Use the right oil for smoke-free air frying

While any smoke may indicate that your air fryer needs a thorough cleaning, white smoke specifically indicates that fat is burning. This often occurs when grease from food drips onto the heating element. The good news is that you can easily prevent your appliance from smoking by making one simple choice: the type of oil you use.
Whether cooking on the stovetop or in an air fryer, it's crucial to select the right oil. This choice is not only about flavor; it's also important because different cooking fats react differently to heat. Just as some individuals may struggle with very hot showers, certain oils cannot withstand high temperatures, leading to breakdown and smoke. Burnt oil can also impart a bitter taste to your food and may even pose health risks.
As a general guideline, refined oils usually have higher smoke points than unrefined oils, which is one reason why extra-virgin olive oil is not ideal for frying. When selecting a cooking fat for your air fryer, consider using avocado oil or refined light olive oil. Both have high smoke points—520 degrees Fahrenheit for avocado oil and 465 degrees Fahrenheit for refined light olive oil—and offer relatively neutral flavors. Peanut oil and vegetable oil, commonly used in deep frying, are also good options, as they can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the oil you choose, always avoid using cooking spray in an air fryer to protect your appliance from potential damage.
Water and bread can also prevent a smoking air fryer

In addition to selecting the best oil for cooking in an air fryer, there are two other strategies you can employ to prevent the appliance from smoking. If you haven't had the opportunity to pick up avocado or peanut oil, these simple methods utilize items you likely already have at home: water and bread.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, adding a couple of tablespoons of water to the basket before or during cooking can be quite effective. (Just be careful not to add too much to avoid any fire risks.) The water acts as a barrier between the cooking fat and the heating element, capturing any grease that drips down, which prevents the oil from burning at the bottom. The only drawback is that the steam produced may make the food less crispy, which is why Dutch inventor Fred van der Wejj started developing the air fryer in 2005, aiming specifically for perfectly crisp french fries. Nonetheless, it's a better option than dealing with a smoke-filled kitchen.
Alternatively, you can prevent oil from burning without compromising the crispiness of your food by placing a thin slice of bread in the air fryer basket. This method not only reduces the need for scrubbing but also helps eliminate any unwanted smoke.
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