Wondering if you can mix oils when deep frying? Well, wonder no more. In this article, we will explain when it is appropriate and what to look out for.
We also answer a few other queries you might have. Some people will tell you that you may get more benefits by mixing specific oils, while others will swear it is a bad idea. But what do you do when you are about to get reacquainted with your deep fryer, and all you have are little potions of different oils? How about when you want the flavor of peanut oil and the affordability of vegetable oil on your turkey?
Mixing oils is totally fine. After all, vegetable oil is often a blend of several other oils such as soybean and canola oils. You only got to have your facts right – like knowing the smoke points and the effect of mixed flavors on your cooking.
What are Smoke Points?
The smoke point is the temperature at which oil begins to give off smoke. It is mostly dependent on purity, age, and raw materials used in the oil manufacture. The general rule of thumb is light-colored oils have higher smoke points.
The Role of Smoke Points When Mixing Oils
Before we get into the mixing, deep fryers operate at an average of 375° F. It is always best to use oil with a minimum smoking point of 400° F.
When mixing oils, you want to work with the lowest smoke point among the oils. Let’s say you combine almond oil (420° F smoke point) and coconut oil (350° F). Your new smoking point will be 350° F, and you cannot bump up your fryer beyond that.
It is common belief that the oil may release unhealthy compounds if you exceed its smoke point. What’s more, it may destroy healthy nutrients, and your food may taste weird or smell funny.
More Factors to Consider When Mixing Oils
Besides their smoke points, you should factor in the issues of taste and flavor when mixing oils. The majority of deep-frying oils are neutral, and mixing them won’t affect the taste much. However, you might want to reconsider mixing sweet oil such as coconut with bitter oil such as flaxseed oil because the flavor might be off.
Mixing Oils FAQs
Should you fry a turkey with peanut oil?
Peanut oil is popular when frying turkey because it adds a unique flavor, but other common cooking oils work just fine.
Can you mix peanut oil with vegetable oil?
Sure, you can mix the two so long as you keep their various smoke points in mind. Peanut oil is a bit expensive, so most cooks prefer mixing it with cheaper oil to cut costs while still delivering the unique flavor.
Can you reuse deep-frying oil?
You can reuse your deep fryer oil, but you have to filter it before each subsequent use to remove the particles. Also, there is no rule for how many times to reuse it, although you want to stop when the color begins to turn dark.
Can I fry different foods in the same oil?
You could, but it is inadvisable to mix different foods in the same frying oil to prolong the life of your oil and avoid mixing flavors.
Bottom Line
So can you mix oils when deep frying? Now you know: mixing oils is perfectly fine. You only need to understand what you are doing and mix them cautiously. Remember:
- Don’t mix too many oils because even the mixed oils on shelves undergo rigorous tests before they are cleared for use in the kitchen
- Work with the lowest smoke point in the mixture
- Ensure you factor in the flavors when mixing oils
- Mixing oils can help you take advantage of several types of oils, including their costs, health benefits, and flavor
- Exceeding the smoke point of your oil when cooking can lead to unhealthiness and poor taste
- Avoid frying different foods in the same oils to preserve the taste of your meals and extend the oil’s life
