Yes, you can use the same oil for frying on a stove top and in an air fryer. However, there are a few things to consider when using oil in each cooking method:
Oil Quantity: When using an air fryer, you typically need less oil compared to traditional frying on a stove top. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, so you only need a light coating of oil to achieve a crispy texture. On the other hand, when frying on a stove top, you usually require more oil to submerge the food.
Oil Type: You can use the same type of oil for both methods. Common oils used for frying include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and sunflower oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, as it can withstand the high temperatures of both the stove top and the air fryer without burning or producing excessive smoke.
Preheating: When using an air fryer, you preheat it before adding the food, whereas in traditional stove top frying, you heat the oil in the pan and then add the food. The preheating process can vary between the two methods.
Cooking Time: Cooking times may differ between the stove top and air frying. In an air fryer, the cooking time is often shorter due to the intense and direct heat from the air circulation.
Monitoring: Regardless of the cooking method, it's essential to monitor the cooking process to achieve the desired level of crispiness and prevent overcooking.
It's worth noting that while an air fryer can produce similar crispy results to frying in oil, it may not achieve precisely the same taste and texture as traditional deep-frying. However, using an air fryer can be a healthier option as it requires less oil, reducing the overall fat content of the food.