Can You Put Butter In An Air Fryer?

Although hot air is the main cooking medium of air fryers, most air fryer purists will tell you that a vast majority of foods cook better if a form of fat is used during the cooking process.

Butter is popular to use in cooking, especially baking, because of its fat content and flavor. But an air fryer cooks at a higher temperature setting than the smoking point of butter, so how can it be used in air frying?

If you are applying butter to the air fryer surface, melted butter is best to use because it's thin and will heat evenly. The second best option is to cut cold butter into small chunks so that it will melt quicker.

Will Butter Burn in an Air Fryer?

Cooking oil is the preferred medium for using fat in an air fryer because it has a higher smoke point than butter. Meanwhile, the smoking point of butter is 350°F while most food cooks at 400°F in an air fryer.

Since butter will burn at that temperature, would that mean that it cannot be used in an air fryer at all? That is not the case.

There are ways to use butter in an air fryer without burning it. You can lightly coat food with butter so that a small enough amount is used so that it will not burn but still add moisture and flavor to the food you're looking for.

If you are applying butter directly to the air fryer baskets or pans, you can cut it into small cubes or brush it on the basket or pan. The butter will melt faster and is less likely to burn.

Using Clarified Butter in an Air Fryer

The best way to use butter in an air fryer is by clarifying it first. Clarified butter has a smoke point of 450°F which is an ideal smoke point for air fryers. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter because the milk solids and water are removed. Clarified butter also infuses a richer flavor than regular butter and cooking oils.

How To Use Butter in an Air Fryer

The best way to use butter in an air fryer is to brush melted butter directly onto the air fryer basket surface or the food to be cooked with a basting brush. This adds just the right amount of butter to your food without drowning it and this small amount will not burn during the cooking process.

When brushing melted butter directly onto food, make sure to coat all sides, or it will cook unevenly. If you are brushing melted butter onto an air fryer basket, one to two tablespoons is all you'll need. If you brush on too much melted butter, the butter will drip into the air fryer and possibly smoke or burn.

Tossing food with butter in a mixing bowl is also a great way to ensure the food gets coated properly. This is how it's done in restaurants, and it saves time and prevents messes. Start with a little butter at the bottom and toss the food in the butter, adding small increments as needed, until all sides are lightly coated.

Smoke Point of Oils

The primary concern with using fats like oil and butter in cooking is the smoke point. The smoking point is when a fat reaches its burning point and starts smoking.

If you use an oil or butter that has a lower smoking point than the temperature setting of the cooking source, the oil or butter will burn and infuse off flavors into your food.

The best oil to use in an air fryer are oils with a high smoke point, such as olive or vegetable oil. These oils have a smoking point between 350°F and 425°F, making them perfect to cook in an air fryer.

However, it's hard to beat the flavor of butter in certain dishes. The good news is that butter can be used in air fryers, so long as you’re careful.

Best Oils for an Air Fryer

When it comes to using an air fryer, it's not just about the food you're cooking but also the type of oil you're using. In my personal experience, certain oils just seem to work better than others for achieving that golden, crispy perfection we all crave.

olive oil, clarified butter, and stick of butter

In addition to using clarified butter, here are my top picks:

Avocado Oil: With a high smoke point and a subtle flavor, avocado oil is my number one choice. It handles high temperatures like a champ and doesn't overpower the taste of your food.
Canola Oil: This is another great choice. It has a medium-high smoke point and a neutral flavor that won't interfere with your dish.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: While it has a lower smoke point than others on the list, the flavors it brings to the table are unbeatable. Just remember to use it sparingly and at lower temperatures.
Peanut Oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point and a distinctive flavor. It's perfect for frying foods that need that extra bit of taste.
Grapeseed Oil: This oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and has a high smoke point. It's a healthy option for your air frying needs.

Best Foods to Use Butter On in an Air Fryer

As an avid air fryer user, I've discovered that butter isn't just for toast—it works wonders on numerous foods.

The golden goodness acts as a non-stick agent, a flavor enhancer, and a moisture sealer. And when you introduce flavors into butter? That's when the magic happens.

Fish: If you ask me, fish and butter go together like summer and ice cream. A brush of melted butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich, mouth-watering flavor. The crispy coating it forms? Simply irresistible.
Vegetables: Vegetables take on a whole new life when they're roasted with butter in an air fryer. The butter keeps them from clinging to the air fryer basket while locking in that much-needed moisture. Want to level up your vegetable game? Try herbed or flavored butter.
Chicken Wings: Butter isn't just for traditional cooking methods; it works its magic on air-fried chicken wings, too. Toss your wings in a mix of butter and hot sauce, and watch as they emerge from your air fryer, beautifully crispy and packed with flavor.

And let's not forget about other favorites. A pat of butter on a steak before air frying brings a classic sizzle. Or, consider corn on the cob, brushed with butter and air fried to perfection. The uses are endless, making butter a versatile companion in the air frying journey.

Related: Air Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

When To Not Use Butter In An Air Fryer

There are times, believe it or not, when butter might not be the best option for air frying. Here are some cases where you might want to opt for a different approach:

Wet or Marinated Foods: Butter and water don't mix, quite literally. So, when you're air frying marinated or wet foods, the air fryer's fan can blow the butter around, creating a greasy mess. It's best to stick with oil in these cases.
Overheating Butter: Butter has a relatively low smoke point. If you're air frying at high temperatures, your butter can smoke or even burn. If you must use butter, apply it sparingly directly on the basket or food.
Fatty Foods: Cooking fatty foods like hamburgers and bacon produce their own grease. Adding butter to these can result in overly greasy and saturated dishes. Let these foods cook in their own fat for the best results.
Breaded Foods: While butter can help breaded foods achieve a golden hue, it can also cause the coating to become soggy. If you're air frying breaded items, consider using a cooking spray to achieve a crispy texture without the sogginess.
Delicate Pastries: For delicate pastries like phyllo or puff pastry, butter can make the dough overly moist and inhibit it from achieving the desired flaky texture. Use a light brushing of oil instead.

So, while butter can be a fantastic asset in the air fryer, knowing when to use it and when not to can make all the difference to your culinary endeavors.

Tips For Using Butter In An Air Fryer

When it comes to air frying with butter, there's a bit of an art to it. Yes, butter has a lower smoke point, but with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can still put it to good use.

Here's how I do it:

Go Thin: A thin layer of butter is your best bet in the air fryer. It's less likely to burn and does just as good a job enhancing the flavor and texture of your food.
Melt First: Melt your butter before use. It'll be much easier to apply evenly, whether you're brushing it on the air fryer basket or on your food.
Keep an Eye Out: Air frying with butter isn't a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Keep a close eye on your air fryer to ensure the butter isn't smoking or causing any issues.

Can You Melt Butter in an Air Fryer Basket?

Don't have access to a microwave but need melted butter? Your air fryer can step in. Here's what I do:

Put your butter in an air fryer safe container and place it in a preheated air fryer. But remember, butter can start smoking at around 350°F, so you'll want to keep a close eye on it.

Use Low Temperature: If possible, use a lower temperature to melt the butter. This reduces the risk of it burning or smoking.
Short Time Intervals: Check the butter at short time intervals to prevent it from overheating.

How to Remove Butter Grease from an Air Fryer

Once you've delighted in the buttery goodness of your air-fried meal, it's crucial to address the inevitable grease left behind. This not only keeps your air fryer in tip-top shape, but it also ensures your future meals aren't tarnished by leftover grease.

baking soda and toothbrush in front of an air fryer

Here's how I usually do it:

Before you start, ensure the air fryer has completely cooled down. No one wants a burn from hot grease.
With a kitchen towel or paper towel, wipe away any excess butter grease. This step makes the subsequent cleaning much easier.
Give the basket, pan, or rack a good soak in warm, soapy water. This loosens the hardened grease and makes it easier to scrub off.
Create a baking soda and warm water paste, and get to work with a toothbrush. Scrub the interior of your air fryer gently but thoroughly.
Before you start dreaming about your next air-fried dish, make sure your air fryer is completely dry. This prevents any electrical mishaps.
Any accessory you used deserves some TLC, too. Give them a good hand wash while waiting for the air fryer to dry.

Butter up Your Air Fryer Experience

Air fryers truly are a game-changer. These versatile appliances deliver delicious results in a fraction of the time of traditional methods.

Flavor enhancements like butter can turn an ordinary dish into a memorable meal. Yes, butter's low smoke point can be tricky to navigate, but with the right precautions, it's a challenge worth tackling.

And with a clean air fryer, you're always ready for the next culinary adventure. Happy air frying!

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