An essential element of air frying is choosing the right oil. We're often asked what oil to use when air frying, and it really does make a difference! Which oil you choose is the secret ingredient that helps achieve that perfect crunch, all while enhancing the flavor of your favorite air fryer dinners.
Not all oils are the same when it comes to air frying! With so many options available, though, it can be overwhelming to know which one to use and when. Let's get into which oils and oil sprays work best in your air fryer, as well as what to avoid using!
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What is Smoke Point, and Why is it Important?
Understanding the smoke point of oils is crucial for all types of cooking. Oil smoke point determines the temperature at which the oil starts to degrade, emit smoke, and potentially develop unpleasant, bitter flavors. Choosing oils with an appropriate smoke point for your cooking method ensures optimal results.
In the air fryer, this generally means choosing an oil that can withstand temperatures up to about 400°F, as many air fryer recipes call for a temperature of at least 350°F. While some air fryers can operate at a temperature of 200°F, many do not even have the option to go below 300°F, which means there are some oils, like butter, that you want to avoid using in most recipes.
Oil Smoke Points Chart
Choosing the perfect oil for air frying depends on what food you're making, the temperature at which you’re cooking, and your personal flavor preference. Make sure the oil you pick can handle the temperature you're using without smoking. Here are some oils we really like, with approximate smoke points provided (source). Below the chart, see our detailed thoughts on each oil!
| Type of Oil | Flavor Profile | Oil Smoke Point |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | Neutral | About 520ºF |
| Light Olive Oil | Neutral | About 465ºF |
| Sunflower Oil | Mild | About 450ºF |
| Refined Coconut Oil | Mild | About 450ºF |
| Unrefined Coconut Oil | Flavorful | About 350ºF |
| Canola Oil | Neutral | About 400ºF |
| Grapeseed Oil | Versatile | About 390ºF |
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is the oil we use most when air frying. With a smoke point of about 520ºF, and a neutral flavor, this heart-healthy oil is perfect for air frying at higher temperatures without burning or emitting smoke.
Avocado oil is full of the 'healthy fat' called monounsaturated fat. Many experts believe it's one of the best oils you can use for cooking because it's so good for you. Here's our source for more info.
Light Olive Oil
Whenever we use olive oil for air frying, we always choose light olive oil as it has been refined and can handle high temperatures with a smoke point of about 465ºF. It also has a more neutral flavor than extra virgin olive oil, making it preferable for air frying.
Light olive oil is basically extra-virgin olive oil, but it's been treated with heat to make it taste more neutral. Unlike extra-virgin olive oil, light olive oil can handle higher temperatures up to 465°F without smoking. That means you can use it for cooking at high heat without worrying about it burning. If you only have extra virgin olive oil and not light olive oil, keep in mind the smoke point is around 375ºF instead.
Sunflower Oil
With a smoke point around 450°F, sunflower oil is another great option when air frying. High-oleic sunflower oil, in particular, offers even better stability at high temperatures, making it a reliable choice for air frying.
Sunflower oil has a mild taste that won't overpower other flavors, and it's packed with vitamin E, which helps keep your body healthy. Here's our source if you'd like more info.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil offers a unique flavor profile, which can lend a tropical flavor to your dishes. Opt for refined coconut oil for air frying to avoid the coconut flavor overpowering your food. Additionally, refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point (450°F) than unrefined coconut oil (only 350°F).
Canola Oil
Canola oil is easily found in just about every grocery store and is a budget-friendly option for air frying. It is known for its neutral taste and high smoke point of about 400°F, making it suitable for air frying a wide range of foods.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil has a light, neutral taste and a high smoke point around 390°F, making it suitable for most air fryer recipes.
Grapeseed oil is a versatile oil that won't overpower the natural flavors of your ingredients and is generally a little less expensive than other oils, such as avocado oil.
Can I use a commercial cooking spray?
While this is not a simple yes or no answer, we recommend you avoid using cooking sprays with added chemicals, emulsifiers, and/or propellants. Cooking sprays with additives can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time.
When shopping for cooking sprays, read the label and only choose sprays that are 100% pure oil, such as Chosen Foods Pure Oil Sprays (non-sponsored; this is the cooking oil spray we use when buying cooking spray!).
If the ingredients list anything other than oil, avoid them. Again, cooking sprays with additives like chemicals, emulsifiers, and propellants can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time, and it's best that you don't use them for air frying.
The best option is to use a spray bottle, such as the Evo Oil Sprayer, filled with your preferred oil. This is what we do! We prefer avocado oil for most air fryer recipes.
Whichever option you choose for cooking oil spray, it is very important to make sure you always thoroughly clean your air fryer after each use. This will help mitigate food or oily build-up. Refer to our guide on How to Clean Your Air Fryer for more info!
Tips for Choosing an Oil for Air Frying
When using oils in your air fryer, remember these tips:
- Moderation is Key: You only need a small amount of oil to achieve that crispy texture, so don't overdo it. Too much oil can make food soggy.
- Preheat if Necessary: Some recipes may benefit from preheating the air fryer with a little oil before adding the food for even browning.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different oils to find the flavors you love best!
Our Verdict
There are many oils to choose for air frying, but the right one for you depends on your personal taste preferences and the recipes you're preparing.
Whether you opt for the fruity notes of a light olive oil, or the convenience of avocado oil's high smoke point and neutral flavor, rest assured that you'll find the perfect oil for you with a little experimentation!
Why not browse our recipes to do some testing? You can use the search bar below to look for something new to make.
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