Unpopular opinion: I think the whole 'no oil' air fryer rule is a myth

I read a study from the University of Nebraska's food science department that tested different cooking methods. They found that using a light spray of oil on vegetables in an air fryer can actually help your body absorb more vitamins. I tried it with broccoli last night, just a quick mist, and it came out way more tender and flavorful than my usual dry method. Has anyone else found that a tiny bit of oil makes a real difference?

4 comments

4 Comments

phoenix2461mo ago

Wait, but doesn't adding oil pretty much cancel out the whole point of using an air fryer for healthier cooking? I'd rather just roast stuff in the oven if I'm gonna add fat anyway.

the_simon3mo ago

Honestly I was the same as victor_robinson, totally anti-oil. But that vitamin thing is a game changer, a quick spray makes everything taste better too.

hollyl253mo ago

Yeah, that study lines up with what I've read too. The oil basically helps carry the fat-soluble vitamins, so your body can actually use them. I use one of those little Misto sprayers with avocado oil on things like carrots and kale chips, and it makes a huge difference in how they crisp up without getting burnt.

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victor_robinson3mo ago

My old self would have skipped the oil entirely to save calories. Reading about how the vitamins just pass through without it was a real eye opener. Now I drizzle a little olive oil on my roasted broccoli like it's my job. The texture improvement alone would have sold me, but getting the actual nutrients is a nice bonus.