Nonstick pans are quite versatile. They may be used to fry eggs, sauté vegetables, and make good old-fashioned pancakes.
When it comes to deep-frying, though, cookery experts’ perspectives differ.
Is it safe to use nonstick for deep frying, given that deep frying demands a rather high temperature?
This is, undoubtedly, a pressing issue. You’ve come to the proper spot if you have a similar worry.
Let’s see whether nonstick pans are suitable for deep frying!
Can You Deep-Fry in a Nonstick Skillet?
Let’s look at what goes into deep frying. It’s not the same as sautéing or shallow frying. Deep-frying temperatures range from 300 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything less than this may result in greasy meals.
Stainless steel and cast-iron cookware are, of course, the ideal materials for deep-frying. These two pieces of cookware are among the most robust and have a high volumetric heat capacity.
Stainless steel not only withstands heat but also evenly distributes it throughout the cooking surface. In short, once the pan is heated, it will remain hot.
The USDA, on the other hand, does not recommend deep frying with cast iron. This is due to the fact that cast iron tends to break down oil more quickly. When compared to stainless steel, it might be a bit more unsteady.
Maintaining a steady temperature is the most crucial part of deep-frying. You may have observed that most chefs advise against putting too many things in the pan while deep frying. This is due to the fact that if you add too much, the temperature of the oil lowers.
Yet, with a pan that remains hot for a longer period of time, this problem is generally mitigated. As a result, selecting the proper cookware is critical.
So, how does a nonstick pan fit into this?
Modern nonstick pans feature a durable Teflon coating. As a result, they can endure temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Nonstick pans may seem to be an unusual option for deep-frying. They do, however, carry with them a number of benefits that will help you take your cuisine to the next level.
On a nonstick pan, though, you may not be able to deep fry as regularly. This is due to the fact that it was not designed to endure extended exposure to such high temperatures.
Yet, for exceptional occasions, you may safely use a nonstick pan. If you don’t deep fry as frequently as you used to or if you’ve run out of stainless steel cookware, nonstick pans are the next best thing.
Selecting the Best Deep-Frying Nonstick Pan
The nonstick skillet you use to cook eggs in the morning is not the best option. A deeper and bigger nonstick pan is required for deep frying. It will be able to heat up rapidly and keep that heat with a larger surface area.
The pan should be 5-6 cm deep and broad enough to accommodate a substantial number of fried things.
The depth will guarantee that the fried food is completely submerged in the oil and cooks evenly. A deep nonstick pan will help keep you safe from the fat that erupts during frying.
You are more likely to get burned if the pan is too shallow. As a result, depth is a non-negotiable attribute for these nonstick pans.
Choosing the Best Nonstick Pan Oil
The same oil that works for regular cookware will not work for nonstick.
Deep-frying is a whole other story. Consistent heat and stable cookware are required for your meals.
Canola and olive oil are two popular nonstick pan oils. They are, however, utilized for distinct purposes. With that stated, let’s take a look at the finest deep-frying oil!
Oil of Canola
At high temperatures, canola oil stays stable.
Canola oil has a smoking point of 207 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for deep frying. It also has a low saturated fat content and a high concentration of heart-healthy omega fatty acids. This makes it a viable option for deep frying.
The durability of canola oil makes it suited for nonstick cookware. Low smoking point oils may react with the Teflon covering.
Teflon, in general, stays stable at 260 degrees Fahrenheit. But, if the temperature increases over this point, the coating may begin to degrade.
Canola oil has the advantage of maintaining a steady heat on the cooking surface. It provides the ideal amount of heat while being kind on the Teflon covering.
This is a crucial consideration to bear in mind. If the nonstick coating fails, hazardous substances may be released into the air. These gases may cause Teflon fever and are exceedingly hazardous to your health.
Oil of Grapeseed
Grapeseed oil is an excellent oil. It has a steady smoke point of 240 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for nonstick cookware.
Grapeseed oil has nearly little cholesterol and extremely few saturated fats. It is a flavorless oil that may be used in place of canola oil.
Grape seed oil may be used to cook items like French fries and churros. The oil will remain hotter for longer, which is ideal for crispy fried dishes.
The oil will not break down or acquire a poor flavor no matter how long you use it for deep frying.
It is possible that grapeseed oil is not as stable as soybean or maize oil. It does, however, contain the healthiest fats. You can deep fried dishes without feeling guilty!
Oil from Peanuts
Peanut oil is another excellent alternative for deep frying in nonstick pans. At 232 degrees Celsius, this oil has a moderately steady and high smoke point. It is almost identical to sunflower oil, making it an excellent option for deep frying.
While peanut oil is not a common option, it is one of the healthiest deep-frying oils. Since the oil has a neutral flavor, it will not alter the taste of the fried items. Peanut oil is also strong in healthful fats, making it an excellent substitute for lard and shortening.
It will not react with the nonstick coating since it is a stable oil. The oil, on the other hand, will build a seasoning coating that will preserve your nonstick pan.
Nonetheless, be certain that you are utilizing the refined variety. Cold-pressed peanut oil has a distinct flavor. This is due to the possibility of peanut proteins leaching into the oil when frying.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The smoking point of olive oil ranges between 190 and 207 degrees Celsius.
As a result, it is usually utilized for stir-frying and sautéing. Semi-cooked items may be gently fried in olive oil.
Yet, when it comes to deep-frying, you should probably avoid it.
Also read: Can You Season a Cast-Iron Pan with Olive Oil? + Best Oils to Season
Deep Frying in a Nonstick Pan
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s move into the specifics of deep-frying.
On a nonstick pan, various foods are cooked in different ways.
Proteins, for example, need somewhat different temperatures than potatoes.
Here are some pointers for deep frying your favorite dishes on nonstick pans.
Selecting the Appropriate Amount of Oil
The objective of deep-frying is to totally immerse the meal in oil. Pour the oil so that it covers half of the pan.
Just cover -1 inch of the pan with oil if you want to use less oil. If you use too little oil, your meal will be oily and soft. Excessive oil consumption can also harmful.
To obtain the ideal crisp on the exterior and luscious softness on the inside, use the correct quantity of oil.
Avoid heating the empty pan.
Usually people heat up the pan before adding oil. This is an effective method for transferring heat to the oil.
Nonstick pans, on the other hand, may suffer more damage than benefit from this. A nonstick pan’s surface might be damaged if it is overheated before applying the oil.
You could even see smoke coming from the pan. Overheating may also produce an unpleasant odor, which may seep into the food you cook later.
As a result, instead of waiting for the pan to heat up, always pour the oil first. This ensures that both the pan and the oil heat up at the same time.
Medium-high heat deep-frying
Maintaining the heat is critical whether frying chicken tenders, breaded fish, or croutons.
Your meal will not cook correctly if the heat in the pan varies. Deep-frying is much more than simply getting that tasty crisp. It also ensures that the meat or vegetable is thoroughly cooked.
As a result, always cook your meal on medium heat. This will save your food from burning due to overheating.
It will also protect your meal from becoming mushy or remaining undercooked owing to insufficient heat.
Employ the Proper Utensils
While you fried the food, toss and stir it to ensure that it does not burn and cooks evenly. For deep frying, most people use metal spoons. They have a strong grip and make it easy to flip the meal to the other side.
Nevertheless, using metal utensils with nonstick cookware is not recommended. They are rough and may damage or scrape the delicate nonstick coating. As a result, the finest nonstick utensils are constructed of wood or silicone.
Silicone utensils are rust-proof and will never degrade. They are also quite delicate yet useful for nonstick cookware.
Wooden utensils are also highly robust and non-reactive.
Metal spoons give a metallic flavor in fried meals. Wooden spoons, on the other hand, never enable dangerous chemicals to penetrate into your meal.
Frying Food in Smaller Batches
Another key point to remember is to always cook food in smaller amounts. Nonstick pans are often not as deep as stainless steel cookware.
You must make due with the shallow depth of a nonstick pan. As a result, fry smaller-sized portions and in small batches.
This manner, you can guarantee that all of your food is completely cooked. Submerging huge chunks in oil will be difficult.
Your meal will be done in 30-45 seconds if the oil is hot enough. But, you may always cook it for a longer period of time.
A Final Thought
While deep-frying is difficult, it is the only way to enjoy your favorite crispy and juicy treats!
A nonstick pan is not always the best choice for deep frying.
Nonstick pans, on the other hand, are a handy option if you just use it sometimes!
You’ll never go wrong deep-frying in a nonstick pan if you follow the recommendations above!
Additional cooking pan articles you may be interested in:
- How to Clean Burnt Grease from the Bottom of Frying Pans?
- How to Measure a Frying Pan (So That it is Ideal for Your Requirements)?
- When and How to Recycle Your Frying Pans?
- Skillet vs Frying Pan – Are They Same or Different?
- Do Non-Stick Pans Need Oil?
- Best 8-inch Frying Pan with Lid
- Best 10-inch Frying Pan with Lid
- Can You Cook Steak In A Non-Stick Pan?