The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Oil for Air Frying
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious foods with minimal oil. However, selecting the right oil is crucial to achieving the best results. The oil you choose impacts not only the flavor and texture of your food but also the health benefits and safety of your cooking process. A key factor to consider is the oil’s smoke point—the temperature at which it begins to burn and produce smoke, potentially imparting a bitter taste or harmful compounds. Since air fryers often operate at high temperatures (typically 350°F to 400°F), oils with high smoke points are essential to avoid smoking and maintain food quality. Additionally, the oil’s flavor profile and nutritional content play a role in enhancing your dishes while aligning with dietary goals. This guide dives into the six best oils for air frying in 2025, based on smoke point, health benefits, and versatility, to help you make informed choices for your kitchen.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Oils for Air Frying
Before exploring the top oils, it’s important to understand what makes an oil suitable for air frying. Here are the key considerations:
- Smoke Point: Oils with high smoke points (above 400°F) are ideal for air frying, as they can withstand the appliance’s high temperatures without breaking down. Low smoke point oils, like extra virgin olive oil or walnut oil, may burn, affecting flavor and producing harmful compounds.
- Flavor Profile: Some oils, like avocado or grapeseed, have neutral flavors that complement a wide range of dishes, while others, like coconut or sesame, impart distinct tastes that can enhance specific recipes.
- Health Benefits: Oils rich in monounsaturated fats, like avocado or olive oil, are heart-healthy choices. Conversely, oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, like sunflower or canola, should be used sparingly to avoid dietary imbalances.
- Application Method: Air fryers require minimal oil, often applied via a sprayer or brush. Using a high-quality oil sprayer ensures even coating without excess, preserving the nonstick surface of the air fryer basket.
- Safety and Maintenance: Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants, as they can damage the air fryer’s nonstick coating over time. Opt for refillable oil sprayers filled with your chosen oil.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select an oil that enhances your air fryer’s performance while delivering delicious, healthy results.
The 6 Best Oils for Air Fryers in 2025
Based on smoke point, flavor, and nutritional benefits, here are the top six oils for air frying in 2025, carefully chosen to elevate your cooking experience.
Oil
Avocado oil tops the list as the best oil for air frying due to its exceptionally high smoke point of 520°F, making it ideal for the high temperatures used in most air fryer recipes. Its neutral flavor pairs well with everything from crispy fries to roasted vegetables, and it’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, avocado oil’s high oleic acid content supports cardiovascular health, making it a nutritious choice.
Why It’s Great for Air Frying: Its high smoke point ensures no burning or smoking, even at 400°F, and its mild taste doesn’t overpower dishes. It’s also stable at high heat, reducing the formation of harmful compounds.
Best Uses: Perfect for high-heat recipes like chicken wings, sweet potato fries, or zucchini chips.
Recommended Product: Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this avocado oil in my air fryer for months, and it’s fantastic! No smoke, even at high temps, and my food comes out crispy without any weird aftertaste.” – Amazon Customer
(Clarified Butter)
Ghee, or clarified butter, is another excellent choice with a smoke point of 485°F. Its rich, nutty flavor adds depth to dishes like roasted potatoes or grilled meats. Ghee is lactose-free, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities, and it’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. The Healthline notes that ghee’s high saturated fat content makes it stable for high-heat cooking.
Why It’s Great for Air Frying: Ghee’s high smoke point and robust flavor make it ideal for recipes that benefit from a buttery taste, and it won’t burn at typical air fryer temperatures.
Best Uses: Use for air-fried vegetables, chicken, or seafood to add a rich, savory note.
Recommended Product: 4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee
Customer Review: “This ghee is a game-changer for my air fryer recipes. It gives my veggies and chicken a delicious buttery flavor without smoking. Love it!” – Amazon Customer
Light Olive Oil
Extra light olive oil, also known as refined olive oil, has a smoke point of around 470°F, making it a safer choice than extra virgin olive oil for air frying. It offers a mild olive flavor and is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are linked to heart health. Unlike extra virgin olive oil, which has a lower smoke point of 375°F, extra light olive oil can handle higher temperatures without burning.
Why It’s Great for Air Frying: Its high smoke point and subtle flavor make it versatile for a variety of dishes, from Mediterranean-inspired vegetables to breaded chicken cutlets.
Best Uses: Ideal for air-fried fish, vegetables, or recipes where a hint of olive flavor is desired.
Recommended Product: Pompeian Light Taste Olive Oil
Customer Review: “I use this olive oil in my air fryer for everything from fries to salmon. It’s light, doesn’t smoke, and adds just the right flavor.” – Amazon Customer
Oil
Grapeseed oil is a versatile option with a smoke point of 420°F, suitable for most air fryer recipes. Its neutral flavor makes it a go-to for dishes where you don’t want the oil to dominate the taste. It’s also high in polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E, offering some health benefits, though it should be used in moderation due to its omega-6 content.
Why It’s Great for Air Frying: Its high smoke point and neutral taste make it a flexible choice for a wide range of recipes, and it’s widely available.
Best Uses: Great for air-fried snacks like popcorn chicken or homemade potato chips.
Recommended Product: La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil
Customer Review: “This grapeseed oil works perfectly in my air fryer. No strong flavor, and it keeps my food crispy without any issues.” – Amazon Customer
Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil, with a smoke point of 450°F, is a solid choice for air frying, especially for recipes that benefit from a subtle coconut flavor. Unlike unrefined coconut oil, which has a lower smoke point, refined coconut oil is more stable at high temperatures. It’s rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies suggest may support weight management.
Why It’s Great for Air Frying: Its high smoke point and slight coconut flavor make it ideal for specific recipes, and it’s a good option for those avoiding dairy.
Best Uses: Perfect for air-fried coconut shrimp, sweet potato fries, or tropical-inspired dishes.
Recommended Product: Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil
Customer Review: “I love using this coconut oil for air frying shrimp and sweet potatoes. It adds a nice hint of flavor and works great at high temps.” – Amazon Customer
Oil
Peanut oil, with a smoke point of 450°F, is a great option for air frying, particularly for dishes that pair well with its slightly nutty flavor. It’s high in monounsaturated fats and relatively stable at high temperatures, but those with peanut allergies should avoid it. The WebMD highlights its potential to support heart health when used in moderation.
Why It’s Great for Air Frying: Its high smoke point and nutty taste make it suitable for savory dishes, and it’s widely available at a reasonable price.
Best Uses: Ideal for air-fried chicken tenders, stir-fry vegetables, or Asian-inspired recipes.
Recommended Product: Planters Peanut Oil
Customer Review: “This peanut oil is my go-to for air frying chicken. It gives a great flavor and doesn’t smoke at all.” – Amazon Customer
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Air Fryer
Selecting the right oil for your air fryer involves more than just picking one off the shelf. Here’s a detailed buying guide to help you make the best choice:
Check the Smoke Point
Always prioritize oils with a smoke point above 400°F to ensure they can handle the high temperatures of air frying. Avocado oil (520°F), ghee (485°F), and extra light olive oil (470°F) are top choices for their stability. Avoid low smoke point oils like extra virgin olive oil (375°F) or butter (350°F) for high-heat cooking, as they can burn and affect flavor.
Consider Flavor Compatibility
Choose an oil that complements your recipe. Neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed are versatile for most dishes, while ghee, coconut, or peanut oil can enhance specific flavors. For example, use coconut oil for tropical dishes or peanut oil for Asian-inspired recipes.
Evaluate Health Benefits
Opt for oils with heart-healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats found in avocado and olive oil. Be cautious with oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, like sunflower or canola, as excessive consumption may contribute to inflammation. Check nutrition labels for added ingredients, especially in cheaper olive oils that may be blended with less healthy oils.
Use the Right Application Method
Invest in a high-quality oil sprayer to apply a light, even coating of oil. This minimizes waste and prevents damage to your air fryer’s nonstick surface. Avoid aerosol sprays with propellants, as they can cause the basket’s coating to peel over time. A refillable sprayer filled with your chosen oil is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store oils in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Oils like olive oil and avocado oil have a shelf life of about one to two years, while ghee and coconut oil can last longer due to their saturated fat content. Check for rancidity (a sour smell or taste) before using, as expired oils can affect flavor and health benefits.
Tips for Using Oil in Your Air Fryer
To get the most out of your air fryer and chosen oil, follow these practical tips:
- Use Minimal Oil: A light coating (1-2 teaspoons) is sufficient for most recipes. Apply oil directly to the food, not the basket, to avoid pooling and potential smoking.
- Coat Evenly: Toss food in a bowl with oil and seasonings before placing it in the air fryer for uniform coverage.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between food items to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Use Parchment Liners: For easy cleanup, use perforated parchment liners or silicone mats, which also reduce the need for oil on the basket.
- Clean Regularly: Wipe down the air fryer basket after each use to prevent oil buildup, which can cause smoking and damage the nonstick coating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure safe and effective air frying, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Using Low Smoke Point Oils: Oils like extra virgin olive oil or butter can burn at high temperatures, leading to unpleasant flavors and potential health risks.
- Overusing Oil: Too much oil can cause smoking and make food greasy. Stick to a light spray or brush for best results.
- Using Aerosol Sprays: Propellant-based sprays like PAM can damage the air fryer’s nonstick coating. Opt for a refillable oil sprayer instead.
- Ignoring Food Type: Frozen foods like nuggets or fries often contain enough oil from manufacturing, so additional oil may not be necessary.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
