Thinking about which oils to use in your air fryer? You’re not alone! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about selecting the perfect oils for air frying in 2025. From understanding smoke points to exploring the healthiest options, we’ll help you achieve that perfect crispy texture without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Why Oil Selection Matters for Air Frying
While air fryers are celebrated for requiring significantly less oil than traditional deep fryers, using the right type of oil remains crucial for optimal results. The correct oil not only prevents food from sticking but also helps lock in moisture and enhances flavor development. Most importantly, choosing an oil with an appropriate smoke point ensures your food cooks perfectly without burning or producing harmful compounds.
When oil reaches its smoke point, it begins to break down, creating smoke and potentially harmful substances. This not only affects the taste of your food but can also impact your health. That’s why understanding smoke points is essential for successful air frying.
Top Oils for Air Frying in 2025
Avocado Oil: The Gold Standard
Avocado oil has emerged as the undisputed champion for air frying in 2025, and for good reason. With an impressive smoke point of 520°F (270°C), it easily withstands the high temperatures typical of air fryers. Its neutral flavor allows your ingredients to shine, while its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats make it a nutritious choice.
Many culinary experts recommend Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray specifically for air fryers. This product contains 100% pure avocado oil without additives, fillers, or propellants, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks.
Light Olive Oil: Heart-Healthy Option
While extra virgin olive oil isn’t ideal for air frying due to its lower smoke point, light olive oil (also known as refined olive oil) performs excellently at high temperatures. With a smoke point of 465-470°F (240-245°C), it retains the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil while standing up to the heat of air frying.
Light olive oil works wonderfully for everything from crispy potato wedges to air-fried chicken. Just remember that “light” refers to the oil’s color and flavor profile, not its calorie or fat content.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Rich Flavor Champion
Ghee, or clarified butter, offers a luxurious flavor profile with a high smoke point of around 485°F (250°C). This makes it an excellent choice for air frying, particularly for dishes that benefit from its rich, buttery taste.
Especially popular in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, ghee adds depth to air-fried dishes that other oils simply can’t match. It’s also virtually lactose-free, making it suitable for many people with lactose intolerance.
Grapeseed Oil: Vitamin-Rich Alternative
With a smoke point of approximately 420°F (216°C), grapeseed oil offers a clean, neutral flavor that works well in various recipes. High in vitamin E and light in texture, it’s perfect for those who want their ingredients to be the star of the show.
Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking, extracted from leftover grape seeds after pressing. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of air-fried dishes, from chips to grilled vegetables.
Refined Coconut Oil: Tropical Twist
Refined coconut oil has a smoke point of around 400°F (204°C), making it suitable for medium-high heat cooking in an air fryer. Its subtle coconut flavor can add an interesting dimension to certain dishes, particularly sweet potatoes or pineapple-glazed meats.
Just be sure to use refined coconut oil rather than unrefined (virgin) coconut oil, which has a lower smoke point of only 350°F (177°C) and isn’t suitable for air frying.
Comparison Table: Best Oils for Air Frying
| Oil Type | Smoke Point | Flavor Profile | Best For | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | 520°F (270°C) | Neutral | All-purpose air frying | High in monounsaturated fats |
| Light Olive Oil | 465-470°F (240-245°C) | Mild | Mediterranean dishes | Heart-healthy properties |
| Ghee | 485°F (250°C) | Rich, buttery | Indian and Middle Eastern recipes | Virtually lactose-free |
| Grapeseed Oil | 420°F (216°C) | Clean, neutral | Delicate flavors | High in vitamin E |
| Refined Coconut Oil | 400°F (204°C) | Subtle coconut | Sweet dishes, tropical flavors | Unique fatty acid profile |
| Peanut Oil | 450°F (230°C) | Nutty | Asian-inspired dishes | Vitamin E content |
| Canola Oil | 400-450°F (204-230°C) | Very mild | Budget-friendly option | Lower in saturated fats |
Oils to Avoid in Your Air Fryer
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to air frying. Here are some oils you should avoid using in your air fryer:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): With a smoke point of only 320-375°F (160-190°C), EVOO is better suited for salad dressings and low-heat cooking.
- Unrefined Coconut Oil: At 350°F (177°C), its smoke point is too low for most air fryer recipes.
- Butter: With a smoke point of just 300°F (150°C), butter will smoke and burn in an air fryer.
- Flaxseed Oil: This oil has an extremely low smoke point of 225°F (107°C) and should never be used for cooking with heat.
- Dark Sesame Oil: While it has a wonderful flavor, it’s better used as a finishing oil rather than for air frying.
Expert Tips for Using Oil in Your Air Fryer
How Much Oil Should You Use?
One of the biggest advantages of air fryers is that they require significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. In most cases, you’ll need only 5-30 ml (1-2 tablespoons) of oil for an entire batch of food. Some recipes may require even less-just a light spritz from an oil spray bottle.
Application Methods
For best results, apply oil directly to your food before placing it in the air fryer. Here are the most effective methods:
- Oil Spray: The most convenient method, allowing for even, light coverage. Choose a spray without chemical propellants or silicone.
- Brush Application: Use a silicone brush to lightly coat food with oil.
- Toss Method: For items like fries or vegetables, toss them in a bowl with a small amount of oil before air frying.
Important: Never spray oil directly into the air fryer basket or cooking chamber, as this can damage the non-stick coating and the heating element.
Pre-Drying Foods
For maximum crispiness, especially with vegetables or foods with high moisture content, pat them dry with paper towels before applying oil. This helps the oil adhere better to the surface and promotes better browning.
Specialized Air Fryer Oil Products
The market has responded to the air fryer boom with specialized products designed specifically for this cooking method. One notable example is Primal Kitchen’s Seasoned Air Fryer Spray Oil, which combines avocado oil with MCT oil and seasonings like garlic, black pepper, and onion.
These all-in-one products can save time and enhance flavor, though they’re not necessary for successful air frying. A high-quality oil with the right smoke point will work perfectly well on its own.
Health Considerations
When selecting oils for air frying, consider not just the smoke point but also the nutritional profile:
- Monounsaturated fats (found in avocado and olive oils) are considered heart-healthy.
- Saturated fats (predominant in coconut oil and ghee) should be consumed in moderation.
- Polyunsaturated fats (common in grapeseed oil) offer essential fatty acids but can be less stable at high temperatures.
Remember that even with an air fryer’s reduced oil requirements, calories from oil can add up. Use oil judiciously for the best balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Product Recommendations
Best Overall: Chosen Foods 100% Avocado Oil Spray
This pure avocado oil spray contains no propellants or additives, making it perfect for air frying at high temperatures. Its neutral flavor works with virtually any recipe.
Best Value: La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil
A versatile, high-smoke-point oil at a reasonable price point. Its clean taste makes it ideal for a wide range of air fryer recipes.
Best Flavored Option: Primal Kitchen Seasoned Air Fryer Spray Oil
This innovative product combines avocado oil with MCT oil and savory seasonings for an all-in-one solution that adds both moisture and flavor.
Best Organic Choice: Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil
For those who prefer organic products, this refined coconut oil offers a high smoke point without a strong coconut flavor.
Best Premium Option: Fourth & Heart Ghee
This grass-fed ghee adds rich, buttery flavor to air-fried foods while withstanding high temperatures beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to use oil in an air fryer?
While you don’t absolutely need to use oil in an air fryer, a small amount helps prevent sticking and promotes better browning and crispiness. It also helps lock in moisture, preventing food from drying out.
2. Can I use cooking spray in my air fryer?
Yes, but choose sprays without additives or propellants, as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. Always spray the food directly, not the basket itself.
3. What is the healthiest oil for air frying?
Avocado oil is generally considered the healthiest option for air frying due to its high smoke point and beneficial monounsaturated fat content. Light olive oil is another heart-healthy choice.
4. Why is smoke point important when choosing an oil?
When oil exceeds its smoke point, it breaks down and can produce harmful compounds and unpleasant flavors. Oils with higher smoke points maintain their integrity at the high temperatures used in air frying.
5. How much oil should I use in my air fryer?
Most recipes require only 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of oil for an entire batch of food. Some may need even less-just a light spritz or brush of oil on the surface.
6. Can I reuse oil after air frying?
Unlike deep frying, air frying uses such a small amount of oil that there’s typically nothing to reuse. The oil is applied directly to the food and is either absorbed or drips away during cooking.
7. Is extra virgin olive oil good for air frying?
No, extra virgin olive oil has a relatively low smoke point (320-375°F/160-190°C) and isn’t suitable for the high temperatures used in air frying. Light or refined olive oil is a better choice.
8. What’s the difference between light olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?
Light olive oil is refined and has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for air frying. Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined, has a lower smoke point, and is better for low-heat cooking or cold applications.
9. Can I mix different oils for air frying?
Yes, you can combine oils to balance flavor and smoke point. For example, mixing a small amount of sesame oil with avocado oil can add flavor while maintaining a high overall smoke point.
10. Does oil make air-fried food crispier?
Yes, a light coating of oil helps food develop a crispy exterior by promoting better browning and Maillard reaction (the chemical reaction that gives browned food its distinctive flavor).
11. Can I use butter in an air fryer?
Regular butter has a low smoke point and isn’t recommended for air frying. Ghee (clarified butter) is a better option as it has a much higher smoke point.
12. How do I know if my oil has reached its smoke point?
You’ll see visible smoke coming from the oil, and it may develop a bitter smell or taste. In an air fryer, this might manifest as smoke coming from the unit or food that tastes burnt despite not looking overcooked.
Latest Trends in Air Fryer Oils for 2025
The air fryer market continues to evolve, with several notable trends emerging in 2025:
- Specialized Air Fryer Oil Sprays: Products specifically formulated for air fryers, often combining oils with complementary smoke points and added seasonings.
- Organic and Sustainable Options: Increased consumer demand for environmentally friendly and organic cooking oils.
- Functional Oils: Oils enhanced with additional nutrients or health-promoting compounds, catering to health-conscious consumers.
- Flavor-Infused Oils: Pre-flavored oils that add dimension to air-fried foods without additional seasoning steps.
- Smart Packaging: Innovative spray bottles designed specifically for even, controlled application in air fryers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right oil for your air fryer can significantly impact the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of your finished dishes. While avocado oil stands out as the top choice due to its exceptional smoke point and neutral flavor, several other options like light olive oil, ghee, grapeseed oil, and refined coconut oil offer excellent alternatives depending on your specific recipe and dietary preferences.
Remember that air frying requires much less oil than traditional frying methods-just enough to promote browning and prevent sticking. By understanding smoke points and applying oil directly to your food rather than the air fryer itself, you’ll achieve deliciously crispy results with a fraction of the oil used in conventional frying.
Whether you’re air frying vegetables, proteins, or even desserts, the right oil will help you make the most of this versatile cooking method. Happy air frying!