We advise against using non-stick aerosols. Although it seems like it would help, after the air fry process, it actually causes the air fry baskets to be harder to clean. It can cause the mesh to become clogged, as well.
PAM and all cooking sprays are all safe for air fryers so long as you learn how to clean non-stick properly in general. Don't let any oils, grease, or other foods dry-on and then bake them on worse.
A lot of cooking sprays often contain soy lecithin or other additives that can damage the non-stick surface of your air fryer.
What Oils Should Be Avoided? Some oils have a low smoke point or have a strong flavor, making them a poor choice for the air fryer. Low-smoke point oils tend to get a rancid flavor at high temperatures. There are two oils I prefer not to use in my air fryer. Dark sesame oil and extra virgin olive oil.
That includes the basket suspended in the main body of the appliance, where the food is placed to cook. Holes in the basket's sides allow hot air to pass through, cooking food evenly without excess grease. Air fryers also have a tray or pan that sits under the basket to catch drippings.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.
Using cooking oils that can stand up to a high temperature is key. Extra virgin olive oil is not an air fry-friendly oil due to its low smoke point, but extra light olive oil can be used for air frying because of its high smoke point.
The two biggest concerns are potential carcinogens called acrylamides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are created in the process of cooking.
Of all the options, avocado oil is a top choice for air frying, thanks to its high smoke point and health benefits. Oils with lower smoke points, like extra virgin olive oil, can still be used – just keep temperatures under 190°C to avoid burning.
Spray the Basket Lightly with Vegetable Oil Spray
The next protective measure you can take is an obvious one: spraying the basket lightly with vegetable oil spray. We recommend doing this with foods that are prone to sticking, including fried chicken, chicken Parmesan, and our better-than-boxed fish sticks.
Many cooking sprays contain soy lecithin, an ingredient that emulsifies and stabilizes processed food. Unfortunately, soy lecithin can't reliably stand up to the high temperatures air fryers use. As a result, using a cooking spray can leave behind a sticky residue that fuses to your air fryer basket.
Toss with the olive oil and a generous amount of salt. Air-fry for 20–30 minutes at 180C, tossing every 10 minutes or so until the chips are crisp and golden, making sure they don't stick to the bottom of the basket towards the beginning of cooking.
Parchment paper can handle the heat inside your air fryer - up to 428°F (220°C). To get the best results, add the parchment paper to the air fryer basket at the same time as you add your ingredients. This prevents the paper from lifting up and coming into contact with the heating element while cooking.
Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray: A good sponge and dish soap are really all you need to get an air fryer looking like new. We recommend Dawn Powerwash for the job because it's a pro at cutting through grease. Plus, it's so easy to use. Just spritz and scrub with your favorite sponge!
The Bottom Line. Acrylamide is a chemical that can be created by cooking processes including baking, air frying, and toasting. Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals.
While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.
Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.
Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.
Glass Dishes for the Air Fryer
You might not know this tip, but you can absolutely use glass dishes in your air fryer instead of cooking your food right in the machine's drawer, making it much easier to serve and clean up.
Laurence says she always chooses parchment paper over aluminum foil in the air fryer. Parchment paper is more versatile because it is non-reactive. "Whatever food you're putting on that aluminum foil is going to react with aluminum," Laurence says.
Set the air fryer to 200C and cook streaky bacon rashers for 6-10 mins – just-cooked bacon will take 6 mins, but crispier bacon will take 9-10 mins. Cook back bacon rashers for 4-8 mins, depending on your preference.
To be on the safer side, I recommend choosing a stainless steel or ceramic-coated air fryer with a window, so you can keep an eye on your food and make sure it isn't getting burnt to a crisp.