What can I use instead of oil in my air fryer?

Author: Vida Schamberger Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

You do not need oil to use an air fryer. (Louder for the people in the back!) To use your air fryer without oil, simply season your food, put it in the air fryer basket, and set the desired temperature and time.

What is a good substitute for oil in an air fryer?

  • Cooking Spray : Use a non-stick cooking spray to lightly coat your food.
  • Broth or Stock : For savory dishes, you can use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth to add moisture and flavor without oil.
  • Apple Sauce
  • Yogurt
  • Nut Butters
  • Aquafaba
  • Vinegar or Lemon Juice
  • Silicone Mats or Parchment Paper

Can you cook in an air fryer without oil?

Yes, an air fryer can work without oil. Air fryers use a mechanism of circulating hot air around the food to cook it, which creates a crispy texture similar to frying. While oil can enhance flavor and improve crispiness, it's not necessary for the air fryer to function.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

  • Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is a popular choice for lining the bottom of an air fryer.
  • Aluminum Foil: Another option is to use aluminum foil to line the bottom of your air fryer.
  • Silicone Liners: Silicone liners are also suitable for lining the bottom of an air fryer.

What happens if you don't use oil in an air fryer?

The simple science is .... Anything can be cooked without oil in an air fryer. Foods inherently consisting of fats (like meat) won't get dry if oil is not used as it would use its own fat to cook and remain moist.

DO NOT use these 3 oils in your Air Fryer | USE INSTEAD THE BEST OILS FOR YOUR AIR FRYER!

What do I line my air fryer with?

Parchment paper is good for food that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, making clean up a bit easier. If you're tempted to use parchment every day or are simply waste-conscious, consider instead a silicone liner for air fryers. They're reusable and dishwasher safe, cutting down on both waste and worry.

What is the healthiest oil to use in an air fryer?

Light Olive Oil: Heart-Healthy and Heat-Ready

While extra virgin olive oil is better for cold dishes, light olive oil retains heart-healthy properties while performing perfectly at high heat. From crispy potato wedges to air-fried chicken, this is a great, versatile option.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

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.

What can I put under my air fryer to catch grease?

"Put a slice of bread on the bottom of your air fryer," Kang said. "It's a green alternative to foil for catching grease and drips for easier clean-up." In order to minimize food waste, you may want to only use this technique when cooking especially greasy foods (like bacon), and also use bread slices that are stale.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

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.

Which air fryer uses no oil?

Ninja Air Fryers help you cook using little to no oil. Enjoy healthier meals in a flash, with extra-crispy results – from chunky chips and roasted vegetables to fried chicken.

Do I need oil in an air fryer?

An air fryer only requires a few tablespoons of oil, or none at all, to crisp up a range of ingredients, so it can be considered a healthier cooking method than frying in oil.

What cooking spray is best for an air fryer?

With a 450-degree smoke point – higher than a traditional cooking spray - PAM Air Fryer is formulated to withstand the high temperatures used in air frying. The ingredients in PAM Air Fryer Spray won't brown or smoke easily.

Can I air fry with no oil?

With an air fryer, you can saute roast, bake and fry without oil and still get results. An air fryer is a small, countertop kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly.

Why can't you use Pam in an air fryer?

Cooking sprays can also have an impact on the taste and look of food in the air fryer. “The spray oils can cause discoloration and produce a slightly off flavor,” says Bucknavage. “If you have ever sprayed Pam onto a hot pan, you see how dark the color gets.”

What is frying without oil called?

In air frying, hot air circulates around the food, creating a crispy texture similar to frying but without the immersion in oil.

What is the best thing to line your air fryer with?

Line Your Air Fryer Basket With Pre-Cut Parchment

They are best for lining standard air fryer baskets, not air fryers that look like toaster ovens. The holes allow hot air to circulate around the food while still providing a base to trap some of the grease and food bits that usually fall through the basket.

What can I use if I don't have oil spray for my air fryer?

One option is to grease the basket of your air fryer. Dab a bit of oil onto a paper towel or silicone brush to add a very light layer to the machine. Or, you can add some oil to whatever you're air frying, mix everything thoroughly to coat your ingredients, and then dump everything into the basket.

What can I use in my air fryer to keep food from sticking?

Preventing Food from Sticking in Your Air Fryer Oven. Lightly Coat with Oil: Before cooking, apply a light layer of cooking spray or oil to the basket to create a non-stick surface.

What should you not put in an air fryer?

The biggest issue is moisture. An air fryer's fast-moving convection heat can cause meat and certain vegetables to dry out. Leafy greens, lean meats and certain seafoods, for instance, are no longer welcome in my air fryer.

Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer?

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.

Is it better to put foil or parchment paper in the air fryer?

Lining your air fryer with parchment paper is the best way to keep your appliance clean and your food delicious. Nothing beats cooking with an air fryer to get you crispy, tender food with a fraction of the oil.

Is olive oil ok for an air fryer?

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.

What oil for Chips in an air fryer?

So delicious, cost effective, simple and loved by people of all ages! Cooking your Chips with Mellow Yellow Rapeseed oil in the Air fryer makes them crispy, delicious and low fat.

What is the least harmful oil for frying?

Avocado oil is a top pick among experts for frying. "Looking at the smoke points of nontropical plant oils and looking at which one is healthiest, what stands out to me is avocado oil," says Mok. Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, specifically, oleic acid, says Mok.

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