Can You Put Olive Oil in Air Fryer Discover the Best Cooking Tips

Yes, you can safely use olive oil in an air fryer—it enhances flavor and promotes crispiness without damaging the appliance. Opt for light or refined olive oil to avoid smoke from high-heat cooking, and always lightly coat food or spray the basket to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can use olive oil in air fryers for crisp, healthy results.
• Use light or refined olive oil to avoid smoke and burnt flavors.
• Spray or brush lightly to prevent excess oil pooling in the basket.
• High smoke point oils like extra virgin work, but monitor heat levels.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding oil for even cooking.
• Avoid aerosol sprays with additives to protect your air fryer’s non-stick coating.

Can You Put Olive Oil in Air Fryer? Discover the Best Cooking Tips

Let me tell you a little secret: I used to be terrified of my air fryer. It sat on my kitchen counter, gleaming and intimidating, like a gadget from the future I just didn’t know how to use. I’d bought it after seeing all those Instagram reels of crispy fries and juicy chicken wings—no oil, no mess, just perfection. But then I started wondering: what about olive oil? I love cooking with it. It adds that rich, golden crisp to my roasted veggies and gives my salmon that restaurant-quality sear. So, can I use it in my air fryer?

If you’ve ever stood in front of your air fryer, bottle of olive oil in hand, wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. The short answer? Yes, you can put olive oil in an air fryer. But—and there’s always a but—it’s not quite as simple as just dunking your food in oil and hitting “start.” How you use it, when you use it, and even which kind of olive oil you use can make the difference between a crispy, golden masterpiece and a soggy, burnt disappointment. Over the past few years, I’ve experimented, made mistakes, and discovered some golden rules (pun intended). Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can get the most out of your air fryer—and your olive oil—without the kitchen disasters.

Understanding How Air Fryers Work and Why Oil Matters

Before we dive into the olive oil specifics, let’s take a quick peek under the hood. Air fryers don’t actually fry food. Instead, they use rapid air circulation to mimic the effects of deep frying. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes it around the food at high speed. This creates a convection effect that crisps the outside while cooking the inside—no submersion in oil required.

Why Oil Enhances the Air Frying Process

Here’s the thing: while air fryers are designed to be oil-free, adding a little oil actually improves the results. Think of it like this: when you roast potatoes in the oven, a drizzle of oil helps them crisp up and develop that beautiful golden crust. The same principle applies to air frying. A light coating of oil:

• Improves browning and crispiness by helping the Maillard reaction (that’s the science behind golden, flavorful food).
• Prevents sticking to the air fryer basket, especially with delicate foods like fish or breaded items.
• Boosts flavor—especially when using high-quality olive oil with its fruity, peppery notes.

But—and this is a big but—air fryers don’t handle oil the same way a deep fryer does. You’re not submerging food. You’re coating it lightly. Too much oil can drip into the heating element, cause smoke, or even damage your machine. So, the key is moderation and method.

How Olive Oil Compares to Other Cooking Oils in Air Frying

Olive oil is a favorite for a reason: it’s rich in flavor, packed with antioxidants, and has a lower environmental impact than many refined oils. But not all olive oils are created equal for high-heat cooking. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Has a low smoke point (around 375°F/190°C), which means it can start to smoke and degrade at high air fryer temperatures (typically 400°F/200°C). Best used for light brushing or tossing at lower temps.
• Regular (pure) olive oil: Refined and has a higher smoke point (around 465°F/240°C), making it safer for air frying at high heat. It’s milder in flavor but still adds richness.
• Light olive oil: Highly refined, very high smoke point (470°F/243°C), and neutral taste. Great for high-temp air frying, though it lacks the robust flavor of EVOO.

So, while you can use olive oil, your choice of type matters. I’ve made the mistake of using EVOO at 400°F—my kitchen smelled like smoke, and my chicken tasted bitter. Lesson learned!

Best Ways to Use Olive Oil in Your Air Fryer (Without the Smoke)

Now that we know olive oil can work, let’s talk about how to use it effectively. The goal is to get that crispy, golden finish without turning your kitchen into a smoke-filled haze. Here are my tried-and-true methods:

1. Light Brushing or Spraying

This is my go-to method. Instead of dumping oil on your food, lightly brush it or use a mister bottle (not a store-bought spray with additives, which can clog the nozzle). I keep a small spray bottle filled with regular olive oil—just a few spritzes is enough to coat a batch of sweet potato fries or chicken tenders.

Pro tip: Hold the bottle at least 6 inches from the food to avoid over-saturating. You want a thin, even layer, not a puddle.

2. Tossing Before Cooking

For veggies, potatoes, or tofu, I love to toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, plus seasonings, before loading them into the air fryer. This ensures even coverage without drips. I did this with Brussels sprouts recently—just 1 tbsp oil, garlic, and rosemary—and they came out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Caution: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Overlapping food can trap steam, leading to sogginess instead of crispiness.

3. Using Oil After Cooking for Finishing

Sometimes, I skip the oil during cooking and drizzle it after the food is done. This works especially well with fish or lean meats. For example, I air-fry salmon at 375°F for 10 minutes (no oil), then finish it with a drizzle of EVOO, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. The oil adds shine, richness, and that “just-cooked” flavor without any risk of smoke.

4. Oil in Marinades or Batters

Olive oil is a great base for marinades. I marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon, and garlic for 30 minutes before air frying—it keeps them juicy and helps the seasoning stick. For breaded items (like air-fried chicken tenders), I add a bit of oil to the egg wash or breadcrumb mix to help them brown evenly.

Bonus tip: If you’re making air-fried falafel or veggie fritters, a tablespoon of oil in the mix improves texture and prevents dryness.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil for Air Frying (A Buyer’s Guide)

Not all olive oils are safe or effective for air frying. Here’s how to pick the best one for your needs:

Smoke Point: The #1 Factor

The smoke point is the temperature at which oil starts to smoke and break down. When this happens, it loses flavor, nutrients, and can create harmful compounds. Air fryers often reach 375–400°F, so you need an oil that can handle that heat.

• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Smoke point: 325–375°F. Best for low-to-medium heat (e.g., 350°F or below). Use for delicate foods like fish or veggies.
• Regular (pure) olive oil: Smoke point: 410–465°F. Ideal for most air frying (375–400°F). Milder flavor but safer at high heat.
• Light olive oil: Smoke point: 465–470°F. Best for high-heat cooking (400°F+). Neutral taste, so it won’t overpower your food.

I keep both regular and light olive oil in my pantry. Regular for everyday use (like roasted veggies), and light for high-heat recipes (like air-fried chicken wings).

Flavor vs. Function: What to Prioritize

Here’s a personal preference: if I’m cooking something simple (like sweet potatoes or asparagus), I’ll use regular olive oil for its mild, buttery taste. But if I’m making a bold-flavored dish (like garlic shrimp or spicy cauliflower), I’ll use light olive oil so the oil doesn’t compete with the other flavors.

Rule of thumb: Use high-quality oil when flavor matters (e.g., drizzling after cooking). Use neutral oil when function matters (e.g., high-heat cooking).

Budget-Friendly vs. Premium Options

You don’t need to spend $20 on a bottle of olive oil for air frying. Look for:

• Store brands: Many supermarkets (like Trader Joe’s, Costco) offer affordable, decent-quality olive oils.
• Bulk bins: If you use a lot of oil, buying in bulk can save money.
• Certifications: Look for “cold-pressed,” “extra virgin,” or “COOC” (California Olive Oil Council) seals for quality assurance.

I’ve found that a $10–15 bottle of regular olive oil works great for air frying. Save the fancy EVOO for salads or finishing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Olive Oil in Air Fryers

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the top mistakes I’ve made (and how to avoid them):

1. Using Too Much Oil

This is the #1 mistake. I once dumped 1/4 cup of oil on a batch of air-fried chicken—big mistake. The oil dripped into the heating element, created a smoky mess, and my chicken turned out greasy. Now, I follow the “less is more” rule: 1–2 tablespoons max for a single batch.

Fix: Use a spray bottle or pastry brush. Measure the oil before adding it.

2. Using Low-Quality or Expired Oil

Old or rancid oil can ruin your food. I learned this the hard way when I used a bottle of olive oil that had been sitting in my pantry for over a year. The chicken tasted bitter, and my air fryer basket had a funky smell for days.

Fix: Store oil in a cool, dark place. Check expiration dates. If it smells “off,” toss it.

3. Ignoring the Smoke Point

As mentioned earlier, EVOO can smoke at high temperatures. I once air-fried chicken wings at 400°F with EVOO—my smoke alarm went off, and my dog hid under the bed. Not a fun evening.

Fix: Match the oil to the cooking temperature. Use regular or light olive oil for temps above 375°F.

4. Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Adding oil to cold food and then cooking it slowly can lead to uneven browning. I used to skip preheating, and my veggies came out soggy. Now, I preheat my air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding the food.

Fix: Preheat the air fryer, then add your oiled food. This ensures instant crispiness.

5. Skipping the Basket Liner (for Certain Foods)

Some foods (like breaded chicken or sticky marinades) can still stick to the basket, even with oil. I now use parchment paper liners for delicate items. They’re non-stick, easy to clean, and prevent oil from dripping into the heating element.

Fix: Use perforated air fryer liners for foods that tend to stick.

Delicious Recipes That Use Olive Oil in the Air Fryer

Let’s put theory into practice! Here are five of my favorite recipes that use olive oil in the air fryer—each one tested and perfected over months of trial and error.

1. Crispy Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp regular olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt to taste.

Method:

• Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks.
• Toss with olive oil and seasonings in a bowl.
• Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Add fries in a single layer.
• Cook 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Serve with a drizzle of EVOO and fresh herbs.

Result: Crispy outside, fluffy inside. No soggy fries here!

2. Garlic Butter Salmon (Olive Oil Version)

Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 1 tbsp light olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, pepper.

Method:

• Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Brush mixture over salmon.
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Cook 10–12 minutes.
• Finish with a drizzle of EVOO and fresh dill.

Result: Moist, flaky salmon with a golden crust.

3. Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, 1 tbsp regular olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, salt.

Method:

• Trim and halve Brussels sprouts.
• Toss with oil, garlic powder, and salt.
• Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Cook 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Sprinkle Parmesan over the top in the last 2 minutes.

Result: Crispy, nutty, and cheesy—my husband’s favorite side dish.

4. Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders, 1/4 cup flour, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp light olive oil, salt, pepper.

Method:

• Set up a breading station: flour, beaten egg, breadcrumbs.
• Dip chicken in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
• Brush with olive oil (or spray lightly).
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Cook 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Result: Crispy, juicy, and kid-approved.

5. Mediterranean Air-Fried Veggie Bowl

Ingredients: 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, 1 tbsp regular olive oil, 1 tsp oregano, salt, pepper.

Method:

• Chop veggies into bite-sized pieces.
• Toss with oil and seasonings.
• Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook 10–12 minutes.
• Serve over rice or quinoa with a lemon-EVOO dressing.

Result: A flavorful, healthy one-pan meal.

Olive Oil Smoke Points and Air Fryer Temperatures: A Quick Reference

Here’s a handy table to help you match your olive oil to your air fryer temperature:

Olive Oil Type	Smoke Point (°F)	Smoke Point (°C)	Best Air Fryer Temp	Best For
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)	325–375	160–190	350°F or below	Low-heat cooking, finishing drizzles
Regular (Pure) Olive Oil	410–465	210–240	375–400°F	Everyday air frying, marinades
Light Olive Oil	465–470	240–243	400°F+	High-heat cooking, neutral flavor

Remember: always preheat your air fryer and use oil sparingly. A little goes a long way!

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Use Olive Oil—Just Do It Right

So, can you put olive oil in an air fryer? Absolutely. But it’s not about whether you can—it’s about how you do it. The key takeaways from my years of air frying:

• Choose the right oil: Use regular or light olive oil for high heat, EVOO for low heat or finishing.
• Use less oil: 1–2 tablespoons is plenty for a single batch.
• Preheat and prep: Preheat your air fryer and toss or brush oil evenly.
• Avoid smoke: Match the oil’s smoke point to your cooking temperature.
• Clean up: Wipe down the basket and heating element after use to prevent buildup.

Olive oil isn’t just safe for air frying—it’s a game-changer. It adds flavor, improves texture, and helps you get that golden, crispy finish we all crave. Just remember: moderation is key. With these tips, you’ll turn your air fryer into a powerhouse of delicious, healthy cooking—no smoke, no stress, just great food.

Now, go grab that bottle of olive oil, fire up your air fryer, and make something amazing. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put olive oil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can safely use olive oil in an air fryer. It’s ideal for adding flavor and achieving a crispy texture, especially when cooking vegetables, meats, or breaded items.

What type of olive oil is best for air fryer cooking?

Extra virgin olive oil is great for low- to medium-heat cooking in an air fryer, while refined olive oil (pure or light) handles higher temperatures better. Both work well, but refined olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it more versatile.

How do you apply olive oil to food in an air fryer without making a mess?

Lightly brush or spray olive oil directly onto your food before air frying, or toss ingredients in a bowl with a small amount of oil first. Avoid pouring large quantities into the air fryer basket to prevent smoke or flare-ups.

Does putting olive oil in an air fryer cause smoke?

Olive oil can smoke if heated beyond its smoke point (around 375°F for extra virgin, 465°F for refined). To avoid this, keep air fryer temperatures moderate and use refined olive oil for high-heat recipes.

Can you use olive oil spray in an air fryer?

Yes, olive oil spray is a convenient way to coat food evenly in an air fryer. Just ensure it’s 100% olive oil without propellants or additives, which can damage nonstick coatings or leave residues.

Is olive oil healthier for air frying than other oils?

Olive oil is a heart-healthy choice for air fryer cooking due to its high monounsaturated fat content and antioxidants. It also requires less oil than traditional frying, making dishes lower in fat and calories.