It has to be said that air fryers are really popular now, and many people like to use them to fry things. Because it is truly easy to use, and you can fry crispy food without using much oil. But there is a question: what oil to use in air fryer, and which is the best oil for air fryer? Don't worry, this article will give you the answer and help you find the best choice for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Oil for Air Fryer
Choosing the right oil for your air fryer is also a science. After all, it can significantly enhance your cooking experience, especially when using a high-quality appliance. So let's explore how to select the best oil for air fryer and find the perfect balance between deliciousness and nutrition.
First, pay attention to the smoke point of the cooking oil. When your air fryer transforms into a magician of high-temperature cooking, you need an oil that can stand the test, such as avocado oil or rapeseed oil, which can stand up to high temperatures and ensure that your food will not be abandoned halfway.
Flavor is the soul of cooking oil. Want a touch of Mediterranean sunshine and romance? Olive oil will definitely satisfy your desire. And if you want the original flavor of the ingredients to shine, let the humble rapeseed oil help you.
When it comes to nutrition, extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil can be said to be the guardians of heart health. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are a key step towards a healthy life. Coconut oil, although high in saturated fat, can add an exotic flavor to your dishes when used in moderation.
Best Oil to Use in Air Fryer
Now that you know the secrets of oil selection, it’s time to find out which oils below will make your air fryer shine. Each oil has its own unique charm that can not only enhance your cooking experience, but also add to your healthy dining experience.
1. Olive Oil
When it comes to olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, its rich flavor and many health benefits are well known. This leader in oil has a medium smoke point, usually around 375°F (190°C), which is suitable for many air fryer recipes. However, to make it work best, it is better to use it at medium temperatures.
Suitable for: vegetables, seafood, and meat.
Pros:
- Health escort. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which is a great helper for heart health.
- Great flavor. It can add a unique and rich flavor to dishes and complements many ingredients.
- High nutritional value. Olive oil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial to your health.
Cons:
- Limited smoke point. The medium smoke point means that it is not suitable for high-temperature cooking.
- It’s expensive. High-quality extra virgin olive oil can cost more than other oils.
Price:
Olive oil prices vary depending on quality and where it’s produced. Generally speaking, a bottle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can cost between $10 and $30, or even more.
2. Avocado Oil
Speaking of avocado oil, it is simply the rising star of the air fryer world. With a smoke point of up to 520°F (271°C), this versatile oil is suitable for high-temperature cooking. What’s more, it is also rich in nutrients, making your dishes more abundant and healthy.
Given avocado oil's high smoke point and nutritional benefits, it pairs perfectly with the SCHWUA Air Fryer Oven, which is designed to handle high temperatures without sacrificing the oil's health properties. This synergy ensures that every meal is not only healthy but also deliciously crispy.
Suitable for: Vegetables, Meat, Poultry, and Fish.
Pros:
- High smoke point. Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points among cooking oils, and it can remain stable even when used at high temperatures, making your air-fried food perfectly presented.
- Nutrition. This healthiest oil for air fryer is rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a guardian of heart health and can provide essential nutrients for your body.
- Versatile taste. Avocado oil's mild taste makes it a versatile seasoning master that will not cover up the original flavor of the ingredients.
Cons:
- Expensive. Avocado oil is usually more expensive than other cooking oils, which may not be easily affordable for everyone.
- Limited supply. Depending on your area, high-quality avocado oil may be harder to find than more common oils such as olive oil or canola oil.
Price:
Avocado oil has a wide price range, generally ranging from $10 to $20, with premium avocado oils costing even more.
3. Sunflower Oil
If you’re looking for a good air fryer oil, sunflower oil is an excellent choice. Known for its high smoke point and light flavor, this one has a smoke point of 450°F (232°C) and can handle a variety of air fryer challenges with ease.
Good for: vegetables, chicken and snacks.
Pros:
- Not afraid of heat. With its high smoke point, sunflower seed oil is an ideal companion for high-temperature air fryer cooking, ensuring it is stable during the cooking process and does not break down easily.
- Fresh taste. Sunflower oil's neutral taste allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to be brought out perfectly, making it a perfect match for whatever dish you want to cook.
- Blessed by Vitamin E. This nutritional star is packed with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage while supporting healthy skin.
Cons:
- Nutritional balance is average. Although sunflower oil is low in saturated fat, it is high in omega-6 fatty acids. If consumed in excess, the benefits may not be as great as omega-3 fatty acids.
- The processing technology needs attention. Some sunflower oils may be heavily processed, resulting in reduced nutritional value. However, this problem can be easily resolved by choosing the cold-pressed version.
Price:
Sunflower oil is generally more affordable, costing between $5 and $15 per bottle, depending on quality and brand.
4. Canola Oil
If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use air fryer oil, look no further than canola oil. Known for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, canola oil can easily handle a wide range of air fryer recipes at a smoke point of 400°F (204°C). Great for: Vegetables, meats, and baked goods.
Pros:
- High-heat cooking. Thanks to its high smoke point, canola oil is ideal for air frying at medium to high temperatures, ensuring it remains stable and less likely to break down during cooking.
- Versatile flavor. The mild taste of canola oil allows the natural flavors of ingredients to come through perfectly, so it is a perfect match for whatever dish you’re cooking.
- Affordable. Canola oil is generally more affordable than many other oils, making it an economical choice for everyday use.
- Healthy bonus. Canola oil is low in saturated fat and rich in heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Cons:
- Relatively low in nutritional value. Compared to oils like olive or avocado oil, canola oil is relatively low in nutrients when it comes to vitamins and antioxidants.
- Be aware of the processing. Most canola oils are heavily processed, and some versions may contain trace amounts of trans fats. However, this is easily avoided by choosing cold-pressed or minimally processed canola oil.
Price:
Canola oil is definitely one of the most affordable options. It usually costs between $3 and $10 per bottle, depending on the brand and whether it is cold-pressed or organic.
To help you make a choice, here is a comparison table highlighting the flavors, advantages, and disadvantages of the best oil to use in air fryer.
| Oil Type | Smoke Point | Flavor | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
| Olive Oil | Medium (375°F/190°C) | Rich, distinctive | High in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants | Not suitable for high temperatures | $10 - $30+ |
| Avocado Oil | Very High (520°F/271°C) | Mild, neutral | Rich in vitamins, minerals, and monounsaturated fats | Expensive, may be hard to find | $10 - $20+ |
| Sunflower Oil | High (450°F/232°C) | Light, neutral | High in Vitamin E, low in saturated fats | Higher in omega-6 fatty acids, processing concerns | $5 - $15 |
| Canola Oil | Medium-High (400°F/204°C) | Mild, neutral | Low in saturated fats, contains omega-3 and omega-6 | Lower nutritional profile, heavily processed | $3 - $10 |
Conclusion
In short, choose the right oil to make your air fryer shine. Whether it's nutritious olive oil or high-smoke-point avocado oil; light-flavored sunflower oil or affordable rapeseed oil, each one has its own unique charm. As long as you choose the best oil for air fryer based on factors such as smoke point, flavor and health benefits, you can create delicious and healthy dishes every time you cook. Let's set off together, bring your favorite oil, join hands with the air fryer, and start a food journey full of surprises and joy.
