Peanut Oil for Frying & Deep Frying: Ultimate Guide
Peanut oil is a common oil that is used in many Asian and Chinese kitchens to cook foods at high temperatures.
But it is also becoming very popular globally for its flavor and ability to withstand deep frying.
So in this article we are going to be guide you on everything you need to know when frying with peanut oil.
Is Peanut Oil Good For Deep-Frying & High-Heat Frying
Yes, peanut oil is a great choice for regular frying, deep-frying and high-heat frying.
In comparison to many other commercial oils, such as canola and soybean oil, regular peanut oil contains a greater amount of saturated fatty acids which is one of the reasons why it is suitable for high-temperature cooking like frying.
Highly unsaturated oils like soybean oil are less stable and more prone to oxidation, even though they are healthier for you.
This means that even though unsaturated oils may be healthier, they will not withstand the deep-frying process well and may very well burn your food. Peanut oil on the other hand can handle high heat and is relatively healthy.
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Why Peanut Oil is Suitable For Deep-Frying
- High smoke point – Fast cooking at high temperatures results in a crispy coating with minimal oil absorption.
- Refined peanut oil has a mild taste, in contrast to other crude oil’s nutty smell and taste. As a result, refined peanut oil has no impact on the flavor of the dishes that have been prepared.
- Very mild scent – When using peanut oil for frying, the production of off-flavors and odors is quite minimal.
- In comparison to many other normal vegetable oils, such as standard soybean oil, peanut oil is more stable since it has a substantially larger proportion of saturated fatty acids. As a result, peanut oil is more resistant to prolonged high-heat exposure, which reduces the production of dangerous oxidation products.
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What is the Smoke Point Of Peanut Oil
Another thing worth mentioning that makes peanut oil great for high-heat cooking is its smoke point, which is 437℉ (225℃).
This is relatively high and means that this oil can be heated all the way to 437℉ (225℃) before it starts to burn and oxidize or break down.
Most foods are deep fried between 350℉ and 400℉.
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Can You Reuse Peanut Oil After Deep Frying
If properly strained and stored, you can reuse peanut oil after deep-frying a number of times before it starts to break down.
How To Store and Reuse Peanut Oil After Frying
- After deep-frying, let the oil cool to a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put the oil in a clean container after straining it using a fine sieve or cheesecloth. You may need to strain it more than once.
- As long as there are no visible symptoms of degradation, cover the container well, chill and refrigerate it, and reuse it when needed.
Note: If unopened, peanut oil can last up to two years. However, once it’s opened, it should be used within six months.
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When Not to Use Peanut Oil After Frying
You should stop reusing your peanut oil if you see the following signs:
- Foams
- Gets cloudy
- Fails to form bubbles when heated
- Starts smoking excessively before or when you add the food for deep-frying
- Has a rancid smell
- Turns a significantly darker color
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Benefits Of Using Peanut Oil For Frying and Deep-Frying
Using peanut oil for frying and deep-frying has a host of cooking and health benefits.
These include:
Cooking benefits
- A mild flavor that does not overpower the food
- High smoke content that allows food to fry without burning
- High saturated fat content which makes the oil more stable at high temperatures
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant with various preventive advantages against several chronic illnesses, is abundant in peanut oil.
- If used in moderation, peanut oil contains healthy fat and maybe a terrific supplement to your diet.
- It has a lot of antioxidants and healthy fats that may maintain heart health and lower blood sugar levels (improving insulin sensitivity).
- High quantities of unsaturated (healthy) lipids found in peanut oil may help lessen the risk of heart disease.
- Phytosterols, particularly beta-sitosterol, which are found in peanut oil may be able to shield the body from colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
- The monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats in peanut oil aid in lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol), reducing atherosclerosis, which can result in heart disease and stroke, and preventing artery congestion or blockage.
- By interacting with hormones that regulate blood vessels, such as angiotensin, which constricts vessels and arteries, resveratrol, a component of peanut oil, helps lower blood pressure by lowering stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Numerous fatty acids found in peanut oil, including oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids, can improve your health.
- Constipation, digestive issues, and diarrhea may all be alleviated with peanut oil, which also helps to prevent numerous stomach ailments.
- It reduces pain and joint inflammation while preventing inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
Cons of Using Peanut Oil For Frying and Deep Frying
Like all good things, peanut oil also has some risks associated with using it.
These include:
- Peanut Allergy
Most often occurring in children (but also happens in adults), peanut allergies can cause severe anaphylactic reactions that include vomiting, abdominal discomfort, swollen lips and throat, trouble breathing, chest congestion, and even death.
- Heart Disease
Peanut oil contains a relatively high amount of Omega-6 fatty acids. While consuming it in moderation is considered to be safe and healthy, consuming too much of it increases your risk of heart disease.
- Weight Gain
Peanut oil contains a variety of healthy fatty acids, but when consumed in excess, it is heavy in calories, which can cause weight gain and obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Peanut Oil Good For Frying Chicken?
Yes. Peanut oil is affordable, has a high smoke point, and has a very mild flavor. This makes a great choice for deep-frying chicken.
Other than deep-frying, how else can you cook with peanut oil?
Other than deep frying, peanut oil can be used to oven-fry, stir-fry, and drizzle.
Can you use peanut oil to deep fry french fries?
Yes, you can. Peanut oil has a mild enough flavor and a high enough smoke point to cook french fries well.
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How long can you heat peanut oil in a deep fryer?
You can heat peanut oil in a deep fryer for as long as it stays under its smoke point. If you heat it too much and pass its smoke point, it will start to oxidize and burn.
Sources:
Is Peanut Oil Healthy? The Surprising Truth
Why Peanut Oil is Good for Frying Food | Oklahoma State University
Is Peanut Oil Healthy? The Surprising Truth: 22 Benefits & 5 Risks How Long Can You Keep Peanut Oil After You Use It? | eHow
