Can coconut oil be used for frying?
I found various contradicting sources as to whether coconut oil can be used for frying or not. Some claim it is "The ideal oil for frying" as it has a high smoking point, while some say it is not suited for frying, since it has a low smoking point. So which is true? Please give trustworthy sources - the more scientific the better.
Thanks in advance
Best Answer
There are multiple qualities, differently refined, on the market. Highly refined qualities that leave only the oil (various fatty acids) itself will have a very high smoke point and be suitable for high heat frying. There is a lot of saturated fats in coconut oil, which result in both the solid texture at low temperatures and the stability at high heat.
Unrefined or less-refined qualities will have other compounds left in, which can contribute to aroma (and possible nutritional benefits) but will also lower the smoking point and can actually result in an off taste and/or byproducts not considered healthy (why is off topic here).
Various smoke points are quoted, from 300°F for some unrefined varieties to 450°F for some highly refined ones. Exact smoke points likely depend on how exactly it was refined.
The exact same applies to olive oil, BTW: Highly refined varieties are known to be perfectly usable for high heat work, with the opposite being true of unrefined ones.
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Quick Answer about "Can coconut oil be used for frying?"
Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which means it's stable and doesn't appear to change quality during deep frying. This may make coconut oil a good choice for frying.Is coconut oil good for pan frying?
Pan Frying Remember, coconut oil has a high smoke point and can be used to pan fry meats, vegetables, and sauces. Because of its subtle sweet coconut flavor, it works really well with tropical and islander style dishes like stir-fry and jerk-seasoned chicken.Which oil is best for deep frying?
Canola Oil: The Best Oil for Deep-Frying And because it is neutral in flavor, it won't impart any additional flavors to your food. Which means that by any measure, whether it's smoke point, health or cost, canola oil is the best oil for deep-frying.Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for frying?
Yes, coconut oil is good for frying. However, when you fry foods at high temperatures always use refined coconut oil, which has a higher smoke point than virgin coconut oil.Can I fry chicken in coconut oil?
Benefits: Coconut oil has high levels of lauric acid and healthy fats, making it a healthier option for deep frying than other oils. The oil is also odorless and flavorless, which protects the flavor of your chicken and prevents flavor transfer.Coconut Oil: Healthy or Unhealthy?
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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