Fryer Oil Reuse: Is It Safe?

You can reuse fryer oil, but the colour of the oil will impact the quality and aesthetics of your fried food. Dark oil will result in a dark and inconsistently coloured final product. The type of food fried will influence the colour of the oil, with sugar, proteins, and crumbs contributing to colour development. Other factors that can cause discolouration include water, cleaning chemicals, and high temperatures. It is important to note that reusing fryer oil can be unsafe if not done properly, as it can release acrolein, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical. To reuse fryer oil safely, strain out any leftover bits and store the oil in a sealed container.

How to store used fryer oil

Used fryer oil can be stored and reused, reducing waste and the cost of frying. However, frying oil should not be reused too many times as it can turn toxic and potentially carcinogenic.

• Cool the oil: Allow the oil to cool completely in the frying vessel.
• Strain the oil: Use a cheesecloth set in a fine-mesh strainer or a funnel with a filter to strain the oil into a clean, preferably glass, container.
• Label the container: Include the date, what the oil was used to fry, and the number of times it has been used.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Used fryer oil should be stored in a lidded container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.

Used fryer oil can be reused anywhere from two to eight times, depending on the type of oil, what was fried in it, and how well it has been strained. It is important to note that used oil should not be placed in the fridge or freezer as moisture can develop, which can be dangerous when the oil is reheated. Additionally, used oil should not be poured down the sink as it can cause plumbing issues.

How to know if fryer oil is still good

How to Know if Fryer Oil Can Be Reused

Firstly, it's important to note that the answer to "can you reuse fryer oil?" is yes. However, there are several factors to consider when determining whether your fryer oil is still good to use.

Colour

The colour of the oil is a good indicator of its quality. Dark oil will result in a dark and inconsistently coloured fried product. The goal is to produce a crisp, golden product, so if your oil is dark, it's probably time to change it. The type of food fried has the most influence on the darkening of the oil. For example, breaded chicken wings will discolour the oil more than French fries. Batters and breading contain trace metals and reducing sugars (browning agents), which will contribute to oil discolouration. Other factors that can contribute to discolouration include water, cleaning chemicals, and high temperatures.

Smell

Healthy fryer oil has a clean smell, sometimes vaguely reminiscent of the food being cooked. Oil that has gone bad will have a bitter or tart smell. If your oil has this smell, it's time to change it.

Consistency

Bad oil will have a thicker consistency and may even take on a soapy look.

Food Taste

If your food starts to take on the smells or tastes of other foods being cooked in the oil, it's a sign that your oil needs changing.

Usage

The lifespan of your oil will depend on how often you use it, what foods you're frying, and the type of oil. Oil used for frying breaded fish will last the least amount of uses (2-3), followed by non-breaded meat or poultry (3-4 uses), and non-breaded foods like vegetables (6-8 uses).

Storage

To extend the lifespan of your oil, it's important to store it properly. Always allow oil to cool before pouring it into a container, preferably through a cheesecloth. Refrigerate stored oil to maximise its longevity.

How to clean fryer oil

Yes, you can reuse fryer oil. However, the colour of the oil will impact the colour of your food, so it's best to change the oil before it becomes too dark. The type of food you're frying will influence how quickly the oil darkens. For example, french fries will cause less discolouration than breaded chicken wings.

To clean and reuse frying oil, first strain out any large pieces of food that are left in the oil. You can use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filters to do this. If you're using coffee filters, it's best to filter the oil while it's still hot.

Some people recommend using a product like FreshFry Pods to clean the oil, while others suggest a more natural approach using gelatin or potatoes. To clean fryer oil with gelatin, mix a teaspoon of powdered gelatin with boiling water. Pour this mixture into the used, cooled fryer oil and stir vigorously. Refrigerate the oil overnight, and in the morning, remove the disk of gelatin from the oil. This should leave you with clean oil. Alternatively, you can use potatoes, which will absorb the flavour from the oil.

Once the oil is clean, store it in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer. You should be able to reuse it several times. However, it's important to note that reusing fryer oil can be unsafe due to the release of acrolein, a toxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical. Therefore, it's recommended to use fresh oil whenever possible.

How many times you can reuse fryer oil

Frying oil can be reused anywhere from two to eight times. However, there is no hard and fast rule for when oil is no longer suitable for frying. Instead, pay attention to your oil and detect any changes.

Each time you reuse oil, it gets more and more destabilized until it decomposes. The molecules of hot oils tend to join together into much larger molecules, giving the oil a thick, gummy consistency and a darker colour.

Oil that has been used for frying seafood will only last once, fatty foods will last for 2-3 uses, and egg rolls can last for months.

Signs that your oil needs changing:

• It has become dark or dirty
• It's smoking before it reaches frying temperature or foaming at the top
• It has taken on a different smell (besides whatever foods you’ve fried in it) that is rancid or musty
• It has been stored for more than 1–2 months

How to dispose of used fryer oil

Used fryer oil should never be poured down the drain. When hot oil cools down, it solidifies and sticks to the inside walls of your kitchen pipes. Over time, the solids will build up and eventually clog your pipes, leading to backups, flooding, huge plumbing bills, and many headaches.

Put it in the trash

Allow the oil to cool down completely, then use a funnel to pour it into a metal can or plastic container (such as an empty milk carton or the original oil bottle). Secure the lid and put the container in the trash. Make sure the oil is at room temperature before pouring it into a plastic container, as residual heat from the oil will melt the container. Hot oil can also attract bugs and animals to your trash, which you want to avoid.

Mix with absorbent materials

In addition to pouring oil into a container, you can mix oil with absorbent materials to create a new "solid waste". For example, add oil to sand, flour, or cat litter, as these items will soak up the liquid.

Use a recycling center

Some communities and businesses recycle cooking oil, sending it to refineries that transform it into biodiesel. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept used cooking oil. If so, use an empty gallon milk jug to collect the oil and, once full, recycle it. In some areas, you can contact local restaurants for assistance in throwing away cooking oil. After storing it in an acceptable container, you can transport your cooking oil to a restaurant equipped to handle the disposal or find a hazardous waste center that allows drop-offs.

Bury it

A biochemist on Reddit suggests that you can bury used cooking oil in your backyard. They explain that there are bacteria in the soil that will break the oil down so other plants can use it. However, this method should be avoided if you are actively growing things, as the oil can suffocate tender roots. It is also important to consider scale and externalities, as large amounts of oil can seep into the water table and pollute underground water sources.

Feed it to animals

A farmer on Reddit suggests that used cooking oil can be fed to pigs and cattle in small amounts. They recommend giving about a half cup per animal per day, mixed with other food such as chopped grass or garden waste.

Frequently asked questions