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Home / Recipes / Air Fryer / How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

January 29, 2017 By Jill Selkowitz / 80 Comments Updated July 20, 2018 / As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs I earn from qualifying purchases; see all disclosures.

This article on How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking, will help teach you how to prevent most sticking issues.

How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

The latest kitchen appliance to become super popular is the Air Fryer. We can all have our favorite deep fried foods without actually deep frying and without using oil. Wrong!

An Air Fryer does not take the place of a deep fat fryer, but it does allow us to have many of our favorite fried foods without deep frying and without tons of oil. However, oil is still needed in an Air Fryer.

 

Cast of Tools for Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

Cast of Tools for Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

Most of the Air Fryer on the market have a “non-stick” coating. Unfortunately, that coating is definitely not “non-stick.” In order to help keep your food from sticking to the Air Fryer basket, it is important to season your Air Fryer before cooking and/or after cleaning. You will only need Coconut Oil and a piece of Paper Towel. Please do not use aerosol sprays like Pam, as that will only build up grease and cause more peeling.

 

Wash and Dry your Air Fryer

Wash and Dry your Air Fryer

Using a soft sponge, soap and water, wash your Air Fryer basket and drawer in the sink. Use a kitchen towel and lightly dry the Air Fryer drawer and basket. You don’t need to dry it totally, as the Air Fryer itself will do a great job of drying the basket and drawer.

Place the basket inside the drawer and place it into your Air Fryer. Turn the temperature to 400 degrees and set the timer for 5 minutes. Remove the drawer after three minutes.

 

Rub the Basket with Coconut Oil

Rub the Basket with Coconut Oil

Using a paper towel, scoop out some Coconut Oil and rub it all over the Air Fryer basket. Just a thin layer is needed. Don’t go crazy with a thick coating. Place the drawer and basket back into the Air Fryer, which will continue to stay on for two more minutes.

That’s it!

 

Properly Seasoned Air Fryer Basket

Properly Seasoned Air Fryer Basket

Prior to using your Air Fryer before cooking anything, rub a thin coating of Coconut Oil over the whole basket. I like to use The Fine Life Ideal Olive Oil Mister for spraying food with oil. Remember, this is not a deep fryer, but most food, will require that you spray your food, top and bottom, with Oil.

Kitchen Equipment and Essentials

  • Ultrean 8.5 Quart Air Fryer
  • Coconut Oil

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How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

How to Properly Season Air Fryer Basket to Prevent Sticking

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January 29, 2017

About Jill Selkowitz

Hi, I'm Jill. I'm a mom to Tonkinese cats and enjoy sharing restaurant quality meals, easily made at home. With my easy step by step photos and directions, new cooks will be able to follow along and cook like rock stars.

Comments

  1. Brooke says

    January 18, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    Do you have to season it with the coconut oil every time you use it? Also can you put tinfoil in it if you want to reheat something like pizza 🍕 & don’t want the cheese to get everywhere ?

    Reply
  2. Brooke says

    January 16, 2021 at 3:11 pm

    Do you have to preseason it with the coconut oil every time you use it? Also can you use tinfoil in it if you wanted to reheat something like pizza 🍕 & don’t want the cheese getting everywhere??

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    May 27, 2020 at 11:26 pm

    There were so many popup ads I had a hard time reading the article or seeing the pictures. Just thought you should know.

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      May 28, 2020 at 3:16 am

      Thanks, the ads are how I get compensated, so glad they are there. You are welcome for the free information. Jill

      Reply
  4. Gail says

    May 1, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Ran onto this article on Pinterest. My question is…we have had the air fryer for several months now. Is it too late to season the basket? We already have baked on grease on the basket. Very unattractive. Thank you in advance.

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      May 7, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      You can certainly do it, however, the baked on will not come out. Jill

      Reply
  5. Barbara ball says

    February 5, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    My basket was easy to clean. The grease was hard to get off the plane that held the basket. Can you use foul on the pan.

    Reply
  6. Christina Aracil says

    January 25, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    Do you like air fryer parchment paper?

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      February 10, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      I do and use it frequently. I use this brand of parchment paper rounds. Jill

      Reply
  7. Carol Roberts says

    July 24, 2019 at 8:53 pm

    I followed the instructions, but my basket didn’t come out shiny like that. Does it take several times before it becomes shiny? Also, would it work just as well to dry the basket more, put the coconut oil on right away before heating the basket and then heat for 5 min.? That way you wouldn’t have to stick your hand into a really hot AF basket to apply oi.

    Reply
  8. Darlene says

    July 12, 2019 at 3:12 pm

    This should be done after each and every use, shouldn’t it?

    Reply
  9. Florencio says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:16 pm

    There should be warning when seasoning AF. While applying the oil, make sure to wear a heat resistant gloves because the cooking basket will be very hot and will cause severe burn if any part of the metal basket is accidentally touched without hand protection.

    Reply
    • CommonSense says

      January 17, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      Well, It does not take a genius to know not to touch a 400 degree rack. You are the reason we have to put warning labels on everything

      Reply
  10. Kathy says

    February 3, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Thank you, Jill, this makes so much sense to me! The last thing I want to experience is flecks of “nonstick” coating in my food – that would gross me out.

    Your instructions are thorough but simple.

    Reply
  11. Cathy says

    December 30, 2018 at 5:08 am

    Thank you

    Reply
  12. Marcia says

    December 13, 2018 at 12:01 pm

    I love the idea of seasoning the fryer before use, mine is a mess right now! Thanks?

    Reply
  13. Tammy says

    December 1, 2018 at 2:37 am

    Can you spray the inside of the air fryer basket with a spray of its coconut oil?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      December 1, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      Yes.

      Reply
  14. Carl says

    November 10, 2018 at 12:23 am

    Great information thanks

    Reply
  15. DIANE MARSH says

    September 17, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    HI DO YOU ALSO HAVE AN AIR FRYER COOKBOOK OUT?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      September 18, 2018 at 1:06 am

      I’m working on it. Jill

      Reply
  16. Dianne Oliger says

    September 10, 2018 at 7:55 am

    This would not work for me as I am allergic to coconut. Any alternatives?

    Reply
    • Linda says

      October 9, 2018 at 12:58 pm

      In preparation of receiving my first airfryer tomorrow, I called the vendor asking the same question and was told any oil (EVOO, Vegetable, Canola, etc) will do

      Reply
    • Jill says

      October 9, 2018 at 1:19 pm

      Try grapeseed oil.

      Reply
    • Carl says

      November 10, 2018 at 12:34 am

      Grapeseed oil

      Reply
  17. Kathy Messano says

    August 24, 2018 at 2:17 am

    Can you tell us how to clean the AF basket of backed on grease? Nothing I have tried will even begin to remove the build up.

    Reply
    • Marsha says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:28 am

      Try soaking in Dawn dish soap and very hot water. If need be, repeat process until clean.

      Reply
  18. Debra Diner says

    August 23, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    I don’t have coconut oil. Will vegetable oil or olive oil work?

    Reply
  19. Nikki says

    August 22, 2018 at 6:02 am

    I’m just wondering does the coconut oil make your food taste like coconut because I have a very intense taste bud and I don’t like coconut lol

    Reply
    • Jill says

      August 22, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      I don’t think so, Nikki. Jill

      Reply
      • Kathy says

        December 31, 2019 at 5:24 am

        No taste or smell of coconut.

        Reply
  20. Diane Sudkamp says

    August 3, 2018 at 9:44 am

    Buying a air fryer and looking for ideas and recipes for air fryers. Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Barbara Brown says

    July 29, 2018 at 8:57 am

    Thank you, Jill, for providing us with this valuable information. I followed your seasoning directions the first time I used my new AF. Second time using, and every time thereafter, following cooking, cleaning, and drying, do we season and heat again prior to putting AF away until next time?

    Thank you so much ?

    Reply
  22. Tally says

    July 3, 2018 at 10:50 am

    Thank you for the information

    Reply
  23. Natasha says

    June 27, 2018 at 11:22 am

    I’m interested in why it doesnt talk about seasoning at all in my gowise owners manual? I assumed you needed to, but wouldnt have if I didnt see this post before trying it out for the first time.

    Reply
  24. Mary Krienke says

    June 19, 2018 at 4:45 am

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was starting to look around for a copper lined basket air fryer. I haven’t seen anything i’d like. Then i came upon this post this morning! You really are awesome!

    Reply
  25. WallyT says

    April 15, 2018 at 8:10 am

    Just bought air fryer. You seem to have all the info I need to get frying. Thanks 😉

    Reply
  26. RLoeding says

    February 25, 2018 at 6:35 am

    Thank you- for sharing. Very helpful and got us off on a good start with our Air Fryer!

    Reply
  27. Beth says

    February 8, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    What is the dimensions of this air fryer? I need to find a spot for it before I order it.
    Is this still your favorite?

    Reply
  28. Ruby says

    January 21, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    HI, thanks for sharing your recipes. As I type, I am trying the Cuban frijoles in my instant pot. Quick question to seasoning the air fryer basket. Can another oil than Coconut be used? I had an allergic reaction to Coconut oil.

    Reply
  29. Marianne says

    December 31, 2017 at 7:24 am

    Merry Christmas to me….5.5quart air fryer. Thank you for all the help hints recipes. Love “This old gal”.com. From another older, this old gal in Kentucky.

    Reply
    • Jill says

      December 31, 2017 at 11:17 pm

      Congrats on your air fryer. You’re gonna love it. Jill

      Reply
  30. Jim says

    December 2, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    I’ve got a quick question concerning seasoning my air fryer. Is this something special I should do before I use my air fryer the first time or does this refer to what I will do with an oil mister each time I cook? If it is a special procedure before first use, should I only use coconut oil or can I use canola oil? Thanks.

    Reply
  31. Ann Federico says

    November 14, 2017 at 7:54 am

    How to stop my geo wise hot air basket from peeling….the black paint is peeling and we are worried we are eating a chemical?

    Reply
  32. Sheri beach says

    November 9, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    do you have to do this every time before you use the air fryer?

    Reply
    • Jill says

      November 14, 2017 at 2:38 am

      No, Sheri. Jill

      Reply
  33. myrtle brown says

    November 6, 2017 at 8:09 am

    great

    Reply
  34. Mary says

    November 1, 2017 at 3:59 am

    I am just learning about my air fry

    Reply
  35. Florence Peterson says

    October 26, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    Many thanks for the info – the basket in my air-fryer (kogan brand) is a cyclinder suspended by the rotisserie rod and looks to be “stainless steel fly screen wire”, however I am familiar with treating cast iron much as your article says.

    However, I have a problem with which you may be able to help. My air fryer is brand new and so far I haven’t the confidence to use it as I cannot find out if you can put food in the stainless steel bowl – all recipes (about 8) that came with it are placed on a wire rack – I am also an “old gal” having just turned 81 and usually cook on a slow combustion stove but finding using the chain saw is becoming a chore rather than a diversion routine, so bought the air fryer as it is supposed to do anything an oven can do as well.

    Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Florence

    Reply
  36. Doris Falconer says

    October 10, 2017 at 5:56 pm

    Thanks for the info for seasoning my new Air Fryer. I’m really looking forward to using with your receipes!

    Reply
  37. Donna Lowe says

    October 9, 2017 at 9:44 am

    I am new to cooking with an air fryer. I haven’t cooked any foods in it yet. Does the air fryer basket need to be seasoned after each use or just before the initial use? I will be checking back for any tips and recipes as I am anxious to start using it.

    Reply
    • Jill says

      October 9, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      It is good to oil before each use if making a “fried” recipe. Jill

      Reply
  38. Bill Williams says

    September 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Can Olive oil be used instead of coconut oil?

    Reply
    • Jody says

      October 3, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Since you’re seasoning it at 400 degrees, I’d use an oil with a high smoke point, like grapeseed oil if coconut oil is something you can’t use.

      Reply
  39. Geneva says

    September 10, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Tried this today
    Thsnks

    Reply
  40. Kristen says

    September 9, 2017 at 10:07 am

    How often do you have to season it? Each time you cook something in it or once in awhile?

    Reply
  41. greg says

    September 2, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Just bought my air fryer and want to try all of your amazing recipes. Garlic honey wings is what I am cooking tonight. Thank you

    Reply
    • Jill says

      September 3, 2017 at 9:30 am

      Hi Greg. You are welcome. Have fun with your air fryer. Let me know how you like the wings. Jill

      Reply
    • Janet says

      June 17, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      Would like the recipe

      Reply
  42. Carma Carmon says

    July 14, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    thanks a bunch for your info….air-frying is great and your demo…helps us all enjoy it more…thanks

    Reply
  43. carol pearse says

    July 12, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    love your posts!!

    Reply
  44. Dorothy Aebersold says

    June 9, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Can you only use coconut oil to season?

    Reply
  45. Debi says

    June 8, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Should I re season the basket after each use? Or does the first seasoning last for awhile?

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      January 7, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      I was wondering the same thing???

      Reply
  46. Sarah says

    May 13, 2017 at 4:08 am

    Can you use something besides coconut oil? My son is allergic to it.

    Reply
    • Leigh Ann says

      March 10, 2018 at 4:15 am

      Wondering the same. I am highly allergic to coconut too. Aggravating how many recipes call for it now.

      Reply
  47. Joanne says

    April 25, 2017 at 7:30 am

    Interesting article. I was not aware of seasoning the basket for these Ari Fryers. I don’t own one yet. I’ve been studying about them to make sure it would really be a kitchen appliance I would truly use.

    Reply
    • Jill says

      April 25, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      Hi Joanne~

      It really helps when cooking items that tend to stick. Jill

      Reply
  48. vanessa says

    April 6, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    Do you think you could use coconut oil aresol spray? I purchased some from trader joes that I
    like so far.

    Reply
    • Donn says

      April 9, 2017 at 10:38 am

      Yes can I do it all the time

      Reply
  49. Cal says

    March 10, 2017 at 3:00 am

    Thank you for this article. I am trying to read all about the air fryer before I use it. Do you have any recipes for a pork tenderloin?

    Reply
  50. Will says

    February 22, 2017 at 8:54 am

    my airfryer smokes… I think i cooked too many fatty foods (chicken wings) now even if i have french fries in it, it smokes a little. do you have any advice on stopping the white smoke or completely getting the oil out?

    Reply
    • kim says

      April 6, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      I read in another post if you put a little water under the basket then the smoke will stop.

      Reply
      • Joanie white says

        April 25, 2017 at 8:22 am

        I used the water technique and it worked great. No smoke

        Reply
    • Darlene says

      September 1, 2017 at 9:54 am

      There will always be a bit of white smoke. Don’t worry!
      Make sure to clean your air fryer each time you use it.

      Reply
    • Dean says

      February 10, 2019 at 4:15 pm

      Put water in the bottom top stop it from smoking

      Reply
  51. Fayette Thornal says

    February 19, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    I have the same question too. Also, can you still put it in the dishwasher?

    Reply
  52. Melisa says

    January 29, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    How often do you season the badket?

    Reply
    • Florence says

      February 16, 2017 at 2:24 pm

      I have the same question as above.

      Reply
      • Laura B says

        January 2, 2018 at 1:57 pm

        If you read the article, she states… quote ” it is important to season your Air Fryer before cooking and/or after cleaning.”

        Reply

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