Olive Oil & Dangers of Frying

Onion rings are coated in batter before being deep fried.

The variety of oils used for frying is almost as diverse as the foods you will fry. Unlike many oils that change their flavor and chemical composition during the frying process, olive oil maintains its original flavor and health-benefitting characteristics. Olive oil is a flavorful alternative to canola or corn oils, which are typically used for frying, but it is not without risks.

Fire

The smoking point of unfiltered olive oil is low, making it prone to bursting into flame. Tiny fragments of olives and other impurities found in cheaper oils will ignite at high temperatures. To minimize the risk of flame, use filtered olive oil.

Quality Matters

The highest-quality extra virgin olive oils have a low fatty acid content and a higher smoking point than their lower quality counterparts. Though expensive, these high-quality products are the safest for frying. The Olive Oil Source says that extra virgin olive oil has a smoking point range of 365 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while unrefined olive oil has a smoking point of 320 degrees Fahrenheit.The Olive Oil Source lists the smoking point of grapeseed oil at 485 degrees Fahrenheit; avocado smokes at 480 degrees Fahrenheit; sesame oil smokes at 410 degrees Fahrenheit; canola oil smokes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit; and, macadamia nut oil smokes at 385 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spitting

Olive oil will spit when heated beyond its smoking point. Lower-quality olive oils will spit before their filtered, more-expensive counterparts. Use a cover to guard yourself from spitting oil, especially if you need to achieve a crispiness by using higher temperatures. Regardless of quality, olive oil will spit as it approaches its smoking point.

Oxidation

Olive oil resists oxidation; however, exposing it to prolonged air, heat or light will eventually lower the smoking point, making it more dangerous to use for frying. Repeated use also will reduce the smoking point. Always store your olive oil in an airtight container placed in a dry, dark cabinet or pantry.

References

• Olive Oil Source: Heating Olive Oil