Sunflower oil is used popularly in food and medicine in many Asian countries. The oil has its health benefits and is more popular than vegetable oil in home kitchens. But when it comes to deep-frying you need to be extra careful with oils. Even if Sunflower oil has several benefits you must know on high heat if it releases any toxin because of molecular changes.
The brief answer to this query is-
The mild flavor and high smoke point of the Sunflower Oil make it ideal to use for deep frying. It is absolutely safe to cook on high flame for a longer period. It is made by pressing the seeds of a sunflower. It is low in content of saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. These properties of sunflower oil make it healthy for cooking. Sunflower oil is commonly used, in deep frying and other cooking methods in Asian countries.
How many times can you use sunflower oil for deep frying?
Sunflower oil is considered healthy and can be used, for deep frying. But when the question comes to how many times it can be reused? the answer is a little complex. It depends on what type of deep frying is carried out.
- If you have used the oil to fry battered foods or crumb coated then, you can use the oil three to four times. But make sure you strain it every time you remove the oil from the pot.
- If you have used the oil to fry some more clean items such as potato/banana chips or brown onions, then you can reuse the oil up to eight times.
- You can even use the oil for a little more if you refill it with some fresh oil.
Can you use sunflower oil in a deep fryer?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil in a deep fryer as it has got a high smoke point which makes it suitable for deep frying. You can also reuse the oil several times depending on the type of frying.
How long does sunflower oil last in the deep fryer?
You can store sunflower oil in the deep fryer for a longer time if you have a suitable type of deep fryer. The new deep fryers in the market, come with airtight lids which, helps in storing the oil and preserving it from being contaminated.
Thus you can store oil in the deep fryer and reuse it for up to several weeks till you have the airtight seal over it.
Alternatives of Sunflower Oil for deep frying
Not all oils are the same but, most of them used in the kitchen are good for deep frying. Here I will be listing a few that I found to be the best for deep frying.
– Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is considered best suitable for multipurpose use including, deep frying. It has a neutral flavor which allows the food flavor to enhance and does not suppress it.
– Peanut oil
It is similar to vegetable oil and has a high smoke point up to around 450 degrees F. it is a popular choice for deep frying.
