Can You Use Oil in an Air Fryer Expert Tips and Tricks

Yes, you can use oil in an air fryer—but only in small amounts and with the right techniques to avoid smoke or damage. Lightly coat food or spray oil directly onto the basket to enhance crispiness without compromising the air fryer’s efficiency. Avoid pouring oil directly into the basket to prevent overheating and ensure safe, delicious results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use oil in an air fryer for crispier, tastier results.
• Use high-smoke-point oils like avocado or peanut oil for best performance.
• Lightly coat food with oil using a spray bottle or brush—don’t drench.
• Add oil after preheating to prevent smoke and ensure even cooking.
• Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants—they can damage the air fryer’s coating.
• Brush oil on frozen foods to improve texture and browning during cooking.
• Clean basket thoroughly after oily foods to prevent residue buildup and odors.

Can You Use Oil in an Air Fryer? Expert Tips and Tricks

So, you just got your first air fryer or maybe you’ve had one for a while and are still figuring out the best way to use it. One question keeps popping up: Can you use oil in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as pouring a cup of olive oil into the basket and calling it a day. I remember when I first started using my air fryer, I was so excited to make crispy fries without all the oil. But after a few disappointing batches, I realized that oil, when used right, can actually make a huge difference.

Air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they are—when used correctly. But here’s the thing: while air fryers don’t need a ton of oil, they often benefit from a little bit. The trick is knowing how much, what kind, and when to use it. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned over years of air frying—from trial and error, kitchen experiments, and even a few kitchen disasters (RIP, my first batch of blackened chicken). Whether you’re making French fries, roasted veggies, or crispy tofu, I’ll show you how to use oil to get the best results—without turning your air fryer into a greasy mess.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why Oil Matters)

Understanding the Air Frying Process

Before we dive into oil usage, let’s take a quick look at how air fryers actually work. Unlike traditional deep fryers that submerge food in hot oil, air fryers use rapid air circulation. A powerful heating element warms the air, and a fan blows that hot air around your food in a confined basket. This process creates a convection effect, similar to a convection oven, which helps food cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Think of it like a mini oven with a turbocharger. The hot air hits the surface of your food, evaporating moisture and triggering the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that gives browned foods that delicious flavor and texture. This is why air-fried food can be crispy without being greasy.

Why Oil Can Improve Air Frying (When Used Correctly)

So, if the air fryer doesn’t need oil, why use it at all? Great question. Oil serves several key purposes:

• Enhances crispiness: A light coating of oil helps food brown better and creates a more satisfying crunch.
• Prevents sticking: Some foods, especially delicate items like fish or breaded proteins, can stick to the basket without oil.
• Improves flavor and texture: Oil carries fat-soluble flavors and can make food taste richer and more satisfying.
• Helps seasoning adhere: Spices and herbs stick better to oiled surfaces, giving you more flavor in every bite.

I learned this the hard way when I tried making “dry” sweet potato fries. They came out pale, rubbery, and stuck to the basket. After a light spritz of avocado oil and a sprinkle of paprika, the next batch was golden, crispy, and flavorful. The difference was night and day.

How Much Oil to Use in Your Air Fryer

The “Less Is More” Rule

One of the biggest mistakes new air fryer users make is using too much oil. Remember: the goal isn’t to deep fry—it’s to enhance. A little oil goes a long way. In fact, most recipes only need 1–2 teaspoons of oil per batch. That’s about 5–10 mL, or roughly a tablespoon at most.

For example, when I make air fryer chicken wings, I toss them in just one teaspoon of oil, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. They come out juicy inside and crispy outside—no need to drench them. The same goes for vegetables. A light spray or brush of oil is usually enough to get that roasted, caramelized texture.

Best Application Methods

How you apply the oil makes a big difference in how evenly your food cooks. Here are the most effective methods I’ve found:

• Spray bottle: Fill a clean spray bottle with oil and lightly mist your food before cooking. This gives the most even coverage with the least amount of oil. I keep one filled with olive or avocado oil for quick use.
• Brush: Use a silicone or pastry brush to apply oil directly. Great for flat foods like chicken breasts or fish fillets.
• Toss in a bowl: For smaller items like fries or veggies, add oil and seasonings to a bowl, toss to coat, then transfer to the air fryer basket.
• Oil mister or aerosol spray: Commercial oil sprays (like PAM) work, but I prefer using a reusable spray bottle with my own oil to avoid additives and save money.

Pro tip: Avoid pouring oil directly into the air fryer basket. It can pool at the bottom and smoke, especially with oils that have low smoke points (more on that later). Always apply oil to the food first, not the basket.

Timing Matters: When to Add Oil

For best results, add oil before cooking. This allows the oil to help the food brown and crisp as it heats up. However, for longer cooking recipes (like whole chickens or roasts), you can spritz oil halfway through to keep the surface from drying out.

I once tried adding oil halfway through cooking sweet potato wedges. The result? The outside burned while the inside was still undercooked. Now I always oil my food before starting—no exceptions.

Best Oils for Air Frying (And Which Ones to Avoid)

Top 5 Oils for Air Frying

Not all oils are created equal—especially when it comes to high-heat cooking like air frying. The key is choosing oils with a high smoke point (the temperature at which oil starts to smoke and break down). Here are my top picks:

• Avocado oil: Smoke point ~520°F (271°C). Neutral flavor, great for high-heat cooking. My go-to for almost everything.
• Refined coconut oil: Smoke point ~450°F (232°C). Mild coconut taste, solid at room temperature. Great for roasting veggies.
• Sunflower oil: Smoke point ~450°F (232°C). Light, neutral flavor. Budget-friendly and widely available.
• Canola oil: Smoke point ~400°F (204°C). Neutral taste, affordable. Good for everyday use.
• Grapeseed oil: Smoke point ~420°F (216°C). Light, slightly nutty flavor. Great for delicate proteins like fish.

These oils are stable at air fryer temperatures (typically 350–400°F), so they won’t burn or create harmful compounds.

Oils to Avoid (And Why)

Some oils are not suitable for air frying due to low smoke points or strong flavors. Steer clear of these:

• Extra virgin olive oil: Smoke point ~375°F (190°C). While delicious, it can burn at higher air fryer settings. Use only on low-heat recipes or finish dishes with it.
• Flaxseed oil: Smoke point ~225°F (107°C). Very low heat tolerance. Best used as a dressing, not for cooking.
• Unrefined coconut oil: Smoke point ~350°F (177°C). Strong coconut flavor and low smoke point. Can burn easily.
• Butter: Smoke point ~300°F (150°C). Burns quickly and can smoke up your kitchen. Use clarified butter (ghee) instead, with a smoke point of ~485°F (252°C).

I once tried air frying salmon with a pat of butter on top. The butter burned instantly, leaving a smoky, bitter mess. Now I use a light brush of avocado oil and add butter at the end for flavor.

Flavor vs. Function: Choosing the Right Oil

Sometimes, flavor matters more than smoke point. For example, I love using a light spray of toasted sesame oil on air-fried tofu or stir-fry veggies. But I only use a tiny amount (¼ tsp) because it has a low smoke point (~350°F). I add it after cooking or use it on lower heat settings.

Similarly, a drizzle of truffle oil at the end of cooking adds luxury without risking smoke. The rule: use high-smoke oils for cooking, and flavorful oils as a finishing touch.

Food-Specific Tips: When and How to Use Oil

Vegetables

Vegetables are one of the best things to air fry. But without oil, they can turn out dry or rubbery. For root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets), I use 1 tsp of oil per cup of veggies. Toss them with salt, pepper, and herbs before air frying at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

For softer veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, use even less oil (½ tsp per cup). These release moisture as they cook, so too much oil can make them soggy. I like to slice them thick and brush lightly with oil to avoid overdoing it.

Proteins (Chicken, Fish, Tofu, Meat)

Chicken wings: Toss in 1 tsp oil + seasoning. Air fry at 380°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. The skin gets crispy, and the meat stays juicy.

Fish fillets: Brush with ½ tsp oil (grapeseed or olive) and season. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. The oil helps the skin crisp without sticking.

Tofu: Press extra-firm tofu to remove water, then toss in 1 tsp oil + soy sauce or spices. Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes. The oil helps it develop a golden crust.

Ground beef or turkey: For air fryer burgers, I mix 1 tsp oil into the meat before forming patties. This keeps them from drying out and helps them brown evenly.

Breaded and Battered Foods

Air-fried chicken tenders or fish sticks can be tricky. Without oil, the coating can fall off or turn out pale. I use the “double spray” method: spray the basket lightly with oil, place the food in, then spray the top. This helps the breading adhere and brown evenly.

For homemade breaded foods, I dip in egg wash, coat with breadcrumbs or panko, then spray lightly with oil before air frying. The result? Crispy, golden, and less greasy than deep frying.

Baked Goods and Desserts

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer! For muffins, cakes, or brownies, I brush the inside of silicone molds with a tiny amount of oil (or use parchment). For crispy-topped desserts like crumbles, I sprinkle a few drops of oil on the topping to help it brown.

One of my favorite tricks: air-fried banana chips. Slice bananas thin, toss in ½ tsp oil + cinnamon, then air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. They come out crunchy, not greasy.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Too Much Oil (Greasy or Smoky Results)

If your food comes out greasy or your air fryer is smoking, you’ve likely used too much oil. The fix? Use less next time—1 tsp per batch is plenty. For immediate relief, wipe down the basket and tray with a damp cloth. Avoid using soap inside the heating element area.

Also, make sure your air fryer is in a well-ventilated space. I keep mine near a window or under a vent to reduce smoke.

Food Sticking to the Basket

Sticking usually means not enough oil or not preheating. Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This creates a hot surface that helps food release easily.

If food still sticks, try a light spray of oil on the basket before adding food. Or use parchment paper liners (make sure they don’t block airflow).

Uneven Cooking

Air fryers cook by circulating hot air, so overcrowding is a big no-no. Don’t fill the basket more than ⅔ full. Shake or flip food halfway through for even browning. I always set a timer to remind myself.

Using the Wrong Oil

Burned oil tastes awful and can ruin your dish. Stick to high-smoke oils for cooking. If you accidentally use a low-smoke oil and it burns, discard the food and clean the basket thoroughly. Lingering smoke can affect future batches.

Oil Type	Smoke Point (°F)	Best For	Air Fryer Friendly?
Avocado Oil	520	High-heat roasting, frying	Yes (Top choice)
Refined Coconut Oil	450	Roasting, baking	Yes
Sunflower Oil	450	Fries, veggies	Yes
Canola Oil	400	Everyday cooking	Yes
Grapeseed Oil	420	Fish, delicate foods	Yes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	375	Low-heat cooking, finishing	Use with caution
Butter	300	Finishing, flavor	No (Use ghee instead)
Flaxseed Oil	225	Dressings, cold use	No

Final Thoughts: Oil Is Your Air Fryer’s Best Friend (When Used Right)

So, can you use oil in an air fryer? Absolutely. In fact, I’d say you should—as long as you use it wisely. The key is moderation, the right oil, and the right method. Think of oil as a tool, not a requirement. It’s there to enhance, not overwhelm.

Over the years, I’ve gone from being afraid of oil to embracing it as a secret weapon. My air fryer chicken is juicier, my veggies are crispier, and my desserts have that perfect golden crust—all thanks to a little oil used the right way. And the best part? I’m still eating healthier than if I were deep frying.

Remember: start small. Use 1 tsp of a high-smoke oil, apply it before cooking, and adjust based on results. Keep your spray bottle handy, preheat your air fryer, and don’t overcrowd the basket. With a few simple tricks, you’ll get restaurant-quality results at home—without the grease.

Your air fryer isn’t just a gadget. It’s a gateway to faster, healthier, and more delicious meals. And now that you know how to use oil the expert way, you’re ready to take your cooking to the next level. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use oil in an air fryer for crispy results?

Yes, you can use oil in an air fryer to achieve crispier textures, especially with foods like fries or chicken. Just use a light spray or brush to coat the food—this mimics deep frying while using much less oil.

What type of oil is best for an air fryer?

Opt for oils with high smoke points like avocado, peanut, or refined olive oil when using oil in an air fryer. Avoid low-smoke-point oils like flaxseed or unrefined sesame, as they can burn and create smoke.

How much oil should I use in my air fryer?

Use 1–2 teaspoons per serving, applied via spray or brush—this is all you need for even browning. Overusing oil in an air fryer can cause smoke or uneven cooking due to excess pooling.

Is it safe to spray oil directly into the air fryer basket?

Yes, but use caution: spray oil directly onto food (not the empty basket) to avoid smoke or flare-ups. Non-aerosol spray bottles or a pastry brush work best for controlled application.

Can you use oil in an air fryer for reheating food?

Lightly spraying or brushing oil on foods like pizza or leftovers before air frying helps restore crispness. Avoid adding oil to already-greasy items like fried chicken to prevent excess smoke.

Does using oil in an air fryer make food less healthy?

Even with added oil, air frying uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier option. The key is moderation—stick to small amounts for flavor and texture without excess calories.