The Best Way To Season Cast Iron With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great option for seasoning cast iron pans. It's a vegan-friendly alternative to animal fats and has a higher temperature tolerance than vegetable oil. Seasoning your cast iron pan with coconut oil is a simple process that will only take about an hour in the oven. The result is a tough seasoning that will last for years.

How to clean your cast iron pan before seasoning

To clean your cast iron pan before seasoning, follow these steps:

Firstly, wash your cast iron pan by hand using a small amount of soap and warm water. You can use a non-abrasive sponge, scrub brush, or nylon scrubbing brush to gently scrub the pan. Avoid using steel wool, metal scouring pads, or abrasive scrubbing pads as these can damage the pan's surface. If there is stuck-on food, you can use a pan scraper or wooden spatula to remove it. You can also try simmering a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then using the scraper after it has cooled.

After washing, promptly and thoroughly dry your cast iron pan with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

If your cast iron pan has any stuck-on food residue or a white-ish layer, you can use coarse salt or kosher salt to scrub the pan. Simply dampen your sponge and dip it in the salt before scrubbing. The salt acts as an abrasive cleaner without disturbing the seasoning.

If there are still stubborn bits clinging to the pan, you can try bringing a small amount of water to a boil in the skillet. Let it simmer until the water evaporates, then wipe out or scrub the pan again.

Once your cast iron pan is cleaned to your satisfaction, rinse it well and then set it on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

Now your cast iron pan is ready for seasoning!

The best type of coconut oil to use

When seasoning a cast-iron pan with coconut oil, it is recommended to use refined coconut oil. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point than unrefined coconut oil, ranging from 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher smoke point makes it less likely to burn during the seasoning process. Additionally, refined coconut oil has a less distinct coconut flavour, which may be preferable for some.

When using coconut oil to season a cast-iron pan, it is important to keep the oven temperature below the smoke point of the oil. For refined coconut oil, this is around 450 degrees Fahrenheit, while for extra virgin coconut oil, the smoke point is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust the oven temperature accordingly to avoid burning the oil.

While coconut oil can be used for seasoning cast iron pans, it is worth noting that other oils, such as flaxseed oil and canola oil, may produce better results. These oils have higher smoke points and may create a more durable seasoning layer. However, if you have coconut oil readily available, it can be used effectively to season your cast iron pan and create a tough seasoning that will last for years.

To season a cast-iron pan with coconut oil, start by preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature for your oil type. Clean the pan thoroughly with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap to remove any factory coating or residue. Dry the pan completely, including on the stovetop, to remove all moisture. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. Place the pan upside down in the oven and bake for about an hour. After baking, allow the pan to cool in the oven for at least 30 minutes. You can repeat the seasoning process a few times to create a stronger layer.

How to apply the coconut oil

To apply coconut oil to your cast iron pan, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your oven to the right temperature. This depends on the type of coconut oil you are using. If you are using refined coconut oil, preheat your oven to 350°F. If you are using extra virgin coconut oil, preheat to 325°F. It is important to keep the oven temperature below the smoke point of your coconut oil.

Next, add a layer of foil or a baking sheet to the oven rack to catch any drips. Then, clean your pan thoroughly with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap to remove any factory coating. After this, dry the pan thoroughly with a towel, then on your stovetop.

Now, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the entire pan: bottom, handle, sides, and interior. You can add some coconut oil to your cast iron pan and spread it with a paper towel. You don’t need to be too generous with the coating, just make sure you cover the entire pan.

Place the pan upside down in the oven and bake for an hour. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool completely before removing it from the oven.

You can repeat the oil application process a few times to toughen up the layer of seasoning on your pan if you’d like. But it’s not required.

How long to bake the pan for

The duration of baking a cast-iron pan in the oven is crucial for effective seasoning. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different oils and methods are used, here is a detailed guide to help you understand how long to bake your pan for when seasoning it with coconut oil.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature. The ideal temperature range for seasoning cast iron with coconut oil is between 325°F and 350°F (162.7°C to 176.6°C). This temperature range is below the smoke point of coconut oil, which is around 350°F to 450°F (176.6°C to 232.2°C), depending on the type of coconut oil.

Once your oven has reached the desired temperature, it's time to bake your pan. Most sources recommend baking your cast-iron pan upside down in the oven for about an hour. This duration allows the coconut oil to properly bond with the iron and form a strong, non-stick coating. It is essential to place a baking sheet or aluminium foil under the pan to catch any potential drips.

During the baking process, the coconut oil will undergo a process called polymerization, where it converts into a form of plastic, creating a hard, protective coating on your pan.

After the initial hour of baking, it is recommended to let the pan cool in the oven for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the oil to continue bonding with the iron and strengthens the seasoning layer.

For an even more durable seasoning, you can repeat the process of applying a thin layer of coconut oil to the pan and baking it for an additional hour. This additional step is optional but can enhance the non-stick properties of your cast-iron pan.

It is worth noting that the duration of baking may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your cast-iron pan. Thicker pans may require slightly longer baking times, while smaller pans may need slightly shorter durations.

In conclusion, when seasoning a cast-iron pan with coconut oil, it is generally recommended to bake the pan in the oven at the appropriate temperature for about an hour, followed by a cooling period of at least 30 minutes. For best results, repeat the process a few times to create a tough seasoning that will last for years.

How often to repeat the seasoning process

Seasoning a cast-iron pan with coconut oil is a great way to keep your skillet in good working order. The process is simple but needs to be repeated several times to create a hardwearing non-stick base.

The first step is to preheat your oven to 325º F for extra virgin coconut oil or 350º F for refined coconut oil. Keep the oven temperature below the smoke point of your coconut oil. Next, add a layer of foil or a baking sheet under the pan to catch any drips. Clean your pan thoroughly with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap, removing any old seasoning or factory coating. Dry the pan with a towel and then on the stovetop to ensure all moisture is gone. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. Bake the pan upside down in the oven for one hour, then let it cool in the oven for at least 30 minutes.

This initial seasoning process is important, but it will need to be repeated several times to create a durable non-stick surface. The number of repetitions depends on the desired finish and the frequency of use. During the first year, your skillet will likely need additional seasoning every 2-3 months until it starts to build up. After the initial seasoning, using the skillet frequently and cooking greasy food will help reinforce the layer.

If you notice food starting to stick to the surface or the skillet appears dull, it's time to re-season. For general maintenance, clean the skillet immediately after use with hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. Do not let the skillet soak in water and soap, or it could rust. If there is remaining food stuck to the skillet, scrub it with a paste of kosher salt mixed with water, then rinse clean.

Frequently asked questions