Stop Using This Oil in Your Air Fryer – It Can Smoke, Burn, and Even Spark a Fire (Plus, What to Use Instead)

When you think of air fryer cooking, convenience is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s quick, easy, and designed to simplify your routine. That’s why aerosol spray oils often feel like the perfect pairing.

But many of these sprays contain additives that can degrade the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket, causing it to become sticky or damaged. In some cases, buildup from these sprays can also increase the risk of smoking or even fire inside the appliance.

Fortunately, there’s a simple swap that keeps the convenience without the risk. Here's how.

Why Aerosol Oils Are the Worst Thing for Your Air Fryer

Aerosol oil sprays such as PAM are undeniably convenient for getting the most out of air fryers. They coat food evenly for better browning and add a quick layer of non-stick protection to trays and baskets. However, as Joel Efosa, founder of House Fire Solutions, explains, wide spray coverage can also create problems.

'The major home fire risk comes when you spray aerosol oils near an exposed heating element,' he says. The fine mist can spread beyond the basket and settle on the heating element when food is sprayed in situ in the air fryer. If the layer becomes thick enough – or the element hot enough – it can begin to smoke or even ignite.

What's more, to maintain their sprayable consistency, aerosol oils typically contain additives such as propellants and emulsifiers. 'These additives break down at high temperatures,' Joel adds. 'They ultimately stick to non-stick coatings in air fryer baskets and pans and can cling like super glue.'

Because this residue is difficult to remove, it can gradually build up over time. Not only can that increase smoke and fire risk, but it may also degrade the non-stick coating of the basket itself. As the surface wears down, there’s a greater chance of unwanted chemical leaching – especially if you do not have one of the best non-toxic air fryers.

What to Use Instead

Avoiding this common air fryer mistake is simple. Instead, use a refillable oil pump spray such as the Trendpain Oil Sprayer from Amazon. It is one of the air fryer accessories I now cannot live without. By filling it with a pure oil like vegetable or avocado oil, you can lightly coat food and baskets without exposing your air fryer to damaging additives. Plus, this is a simpler way to make air fryer cooking healthier.

The other option, removing all risk of spray back against heating elements, is to brush the oil on using a silicone pastry brush from Walmart, Joel recommends.

You’ll still get the crisp results you want, just without compromising your appliance or kitchen safety.

What to Shop

This common oil mistake is just one of the many things I wish I had known when I first started cooking with air fryers. To help you avoid making the same errors, I’ve rounded up six essential air fryer tools that make cooking easier while keeping safety front and center.

All prices accurate at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Joel Efosa

Joel is the Founder of House Fire Solutions, a company dedicated to helping homeowners recover after a fire. For the last year, he has offered consulting advice to both homeowners, renters, and landlords to help them recover and avoid costly mistakes, and tips on preventing risks in the first place.

It’s not just the oil you need to be mindful of when it comes to air fryer safety. For example, a simple air fryer placement mistake I made nearly caused a fire, and it is best that you learn from my mistakes.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.