Yes, you can use oil spray in an air fryer, but it must be the right type and applied correctly. Standard cooking oil sprays often contain propellants like lecithin that can build up on your air fryer basket, potentially damaging the non-stick coating over time. For air fryer use, opt for pure oil sprays without additives or simply use a refillable mister bottle with your preferred oil.
When selecting an oil spray for your air fryer, look for products specifically labelled as air fryer-safe. These typically contain just oil without the emulsifiers found in conventional sprays. Many UK home cooks prefer using a manual oil mister filled with rapeseed, avocado, or light olive oil for better control. You'll find plenty of recipe inspiration for oil-sprayed dishes at airfryerrecipe.co.uk/recipes.
The temperature resistance of your oil matters too. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than refined versions, making it less ideal for high-heat air frying. For perfect roasted vegetables every time, check out our vegetable recipe collection with oil spray recommendations.
A light, even coating is all you need - about 1-2 seconds of spraying per portion. Over-spraying can lead to smoke and uneven cooking. The hot circulating air in your air fryer does most of the crisping work, with the oil mainly enhancing texture and browning.
Some oil sprays contain propellants that may leave a sticky residue on your air fryer basket over time. This buildup can affect cooking performance and make cleaning more difficult. Regular maintenance with proper air fryer cleaning techniques helps prevent this issue.
Another concern is the smoke point of different oils. When oil reaches its smoke point in the confined space of an air fryer, it can create unpleasant odours and potentially set off smoke alarms. This is why choosing the right oil and applying it sparingly is crucial for safe operation.
Always spray oil onto the food rather than directly into the empty air fryer basket. This prevents oil from pooling and smoking. For even coverage, place food in a single layer and give a quick spritz before cooking. Some cooks prefer brushing oil lightly with a silicone pastry brush for precise application.
If you're concerned about additives in commercial sprays, consider making your own air fryer oil blend. Mix your preferred oil with a small amount of water in a refillable mister bottle - this helps create a finer spray. Many UK air fryer enthusiasts swear by this method for achieving perfect crispness without residue buildup.
For specific cooking tasks like reheating pizza or making frozen chips, you might not need oil spray at all. Our air fryer conversion chart shows how to adapt traditional oven recipes to your air fryer with minimal oil. Some foods naturally contain enough fat to crisp up beautifully without added oil.
Regular cleaning is essential when using any oil in your air fryer. Wipe down the basket and interior after each use to prevent sticky residue accumulation. For tough buildup, soak the basket in warm soapy water before gently scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.
