Expert warns there's one oil you should never use in the air fryer

Who doesn't have an air-fryer these days? They're the most popular kitchen appliance about...

But when using your air fryer, there a few ingredients to be wary of, according to experts (you may have read one dietician's advice about bacon, for one...)

It doesn't stop there, though. There are warnings around the type of oil you use, too.

There's one oil you should avoid using in an air fryer (Credit: Getty)

Now, we should point out that you don't have to use any oil for a lot of foods in an air fryer... that's kinda the beauty of them.

However, whilst frozen food like burgers and nuggets are good to go, other ingredients like slabs of meat, some veggies and dumplings do benefit from a little bit of oil to help 'em along the way.

So, what oil can you use in an air-fryer, and what should you avoid?

What oil can you use in an air-fryer?

Most oils are fine in an air fryer (Credit: Getty)

The general rule is, if you can use it in the oven, you can use it in the air-fryer, so everything from sunflower oil to olive oil is acceptable, alongside alternatives like coconut oil and avocado oil.

The exception, though, is non-stick oil in a spray bottle, like Fry Light, according to The Foodie Physician.

The website warns that this type of oil could "damage the lining of the air fryer basket". Big yikes.

This is because the cooking spray contains oil, but also typically other ingredients like lecithin (which is an emulsifier) dimethyl silicone (an anti-foaming agent), and a propellant.

This means the ingredients basically have a low smoke point (aka when the oil starts to smoke), causing them to cling to your air fryer basket and risk damaging it.

Don't risk damaging your air fryer basket (Credit: Getty)

This'll likely show up as a sticky spot on your air fryer basket or rack, which is hard to shift.

Worse than that, it can actually damage the coating of the air-fryer and prevent it from being non-stick.

An expert at The Kitchn states: "If you’re following a recipe that does call for spraying the racks or basket, I suggest going the DIY approach with an oil that has a high smoke point.

"Refined avocado oil, for example, would be a good choice. Use it sparingly. And whenever possible, oil your food instead of the basket.

So, now you know!

Featured image: Getty