke point prevents it from smoking, burning, or leaving a bitter taste on your food. It also keeps your air fryer cleaner and safer.
Q2: Can I use olive oil in an air fryer?
A2: It depends on the type. Extra virgin olive oil has a relatively low smoke point (around 375°F-400°F), making it okay for lower air frying temperatures or shorter cooking times. However, for higher temps or longer cooks, it’s better to use light or refined olive oil, or even better, an oil with a significantly higher smoke point like avocado or grapeseed oil, to avoid smoking.
Q3: How much oil should I use in an air fryer?
A3: Generally, air fryers require very little oil – often just a light spray or toss of 1-2 teaspoons for most ingredients. The goal is to lightly coat the food to promote browning and crispiness, not to deep-fry. Using too much oil can lead to greasy food, excessive smoke, and residue buildup in your air fryer.
Q4: Is it safe to use aerosol cooking sprays in an air fryer?
A4: Many air fryer manufacturers advise against using aerosol cooking sprays (like PAM) directly on the air fryer basket or tray. These sprays often contain propellants and additives (like silicone) that can build up over time, creating a sticky residue that’s hard to clean and can damage the non-stick coating. It’s much safer to use a non-aerosol spray oil or an oil sprayer with your preferred oil.
Q5: What are the healthiest oils for air frying?
A5: The healthiest oils for air frying are typically those with high smoke points and beneficial fats. Refined avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and rice bran oil are all great choices. They are often rich in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats and can withstand the high heat of an air fryer without breaking down.
Q6: How do I clean oil residue from my air fryer?
A6: For general cleaning, wipe down the basket and drawer with a damp cloth and mild dish soap after each use, once it’s cooled. For stubborn oil residue, you can create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Always ensure your air fryer is unplugged and fully cooled before cleaning.
Q7: What’s the difference between an oil spray and an oil sprayer?
A7: An “oil spray” typically refers to a pre-filled, often disposable, can of cooking oil with an aerosol or pump-action nozzle. An “oil sprayer” (or spritzer) is a reusable device that you fill with your own bulk oil. Sprayers are generally preferred for air frying because they allow you to use your choice of high-quality oil and avoid the propellants and additives found in many pre-packaged sprays.