Avocado Oil: Seasoning Your Cast Iron Pan Perfectly

Avocado oil is a great option for seasoning cast iron pans due to its high smoke point of 520ºF, which is much higher than that of olive oil. This makes it ideal for high-heat cooking and deep frying. While avocado oil is more expensive than other oils, it is only necessary to season a cast iron pan once or twice a year, so it is worth the investment. The process of seasoning a cast iron pan with avocado oil is straightforward and involves preheating the oven, cleaning the pan, drying it, applying a thin layer of avocado oil, and baking the pan upside down.

Preheat the oven to 400º F

Preheating your oven to 400º F is the first step in seasoning a cast-iron pan with avocado oil. This temperature is crucial as it needs to be high enough to facilitate the polymerization process, which creates a hard black surface on your pan. The ideal temperature range for this process is between 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avocado oil has a smoke point of 520º F, so setting your oven temperature below that is essential. However, due to its high smoke point, you are unlikely to burn the oil. You can even preheat your oven to 450º F if desired. A little smoking is acceptable and indicates that the seasoning process is working. Nevertheless, prolonged exposure to excessive heat will cause the avocado oil to burn, resulting in a bitter flavour that will be imparted into the pan. In such cases, you will need to reseason the pan.

When preheating your oven, it is advisable to place a layer of foil or a baking sheet under the pan to catch any drips. This will help you avoid a messy oven and ensure that the seasoning process is contained.

Preheating your oven to 400º F is a crucial step in the seasoning process, as it prepares the pan for the oil application and subsequent baking, which will ultimately create a non-stick surface and protect your cast iron pan from rust.

Add a layer of foil or a baking sheet to catch drips

When seasoning a cast-iron pan, it is important to add a layer of foil or a baking sheet to catch any drips of oil. This is a crucial step to ensure that your oven remains clean and free of any oil residue. By placing a baking sheet or foil on the rack below, you create a barrier that catches any oil that may drip from the pan during the heating process.

To set up this protective layer, simply take a piece of aluminium foil and place it on the bottom rack of your oven. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet, which will serve the same purpose. This step should be done after you have applied oil to your cast-iron pan and before placing it in the oven.

The purpose of this setup is to catch any excess oil that may drip from the pan during the heating process. When the pan is placed in the oven and heated, the oil may start to melt and drip. By having the foil or baking sheet in place, you prevent this oil from dripping onto the oven surfaces or the heating elements, which could create a mess and require additional cleaning.

In addition to catching drips, the foil or baking sheet also helps to distribute the heat more evenly. This is especially beneficial if your oven has hot spots or tends to produce uneven heat. The foil or baking sheet acts as a heat reflector, ensuring that the heat reaches all parts of the pan more uniformly.

By following this simple step of adding a layer of foil or a baking sheet to catch drips, you can make the process of seasoning your cast-iron pan cleaner and more efficient. It is a helpful trick to keep your oven in good condition while also achieving the desired seasoning on your cast-iron cookware.

Clean the pan with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap

To clean a cast-iron pan with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap, you'll first want to scrub the pan with a scrubby sponge or steel wool and dish soap to completely remove any factory coating. Then, dry the pan thoroughly with a towel, and heat the pan up for a couple of minutes to remove any remaining water.

It's important to note that while you can use an abrasive scrubber and dish soap to clean a cast-iron pan, it's not recommended to do so regularly as it can strip the seasoning. Instead, it's suggested to use this method only when preparing the pan for seasoning.

Dry the pan with a towel, then on the stovetop

After scrubbing your cast iron pan with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap, it's important to dry it thoroughly. Use a towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Then, heat the pan on your stovetop for a couple of minutes to ensure that any remaining water is removed. This step is crucial as you want to eliminate all moisture from the pan before seasoning it.

Completely drying your cast iron pan lays the foundation for a successful seasoning process. By removing moisture, you create an ideal surface for the oil to adhere to. This step also helps prevent rust from forming, which can compromise the integrity of your pan.

Once your pan is thoroughly dried, you can proceed to the next step of applying a thin layer of avocado oil to the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. Remember, a little oil goes a long way. You just need to ensure that you cover the entire pan with a thin, even coating.

After oiling your pan, you can move on to the next steps of baking it in the oven and letting it cool. But don't forget – drying your pan with a towel and then on the stovetop is a crucial step in achieving a well-seasoned cast iron pan.

Apply a thin layer of avocado oil to the pan

To apply a thin layer of avocado oil to your cast iron pan, you'll need to pour a small amount of avocado oil into the pan and spread it evenly with a paper towel. You don't need to be too generous with the coating, but make sure you cover the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. It's important to use just enough oil to create a thin layer, as too much oil can result in a sticky residue. Once you've applied the oil, you can move on to the next step of baking the pan in the oven.

Frequently asked questions