Air fryers have completely revolutionized how we cook, bringing that irresistible crispy texture we all love without needing a swimming pool of oil. They’re super convenient and a go-to for healthier meals. But if you’ve ever wondered, “What’s the best oil to use for air fryer cooking?” – you’re not alone! It’s a common question, and picking the right oil can make all the difference in taste, texture, and even how easy cleanup is.
Using the wrong oil can lead to a smoky kitchen, burnt food, or a greasy mess. The key is to choose oils with a high smoke point, meaning they can handle the intense heat of an air fryer without breaking down and turning bitter. Plus, a good non-stick option or a precise sprayer can ensure even coating for that perfect crunch every time.
We’ve done the legwork to help you figure out the best oil to use for air fryer adventures, plus some clever accessories to make your air frying experience even better. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Picks for Air Frying Perfection
Mantova Air Fryer Spray 450F Smoke Point – All-Natural
When you’re aiming for that perfectly crisp finish without any fuss, Mantova’s Air Fryer Spray is a fantastic choice. What makes this spray stand out is its commitment to being all-natural, made with pure oil and zero additives or artificial flavors. This means you’re getting a clean, unadulterated spray that lets the natural taste of your food shine through. Its high smoke point of 450°F ensures it can handle the intense heat of your air fryer, making it ideal for everything from crispy chicken wings to perfectly roasted veggies. It’s a versatile spray that performs beautifully across various cooking methods, not just air frying.
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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:
- Provides an even, light coating for optimal crispiness.
- No artificial ingredients, perfect for health-conscious cooks.
- Excellent for high-temperature cooking.
- Minimizes mess and makes cleanup easier.
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Cons:
- Comes in a smaller can, might need frequent repurchasing for heavy users.
- Price per ounce can be higher than bulk oil.
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User Impressions: Many users rave about the clean ingredients and how well it performs under high heat. They appreciate that it doesn’t leave any strange residue or aftertaste, making their air-fried foods taste genuinely great. It’s a go-to for those who prioritize natural products.
PAM Air Fryer No-Stick Cooking Spray, 6 oz.
PAM has been a household name in cooking sprays for ages, and their Air Fryer No-Stick Cooking Spray is specifically formulated to tackle the unique conditions of air frying. This spray is engineered to provide superior no-stick performance, ensuring your food doesn’t cling to the basket and cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s designed to withstand the high temperatures typical of air fryers without breaking down, and importantly, it’s made without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. If you’re looking for a reliable, convenient, and effective non-stick solution that’s tailored for your air fryer, PAM is a solid contender.
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Key Features:
- One 6 oz. can of PAM Air Fryer No-Stick Cooking Spray.
- Non-stick spray provides easy cleanup after your favorite air fried meals.
- Air fryer spray made with no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
- Formulated for the high temperatures and cooking conditions of an air fryer.
- Stock up on PAM cooking spray for superior no-stick performance.
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Pros:
- Exceptional non-stick capabilities, making food release simple.
- Specifically formulated for air fryer temperatures.
- Free from artificial additives, promoting healthier cooking.
- Widely available and a trusted brand.
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Cons:
- Can sometimes leave a sticky residue on the air fryer basket over time if not cleaned properly.
- Some users prefer a pure oil over a blended spray.
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User Impressions: Customers love the convenience and effectiveness of this PAM spray, especially for quick meals and easy cleanup. It’s often praised for its ability to keep food from sticking, making it a favorite for busy home cooks who want hassle-free air frying.
YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Light-Blocking Dark Oil Sprayer for…
While not an oil itself, an excellent oil sprayer is crucial when figuring out the best oil to use for air fryer recipes, as it gives you ultimate control over how much oil you use. The YARRAMATE oil sprayer stands out with its clever design focusing on oil preservation and precise application. Its dark, non-toxic exterior coating protects your precious olive oil (or any other oil) from sunlight, which can degrade oil quality and freshness. With a dual-function design, it allows you to both spray a fine mist and pour, offering incredible versatility for various cooking needs. Plus, it comes with fun, waterproof labels!
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Key Features:
- 【Sunlight Protection】: Features with exterior Non-Toxic & Safe Coating to prevent exposure to sunlight, with no coating on the interior to ensure safe, pure oil storage.
- 【10 WaterProof & Durable Labels】: Oil sprayer for cooking 2 in 1 collection contains 10 charming stickers featuring various designs.
- 【Dual-Function Design & Multi-Purpose】: Offers the convenience of both spraying and pouring oil, suitable for salad dressing, griddle, roasting, grilling.
- 【Premium & Food Grade Materials】: Made of food-grade, BPA-free PP material and thick, unbreakable, lead-free glass.
- 【Precise Oil Control】: Each spray dispenses approximately 0.2 grams of oil, helping control daily oil intake.
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Pros:
- Keeps oil fresher for longer due to light protection.
- Offers both spray and pour options for versatile use.
- Allows for precise control of oil quantity, promoting healthier eating.
- Durable, food-grade materials ensure safety and longevity.
- Includes useful labels for organization.
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Cons:
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent clogging, especially with thicker oils.
- Mist quality can sometimes vary based on oil viscosity.
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed with the light-blocking feature and the dual-functionality. They love being able to control their oil intake more precisely and appreciate the durable, high-quality construction. Many highlight its usefulness for salad dressings and general cooking beyond the air fryer.
TrendPlain Glass Olive Oil Sprayer 16oz/470ml Black | for…
Another top-tier choice for applying the best oil to use for air fryer dishes is the TrendPlain Glass Olive Oil Sprayer. Like the Yarramate, it’s not an oil, but an essential tool for healthy and efficient oil usage. This sprayer boasts a dual-dispensing mechanism, offering both a fine spray and a steady pour, giving you total command over your oil application. Its precision spray nozzle delivers an even mist, perfect for lightly coating foods for your air fryer, while helping you manage your daily oil intake. Made from BPA-free glass, it’s a safe, non-toxic, and heat-resistant addition to any kitchen. What sets it apart is the lifetime assurance, showing the brand’s confidence in its product.
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Key Features:
- Lifetime Assurance: Backed by lifetime support for peace of mind.
- Dual Dispensing: Offers both spray and pour options for total control.
- Precision Spray Nozzle: Delivers a fine mist or steady stream for precise control.
- Control Oil Intake: Each spray dispenses 0.15g of oil, helping manage daily intake.
- BPA-Free & Safe: Crafted from BPA-free glass, odorless, non-toxic, and heat-resistant.
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Pros:
- Excellent control over oil quantity, promoting healthier cooking.
- Versatile with both spray and pour functions.
- High-quality, safe, and durable materials.
- Fine mist for even coating in air fryers.
- Comes with a fantastic lifetime assurance.
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Cons:
- Needs proper cleaning to maintain optimal spray performance.
- The mist might not be as fine with very thick oils.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently praise the fine mist it produces, which is ideal for air frying. The dual-functionality is a huge hit, and many appreciate the peace of mind offered by the lifetime assurance. It’s often cited as a kitchen essential for those looking to reduce oil consumption.
Extra Thick Air Fryer Basket for Oven,2PCS-Set,Heavier…
While not an oil or an oil dispenser, this Extra Thick Air Fryer Basket is a fantastic accessory that significantly impacts your oil usage in cooking, aligning perfectly with the desire for healthier air-fried results. Designed for use in your oven (to replicate air fryer crispiness) or even within larger air fryers, this two-piece set helps you achieve that coveted crispy texture with minimal to no added oil. Its double-layer thickened steel mesh ensures even heat circulation for 360-degree cooking, allowing fats to drip away and promoting guilt-free, crunchy meals. It’s durable, non-stick, and incredibly easy to clean, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to reduce their reliance on oil for crispiness.
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Key Features:
- Durable Two-Layer Heavy-Duty Basket: Crafted with double-layer thickened steel mesh for sturdiness and even heat distribution up to 450°F/230°C.
- Durable and NON-STICK: Made of 304 stainless steel material, food easily removes without sticking.
- Easy to Clean and Dishwasher Safe: Non-stick surface makes hand or dishwasher cleaning simple.
- Multipurpose: Can be used for draining washed produce, collecting crumbs from crispy food, or serving.
- Even Cooking: Ensures heat circulates evenly for 360-degree cooking without stirring.
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Pros:
- Achieves crispy results with significantly less or no oil.
- Promotes healthier cooking by allowing fat to drip away.
- Extremely durable and built to last.
- Effortless cleaning, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Versatile for multiple kitchen tasks beyond just “air frying.”
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Cons:
- Not an air fryer itself; designed for oven use to achieve air fryer results.
- Requires adequate oven space or a large air fryer for use.
- Might not be necessary if your existing air fryer basket already performs well.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are thrilled with how effectively this basket crisps food in a regular oven, often comparing the results to a dedicated air fryer. The easy cleanup and durability are frequently highlighted, making it a popular choice for those wanting healthier, crispier food without investing in a new appliance or using too much oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the ideal smoke point for oil used in an air fryer?
A1: For air frying, you’ll want an oil with a high smoke point, typically 400°F (204°C) or higher. This ensures the oil doesn’t burn, smoke, or impart a bitter taste to your food under the air fryer’s intense heat. Common examples include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil.
Q2: Can I use regular olive oil in my air fryer?
A2: It depends on the type. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point (around 375°F / 190°C) and can burn easily in an air fryer, leading to smoke and a burnt taste. Regular or “light” olive oil, which has been refined, has a higher smoke point (around 470°F / 243°C) and can generally be used in an air fryer, but always check the specific product’s smoke point.
Q3: Why do I need to use oil in an air fryer at all?
A3: While air fryers don’t require deep-frying levels of oil, a light coating helps achieve that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior. It also helps food cook more evenly, prevents sticking, and can enhance flavor. Think of it as a very light spray rather than a pour.
Q4: How do I prevent food from sticking in the air fryer?
A4: A thin, even coating of oil is key. Using an oil spray or a reusable oil mister helps distribute the oil evenly. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can trap moisture and prevent crisping. Also, ensure your air fryer basket is clean and free of old residue before each use.
Q5: Is it better to use an oil spray or pour oil directly?
A5: For air frying, an oil spray or mister is almost always better. It allows for a much more even and controlled application of oil, ensuring every surface of your food gets a light coating without becoming greasy. Pouring oil directly can lead to uneven coverage and too much oil.
Q6: How do I clean my reusable oil sprayer?
A6: Most reusable oil sprayers can be cleaned by filling them with warm, soapy water and spraying it through the nozzle a few times. Then, rinse by spraying clean water. For a deeper clean, you can sometimes use a mixture of water and vinegar. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q7: What kind of oil should I avoid in an air fryer?
A7: Avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil (for most high-heat uses), flaxseed oil, and unrefined sesame oil. Butter, while delicious, also has a low smoke point and can burn quickly, making it less ideal for direct air frying.