When you think about fried foods, one of the first things that come to mind is the oil that is used to create that delicious crispiness and savory aroma. As we all know though, ingesting excess oil into our bodies isn’t always the healthiest choice.
Cue the ever-popular air fryer, which uses very little oil but still makes those mozzarella sticks, french fries, and baked potatoes come out nice and crispy.
While the very little oil aspect is perfect for those who want to create healthier meals with the air fryer, one problem pops up; sometimes food can get stuck to the basket and you have to scrape it off without damaging the coating. What’s the automatic solution; Pam non-stick cooking spray.
The question is though, can you really use Pam, non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer? No, you should not use Pam non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer because it uses additives like propellants which can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating, causing it to prematurely peel away. The same applies to other similar cooking sprays on the market.
And that’s just the primary reason, down below I’ve explained why I don’t use pam in greater detail. I’ve also included what types of oil you should use in an air fryer.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Non-Stick Sprays in Your Air Fryer
There are two main reasons why non-stick sprays are not appropriate for air fryers. Unfortunately, when it comes to non-stick cooking sprays like Pam, they are often made from low-quality ingredients.
If you look at the back of a Pam bottle, you are more than likely going to see, “soy,” or “corn,” or “canola” listed in the ingredients section. These oils are not premium grade and overwhelmingly come from genetically modified crops that are engineered to withstand pesticide applications.
You end up consuming genetically modified crops in the process of using it. If health is of concern, this would be the major reason not to use these types of sprays.
The second reason is that these types of sprays will often use propellants. These come in the combination of butane and propane and are used as fuels for lighters or portable devices like stoves.
Not only is it unhealthy to consume these but these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer and cause premature peeling.
Essentially, it will hasten the demise of the air fryer if you prefer non-stick coating on your cookware.
What About Using Spray Oil in My Air Fryer?
While it may not be advisable to use Pam non-sticking cooking spray, that doesn’t mean you cannot use oil sprays in your air fryer. The main thing that needs to be kept in mind here is that not all sprays are created equal and some may work great if you can find them in their organic forms.
If you want to purchase a cooking spray that is organic, look at getting extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil and make sure that the label states that it has no hydrocarbons in it.
Keep in mind though that organic oil sprays will use pressurized carbon dioxide to help expel the oil from the can.
According to the Philips Air Fryer website, you can also use grilling, baking, roasting, and frying oil in so long as it is not cold-pressed as cold-pressed oil burns at high temperatures.
What Cooking Sprays Are Best for an Air Fryer?
While there is no “one” best cooking spray for an air fryer, there are quite a few that work extremely well because of their high smoke points. Since air fryers don’t have a lot of ventilation when it comes to smoke, you don’t want to use a cooking spray that has a low smoke point as the smoke may harm your air fryer and the food in it.
Instead, you want to choose a cooking spray that has a high smoke point, which simply means that the oil or fat doesn’t start smoking until it hits a very high temperature. Cooking sprays that are over 400 degrees are generally the best for an air fryer.
- Avocado Oil has a high smoke point at 520 degrees Fahrenheit and contains Omega 3 oils. While avocado oil is expensive, it is touted as high quality. If you want more of a nut flavor, you can use walnut or even flaxseed as these also have high smoke points.
- Extra Light Olive Oil has a high smoke point of 486 degrees Fahrenheit, comes in non-GMO types and is monounsaturated in fats. The only thing you need to look out for is that it may contain butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) which is chemically derived from phenol and is used in foods as a preservative.
- Peanut Oil has a high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is fantastic for those who want a nuttier taste. It also contains Omega-3s but can be an issue for those who are allergic to peanuts.
- Other oils with high smoke points are safflower oil (510°F), rice bran oil (490°F), vegetable oil (400-450°F), soybean oil (450°F) and lard sits right below at 370°F. Just keep in mind that vegetable and soybean oils may not be made from high-quality ingredients and may contain propellants. Always check your ingredients lists before buying!
What Cooking Oils Should You Avoid?
You generally want to avoid and cooking oils or sprays that have low smoke points or propellants, such as extra virgin olive oil (low smoke point), bacon fat (low smoke point), butter (low smoke point), margarine/solid shortenings (low smoke point and often contain GMO and BHT). If you can get Ghee or Clarified Butter, these have high smoke points and can be used.
What Are Some of the Best Cooking Oils on the Market?
- Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil: this comes in 500ML, 750ML, and 1L tin and is mile and light in color. It has a neutral taste to it and must be stored at room temperature.
- BetterBody Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil: this comes in a 33.8-ounce bottle and is naturally refined and a 100% pure. It is non-GMO, has omega-3s and is certified gluten-free.
- La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil: this comes in 16.9, 25.4 and 128-ounce options and has 456 customer reviews at 4.7 stars. It is an artisanal oil that is fantastic for cooking, sautéing, marinating, and dressing.
- La Tourangelle Canola Oil: this comes in 16.9 and 128-ounce options and has 75 customer reviews at 4.5 stars. It is an artisanal oil that is fantastic for cooking and baking and is completely organic.
How Do You Keep Food from Sticking in An Air Fryer Without Cooking Sprays?
The non-stick coating of your air fryer should prevent your food from sticking, but if you find that your food is getting stuck to your air fryer basket, consider using the following methods to get it to stop.
Season Your Air Fryer Basket
While seasoning is often done with cast iron cookware, the concept also works for air fryer baskets. To season the air fryer basket, you will need to cure a layer of oil onto the surface; this is what prevents food from sticking.
Generally, it is recommended that you use coconut oil for this since it has a strong flavor, is non-GMO and has plenty of health benefits. To season your air fryer basket, do the following.
- Wash the air fryer pan and drawer out completely and wipe it dry.
- Place the air fryer pan and drawer back into the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees.
- Set the timer for about five minutes. At the three-minute point, take the drawer and the basket out.
- Use a paper towel to rub coconut oil all over the basket. A thin layer of it is more than enough, just make sure to coat it completely.
- Return the basket into the air fryer machine and allow it to heat for the last two minutes.
If you want the seasoning to stay so you do not have to re-season it, avoid washing the basket with soap. Just use water and wipe it clean. To prevent sticking afterward, occasionally repeat the seasoning process.
Shake the Basket
Consider shaking the basket about halfway through the cooking process. This will prevent smaller food items like french fries and wings from sticking to the bottom of the basket.
Wrapping It Up: Summary
While the first inclination may be to use a non-stick cooking spray in your air fryer, it is advisable not too just simply because it can make your air fryer peel prematurely and it’s not the healthiest choice.
However, there are plenty of options for cooking sprays that are organic, non-GMO, and are affordable that can be used. The main thing you want to keep in mind is to get a cooking spray that has a high smoke point and is free of any propellants.