From the book · 30 Air Fryer Hacks

Why cooking spray ruins your air fryer basket

Aerosol cooking spray seems made for air fryers, but its additives and propellant bake onto the non-stick coating as a sticky film that won't wash off. Food starts sticking, the coating wears, and many air fryer makers warn against it. You only notice when it's already hard to remove. The book shows the better ways to oil your food and exactly how much oil each kind of food needs.

The fix is in the book

3 more step-by-step sketches
The full method in 2 numbered parts
Exact times, temperatures in °C and °F, and safety notes
A recipe to try it: crispy spiced chickpeas

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Common questions

Can I use cooking spray in my air fryer?

Many air fryer makers advise against aerosol cooking sprays. Their additives and propellants bake onto non-stick coatings as a sticky film that won't wash off and makes food stick.

What oil should I use in an air fryer?

A plain oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower, rapeseed (canola), groundnut or light olive oil, applied to the food rather than the basket. Most food needs only a teaspoon or two.

Do you need oil in an air fryer?

Not always, but a little oil helps food brown and crisp, and helps coatings turn golden instead of floury. Fatty meat needs none.