Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy alternative to deep frying. One of the main benefits of air frying is that it requires little to no oil, resulting in lower fat and calorie dishes compared to deep frying. But how much oil should you use when air frying? Here is a guide to how much oil to use in an air fryer for different types of foods.
A Quick Overview on Air Fryers
An air fryer is a countertop convection oven that uses hot air to cook food. The rapid air circulation and high heat help create a crispy texture similar to deep frying with little to no oil needed. Air fryers work by using coils and a motorized fan to circulate hot air up to 400°F around the food. This allows the food to cook evenly and develop a crispy outside with a tender inside.
Most air fryers have adjustable temperature and time settings, allowing you to customize the cooking process for different foods. The basket design with holes allows for optimal air circulation. Air fryers come in various sizes from 2-7 quarts and shapes like round, square, or oval.
When cooking with an air fryer, using a small amount of oil can help prevent food from drying out and promote browning. But you typically need far less oil than you would for deep frying. As a general rule, between 0-2 tablespoons of oil is all you need for most single servings.
How Much Oil for Different Foods
The ideal oil amount can vary based on the type of food you are cooking. Here are some recommendations for how much oil to use for common air fryer recipes:
Vegetables
For vegetables like potatoes, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc:
- 1-2 tbsp oil per 1 lb of vegetables
- Toss chopped veggies with oil before air frying for even coating
Chicken
For bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs, legs, wings, drumsticks:
- No oil needed since the skin provides natural fat
- Can use 1⁄2 tbsp oil if chicken skin is removed
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts:
- 1-2 tbsp oil per 1 lb chicken
- Brush lightly over chicken before air frying
Fish
For fish fillets like tilapia, salmon, cod, etc:
- 1-2 tbsp oil per lb of fish
- Brush over fish or toss in small bowl with oil before cooking
French Fries
For fresh homemade fries:
- 1-2 tbsp oil per 1 lb potatoes
- Toss potato wedges with oil for even coating
For frozen fries:
- No oil needed since frozen fries are pre-oiled
- Can use 1⁄2-1 tbsp for extra crispness if desired
Tips for Oiling Foods
Here are some tips for best practices when oiling foods for the air fryer:
- Use high smoke point oils like avocado, grapeseed, olive, canola, vegetable, etc.
- Avoid nonstick cooking sprays which can contain propellants harmful when heated.
- Use olive oil for lighter dishes, vegetable or canola oil for stronger flavors.
- Brush, drizzle, or toss items in a bowl with oil for even coating.
- Spritz lemon juice or whisk in herbs/spices to add flavor.
- Reapply a small amount of oil halfway during cooking if needed.
- Let items cool before re-brushing with oil to prevent sogginess.
Oil Amount by Air Fryer Size
The amount of oil needed can also vary based on the capacity of your air fryer. Here are some guidelines for oil amounts based on air fryer basket size:
| Air Fryer Basket Size | Oil Amount for 1 Serving | Oil Amount for 2 Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 1⁄2 – 1 tbsp | 1 – 2 tbsp |
| 3 Quart | 1 – 2 tbsp | 2 – 3 tbsp |
| 5 Quart | 1 – 2 tbsp | 2 – 4 tbsp |
| 7 Quart | 2 – 3 tbsp | 4 – 6 tbsp |
As a general guideline, smaller air fryers under 3 quarts will need around 1-2 tablespoons for a single serving. Larger air fryers over 5 quarts may need up to 4-6 tablespoons when cooking multiple servings.
Signs You Need More Oil
Pay attention to your food as it cooks to determine if you need more oil. Here are some signs that your air fryer food needs a touch more oil:
- Food appears dried out or burnt
- Pieces are unevenly cooked
- Exterior is not browning
- Interior or underside is not cooked through
- Breading is falling off fried foods
- Frozen items are not getting crispy
- Vegetables are sticking to the basket
If you notice any of these issues, try brushing or spraying items with another teaspoon or two of oil halfway through cooking. You can also increase oil amounts for future batches.
Oil Mistakes to Avoid
While oil is helpful for air frying, more does not necessarily mean better results. Here are some oil mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t use too much – Excess oil will pool at the bottom and can create smoke or cause sogginess.
- Don’t use butter or margarine – These can burn easily at air fryer temperatures.
- Don’t use nonstick sprays – Chemical propellants are not safe with hot air.
- Don’t overload the basket – Crowding will lead to uneven cooking.
- Don’t skip oil completely – A small amount helps promote browning and prevents drying.
Cleaning Oil Residue
While air fryers use less oil than deep frying, some leftover oil residue will inevitably splatter during the cooking process. Here are some tips for cleaning oil residue from your air fryer:
- Wipe the basket and drawer with paper towels after each use.
- Use hot soapy water or degreaser to wash the basket and drawer.
- For tough grease stains, create a baking soda paste with water.
- Soak the basket and drawer in warm water mixed with dish soap.
- Avoid steel wool scourers which can damage the nonstick coating.
- Clean the outside of the fryer with a soft cloth to remove splatters.
It’s also a good idea to periodically clean out your air fryer heating coils, especially if you notice a burning smell while preheating. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to sweep away any built up residue.
Conclusion
Determining how much oil to use in an air fryer takes some trial and error. Aim for around 1-2 tablespoons of oil per 1 pound of food as a starting point. Observe how your food cooks and make adjustments as needed. With the right amount of oil and regular cleaning, you can continue creating healthier air fried meals for your family.