The absolute best oil for frying donuts
When it comes to frying donuts, the choice of oil plays a crucial role in determining the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the final product. The right oil can contribute to a light and fluffy interior, a crisp exterior, and a delicious flavor. On the other hand, using the wrong oil can result in greasy, heavy donuts that leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Understanding the Frying Process
Before delving into the best oil options, it is important to understand how donuts are fried and the role oil plays in the process. When making donuts from scratch, dough is prepared by activating yeast and combining various ingredients. The dough is then formed into donuts before frying begins.
Contrary to popular belief, frying the dough itself does not add texture to the donut; instead, it helps create a crispy exterior. The perfect donut should be cooked through, slightly crispy on the outside, and golden brown in color. Achieving these characteristics is largely dependent on the oil used for frying.
Oil requirements for frying donuts
When selecting an oil for frying doughnuts, it is important to choose one with a neutral flavor to avoid introducing unwanted flavors into the dough. The oil should be able to reach temperatures between 345-390 degrees Fahrenheit without smoking or reaching its flash point.
It is recommended to choose an oil with a smoke point of at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the oil remains stable during the frying process. Stability is especially important when frying doughnuts, as they require a significant amount of oil, making it necessary to avoid expensive oils that would significantly increase costs.
The best oils for frying donuts
1. Sunflower oil (refined)
Sunflower oil, made from pressed sunflower seeds, is a popular choice for frying donuts. Most sunflower oils are refined, which means they have undergone a process to remove their natural intense flavor and color. Refined sunflower oil offers a neutral flavor profile, making it an excellent option for frying donuts without adding off-flavors to the batter.
In addition to its neutral flavor, sunflower oil has a light color that allows donuts to be fried longer before becoming too dark. It also has a high smoke point, typically between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for frying a variety of foods, including donuts. Sunflower oil is widely available and relatively affordable, making it a convenient choice for home cooks and professional bakers alike.
2. Canola Oil – Our Recommendation
Canola oil, available in both refined and unrefined forms, is another top contender for frying donuts. Refined canola oil is particularly good for frying because of its high smoke point and mild flavor. Its light color is also advantageous when frying donuts at lower temperatures for longer periods of time.
Compared to sunflower oil, refined canola oil has an even milder flavor, ensuring minimal impact on the donut dough. It is also more cost-effective, making it a practical choice for those who fry donuts on a regular basis. Canola oil is widely available around the world, further enhancing its appeal as the ideal oil for frying donuts.
Other oils to consider and avoid
While sunflower oil and canola oil are the top recommendations for frying donuts, it is worth mentioning a few other oils that are suitable but not as optimal.
1. Vegetable shortening
Vegetable shortening, which is solid at room temperature, is not the best choice for frying donuts. It tends to burn at high temperatures, resulting in a brown or black oil that imparts undesirable flavors to the batter. In addition, melted shortening is difficult to store effectively, and its shorter shelf life can make it expensive when used for frying.
2. Butter
Butter is not recommended for frying donuts because it has a low smoke point of only 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a distinct flavor and color that can overpower the donut batter, resulting in an unsatisfactory taste and appearance.
3. Flavored Oil
Oils derived from flavored ingredients such as peanut oil, coconut oil, sesame oil and olive oil should be avoided when frying donuts. These oils, especially in their unrefined forms, have intense flavors and colors that can negatively affect the donut batter. In addition, their low smoke point makes them unsuitable for frying.
Bottom line
When it comes to frying donuts, the choice of oil is paramount. Choosing an oil that is neutral in taste, has a high smoke point, and is economical is essential to achieving the perfect donut texture, taste, and appearance. Sunflower and canola oils, especially refined varieties, are the top recommendations for frying donuts. Their neutral flavors, high smoke points, and availability make them ideal choices for both home cooks and professional bakers.
Vegetable shortening, butter, and flavored oils, on the other hand, should be avoided for frying donuts due to their low smoke points, intense flavors, and potential for undesirable results. By choosing the right oil and carefully controlling the frying process, you can take your homemade donuts to a whole new level of deliciousness.
FAQS
Why is it important to choose the right oil for frying donuts?
Choosing the right oil for frying donuts is crucial because it determines the texture, flavor and overall quality of the final product. The right oil can result in light and fluffy donuts with a crisp exterior, while the wrong oil can result in greasy and heavy donuts with an unpleasant aftertaste.
What qualities should I look for in an oil for frying donuts?
When choosing an oil for frying donuts, look for a neutral flavor to avoid imparting unwanted flavors to the dough. The oil should have a high smoke point (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) to remain stable during frying. It should also be cost-effective, since donuts require a significant amount of oil.
What oils are recommended for frying donuts?
Two highly recommended oils for frying donuts are refined sunflower oil and refined canola oil. Both have neutral flavors, high smoke points, and are widely available. Refined sunflower oil has a smoke point of about 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit, while refined canola oil is inexpensive and has a milder flavor.
Can I use vegetable shortening to fry donuts?
Vegetable shortening is not recommended for frying donuts. Vegetable shortening tends to burn at high temperatures, resulting in undesirable off-flavors. In addition, melted shortening is difficult to store effectively and has a shorter shelf life, making it less practical for frying donuts.
Why should I avoid using butter to fry donuts?
Butter is not suitable for frying donuts because it has a low smoke point of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a distinct flavor and color that can overpower the donut batter, resulting in an unsatisfactory taste and appearance.
Are flavored oils good for frying donuts?
Flavored oils such as peanut oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and olive oil are not recommended for frying donuts. These oils have intense flavors and colors that can negatively affect the donut batter. In addition, their low smoke point makes them unsuitable for frying.