Sunflower Oil: Deep Fat Fryer Friend Or Foe?

Deep frying involves submerging food in hot oil, resulting in crispy and flavourful dishes. The ideal temperature for deep frying is around 350–375 °F (176–190 °C). When choosing an oil for deep frying, it is important to consider the smoke point, which is the temperature at which an oil starts to produce smoke and breaks down, potentially affecting the flavour of the food. Sunflower oil is a popular choice for deep frying as it has a high smoke point, over 400 °F, and offers a balance of flavour and versatility. It is also rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and low in saturated fats.

Sunflower oil's smoke point

Sunflower oil is a great option for deep frying due to its high smoke point. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to burn and smoke, and sunflower oil has a smoke point of 450°F, which is higher than the ideal temperature range for deep frying of 350-375°F. This means that sunflower oil is suitable for deep frying and will not burn or smoke at these temperatures.

Smoke point is important as it indicates how an oil can be safely used. When an oil reaches its smoke point, it starts to break down and releases acrolein, a substance with a bitter taste that can ruin the flavour of the food being cooked. Using an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil, helps to avoid this burnt, bitter taste.

The smoke point of an oil depends on several factors, including its source and whether it has been refined. Vegetable oils like sunflower oil tend to have higher smoke points, while oils that are nutrient-rich and organic, like nut and olive oils, tend to have lower smoke points. Refined oils have higher smoke points than unrefined oils as they have been processed to remove compounds that do not interact well with heat.

It is worth noting that the smoke point of an oil can decrease over time, especially if it is reused. Little bits of food can break off into the oil while cooking, effectively lowering the smoke point. Additionally, each time an oil gets near its smoke point, the smoke point decreases. Therefore, it is important to use fresh oil and to monitor the temperature to avoid reaching the smoke point.

Sunflower oil's flavour

Sunflower oil is a mild-tasting, plant-based fat. It is often chosen for cooking because it has a neutral flavour. It is also rich in polyunsaturated fats, which benefit heart health.

Sunflower oil is made from pressing sunflower seeds and extracting the oil. It is usually used for roasting, stir-frying, and deep-frying. This is because it has a high smoke point, meaning it can be heated to high temperatures before it starts to smoke. The smoke point of sunflower oil is around 230°C, although some sources state it is over 400°F.

The flavour of sunflower oil is described as neutral or mild. This makes it a good choice for deep frying, as it will not interfere with the flavour of the food being cooked. It can be used for roasting potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and stir-frying vegetables. It can also be used in baking as a replacement for butter.

The high smoke point of sunflower oil means it can be used for deep frying without the oil breaking down and releasing acrolein, a substance with a bitter taste. However, sunflower oil is comparatively unstable when heated and is therefore more suitable for pan frying than deep frying.

Sunflower oil's cost

Yes, you can use sunflower oil in a deep fat fryer. It has a high smoke point of around 450°F, making it suitable for deep frying, which requires temperatures of around 350–375°F.

Now, onto the cost of sunflower oils.

Sunflower oil is one of the most consumed vegetable oils globally and is used in food manufacturing, personal care, and cosmetics. The price of sunflower oil varies depending on factors such as brand, quantity, and quality. Here are some examples of the prices of sunflower oils from different brands:

• Baja Precious: A one-gallon jug of high oleic sunflower oil costs $33.99.
• Safya: 100% pure sunflower oil (33.8 fl oz) costs $11.99.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market: Organic sunflower seed oil (16.9 fl oz) costs $8.79.
• MAJOLA: Ukraine's Finest 100% pure, non-GMO sunflower oil with Vitamin E (33.8 fl oz) costs $6.99.
• Healthy Harvest: Non-GMO sunflower oil for cooking, baking, and frying (one gallon) costs $35.99.
• Kevala: Organic sunflower seed oil (128 fl oz) costs $47.88.
• Ultra Healthy: Sunflower oil with high-heat stability, ideal for cooking and baking (5 liters) costs $33.97.
• Daana: Certified USDA organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed, high oleic, non-GMO sunflower oil (12 fl oz) costs $9.99.
• Flora: Cold-pressed and unrefined sunflower oil (17 fl oz) costs $19.49.
• Spectrum Naturals: Organic hi-heat sunflower oil (32 fl oz) costs $14.09.
• FLORA: Cold-pressed and unrefined sunflower oil (8.5 fl oz) costs $13.97.
• Chumak: Unrefined, naturally expeller-pressed, non-GMO, high-heat sunflower cooking oil (33.8 fl oz) costs $12.82.
• Iberia: Avocado and sunflower oil blend (51 fl oz) costs $14.96.
• Yummmy: Sunflower oil (96 fl oz) costs $18.99.
• Fresh Press Farms: Cold-pressed extra virgin sunflower oil, high oleic, unrefined, non-GMO, keto, and gluten-free (16.4 fl oz) costs $21.95.
• Dwaraka Organic: Cold-pressed, organic, non-GMO sunflower oil (33 fl oz) costs $16.99.
• Pure Sunflower Oil: Packed in a two-liter jar costs $24.99.
• Spectrum: Organic, high-heat sunflower oil (16 fl oz) costs $5.08.
• Pastene: Sunflower oil (32 fl oz, pack of 6) costs $41.77.
• Farm To Market: NGMO expeller-pressed 100% pure sunflower oil (16.9 fl oz) costs $15.99.
• AVO NON-GMO: High oleic sunflower oil for general cooking (one gallon) costs $32.47.

Safety precautions when deep-fat frying

Deep-fat frying in hot oil can be extremely dangerous, so it's important to take safety precautions. Here are some important guidelines to follow when deep-fat frying:

Avoid Burns and Fires

Deep frying oil can reach temperatures of over 400 °F. At such high temperatures, the oil can burn your skin or start a fire. Always use extreme caution to prevent burning yourself or starting a fire. Never leave your fryer unattended. Frying is a fast cooking process, and food can burn and become a fire hazard if left too long.

Keep Water Away

Water is extremely dangerous when deep frying. When water comes into contact with hot oil, it vaporizes instantly and turns into superheated steam. This can cause the oil to splatter, risking bodily injury. Do not let water get into the hot oil, and never use water to cool or clean the fryer while it is in use.

Put Out Grease Fires Safely

In the event of a grease fire, never use water to try to extinguish it. Water will cause the flaming oil to splatter and spread. The best way to put out a grease fire is to use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the fryer with a metal lid. Call 911 immediately if a grease fire occurs.

Choose the Right Oil

All oils have a "smoke point" at a specific temperature. When an oil reaches its smoke point, it starts to break down and can give off a bitter taste and foul odor. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, safflower oil, or canola oil.

Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Purchase and prepare all the ingredients you plan to deep fry ahead of time. Make sure you have a kitchen fire extinguisher nearby. Before filling your deep fryer with oil, ensure it is turned off, away from water sources, and completely dry.

Avoid Overcrowding

Do not overcrowd the frying basket, as this can cause undercooking, uneven cooking, and oil overflow. To prevent splattering oil or burning yourself, do not touch the frying basket or add food while the basket is submerged in oil.

Clean and Store Oil Properly

After frying, allow the oil to cool completely before cleaning your fryer. If you plan to reuse the oil, strain it through a cheesecloth or sieve. Store the used oil in a sealed, light-proof container for up to 3 months. Refrigeration will help maintain the best quality. Dispose of oil by pouring it into a sealable metal container and throwing it in the trash. Do not pour oil down the sink, as it can cause backups in your plumbing or sewer system.

How to clean a deep fat fryer

Yes, sunflower oil is a good option for deep frying as it has a high smoke point of over 400°F. Now, here is a guide on how to clean a deep fat fryer:

Firstly, unplug the fryer and let it cool down completely. This may take several hours. Then, remove the frying basket and wash it with dish soap and hot water in the sink. You can use a cleaning brush or toothbrush to help loosen small bits of food stuck to the basket. Next, drain the oil into a plastic bowl or container. If the oil is still relatively clean, you can reuse it. Otherwise, dispose of it in the trash. Do not pour oil down the sink as it can cause plumbing issues.

Now, it's time to clean the frying basin. Use a damp paper towel to wipe down the sides and bottom of the basin. For any stubborn residue, use a silicone spatula or plastic edge to scrape it off without damaging the finish. Then, fill the basin with water up to the maximum oil line and add a few drops of dish soap. Plug the fryer back in and turn it on, bringing the soapy water to a boil. Let the water boil for 10-15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if it's very dirty. While the water is boiling, you can wash and rinse the fryer basket. Once the water has boiled, turn off the fryer, unplug it, and let the water cool for about 30 minutes before dumping it out and rinsing the basin with warm water.

Finally, wipe down the exterior parts of the fryer, including the cord, with a damp paper towel or cloth and soapy water. If there is still sticky oil or grease, you can use a baking soda paste to tackle it. Add a spoonful of baking soda to a bowl and mix with hot water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to the greasy areas and use a soft cleaning brush to work it in. Once your fryer is clean, wipe it down with a dry cloth and let the rest air dry before refilling it with oil.

You don't need to clean a deep fryer after each use, but it is recommended to deep clean it every three months if you use it regularly.

Frequently asked questions