What Oil Should You Use in an Air Fryer?

One of the biggest misconceptions about air fryers is that they’re completely oil-free.

The truth is, air fryers are low oil, not no oil.

While many foods cook perfectly well without any added oil, using a small amount can make a huge difference to colour, crispiness and flavour.

If you’re wondering which oil to use, here’s what I’ve learned after testing hundreds of air fryer recipes.

Do you need oil in an air fryer?

Not always.

Some foods naturally contain enough fat to cook beautifully on their own. Sausages, chicken thighs, salmon and bacon are all good examples.

That said, I still often give them a very light spray of oil before cooking. It’s not because they need it, but because I find it helps achieve a more even golden colour and a crispier finish, especially on chicken skin and salmon.

Other foods, particularly potatoes and vegetables, benefit from a little oil to help them brown and crisp up.

The important thing to remember is that you only need a light coating, not enough to soak the food.

What is the best oil for an air fryer?

When choosing an oil, look for one with a high smoke point.

This simply means it can cope well with the high temperatures used in air fryers without affecting the flavour of your food.

Here are the oils I recommend.

Sunflower Oil

When I’m making homemade chips, wedges or roasted vegetables, I usually use ordinary sunflower oil.

I’ll add the ingredients to a mixing bowl, drizzle over a little oil and toss everything together before tipping it into the air fryer.

It’s much more economical than using lots of spray oil and gives a lovely even coating.

Rapeseed Oil

If I’m using a spray oil, rapeseed is my first choice.

It has a high smoke point, gives consistently great results and is the one I reach for most often.

Avocado Oil

Another excellent option with a very high smoke point.

It performs brilliantly in an air fryer, although it’s usually a little more expensive than rapeseed or sunflower oil.

Spray oil or bottled oil?

I actually use both, depending on what I’m cooking.

For everyday cooking, such as vegetables or giving something a light coating before it goes into the air fryer, I nearly always reach for Frylight Air Fryer Spray.

It was designed specifically for air fryer cooking, sprays evenly and makes it really easy to control how much oil you’re using.

However, when I’m making homemade chips, potato wedges or roasted vegetables, I prefer using ordinary sunflower oil.

I’ll add everything to a mixing bowl, drizzle over a little oil and give it a good toss before cooking.

Not only is it more cost-effective than using lots of spray oil, but I also find it coats the food much more evenly.

Whether you use spray oil or bottled oil, the aim is simply to lightly coat the food, not drown it in oil.

Can you use olive oil in an air fryer?

Yes, you can.

However, I generally prefer using one of the previously mentioned oils for everyday air fryer cooking because they have a higher smoke point and gives consistently great results. Some times the olive oil can give a bitter taste to the food.

Does oil make food crispier?

Yes, it really does.

A light coating of oil helps food brown more evenly and develop that lovely crispy finish that air fryers are known for.

It also helps herbs, spices and seasonings stick to your food.

Just remember that a little goes a long way.

Too much oil can leave food feeling greasy rather than crispy.

My favourite finishing oil

This one’s definitely more of a luxury than a necessity.

I always have a bottle of truffle oil in the cupboard.

I never cook with it, but a drizzle over chips, mushrooms or roast potatoes just before serving takes them to another level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook without oil in an air fryer?

Yes. Many foods, especially meat and oily fish, don’t need any extra oil because they naturally release fat as they cook.

Is spray oil better than bottled oil?

Not necessarily.

I use spray oil for convenience, but bottled oil is often the better choice when coating larger quantities of potatoes or vegetables.

What’s the healthiest oil for an air fryer?

There are lots of opinions on different cooking oils. From an air fryer point of view, I choose oils that perform well at high temperatures, with rapeseed and sunflower oil being my go-to for everyday cooking.

How much oil should I use?

Usually just enough to lightly coat the food.

If you’re using a spray, a couple of sprays is often all you need.

If you’re using bottled oil, a small drizzle tossed through the ingredients before cooking is usually plenty.

The Bottom Line

Air fryers aren’t completely oil-free, and that’s not a bad thing.

Using a small amount of the right oil can improve colour, crispiness and flavour without making your food greasy.

For me, it’s all about choosing the right oil for the job.

Whichever you choose, remember that you only need a little. A light coating is all it takes to get beautifully crispy results.