Can You Reuse Turkey Fryer Oil?

Deep-fried turkey is a delicious, juicy, and quick way to cook a whole turkey. However, it requires a lot of oil—approximately 3 to 5 gallons—which can be expensive. But can you use the oil more than once?

The good news is that you can reuse frying oil several times before needing to dispose of it. This is a great way to reduce waste and costs. The number of times you can reuse the oil depends on the type of oil, what you're frying, and how well you strain it.

To reuse turkey fryer oil, let the oil cool completely, then strain it using a cheesecloth and funnel to remove any floating particles. Store the filtered oil in a lidded container in a cool, dry, and dark place. It's important to note that frying oil takes on the flavour of what it's cooked with, so don't use oil for crullers if you've previously used it for fish!

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying turkeys due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour, but other oils such as corn oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil can also be used. Remember to always dispose of oil properly and never pour it down the sink or toilet, as it can cause plumbing issues.

Reusing oil is safe and cost-effective

Reusing oil is a safe and cost-effective way to fry turkeys. It is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, corn, canola, cottonseed, safflower, soybean, or sunflower oil. These oils can be safely heated to a high temperature without breaking down, which can ruin the flavor of your food.

Once you've finished frying, let the oil cool completely, then strain it into a clean container. You can use a cheesecloth set in a fine-mesh strainer or just a regular strainer. It's helpful to use a funnel for this process. Label the container with the date, what the oil was used for, and the number of times it has been used. Store the oil in a cool, dark place, or even in the refrigerator if you have the space.

Properly stored oil can be reused three to five times within six months. Each time you reuse the oil, make sure to examine it first. If it has separated or smells bad, it needs to be disposed of. Otherwise, you can pour it back into your pot and heat it up as normal. Remember to keep the total heating time of the oil to six hours, including preheating time.

Reusing oil is a great way to reduce waste and save money. It is also important to dispose of used oil properly. Do not pour it down the sink, as it can clog pipes. Instead, look for an oil collection point in your area or recycle it into biodiesel.

Oil can be reused 2-8 times

Reuse Your Frying Oil

Frying oil can be reused anywhere from two to eight times. The lifespan of frying oil is longer than most people realise. Reusing oil is a great way to reduce the waste and cost of frying.

Storing Your Oil

Once you've finished cooking, let the oil cool down completely. Then, strain the oil into a clean, lidded container, such as a glass jar or the original container it came in. Cover the oil and store it in a cool, dry, dark place. If you won't be using the oil within a month, store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

How to Know if Your Oil is Still Good

There is no hard and fast rule for when oil is no longer suitable for frying. However, if the oil has become dark or dirty, is smoking before it reaches frying temperature, is foaming at the top, or has developed a rancid or musty smell, it's time to dispose of it.

Choose an oil with a high smoke point

When choosing an oil to fry a turkey, it is important to select one with a high smoke point. This is because oil with a high smoke point can be heated to high temperatures without breaking down. When oil breaks down, it goes rancid and can ruin the flavor of the food you are cooking.

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying turkeys because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. It also adds a crisp texture to fried foods. Other good options for frying turkeys include refined avocado oil, safflower oil, refined soybean oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, and cottonseed oil. These oils all have smoke points above 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the minimum smoke point recommended for frying a turkey.

When selecting an oil for frying a turkey, it is important to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have. For example, if someone is allergic to peanuts, you may want to choose a different oil such as corn, safflower, or sunflower oil. Additionally, if you are frying a large turkey, you may need to add fresh oil to maintain the required oil level.

By choosing an oil with a high smoke point and following proper safety and storage procedures, you can reuse the oil multiple times for frying turkeys or other foods.

Store oil in a cool, dark place

Storing oil in a cool, dark place is crucial to preserving its quality and extending its shelf life. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure proper storage:

• Container: Choose a suitable container for storing the oil, preferably the oil's original container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before pouring the oil into it. If the original container is not available, opt for a lidded glass jar or another food-grade container with a secure lid.
• Straining: Before storing, it is essential to strain the oil to remove any particles or debris. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to carefully strain the oil and separate it from any solid particles. This step helps prevent the oil from becoming rancid and ensures that it can be reused multiple times.
• Labelling: Properly label the container with the date, the type of oil, and the number of times it has been used. This helps you keep track of how long the oil has been stored and how many times it has been reused.
• Storage Location: Find a cool, dark place to store the container. Avoid storing the oil in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can affect the quality and shelf life. A pantry or cupboard away from direct heat is ideal. If you have the space, storing the oil in a refrigerator or freezer can further extend its shelf life, especially if you don't plan on using it for more than a month.
• Storage Duration: Properly stored oil can last up to six months. However, it is important to examine the oil before each use. If it has separated, developed an unusual odour, or shows signs of rancidity, such as foaming, darkening, or excessive smoking, it should be discarded.
• Safety: When storing oil, it is crucial to prioritise safety. Keep the container out of the reach of children and pets. Additionally, always dispose of used oil responsibly. Do not pour it down the sink, toilet, or septic system, as it can cause clogging and damage to pipes and drainage systems.

Dispose of oil responsibly

It is important to dispose of oil responsibly to avoid causing harm to the environment and sewer systems. Here are some ways to do so:

Solidify and Trash It

Use a product like FryAway to solidify the oil into a block that can be thrown into the trash.

Transfer to a Closed Container

Pour the oil into a sealable, disposable container, such as the bottle it came in, seal it tightly, and throw it away.

Recycle It

Depending on your location, you may be able to recycle used oil. Use an online tool like Earth 911 to find recycling drop-off points near you or check with local services.

Take It to a Restaurant

If you live near a restaurant, you can give them your used oil for proper disposal.

Contact a Hazardous Waste Disposal Company

Companies that collect household hazardous waste often accept used cooking oil. Contact a local company to inquire about their services.

Use a Grease Disposal System

Install a grease trap, a plumbing device that intercepts and retains fats, oils, and grease before they enter the wastewater system. While this is more common for commercial kitchens, homeowners may also benefit from this system.

Compost Plant-Based Oils

Small amounts of plant-based oils, such as vegetable, olive, or canola oil, can be composted. However, synthetic oils like motor oil should be excluded from compost.

Key Points to Remember:

• Do not pour oil down the sink, toilet, or septic system.
• Always store oil in a sealed container before disposal.
• Check local regulations and guidelines for specific instructions.

Frequently asked questions