Can You Use Vegetable Oil in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil in the air fryer but don’t operate the air fryer at greater than 400°F.

When you’re using an air fryer, you need to use oil that can handle the high temperature. This is called the “smoke point” of the oil. If the smoke point is higher than the air fryer’s temperature, it’s safe to use. For example, if you’re cooking at 400°F, you can use vegetable oil with a smoke point of 428°F.

Vegetable (canola) oil can be used in the air fryer
Vegetable (canola) oil can be used in the air fryer

Air fryers have become popular in many kitchens because they cook food quickly and with less oil than traditional deep frying. People often use cooking oils in air fryers, but some people wonder if vegetable oil is a good choice. In this article, we’ll talk about whether you can use vegetable oil in an air fryer and give you a full guide to using olive oil in air fryers.

Vegetable (canola) oil can be used in the air fryer
Vegetable (canola) oil can be used in the air fryer

The Basics of Air Frying

To understand the role of cooking oils in air frying, you must first understand how air fryers work. Air fryers use hot air for cooking food, and they can fry, roast, bake, and grill a wide range of foods, from vegetables to meats. The advantages of air frying include:

  • Reduced oil consumption
  • Faster cooking times
  • Healthy food options

Additionally, air fryers are relatively easy to clean and can save you time in the kitchen.

The Role of Oil in Air Frying

When air frying, oil is essential because it crisps and browns the food while also adding flavor. While air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, the type of oil used can affect the final product.

Types of Oils Used in Air Fryers

Vegetable (sunflower) oil can be used in the air fryer
Vegetable (sunflower) oil can be used in the air fryer

Canola oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, and olive oil are all common cooking oils used in air fryers. Each of these oils has pros and cons, and the one you choose will depend on your preferences and any dietary restrictions you have.

Use the table below to see if you need to use a specific type of oil in your air fryer. Remember to use oil with a higher smoke point than the air fryer’s temperature (300 – 440 °F). Let’s assume your air fryer is set to 400°F, then you cannot use extra virgin olive oil with a smoke point of 325°F – 375°F.

This table includes different types of oil with their smoke point. [1]

Pros and cons of using oil in air fryers

Pros:

Cons:

Some oils have a low smoke point (olive oil) and should not be used in an air fryer.

Due to their ability to cook foods quickly and with less oil than traditional deep-frying methods, air fryers have become a popular appliance in many kitchens. While many cooking oils are commonly used in air fryers, many people question whether vegetable oil is a viable option. And the answer is, you can use vegetable oil in the air fryer, however, don’t operate your air fryer at a temperature higher than the smoke point of vegetable oil which is 400-450°F.

What Is Vegetable Oil?

Vegetable oil is a type of oil derived from plants. Soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and palm oil are the most common types of vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are adaptable and can be used in various cooking methods, such as frying, sautéing, and baking.

Types of Vegetable Oils

Soybean Oil

Canola oil

Sunflower oil

Soybean oil is the most common vegetable oil in the United States, and it is frequently used in processed foods. Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it an excellent choice for air frying. Corn oil is another popular vegetable oil, but its smoke point is lower than that of canola oil, making it less suitable for air frying. Sunflower oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking. Palm oil is commonly used in processed foods, but because it has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils, it is incompatible with air frying.

Nutritional Value of Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils are high in healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, because vegetable oils are high in calories, they must be used in moderation.

Safety Precautions When Using Vegetable Oil in an Air Fryer

As long as proper precautions are taken, using vegetable oil in an air fryer is safe. Here are some safety risks that could happen if you use vegetable oil in an air fryer:

Follow these safety rules when using vegetable oil in air fryers to cut down on the chance of accidents:

Safety Guidelines for Using Air Fryers

It is important to follow safety guidelines for air fryers in general, as well as when using vegetable oil. These are some examples:

You would also be interested to read:

Common Questions and Concerns

Here are some FAQs and common concerns about using vegetable oil in air fryers:

Not all vegetable oils are suitable for air frying. To avoid smoke and fumes, choose an oil with a high smoke point, like canola oil.

How Much Oil Should You Use in an Air Fryer?

Most air-frying recipes call for 1-2 tablespoons of oil. To prevent oil splattering, do not overfill the air fryer basket.

Can you reuse vegetable oil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reuse vegetable oil in an air fryer as long as it has been filtered and is clean. However, it is critical to monitor the quality of the oil and discard it if it has a bad smell or flavor.

How Do You Clean an Air Fryer After Using Vegetable Oil?

Allow the air fryer to cool after using vegetable oil, then remove the basket and wash it in warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on the appliance’s surface, and instead, wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

As long as the necessary safety precautions are taken, vegetable oil can be used in air fryers because it is a versatile cooking oil. You can enjoy nutritious and delectable air-fried foods by adhering to safety precautions and selecting an oil with a high smoke point.

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap