Can you mix oils when frying? Oils that have similar smoke points, like sunflower, vegetable, and corn oil are able to be combined for pan-frying or deep-frying. Certain oils should not be cooked in hot temperatures like extra-virgin olive oil or non-refined coconut oil.
Do you have a list of all the different oils in your cupboard? Have you ever thought about what might happen when you mix all of them?
It’s an appealing idea, particularly to eliminate the oil that is rarely used, leaving just the smallest amount left inside the bottle!
Let’s learn everything you should be aware of when mixing oil for cooking!
Key Overview
- Mixing oils for frying is possible but it’s important to consider their smoke point and flavor.
- Some oils can create unique flavor combinations while others have a strong taste that can overpower the other oil.
- It’s not recommended to mix oils with similar smoke points, especially when deep-frying or pan-frying at high temperatures.
- Certain oils with low smoke points can release harmful chemical mixtures when heated to their smoking threshold.
- It’s best to use oils with a smoke point greater than the frying temperature and to avoid using oils with smoke points less than 400°F.
- Mixing oils for pan-frying and deep-frying is possible, but it’s important to use oils with similar smoke points.
- Always use the oil with the lower smoke point as a reference and use the mix at temperatures higher than the level to avoid the risk of fire and smoke.
Can You Mix Oils For Frying?
You can mix certain oils when cooking, but you must be aware of both the smoke point and the flavor.
Certain oils, like sesame oil, has a strong taste and can overwhelm the flavors of other oil. Some are more subtle and can sometimes create amazing flavors when mixed.
Oils You Can Mix When Frying
We suggest that you do not mix oils with smoke points that are similar-for instance, less than 50 degF from one another.
If you’re deep-frying or pan-frying at very high temperatures, you must only use oils that have smoke points that are at or above 400 degF.
Here are a few of the top oils to fry and the smoke point:
| Name Of Oil | Smoke Point |
| Refined Avocado Oil | 520degF |
| Safflower Oil | 510degF |
| Rice Bran Oil | 490degF |
| Light or refined Olive Oil | 465degF |
| Soybean Oil | 450degF |
| Peanut Oil | 450degF |
| Ghee as well as Clarified Butter | 450degF |
| Corn Oil | 450degF |
| Refined Coconut Oil | 450degF |
| Safflower Oil | 440degF |
| Sesame Oil Refined | 410degF |
| Vegetable Oil | 400-450degF |
| Beef Tallow | 400degF |
| Canola Oil | 400degF |
Oils You Shouldn’t Mix When Frying
Oils that have low smoke points should never be combined for cooking, because of the possibility of fire, smoke, and the release of toxic substances into food.
Here is an overview listing the various oils that have smoke points less than 400 degF. Certain oils are suitable for pan-frying at lower temperatures. However, they are not recommended for deep fry.
It’s not recommended to mix these oils for cooking or cooking, even if they have more smoke points.
| Name Of Oil | Smoke Point |
| Grapeseed Oil | 390degF |
| An oil that is not refined and Virgin Avocado Oil | 375degF |
| Pork Fat or Lard | 370degF |
| Chicken Fat or Schmaltz | 375degF |
| Duck Fat | 375degF |
| Vegetable Shortening | 360degF |
| Unrefined Sesame Oil | 350degF |
| Extra Virgin, or unrefined Coconut Oil | 350degF |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 325-375degF |
| Butter | 300degF |
Are There Any Dangers In Mixing Oil For Frying?
If you’re thinking of mixing oils to cook, there’s one potential risk to be aware of. Each type of oil comes with a smoke point. It is the point at which it will begin to smell and then possibly catch the fire!
If you’re making the addition of oil that has low smoke points, for example, unrefined coconut oil to one that has a high smoke point, for instance, vegetable oil, you’ll most likely end up with a fumy kitchen or at worst, an explosion in your kitchen!
This means that we must be cautious in mixing oil. Always use the oil with lower smoke points as a reference and use the mix at temperatures higher than the level.
Along with the risk of fire and smoke, oils can begin to release harmful chemical mixtures into your food when heated to their smoking threshold.
The reason is that the oil begins to break down which results in a burning or bitter taste. The oil that is burned may be contaminated with free radicals that could cause harm to the body in the event of consumption.
Mixing Oils In Frying Pans?
Oils can be combined for pan-frying. This method is commonly employed by chefs to make distinctive flavor combinations. For instance, if you find sesame oil to be too overwhelming, it could be blended with vegetable oil to help dilute it down.
Pan-frying usually requires temperatures between 325 and 400 degrees F It is best to use oils that have a smoke point greater than this. When mixing oils, you should select ones that have an identical smoke point.
Mixing Oils When Deep-Frying?
We typically use vegetable oil for deep-frying that is mixed with different oils, including vegetable oil. But, are you able to include other oils in this mix?
Many chefs prefer using vegetable oil for the bulk of their deep-frying mix and then adding other oils to increase the taste and crispness of the food.
While deep-frying it is best to use vegetable oils with the same smoke point as vegetable oils. Oils like canola, sunflower, and corn oil will all be great using vegetable oil.
FAQs
Can You Mix Two Different Cooking Oils?
Yes, it’s generally safe to mix two different cooking oils, but it’s important to consider their smoke points and flavors to avoid burning or affecting the taste of the dish.
Can You Mix Vegetable Oil And Olive Oil When Frying?
Yes, you can mix vegetable oil and olive oil when frying. It’s a popular choice for achieving both a higher smoke point and the taste of olive oil in a dish.
Can You Mix Sunflower Oil And Olive Oil For Frying?
Yes, you can mix sunflower oil and olive oil for frying. The combination can provide a balanced flavor and a higher smoke point than olive oil alone.
Can You Fry Multiple Things In The Same Oil?
Yes, it’s possible to fry multiple things in the same oil. However, it’s important to monitor the temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and avoid cross-contamination of flavors.
Summary
Mixing oils for frying can add unique flavors and improve the crispiness of food. However, it is important to consider the smoke point and flavor of each oil.
Oils with low smoke points should not be mixed with those with high smoke points to avoid the risk of fire, smoke, and release of harmful chemicals into food.
Oils with strong flavors like sesame oil can overpower other oils. For pan-frying, oils with a smoke point greater than 325-400 degrees F are recommended, while for deep-frying, it is best to use oils with the same smoke point as vegetable oil, such as canola, sunflower, and corn oil.
Overall, it is important to use caution when mixing oils for frying and to be aware of the risks involved.
