What Is the Best Oil for an Air Fryer?
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
The best oil for an air fryer is one with a reasonably high smoke point and a neutral or complementary flavour, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil or light olive oil.
Quick answer
- 1Choose a high-smoke-point oil for hotter cooks like fries and wings.
- 2Use an oil spray or toss food lightly to coat it evenly.
- 3Avoid aerosol sprays that can damage some non-stick coatings over time.
Good oils to use
Avocado oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil and light olive oil all work well in air fryers. They handle high heat and help food brown evenly.
What to avoid
Extra-virgin olive oil can work for lower temperatures, but its flavour is stronger and its smoke point is lower. Butter is better added after cooking or used in recipes at moderate heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use olive oil in an air fryer?
Yes. Light olive oil is especially good for higher-temperature cooking, while extra-virgin is best at moderate heat.
Are spray oils okay?
Yes, but pump sprays are often gentler on non-stick baskets than aerosol cans.