What if I don't have an oil sprayer for my air fryer?

Author: Deontae Balistreri  |  Last update: Monday, October 27, 2025

You can make your own single-ingredient spray using an empty pump bottle and your liquid oil of choice. It's one of the reasons I recommended an oil spray bottle in my article about must-have accessories for an air fryer.

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

How do I put oil in my air fryer without spraying?

For smaller items like cut potatoes and veggies, i put them in a bowl with a tablespoon of oil and stir them around before putting the air fryer and season them at that time as well. For individual items, i put a little oil on a silicone pastry brush.

Do you need oil spray for an air fryer?

Instead of spritzing the basket, you can toss the food itself in a light coating of oil before using the air fryer. Be sure to use a high smoke point oil like canola or sunflower. Use air fryer liners.

What can you use instead of liners for 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.

When to Use and NOT to Use Air Fryer Parchment Paper - How To Use Your Air Fryer

What can I use to line the bottom of my air fryer?

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.

How do you make homemade cooking spray for air fryer?

How to Make Homemade Cooking Spray. All you need to make homemade cooking spray is 1 part oil to 5 parts water. That's it!

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

While the need for oil in air frying is not as great as when using an oven or frying something on a pan, a small amount of oil can go a long way in keeping your food moist and providing that golden brown color.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

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.

Do you spray oil on chips in an air fryer?

Do you need to add oil to cook chips in an air fryer? You don't have to add oil, but we do recommend adding a few sprays of olive oil to give it that familiar crunchy texture. If you don't use oil, there's a good chance they'll come out too dry.

Can I air fry without oil?

The air fryer is perfect for oil-free cooking. Though manufacturers and recipes often suggest using a little bit of oil, you actually don't need to add any oil to ingredients before tossing them into the fryer basket. The high heat and circulating air will give you crispy texture without any oil.

Which oil is best for an air fryer?

Avocado Oil: The High-Temperature Champion

With a smoke point of 270°C, avocado oil takes the crown as the high-heat star for air fryers. Its neutral taste allows other flavours to shine, and it's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

What is a good substitute for cooking oil spray?

“I personally don't use cooking spray but instead use avocado oil or tallow to coat the pan or baking dish,” she explains. “If needed as it melts I spread it out with a paper towel.” It's the same for Michelle Price of Honest and Truly. “I also prefer to use butter to grease rather than the non-stick spray,” she says.

What can ruin an air fryer?

  • Liquids. There have been plenty of hacks circulating on the internet for cleaning an air fryer, but not all of them are a good idea. ...
  • Wet batter. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Commercial spray oils. ...
  • Bread for toasting. ...
  • Sauces. ...
  • Raw rice or grains. ...
  • Burnt food.

Does Pam ruin an air fryer?

Pam Air Fryer nonstick cooking spray's formula has been updated for easier air fryer cleaning and won't negatively affect your air fryer's nonstick coating.

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

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 do I line my 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.

Do you always have to put oil in an air fryer?

While your Philips Airfryer does not require oil to cook and fry the food, adding oil directly to fresh ingredients when preparing them, such as freshly peeled potatoes or chicken, can create a crispy layer and improve the overall taste of your dish. Note: never pour oil into the pan of the airfryer.

Do you need oil sprayer for air fryer?

You can use a non-aerosol spray bottle, silicone brush, or paper towel to lightly coat the basket with oil. For even cooking, you can also coat the food directly with oil before air frying.

How do I keep food from sticking to my air fryer basket?

How to Prevent Food from Sticking to Your Air Fryer Basket
  1. Use a Small Amount of Oil. One thing you should do both for crispy texture and to prevent sticking is use a small amount of oil. ...
  2. Spray the Basket Lightly with Vegetable Oil Spray. ...
  3. Make a Foil Sling.

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

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

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