A deep fryer can cook many things. French fries. Chicken. Squid rings. Tempura. Shrimp. Fish. Endless amounts of fried treats!
You also have several oils to choose from in cooking these foods. That said, not every oil is applicable to a deep fryer. Here are some of the healthier cooking oils and how to use them.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is used by professional chefs for frying. It can help crisp French fries and/or stir-fry vegetables. It adds a light flavor and can also be used for frying, with what can be a surprisingly neutral taste.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a unique source of omega-3 fatty acids although is plant-based rather than from fish. Heat alters its properties and changes some of the nutritional content. Though perfect for blending smoothies or in salad dressing, it should not be combined with high-heat or tempura frying.
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is another healthy cooking oil you can actually use in your deep-fryer. It is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats. A high smoke point and a very affordable price are why many go grabbing for it when they need to fry something.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an oil high in medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs. Though a healthy oil, coconut should be used sparingly and is not recommended for deep-frying.
Canola Oil
Canola is one of the most common oils for deep-frying in Canada. It is widely available, light in texture, and is perfect for sealing in flavors and nutrients, evaporating excess juices, or caramelizing sugars.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is an oil that can be kept long in your pantry as it naturally resists oxidation. A non-traditional frying oil, sesame oil is best used when toasting spices or sautéing.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is another fine oil for a deep-fryer, able to get your fries and meats nice and crispy. Sunflower oil is healthier than some alternatives, found to strengthen the immune system, strengthen the heart, and benefit the skin.
Avocado Oil
Can you use avocado oil for deep-frying – unfortunately, no. Although avocado oil is full of monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, the quality of the oil does not contain the characteristics required for deep-frying.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
One of the least processed oils on this list, olive oil is also one of the healthiest oils in the world. Although it works exceptionally well drizzled on salad and toast, it is not good for baking, high-heat roasting, or frying. Do not use olive oil in your deep fryer.
Corn Oil
Corn oil is low in saturated and monounsaturated fats. Corn oil is popular in margarine manufacturing, and is used frequently in frying and baking. Similar to canola oil, corn oil isn’t the healthiest option on this list but it certainly tastes very, very good!
Visit Living.ca today to buy a deep-fryer or tempura deep pot fryer. Enjoy high-quality oil frying and find a whole new collection of foods to indulge in.
