The best oils to use in an air fryer are those that have a high smoke point. When cooking with an air fryer, the food is generally cooked at a higher cooking temperature than when using other cooking methods.
This means that you need to use different types of oils that have a higher smoke point so that they don’t start to smoke and produce carcinogens. Oils that have a lower smoke point (made to cook with a lower temperature) are best for salad dressings and dips.
With so many oils with high smoke points out there, it may be difficult to choose between them. Lucky for you, we have compiled a variety of oils into a detailed list so you can more easily pick the best option for you!
Some of the best higher quality oils to use in an air fryer include:
1. Olive oil
This is a great option for air frying because it has a high smoke point and a pleasant taste (pick extra light olive oil for a lighter flavor!). It also is the healthiest oil on this list, packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and heart healthy fats.
However, it is also one of the more expensive cooking oils. With that being said, it is still a good choice for air frying.
The best way to use olive oil is with foods that have a strong flavor, such as garlic or onion. A little bit of oil can also be used to make breading for chicken or fish. You should avoid using olive oil for foods that are fried in deep fat because it can produce a greasy texture. Also try to steer clear of extra virgin olive oil, as it has a low smoke point.
2. Canola oil
Canola oil is another good option for air frying. It has a high smoking point and a neutral flavor, which means that it will work well with both sweet and savory foods. Canola is also the perfect oil to use for your deep fryer!
Use this versatile oil to cook chicken, fish, or vegetables. For the best flavor, you can also use it to make breading for these foods. Canola oil is a good choice for those who are watching their cholesterol levels because it is low in saturated fat.
3. Peanut oil
Peanut oil has a high smoke point and a nutty flavor, which makes it a good choice for cooking savory foods at high temperatures (and for deep frying!). It also has lots of health benefits, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use peanut oil to cook chicken, onion rings, fish, and more. It also is the preferred oil for peanut sauce recipes. But be careful not to use too much oil, as the flavor can be overpowering.
4. Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is another fantastic option thanks to the high smoke point of the oil and the unmatchable flavor that complements both sweet and savory foods. Also, as one of the unrefined oils on this list, it is high in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use sunflower oil in the air fryer basket to cook chicken, fish, or vegetables. You can also use a little oil to make breading for these foods. Sunflower oil is the right choice for those who are watching their cholesterol levels.
5. Sesame oil
Sesame oil has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use sesame oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make a sauce with soy sauce and ginger. Be careful not to use too much sesame oil in the cooking basket, as the flavor can be overpowering.
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a premium oil that has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. The best part? It’s also insanely healthy, as it is high in saturated fat and lauric acid. What more could you ask for?
Use coconut oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make a sauce with soy sauce and ginger. Be careful not to use too much coconut oil, as the flavor of the food can be overpowered by it.
7. Vegetable shortening
Vegetable shortening has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a low-cost option.
Use vegetable shortening to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
8. Ghee
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has a strong flavor. It is also one of the many high smoke point oils, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in saturated fat and vitamin A.
Use ghee to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
9. Avocado oil
Avocado oil has the highest smoke point on this list, accompanied with a mild flavor that renders it the right oil for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use pure avocado oil to cook chicken, fish, or vegetables. You can also use a small amount of oil to make breading for these foods.
10. Butter
Butter has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a high-cost option.
Use butter to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
11. Duck fat
Duck fat has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use duck fat to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
12. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans.
Use flaxseed oil to cook chicken, fish, french fries, and more!
13. Corn oil
Corn oil has a high heat smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a low-cost option.
Use corn oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
14. Rice bran oil
Rice bran oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Use rice bran oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods with a basting brush to add that extra crispy texture.
15. Soybean oil
Soybean oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a low-cost option.
Use soybean oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
16. Safflower oil
Safflower oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It also contains health properties that benefit those with heart disease, such as monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use safflower oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
17. Grape Seed oil
Grape Seed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use grape seed oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
18. Hempseed oil
Hempseed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Use hempseed oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
19. Walnut oil
Walnut oil has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Use walnut oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
20. Vegetable oil
As one of the top neutral oils, vegetable oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a low-cost option.
Use vegetable oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
21. Margarine
Margarine has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a low-cost option.
Use margarine to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
22. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good option for air frying both sweet and savory foods. It is also a healthy option, as it is high in antioxidants.
Use apple cider vinegar to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
23. Lemon juice
Lemon juice has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a healthy option, as it is high in vitamin C.
Use lemon juice to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods. is also a good choice for those who are watching their cholesterol levels.
24. Non-stick cooking spray
Non-stick cooking spray has a high smoke point and is the best choice for replacing oils when air frying. For the best results, look for a cooking spray that is low in saturated fats and free of unhealthy chemicals.
Use non-stick cooking spray to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods.
25. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil has a high smoke point and a strong flavor, making it a good choice for cooking savory foods. It is also a healthy oil, as it is high in good fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Use pumpkin seed oil to cook chicken or fish, or to make breading for these foods. Keep it stored at room temperature and it will last for ages!
With this list of the 25 best air fryer oil and alternatives, you're sure to find the perfect oil for your needs. No matter what you're making, there is an oil on this list that will work well for you. So, get the air fryer cooking!
But before you start, consider purchasing a good oil sprayer or an oil mister to evenly distribute whichever oil you choose. To find the best oil sprayer for you, check out this list of oil sprays that you can purchase today!
Did you know that air frying is a great way to cook any type of food without using a lot of oil? Air frying uses hot air to cook food, which means that less oil is needed than when cooking food in a traditional fryer. This makes air frying a healthier option, as it reduces the amount of unhealthy fat that is consumed. Plus, with this versatile appliance, you can make anything from fried chicken to baked goods! Check out this list of the best air fryers to pick your first air fryer out now!
But not all oils are created equal - different oils work better in an air fryer than others. Test them out with some fun air fryer recipes and decide which type of oil is best for you! Trying out all the different flavors will be guaranteed fun. Just remember, the higher smoke points, the better because you can cook at higher temperatures!
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