Display omitted •A green photoredox oxidation of benzylic alcohols to carbonyl compounds with air as an oxidant was reported.•Broad substrates scope, 24 examples, up to 90% yields.•A quinuclidine mediated HAT process was involved in the mechanism. A green photoredox oxidation of benzylic primary and secondary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones with air as an oxidant was reported. The oxidation shows broad substrate scope and excellent selectivity over benzylic alcohols to the aliphatic alcohols. Further mechanistic studies revealed a quinuclidine mediated HAT process, and blue LEDs promoted 4CzlPN (1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene) photoredox cycle were involved in our oxidation.