Everything You Need To Know About Deep Fat Fryer Oil

Jen

July 31, 2021

Last updated on September 18, 2021

deep-fat-fryer-oil

Are you just getting into deep frying? It’s healthier than you might imagine – but there are plenty of different things you are going to need to keep in mind before you get started. Deep fat frying doesn’t just revolve around the same oils over and over again as we explore in this article about deep fat fryer oil.

For example, the deep fat fryer oils you can use in a deep fat fryer will vary in terms of their high smoke point, as well as in terms of taste! of course, deep frying will vary in terms of what the healthiest oils are to use, too.

Therefore, in this guide, we are going to start considering everything you need to know about deep frying, the deep fat fryer oil you’ll need to keep to hand, and how you can start creating delicious food for the better. Which is the best oil for taste, health and for a fantastic, deep fry?

Your own tastes and needs may vary – but let’s take a look at everything you need to make sure you keep in mind before going fully deep fried.

What is the Healthiest Deep Fat Fryer Oil?

When considering deep frying, it might surprise you that there are healthy oil options! Fried foods, by design, aren’t that healthy – at least when you compare them to salads or grilled items! However, there are ways through which you can make fried food healthier, and it generally revolves around the type of oil you use in deep fryers.

Olive oil tends to be amongst the healthiest of oils on the planet. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is sought after as one of the least detrimental to healthy cooking. What’s more, it tends to be fantastic for cooking when it comes to the smoke point, which we will come to shortly. It’s great for deep frying in addition to frying in the odd pan, too.

Many people also tend to head towards peanut oil, coconut oil, avocado oil and even canola oil for similar reasons. Canola oil and peanut oil tend to be the most popular for deep fat frying, but as mentioned, hot oil of most kinds will work. However, try and stick to olive oil or coconut oil if you really want fried food that’s not going to be the worst for you.

Peanut oil is low in all kinds of bad fats, with canola oil largely being the same. Try and see which flavours appeal to you, as well as prices – it’s all hot oil, at the end of the day!

What is the Smoke Point?

Deep frying doesn’t have to be unhealthy, and while fried food has a bit of a bad reputation, you can make it healthier using different types of oil. Of course, it all depends on the fried food you actually cook in your deep fryers!’ However, there are ways through which you can make fried food healthier, and it generally revolves around the type of oil you use in deep fryers.

Olive oil tends to be amongst the healthiest of oils on the planet. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is sought after as one of the least detrimental to healthy cooking. What’s more, it tends to be fantastic for cooking when it comes to the smoke point, which we will come to shortly. It’s great for deep frying in addition to frying in the odd pan, too.

Many people also tend to head towards peanut oil, coconut oil, avocado oil and even canola oil for similar reasons. Canola oil and peanut oil tend to be the most popular for deep fat frying, but as mentioned, hot oil of most kinds will work. However, try and stick to olive oil or coconut oil if you really want fried food that’s not going to be the worst for you.

Peanut oil is low in all kinds of bad fats, with canola oil largely being the same. Try and see which flavours appeal to you, as well as prices – it’s all hot oil, at the end of the day!

8 Facts About Deep Fat Fryer Oil

  1. Canola oil and peanut oil tend to be the most popular for deep fat frying
  2. Peanut oil is good for growing teenagers as it is rich in monounsaturated fat
  3. Sesame oil is good for blood pressure & joint pains
  4. Coconut oil has a high smoke point & rich in saturated fat
  5. Flaxseed oil is good for arthritis
  6. Your kitchen won’t be filled with tantalising smells.
  7. Never tip your oil down your sink, it will clog your pipes. Always empty into a container, such a milk carton and dispose of in your waste.
  8. Deep frying with olive oil doesn’t make your food any healthier than using other polyunsaturated oils.

How Long Can You Leave Oil in a Deep Fat Fryer?

Believe it or not, you can leave all kinds of fryer oil in your machine over time and there won’t be any kind of problems. This really depends on the food you cook in the oil beforehand, as well as the type of fryer you pick. Of course, it really doesn’t hurt to ensure you give your fryer a good clean down every now and again!

There are deep fryer options out there which allow you to seal in oil over time. This means that you’re going to be able to seal in your oil and use it time and again. For the straight answer, it may be best looking at the shelf life of the oil you use, along with the deep fryer. Choose a system that’s used for storage just as much as it is for home frying regularly, and you should by all means be able to lock in your oil for time to come.

How Do You Dispose of Deep Fat Frying Oil?

Anyone looking into deep frying at home will come across this conundrum during their cooking. Unfortunately, frying oil can be a great nuisance when it comes to getting rid of it. If you don’t put it to its best frying up your food, you may well have some surplus you’re not going to be using any time soon.

In some cases, you may be able to recycle deep fryer oil or cooking oil at home, though it’s not always healthy depending on the food you like.

To keep things clean, after deep frying, it’s worth leaving oil to cool in your deep fryer.  When it comes to cleaning your deep fat fryer, after draining the oil, place it in a container that you can throw away. For example, an empty takeaway Tupperware or a milk or juice carton are great choices. You can then throw your deep fryer oil safely in the bin.

Don’t ever be tempted to pour your deep fryer oil down the drain, even down the toilet or both. Oil could have the risk of solidifying and clogging up your pipes. Just because oil can cool down once it’s away from hot fryers, doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to get a clean getaway.

You should also contact your local council. They might be able to provide you with free fat traps, which you can use to contain oil from deep frying when you want to throw it away.

But What about Air Frying?

Air frying is fast becoming a good alternative to deep frying food at home. many consider it healthier as, unlike deep fried meals, there is no oil involved. The flavor may vary, however, meaning that while the fats might be low – and the temperature the same – you won’t always get the same results by any means.

However, a change is as good as a rest. If you really don’t fancy getting hot oil up to temperature, or feel that deep fryers are too unhealthy to persist with, there’s a world of choice out there. Take a look around!

We hope you’ve found this guide to finding the best oil for your deep fryer informative. No matter the temperature you choose – 400 degrees F or otherwise – oil can really make a difference to your meals. Pick the best flavor, the best temperature, and cook up a storm – but not a fire!

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