Can You Deep Fry With Olive Oil?

We all know foods we love that are deep fried, like chicken, fish, onion rings, and french fries. When foods are deep-fried in oil, the fast immersion in oil changes them, making the outside crispy and the inside moist.

Olive oil and deep frying require precise temperature control—too low results in greasy food, while too high causes burning. It’s important to use a thermometer for accurate temperature control. This keeps the oil temperature from dropping so food cooks evenly.

Using Olive Oil as a Cooking Oil

Olive oil has a lower smoke point compared to other frying oils, making it challenging for deep frying. If you use light olive oil with a smoke point of 465 to 470°F, you will be able to use it for deep frying without burning or excessive smoke.

Understanding and Using Olive Oil for Deep Frying

Types of Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is extracted through mechanical means without heat or chemicals. Virgin olive oil has slightly higher acidity and fewer flavor notes than EVOO. Refined olive oil has impurities and flaws removed for a lighter color and milder flavor. Pure olive oil is a blend of refined and virgin olive oils.

Smoke Point of Olive Oil

Deep frying requires temperatures between 350 to 375°F (175-190°C). Extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point of approximately 375°F (190°C). Refined olive oil has the highest olive oil smoke point at around 465°F (240°C), making it suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Why Choosing the Right Oil for Deep Frying is Important

Olive oil must maintain stability at high temperatures to prevent the formation of harmful compounds and ensure food safety. The chosen oil also impacts the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the fried food.

Pros and Cons of Deep Frying with Olive Oil

You’ll find several pros and cons to deep-frying with olive oil:

Pros:

1.  Flavor enhancement: Olive oil can impart a distinctive Mediterranean flavor to fried foods.

2. It’s a healthy oil for deep frying.

• High levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Natural antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory compounds

3. Lower absorption rate into food compared to some other oils
4. For a unique taste after frying, drizzle food with some of Big Paw Olive Oil’s flavored olive oils.

Cons:

1. Cost: Olive oil, especially EVOO, is more expensive than common frying oils. This is relevant in deep frying, which requires substantial amounts of oil.

2. Smoke point limitations: Extra virgin olive oil’s low smoke point makes it challenging to maintain proper deep-frying temperatures. Refined olive oil has a higher smoke point but loses many beneficial compounds when heated.

3. Flavor: Olive oil’s flavor may be unsuitable in some dishes.

For occasional home cooking, refined olive oil is a good choice. For frequent or commercial frying, other high-heat oils might be more economical.

Recipes for Olive Oil Deep Frying

Here are several olive oil deep-frying recipes to get you started:

Fried calamari:
Pat squid rings dry, coat in seasoned flour, and fry at 350°F. Fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes; keep the oil at a consistent temperature.

French fries:
Cut potatoes into strips, soak in cold water, pat dry; fry at 325°F initially, then raise to 375°F to achieve a crisp exterior. Drain on paper towels.

Fried chicken:
Marinate chicken pieces; roll in breadcrumbs; fry at 350°F, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and cooking.

Vegetable tempura:
Dip fresh vegetables in batter; fry at 360-370°F, ensuring light cooking that maintains the vegetables' crispness.

Big Paw Olive Oil is Great for Deep Frying

Using olive oil to deep fry is not only possible; it can be a delicious and healthy way to fry foods. Experiment and see which of your favorite foods pair well with olive oil’s unique properties. Big Paw Olive Oil invites you to explore all of our olive oil varieties and our light extra virgin olive oil, which you may wish to use for deep frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you fry food in olive oil?
Yes, you can fry food in olive oil. Choose a refined or light olive oil with a higher smoke point for the best deep-frying results.

2. What type of olive oil is best for deep frying?
Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, so refined or light olive oil works well for deep frying.

3. Is deep-frying with olive oil safe?
Yes, olive oil is safe for deep frying when used correctly and heated to appropriate temperatures.

4. How do I know if olive oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a cooking thermometer to check that the olive oil reaches between 350–375°F.

5. Can I reuse olive oil after deep frying?
Olive oil can be reused 2-3 times. Drain, store properly, and don’t heat beyond its smoke point.