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Deep frying at home can be an exciting way to create unique and delicious meals. Deep frying often gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy, but that does not have to be the case. It all comes down to what type of oil you choose to deep fry with.
The right oil can be the difference between a moist and juicy treat, and a dried out failure.
With so many options out there, it might seem overwhelming, but we’re going to examine a variety of oils to help you determine which one is going to work best for your deep-frying adventures.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Oils for Deep Frying
Comparison of the Best Oils For Deep Frying
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How Does Oil Change the Flavor?
As previously mentioned, some deep-frying oils can change the flavor of your food. Olive oil has a very strong olive taste and fragrance that can seep into your meal and alter the flavor.
Coconut oil has a tropical flavor that could be strategically used to enhance the flavor of some meals, but should be avoided when deep-frying meat.
Considerations When Choosing Oil to Deep Fry With
The number one thing you should look for when finding an oil for deep frying is smoke point.
An oil’s smoke point is the temperature at which it starts smoking and burning, so the higher the smoke point, the better for deep frying.
You also want to consider if the oil has a taste or smell to it. Even if an oil is tasteless, if it has a strong odor, that can seep into the food and alter the flavor. As previously mentioned, olive oil tends to have the most distinct flavor.
Finally, think about how often and how much food you’re going to be deep frying. If you only break out the deep fryer once a year for Thanksgiving, then it might be worth it to splurge on a higher quality oil.
But if you deep-fry often, it could be beneficial to go for a high quantity of oil at a more affordable price.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Oils For Deep Frying
Here are the top 3 best oils for deep frying:
Review of the Best Oils For Deep Frying
Now that you have a better understanding for which type of oil may be right for you, it’s time to take a look at which brand of oil is going to work best for your needs.
Best Overall:
Snappy Pure Peanut Oil
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers loved this product and stated that they would not hesitate to purchase it again. They liked its high smoke point and found that it was ideal for deep frying. Users also said that it had a lovely buttery mouthfeel and was incredibly light in flavor. However, some customers found it to be too expensive, while some reported that it had an odd scent to it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Being one of the best oils available today, this product stands out to us for several different reasons. Firstly, it has a delicious nutty taste that truly enhances the flavor of the food. Secondly, it is cholesterol-free, has zero trans-fat, and does not include any coloring, making it extremely healthy to use. Lastly, it is incredibly easy to use and can easily be poured at room temperature with a gallon pump.
The Snappy Pure Peanut Oil comes in a one gallon (128 ounces, 8 pound) jug, which works best with a gallon pump.
Snappy Pure Peanut has no artificial coloring, is easily pourable at room temperature, and has a very subtle nutty flavor that adds a tasty layer to your food, without being overpowering.
This is a refined oil that is bleached and deodorized. This gallon jug is ideal for anyone needing to deep-fry large quantities.
Snappy Pure Peanut Oil has a high smoke point, so your food will seal quickly and won’t be greasy.
Who Will Use This Most
Since this product has a natural, nutty flavor, it is ideal for making popcorn. It can also be used in Turkey fryers and for making other fried foods. Lastly, it is perfect for French fries and fried chicken as well.
Bottom Line
All in all, this product is undoubtedly one of the best oils available today. The zero trans-fat and cholesterol-free product improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar, while the high smoke point ensures that the food stays moist. However, it is a bit more expensive than other products available on the market.
Runner-up:
Loriva Roasted Peanut Oil
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost everyone who used this product was extremely satisfied with it and stated that it tasted great. They found it to be flavorful and fresh and said that their kitchen smelled wonderful when cooking with it. Users also loved its strong, fine flavor and said that it could handle high heat. However, some customers reported that they were unable to taste the roasted peanut flavor in their food.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product primarily stands out to us because of its formulation. Manufactured with 100% pure and expeller-pressed roasted peanuts, it does not use any harsh heating processes or harmful chemicals in its formulation. The unit is pressed naturally, giving it a more distinct roasted peanut smell and flavor.
Loriva Roasted Peanut Oil is a higher quality, lower quantity peanut oil option for deep-frying.
Loriva Roasted Peanut Oil is pressed in a natural process, which gives the oil a more distinct peanut flavor and smell.
It’s recommended that Loriva Peanut Oil be stored in the fridge. It will slightly solidify, but easily pours when brought back down to room temperature.
Loriva Peanut Oil has a very high smoke point making it a delicious option for deep-frying. The bottle weighs only 1.5 pounds, so it’s easy to transport and store.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is extremely versatile and can be used for several different dishes, including marinades, stir fry dishes, and salad dressings. The peanuts’ rich taste adds a tantalizing dimension of flavor to a wide range of vegetables and meats, especially Asian-inspired dishes. Along with deep-frying, it can further be used as a pan-frying and finishing oil.
Bottom Line
Manufactured in the US with 100% pure roasted peanuts, this unit provides quality in every drop. The incredibly high smoke point makes it perfect for frying, while its lightweight and compact bottle make it extremely easy to store and transport. However, some people might be disappointed with the low quantity.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anything “wrong” with the Loriva Peanut Oil. It’s high-quality natural pressing process creates a full-bodied, flavorful oil ideal for deep-frying.
In addition to deep-frying, Loriva Peanut Oil can be used as a finishing oil, pan-frying oil, or even for dressings.
The only downside to this oil is that it’s a higher price per ounce, and comes in a smaller quantity than the Snappy Peanut Oil. But if you’re willing to pay a little extra, the product is well worth it.
Best for the Money:
Banyan Botanicals Ghee
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of buyers were extremely satisfied with their purchase and said that it offered excellent value for money. They loved its taste, with several users stating that it was the best ghee they had ever tasted. They found it to be smooth and buttery and said that it was the perfect alternative to butter. However, some customers found the flavor to be too faint, while some reported mold on the inside of the lid.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This ghee is made with the finest cultured and organic butter that comes from grass-fed cows raised in North Carolina’s small family farms. Furthermore, the unit is handmade, and all whey, casein, and lactose are naturally removed, creating rich, golden, and pure organic ghee. The unit is also 3rd party tested, further ensuring safety and quality.
The Banyan Botanicals Ghee is a fair-trade, certified organic, small-batch made ghee butter.
Banyan Botanicals Ghee is made from grass-fed cows pasture-raised in Northern California.
This 7.5 ounce jar has a very high smoke point: 485 degrees Fahrenheit. Banyan Botanicals Ghee can be used not only for deep-frying, but sautéing, baking, and even as a body moisturizer.
The Ghee is made in small-batches, and is lactose, whey, and casein free. If for any reason you try Banyan Botanicals Ghee and want to return, you can get a full refund.
In addition to all its cooking abilities, Banyan Botanicals Ghee promotes healthy digestion and helps foster a balanced metabolism.
Who Will Use This Most
With a smoke point of 485°F, this product is ideal for frying, baking, and sautéing. It’s the perfect alternative to butter, so it can be dolloped in soup, added to your coffee, melted over rice, or even drizzled over popcorn. The unit can also be applied on the face, lips, feet, nails, and hands as a gentle and silky natural moisturizer.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quality product that’s healthy and ethically processed, then this unit is the perfect option for you! Ideal for all deep-frying needs, it has a long shelf life and does not include any gluten, trans-fats, sodium, or GMOs. However, it does have a strong odor, which may make it unappealing for some.
If health, ethical food processing, and quality are your top priorities, then Banyan Botanical Ghee will work great for your deep-frying needs.
With its high smoke point, it’s going to give you a moist deep-fry that is not only better for you, but actually promotes health benefits such as healthy digestion.
Banyan Botanical Ghee is not going to add any type of flavor to your fry. If you want a product that’s going to enhance the taste of what you’re creating, this won’t give you the results you’re looking for.
Like the Loriva Peanut Oil, Banyan Botanicals Ghee is not the most affordable option, but you are getting a higher quality deep-frying oil with multiple uses and benefits. And if you don’t love it, you can return it for full price.
4. BetterBody Foods Organic Naturally Refined Coconut Oil
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of people who invested in this product were extremely happy with their purchase and recommended it to other buyers as well. They stated that it crisped food without any oily taste and found it to be more digestible compared to other oils. While users were particularly impressed with its lack of scent, some reported that it was not factory sealed, which resulted in the contents seeping out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The health benefits of this product are what truly make it stand out from the crowd. Along with having no cholesterol or trans-fats, it also contains high amounts of lauric acid (48%). The unit is high in MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides as well, giving you an energy boost. Furthermore, it conditions hair and soothes and moisturizes dry skin.
BetterBody Naturally Refined Coconut Oil comes in a 15.5 ounce jar, but you have options for varying sizes all the way up to 82 ounces.
As we know, coconut oil is the healthiest deep-frying option, and BetterBody Coconut Oil is no exception. It is organic, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher. BetterBody Coconut Oil is packed full of healthy fats, without any trans-fat or cholesterol.
It has a high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It is the most versatile oil we looked at so far, not only can it deep-fry your food in a healthy way, but it can also be used on your skin and hair as a natural moisturizer.
BetterBody Coconut Oil has no flavor or smell, so you don’t have to worry about your food being injected with any unwanted tropical flavors.
Who Will Use This Most
A high smoke point of 450°F makes this unit perfect for baking, frying, cooking, and sautéing. It can be used as a conditioner and moisturizer for hair and skin as well. It can further be applied on irritated or chapped skin, can soften cuticles, and can be used to remove makeup.
Bottom Line
With a neutral texture and flavor, this product is the perfect substitute for margarine, Crisco, and butter. The 450°F smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat cooking, while the high amounts of MCTs and lauric acid make it incredibly healthy to use. However, the plastic packaging is a bit flimsy.
The BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Oil is the healthiest option we’ve looked at so far. It can help improve your gut health and metabolism. But it is essentially tasteless, so if you want an oil that’s going to add to your meal’s taste, this isn’t what you’re looking for.
5. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost everyone who purchased this unit was extremely happy with it and stated that it worked as advertised. They reported that it had a nice, buttery smell, and enhanced the flavor of their food. While users were impressed with its ability to handle the heat of an open flame, some found it to be too expensive. Some customers were also disappointed with the low quantity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit primarily stands out to us because of its quality. Oil is extracted without the use of any chemicals, and the product is minimally refined to preserve all beneficial nutrients. It also contains the same amount of monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Lastly, it does not contain any artificial preservatives or genetically modified ingredients.
The Chosen Foods Avocado Oil 16.9 ounce bottle has a smooth texture and a very light flavor to add to your deep-frying.
It’s non-GMO and high in monounsaturated fats making it a healthier option for deep-frying. It has the highest smoke point of the oils we’ve looked at so far: 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s 100% pure, cold-pressed, and refined for a high-quality cooking experience. Its flavor is similar to olive oil, and also like olive oil, it’s quite heavy. It comes in a durable glass bottle and is dark green in color.
Who Will Use This Most
With a high smoke point, this product is ideal for baking and high heat cooking. Users can also drizzle it over meats, vegetables, and salads, and can use it to make sauces and dressings as well. The 500°F smoke point further makes it safe to bake, sauté, broil, and stir-fry.
Bottom Line
To put it simply, this product certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. The incredibly high 500°F smoke point makes it perfect for high heat cooking, while its quality refining process preserves all beneficial nutrients. However, the low quantity might be disappointing for some.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil is a healthy option that could soon replace your olive oil. It’s near flavorless and is ideal for high-heat cooking with a 500 degree Fahrenheit smoke point. It comes in a weighty glass bottle that will be sure to last.
If you’re someone who deep-fries often, this may not be the best choice. You can find a higher volume of deep-frying oil for a more reasonable price in some of our other options. But for the casual, health-conscious deep-fryer, this is an excellent choice.
Types of Oil For Deep Frying
In the world of deep-frying, there are a few oils considered to be the most popular: peanut, coconut, and olive oil.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is highly regarded because of its neutral taste. It has a higher smoke point, which is what you want in a deep-frying oil, and can be found at affordable prices. Peanut oil is not going to be your healthy option, and should be avoided if there’s any risk of allergy.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a much healthier option than peanut oil. It can be reused, and resists oxidative damage over corn, soybean, and sunflower oil. However, it is usually avoided due to its distinct flavor.
Coconut oil is very resistant to heat, even over an 8-hour frying period, it won’t deteriorate. Additionally, coconut oil has been proven to kill bacteria and viruses, and help you burn off some extra belly fat.The only reason some might want to avoid coconut oil is, like olive oil, the strong flavor.Those looking for deep-frying oil that adds no outside flavor to their meal prefer peanut oil. But anyone who puts health as their number one priority are partial to coconut.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options for deep-frying that all have different pros and cons, but at the end of the day coconut oil is going to be your most healthy option, with peanut oil being the most flavorful option.
Whether you’re deep-frying a Thanksgiving turkey for the entire family, or some chicken for the kids, the oil you choose matters. Hopefully this helps you have a better idea of which one is going to be the choice for you!
People Also Ask
With so many different types of cooking oils available, choosing the best and healthiest option can be a confusing task. To ensure you find the cooking oil that best suits your deep frying needs, and to clear any confusions you might have, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
What is the Healthiest Oil For Deep Frying?
Sunflower oil and extra light olive oil are great options for deep frying because of their heart-healthy unsaturated fats and high smoke points. With high smoke points of 400-degrees Fahrenheit and 450-degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, canola oil and peanut oil are also healthy options. This is because both oils remain stable throughout the frying process.
How Do You Dispose of Deep Fryer Oil?
Once the oil is completely cooled, pour it into a plastic or any other non-recyclable and resealable container, and throw it into the trash. You can also pour the deep fryer oil into an old can and refrigerate or freeze it. Once it solidifies completely and can be removed in one piece, throw it away. It’s also advisable to mix it with an absorbent material, including sand, sawdust, and cat litter, before tossing it away.
Can I Leave Oil in My Deep Fryer?
Yes! You can leave the oil in your deep fryer, but you’ll have to check whether it has become rancid before you reuse it. If you’re planning on leaving the oil in the fryer, make sure you cover it with a tight lid to maintain its purity. However, it’s still advisable to refrigerate it.
How Long Can You Keep Used Frying Oil?
Used oil can be stored in a light-proof and sealed container for approximately 3 months. It’s better to keep used oil in the fridge if you’re going to use it again. If it becomes clouded, begins to foam, or develops a foul taste, smell, or odor, make sure you discard the oil.
When Should I Change the Oil in My Deep Fryer?
It’s better to change the oil in your deep fryer after 8 to 10 uses. It’s advisable to remove the oil from the fryer after every use, strain it, and properly store it for reuse. Furthermore, it’s better if you store the filtered oil in a cool and dark place until the next use.
How Hot Should Oil Be For Deep Frying?
Slowly bring up the heat until the temperature of the oil is between 375 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher temperature will burn the food, while a lower temperature will result in greasy food. It’s better to use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to achieve the required temperature accurately.
How Many Times Can You Use Oil For Deep Frying?
When frying battered or breaded foods, oil can be reused three to four times. However, when it comes to frying cleaner items, like potato chips, it can be reused at least eight times. If you replenish the fryer with fresh oil before every use, it can be reused for longer times.
