Top 10 Best Oils for Air Fryers
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Oils are widely used for preparing various dishes and sweets. There are many different oils on the market, refined and unrefined oils produced from the seeds and nuts such as coconuts, avocado, sunflowers, safflowers, almonds, peanuts, and many others. These are all highly nutritious oils that give our food a special tasty touch.
What Kind of Oil Goes Into Air Fryer?
Not all oils are suitable for Air Fryers. It is best to choose oils that have a high smoke point because you can be sure that it will not burn and change the food taste. Many oils are advertised as excellent oils for frying. Still, you should probably take a close look at its smoke point and the temperature you are going to use when preparing your meal.
When we use oil in cooking, we have to be very careful. When the oil is overheated, then its features can become cancerogenic and, therefore, dangerous to our health. Every oil has its own, proved smoking points, that allows us to distinguish their best use in cooking.
A smoking point, also known as a burning point, is a temperature point when the oil starts to burn and to let off the continuous smoke. The smoking point can be very different, even with the same-named oil. The higher quality oils and low free fatty acids have higher smoking points.
How Much Oil Do You Put Into Your Air Fryer?
When you are preparing dishes in your Air Fryer, you would not want to use too much oil. Usually, one tablespoon is more than enough. You should mix oil with food to cover it in a thin layer. You can use a brush or a spray to add only one layer of oil. If you put too much oil, it will drip into the Air Fryer pan.
How to Use Oil in an Air Fryer?
The Air Fryer is usually bought to avoid using the oil, but we soon realize that our food needs some oil for better taste. When you are using the preferred oil in an Air Fryer, it is essential to remember several things before you start.
- Oil should be mixed with food, not added before other ingredients
- If you are preparing meat, remember to dry it with towels and then use brush or sprayer to add a thin layer of oil
- If you are preparing vegetables, such as potatoes, first mix the oil with the vegetables in a separate bowl using your hands or stirring tool, and then add it to the Air Fryer
- Make sure not to add too much oil, to avoid dripping and oil burning.
- Be aware of the smoke point of the oil you use to avoid unnecessary burning
Types of Cooking Oil for Air Fryer
Types of cooking oil for Air Fryer must be carefully chosen. The choice depends on what kind of food you are going to prepare and what kind of taste you are expecting. Besides the smoke point that is the most important feature, there are also other features that you might consider when choosing the right oil:
Unrefined and Refined Cooking Oils
After the process of extracting oils from seeds or nuts, the oil can be bottled or further processed. The oil that is immediately bottled is called unrefined, virgin, raw, cold-pressed oils, and they usually have a low smoke point. Therefore, they are not suitable for use at high temperatures.
Those oils that are being processed are called refined, and they have higher smoke points. Still, they have more subtle, neutral flavor and less beneficial ingredients. However, they can last longer on the shelf without going rancid, and they can be used on much higher temperatures than those unrefined.
Distinctive Flavor or Neutral Taste Oil
When you are making a dish, be careful when choosing the oil. Some oils have a strong flavor that could mask the original food taste, and instead of promoting the meal, it will ruin it. Neutral tasting oils such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or safflower oil are the best choices for experimenting with salads and new dishes.
When you become more confident with the ending result, you can add some more flavored oil such as coconut oil, or walnut oil for a more prominent taste of your dish. But, keep in mind that flavored oils have lower smoke points than neutral taste oils, which are more suitable for use on high temperatures.
Saturated and Unsaturated Fats
Saturated fats are found in meat, and they should be used in moderation. Unsaturated fats are much healthier, improving your body state, and their use should be encouraged. The unsaturated fats are found in nuts and seeds, and therefore in oils expressed from them.
Omega 6 and Omega 3 Fat Acids
Some fats are considered good for your body and brain functioning. Omega 3 and Omega 9 fatty acids are excellent helpers for your body health. They can be found in Avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, and flaxseed oil. Oils such as almond oil that are rich in Omega 6 fatty acids should be consumed in moderation.
Choosing The Best Oil for an Air Fryer
When I was choosing the best oil for this list, I kept in mind that it has to have a high smoking point in order to be used with an Air Fryer food recipes. Some of these oils have the highest smoking points, and some a bit lower but still high enough to be used with frying recipes.
- Best Grapeseed Oil: La Tourangelle Grapeseed oil
A Quality Grapeseed Oil suitable for everyday cooking and frying - Best Extra Light Oil: Pompeian Extra Light Olive Oil
A light tasted Olive Oil suitable for cooking, baking and seafood preparing - Best Soybean Oil: Happy Belly Soybean Vegetable Oil
A light-tasting soybean oil great for everyday food cooking and frying - Best Safflower Oil: Hollywood Safflower Oil
Safflower oil extracted from the Safflower seeds without using chemicals in the production process - Best Blend Oil: Chosen Foods Organic Blend Oil
The highest quality organic safflower, avocado, and coconut oils blended in a versatile cooking and frying oil - Best Overall: Better Body Food Pure Avocado Oil
A naturally refined Avocado Oil with a high smoking point great for cooking and salad dressing - Best Ghee Butter: Spring Sunrise Organic Ghee Butter
A high-quality, gluten, lactose, and casein-free ghee from grass-fed cows - Best Coconut Oil: Viva Naturals Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
A high-quality extra virgin coconut oil used both for frying and cooking and for cosmetic purposes - Best Flavored Oil: La Tourangelle Roasted Peanut Oil
A rich-flavored Roasted Peanut Oil perfect for an Asian and African cuisine - Best Budget: Everyday Value Organic Sesame Seed Oil
An affordable certified Vegan, Kosher and Organic Sesame Seed Oil of the high quality
Best Oils for an Air Fryer Comparison Chart
When comparing oils suitable for use in an Air Fryer, I had to consider some things that may be important for any buyer. Product dimensions and weight must be considered for transportation and storing them in your pantry. Ingredients and smoke points are essential features when deciding the best oil. I could not forget its essential use and health benefits that the oil gives to our bodies.
Top 10 Best Oil For an Air Fryer Reviews
It was not easy as pie for me to decide the best oil for an Air Fryer. Nevertheless, I chose the best of the best oils that will undoubtedly give your food crunchiness and impeccable food taste without an odd aftertaste. These are all high-quality oils with high smoking points but differ in its features and ingredients.
La Tourangelle Grapeseed oil
(Best Grapeseed Oil)
Key features:
- High-quality artisan oil
- Natural, non-GMO, hexane-free grapeseed oil
- Both for cooking and body care
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 4.5 x 2.8 inches |
| Weight | 0.55 kg |
| Bottle | 500 ml in a tin can |
| Ingredients | 100% grapeseed oil |
| Smoking point | 421 °F/216°C |
| Health benefits | Lowers blood cholesterol levels and risk of heart problems |
| Used for | Perfect for sautéing and frying, body care, and for home-made cosmetic products |
This 100% Grapeseed oil is a natural, non-GMO oil that is produced as an after-product in the wine industry. Its pure but delicate flavor brought the fresh taste to my dishes. I first tried it with salads, but its high smoking point promised no burnt food or strange aftertaste. So I gave it a try with my Air Fryer, and the result was the crunchy yet healthy meal for my family.
This oil is packaged in a 500ml in a tin can, which should preserve the quality features of the hexane-free grapeseed oil. I found this particularly interesting as a health benefit because it significantly lowers blood cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart problems. I also used it for body care as a perfect massage oil, which benefits the skin with vitamin E and Omega 9.
Pros
- Used both for cooking and body care
- Can be used for salads and frying
- Natural, non-GMO, hexane-free
Cons
- Somewhat difficult pouring
- Quickly goes rancid after opening
- A bit pricey
Watch this video to see the benefit of La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil.
Pompeian Extra Light Olive Oil
(Best Extra Light Oil)
Key features:
- 100% olive oil suitable for baking and frying
- Great health benefits
- A mild flavor
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 8.0 x 8.1 x 9.4 inches |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Bottle | 710 ml in a plastic bottle |
| Ingredients | A 100% olive oil |
| Smoking point | 468 °F/242°C |
| Health benefits | Lowers risk of heart problems, stroke, and Diabetes Type 2 |
| Used for | All-purpose oil with light flavor ideal for both frying and baking, and as for a multi-purpose skin treatments |
I first used this oil as a salad dressing or for making a home-made mayonnaise. I got used to its very mild flavor, not as strong as of other extra-virgin olive oils. I was aware of the feature for frying and baking, but I have never used it because Olive oil does not have a high smoking point (around 350 °F/180°C). But this Olive Oil is suitable for frying too and has a smoke point of 468 °F/242°C.
This Olive Oil comes in a plastic bottle, which is practical, but I did not like the thin plastic bottle for storing something delicate like Olive Oil. Nevertheless, olive oil has many health benefits, such as preventing heart and stroke attacks and Diabetes Type 2. It can also be applied as a skin or hair product.
Pros
- Olive oil suitable for frying
- Great health benefits
- Light flavor
Cons
- Not for frying on very high temperatures
- Comes in a plastic bottle
Watch this video to see the review of Pompeian Extra Light Olive Oil.
Happy Belly Soybean Vegetable Oil
(Best Soybean Oil)
Key features:
- High smoking point
- Ideal for frying
- Big sized packaging
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 5.8 x 5.8 x 11.2 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
| Bottle | 3.79 liters in a plastic bottle |
| Ingredients | A 100 % Soybean Vegetable Oil |
| Smoking point | 450 °F/234°C |
| Health benefits | Lowers risk of heart problems |
| Used for | All-purpose oil, ideal for deep frying, air frying, and baking. Good for making home-made soaps. |
This versatile oil comes in economical packaging, allowing you to use it for all food preparation. Since this olive oil has a high smoking point, it is also suitable for deep frying and air frying. In fact, it is an all-purpose oil that I used with cooking, frying, and even in cake baking because the flavor is not too strong to hide original food taste. And since it comes in a big bottle, it seems as if it does not run out.
This oil also has health benefits, the benefits that lower the risk of experiencing heart issues or illness connected to heart functioning. Although it is somewhat pricey and packaged in a bit thin plastic bottle, I think it is still worth buying it and using it with almost any recipe in your kitchen.
Pros
- High smoking point
- All-purpose oil, ideal for frying
- Big packaging
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- Thin plastic packaging
Watch this video to see the review of Soybean Vegetable Oil.
Hollywood Safflower Oil
(Best Safflower Oil)
Key features:
- All-purpose oil
- High Smoking point
- High oleic safflower oil with vitamin E
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 9.7 x 2.9 x 2.8 inches |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Bottle | 946 ml in a plastic bottle |
| Ingredients | A high oleic safflower oil, and vitamin E |
| Smoking point | 450 °F/234°C |
| Health benefits | Controls blood sugar levels, it lowers the risk of heart issues, and levels of inflammation, for treating dry skin |
| Used for | All-purpose oil ideal to use on high temperatures because of its high smoking point |
The safflower oil has a very high smoking point, which makes it an excellent choice for using with an Air Fryer and food prepared in it. Since its flavor is not very distinctive, it makes it an ideal choice for preparing meals that need to preserve the original food taste as oil is required to help with the food making.
The significant fact about this oil that it does not have any artificially added ingredients, which makes it an excellent choice for your cooking and frying, and also for making beauty products that may do wonders with your skin. For me, this oil has shown its versatility in many ways. Undoubtedly, its features prove versatility both in the kitchen and cosmetic department.
Pros
- High smoking point
- All-purpose oil
- Great for dry skin
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- Does not have a distinct flavor
Watch this video to see why to cook on Safflower Oil.
Chosen Foods Organic Blend Oil
(Best Blend Oil)
Key features:
- High-quality blend oil
- High smoking point
- All-purpose oil
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 5.25 x 11.0 inches |
| Weight | 1.35 kg |
| Bottle | 1 liter in a green glass bottle |
| Ingredients | Blend of high-quality organic safflower oil, organic avocado oil, and organic coconut oil |
| Smoking point | 490 °F/254°C |
| Health benefits | A non-GMO, organic blend of oils rich in omega 9 that benefits the heart and body in general |
| Used for | All-purpose oil used for frying, baking, sautéing and for dressing, salads, and marinades |
This naturally refined blend of three high-quality oils, avocado oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil is made of 100% free of any harmful chemicals and ingredients. Because of its quality, I use it to make delicacies, dressings, and salads. Still, it is also great for using with recipes that are made in the Air Fryer because it has a high smoking point.
This oil blend is a natural GMO-free blend of oils that is rich in Omega 9 fat, which is beneficial for hearth health and body in general. It can also be used for hand-made cosmetic products. I also love its light taste, especially in baking cakes. It will give the cake an incredible taste, but without the prevailing taste of any of three mixed oils.
Pros
- High-smoking point
- A blend of three organic oils
- All-purpose oil
Cons
- Some meals can be overtaken by its combination of three distinctive tastes
Watch this video to see the review of Chosen Foods Organic Blend Oil.
Better Body Food Pure Avocado Oil
(Best Overall)
Key features:
- High-quality all-purpose oil
- Non-GMO 100% pure avocado oil
- High smoking point
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 3.16 x 3.16 x 10.9 Inches |
| Weight | 680 g |
| Bottle | 500 ml in a green plastic bottle |
| Ingredients | 100% pure Avocado Oil |
| Smoking point | 500 °F/260 °C |
| Health benefits | Naturally refined, non-GMO pure avocado oil that helps reducing cholesterol and lowering heart issues |
| Used for | All-purpose oil great for any kind of cooking because of its high smoking point |
This oil delighted me from the start. I have always loved avocados, not only for being healthy but for its taste. I was hoping for a touch of that incredible oil taste on my meals. And that is precisely what I got, a subtle buttery taste but without an unpleasant aftertaste. The avocado oil has a very high smoking point, which makes it an ideal choice for preparing food in the Air Fryer.
Health benefits are another plus when choosing the best oil. It has features that help reducing cholesterol and lowering heart issues. This oil is also certified for being non-GMO, which those who make hand-made cosmetic products want to see when buying ingredients for their precious cosmetical products.
Pros
- Certified Non-GMO
- High smoking point
- High-quality oil
Cons
- Plastic bottle
- Badly designed bottle cap
Watch this video to see the review of Better Body Food Pure Avocado Oil.
Spring Sunrise Organic Ghee Butter
(Best Ghee Butter)
Key features:
- Natural, organic ghee
- High smoking point
- Great for health
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 240 g |
| Bottle | 236,6 ml in a glass jar |
| Ingredients | Organic ghee from the milk of the grass-fed cows |
| Smoking point | 485 °F/250 °C |
| Health benefits | Natural, organic, gluten, lactose, and casein-free ghee butter rich in A, E, and K vitamins that may improve digestion and brain functionality |
| Used for | Used in Paleo-friendly recipes, and especially good for food frying |
I first heard about ghee when I was reading about Keto and Paleo diets. The ghee is produced by melting cows milk, separated in liquid fats and milk solids. During this process, the common allergens such as lactose are almost entirely removed, saving only the fats. This fat has a high smoking point, suitable both for air frying and deep frying food preparation.
Its health benefits are numerous since it is rich in A, E, and K vitamins that may improve digestion and brain functionality. Regarding its high smoking point, it is suitable for any kind of cooking such as frying, cooking, dressings. People even put it in a coffee because of its creamy, buttery texture and great taste.
Pros
- Organic, natural ghee
- Rich in A, E, K vitamins
- High Smoking point
Cons
- It is not a plant-based oil
- Small packaging
Watch this video to see the review of Spring Sunrise Organic Ghee Butter.
Viva Naturals Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
(Best Coconut Oil)
Key features:
- Organic, non-GMO coconut oil
- High smoking point
- All-purpose oil used for cooking and for making skin and hair care products
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Bottle | 473 ml in a plastic jar |
| Ingredients | Organic, non-GMO coconut oil produced from sustainably grown and harvested coconuts |
| Smoking point | 350 °F/177 °C |
| Health benefits | Coconut oil has good cholesterol, great for fighting diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease, helps with heart issues |
| Used for | All-purpose oil used for cooking, frying and making skin and hair care products |
Coconut oil, besides coconut milk and crisps, is the worlds favorite product, mainly because of its health benefits and its incredible fragrancy. I always keep a space in my pantry for this oil and regularly add it with food I prepare in the Air Fryer. The food gets its crispiness and a perfect coconut flavor to the meal. It must not be used at extremely high temperatures.
Coconut oil health benefits are vast. Besides being an all-purpose oil, using it greatly helps fight diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease and hearth issues. And although it is widely used in cooking, coconut oil is loved in the skin and hair industry. I use it as a hair treatment, especially when it is dry and lifeless.
Pros
- Organic, non-GMO
- Great health benefits
- All-purpose oil
Cons
- A plastic jar
- Not for extremely high temperatures
Watch this video to see the review of Viva Naturals Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
La Tourangelle Roasted Peanut Oil
(Best Flavored Oil)
Key features:
- Intensive fragrant oil
- Great health benefits
- High smoking point
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 7.7 x 4.5 x 2.8 inches |
| Weight | 0.55 kg |
| Bottle | 500 ml in a tin can |
| Ingredients | Roasted Peanut oil |
| Smoking point | 435 °F/224 °C |
| Health benefits | Improves insulin sensitivity, and helps fight diabetes, and contains vitamin E as an antioxidant |
| Used for | All-purpose oil which adds a distinctive flavor to meals |
If you are looking for a delicious tasting oil, which will give your food an incredible flavor and taste, then the peanut oil has to be your choice. I use this oil when I want to add the meal a surprising taste effect. Its high smoking point will allow you to prepare food in an Air Fryer or add it to any other cooking.
The health benefits are beyond expectations. Its health features are versatile, helping the body fight with insulin sensitivity and diabetes, and its vitamin E serves as a strong antioxidant. This Roasted peanut oil is packed in a tin can with a plastic cap that can leak if it is not appropriately secured.
Pros
- An intensive fragrance oil
- Great health benefits
- High smoking point
Cons
- Produced from non-organic grown peanuts
- The plastic cap on a can leaks
Watch this video to see the review of La Tourangelle Roasted Peanut Oil.
Everyday Value Organic Sesame Seed Oil
(Best Budget)
Key features:
- Unrefined expeller pressed sesame oil
- High in antioxidants
- High smoking point
Product specifications:
| Dimensions | 2.1 x 2.1 x 6.9 inches |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Bottle | 250 ml in a glass bottle |
| Ingredients | Unrefined expeller pressed sesame oil |
| Smoking point | 410 °F/210 °C |
| Health benefits | High in antioxidants, may help with heart issues, lowering blood sugar, may help healing wounds and may protect from UV rays |
| Used for | Light unrefined sesame oil is great for frying, cooking, and dressings |
This sesame seed oil has some incredible features. It is an unrefined expeller pressed sesame seed oil with a high smoking point that allows you to prepare food on high temperatures. It is suitable for making food in an Air Fryer, but it will not have a distinctive taste. It is better used to give crunchiness to food, but with a subtle flavor.
This sesame seed oil also has excellent health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, and it may help with heart issues and diabetes as well. I also use it when I need to keep wounded places moist because it will help the skin recover easier. It is also used as a UV protection, but carefully. Although it comes in small packaging, it is still worth buying and using in your kitchen.
Pros
- Good quality oil
- High smoking point
- High in antioxidants
Cons
- Small packaging
- Almost no flavor
Watch this video to see the review of Sesame Seed Oil.
How To Chose The Best Oil For An Air Fryer
When we decide to buy an Air Fryer for preparing healthy, fat-free meals, we do not think that we could use oil. But we can use oil, only we need to choose smartly, picking those with a high smoking point that will prevent oil from burning, and still add crunchiness and healthy addition too your meals.
Smoke point
As I already mentioned, the smoking point is the most essential feature that the oil for an Air Fryer should have. The Air Fryer works on high temperatures, and with an addition of smartly chosen oil, you will have a food perfection in front of you.
Oil Quality
Quality of oil is another feature that must be considered. The oil that can be used with food prepared in an Air Fryer must be high quality so that it does not change the food taste or give it a strange aftertaste. The oil should improve the taste, not ruin it.
Oil Versatility
When I am buying a perfect oil, I do not mind spending more money if I will get a high-quality oil that I can use when cooking any kind of food. It should be used for frying, cooking, baking, preparing dressings and salads. It is a perfect oil if you can use it for hand made products for my hair or skin as well.
The Best Oil for an Air Fryer – FAQ
My Top Pick
My top pick is the Better Body Food Pure Avocado Oil. This 100% pure avocado oil is boasting with its health benefits and high smoking point. Both of these features sum up when choosing the best oil for preparing meals in your Air Fryer. High smoking point promises food prepared without the taste of burnt oil, and health benefits will inevitably affect the health of those using it continuously.
Another great feature is that this oil had been certified to be non-GMO and also naturally refined. That is important for those who need some quality oil, yet natural, and use it for making hand-made skincare products that will benefit their body from the outside, too.
Watch this video to see the review of Health benefits of Avocado Oil.
