Find out the best oils for frying chicken, with a special focus on the high smoke point and health benefits of algae oil.
Fried chicken is a favorite dish for many people — it’s loved for its crispy outside and juicy, tasty meat! The type of oil you use is important for getting that perfect fry; it affects not just the taste and texture, but also how healthy the meal is.
Different cooks have different ideas about what makes an oil the best for frying chicken, ranging from smoke point to flavor. However, many people look for oils that have extra benefits, like being good for your heart or full of important nutrients.
In this article, we’ll help you find the perfect option for your next fried chicken feast.
Fried chicken is a beloved dish across the world. If you don’t use the right oil, frying chicken can add a lot of fat and calories. The crispy outside and juicy, flavorful meat inside are great.
So what is the best oil for frying chicken from a health perspective? The ideal frying oil should have
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A high smoke point This allows the oil to withstand the high heat of frying without burning or releasing harmful compounds
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A neutral flavor. You want the chicken flavor to shine, not the oil.
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Healthy fat composition. Some oils offer benefits like omega fatty acids and lower saturated fat.
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Low environmental impact from production. For eco-conscious cooks.
With these criteria in mind, algae oil stands out as the top pick for frying chicken. Let’s look at why it checks all the boxes.
Why Algae Oil is the Best Oil for Frying Chicken
Algae oil has several advantages that make it ideal for frying chicken and other foods:
1. High Smoke Point
Algae oil has a very high smoke point of 485°F. This allows it to easily handle the high heat of frying without burning.
Oils start to smoke and degrade at lower temperatures. For example, extra virgin olive oil smokes around 375°F. Frying at temperatures above an oil’s smoke point releases free radicals and other substances you don’t want to consume.
Algae oil has a high smoke point, so you don’t have to worry about these things when you fry chicken to perfection.
2. Neutral Taste
Some oils like olive and coconut oil have distinct flavors. Even though they taste great, they can overpower the natural flavor of chicken.
Algae oil has a light, neutral flavor. It lets the flavors of the spices and breading show through on the chicken. The chicken flavor itself comes through bright and clear.
3. Healthy Fat Composition
From a health perspective, algae oil contains heart-healthy omega-9 fatty acids. It also has no saturated fat and no cholesterol.
Too much saturated fat from foods like fried chicken has been linked to higher cholesterol levels and heart health risks. Choosing an unsaturated oil like algae oil helps mitigate this.
Algae oil also contains antioxidants like carotenoids that fight inflammation. Its omega-9 fats provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
4. Sustainable Production
Many cooking oils like palm oil contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction. Algae oil is produced sustainably through fermentation in closed tanks, not farming.
This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious home cooks.
How Algae Oil is Made
Algae oil comes from microalgae – single-celled organisms that naturally produce oil. To harvest algae oil sustainably, the algae are:
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Grown in closed, temperature-controlled tanks (not open ponds).
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Fed plant sugars (not oils). This boosts omega-9 oil production.
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Fermented in a closed sterile environment. No solvents are used.
This patented fermentation process allows algae oil to be harvested in 10 days. It generates a higher yield of oil than open pond farming. And it can be done year-round without concern for climate conditions.
The resulting algae oil is then filtered, leaving behind a golden oil ideal for high-heat cooking.
How Algae Oil Compares to Other Frying Oils
Let’s see how algae oil stacks up against some other common frying oils:
Algae Oil
- Smoke point: 485°F
- Fat profile: Mainly monounsaturated (omega-9)
- Taste: Neutral
Canola oil
- Smoke point: 400-475°F
- Fat profile: Mainly monounsaturated (omega-9)
- Taste: Neutral
- Concerns: Often GMO, heavily processed
Coconut oil
- Smoke point: 350°F
- Fat profile: 90% saturated fat
- Taste: Coconut flavor
Corn oil
- Smoke point: 450°F
- Fat profile: Mainly polyunsaturated (omega-6)
- Taste: Neutral
- Concerns: Often GMO, heavily processed
Olive oil
- Smoke point: 375°F
- Fat profile: Mainly monounsaturated (omega-9)
- Taste: Olive flavor
Peanut oil
- Smoke point: 450°F
- Fat profile: Mainly monounsaturated (omega-9), omega-6
- Taste: Nutty
- Concerns: Allergies
Vegetable oil
- Smoke point: 400-450°F
- Fat profile: Varies – often inflammatory omega-6
- Taste: Neutral
- Concerns: Heavily processed
As you can see, algae oil has characteristics that match or beat these other oils. It has the highest smoke point and a healthy fat profile full of monounsaturated fats.
Tips for Frying Chicken in Algae Oil
Follow these tips for crispy, juicy fried chicken using algae oil:
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Let chicken come to room temperature before breading/frying for even cooking.
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Pat chicken dry so the coating adheres better.
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Fry chicken at 350-375°F to avoid burning the coating before the inside cooks. Algae oil can withstand these temps.
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Drain fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.
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Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after frying so juices can settle.
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Store unused algae oil in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve quality.
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Strain and filter oil between uses to maximize lifespan. Algae oil’s high stability allows multiple reuses.
The Bottom Line
When choosing the best oil for crispy fried chicken, algae oil is tough to beat. Its high smoke point means you can fry at ideal temperatures for chicken without making the oil unhealthy. Plus, it adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants without impacting chicken flavor.
For home cooks and restaurants aiming to balance taste, health, and sustainability, algae oil is the clear winner. The future of frying chicken is here with this innovative new oil.
What’s the Best Oil for Frying Chicken?
Algae oil is a great choice for frying chicken because it meets the needs of fried chicken lovers, health enthusiasts, and anyone mindful of their well-being.
With its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and richness in omega-9 fatty acids (which have anti-inflammatory properties) algae oil ensures a perfectly crispy fry. It’s also a healthier alternative to many traditional frying oils since it’s low in saturated fat ❶.
Algae Cooking Clubs chef-grade algae oil is the best oil to fry chicken in. Made through a clean fermentation process, not farming, it delivers 25% more beneficial omega-9 monounsaturated fat than olive and avocado oil. Plus, it’s a low environmental impact choice.
Other Oils for Frying Chicken
Each of these oils has unique qualities that make them good for frying chicken, so the best choice depends on your tastes and cooking needs. Well look at the differences in their flavor, smoke point, and health effects to help you choose:
- Canola Oil. The smoke point is 400 to 475°F, and it doesn’t taste too strong. This makes it the best oil for frying wings. But there are some worries about how it is made because most canola oil is chemically refined and may contain trans fats, which are bad for your heart if you eat too much of them.
- Refined Peanut Oil. Refined peanut oil is great for frying chicken because it has a high smoke point of 450°F. Its nutty flavor gives it a unique taste and keeps the chicken from getting too much of the flavor. It also has a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation if you don’t balance them out with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Refined Coconut Oil. It has a smoke point between 400 and 450°F, a lot of lauric acid, and healthy fats. It has no smell and a light flavor. That being said, keep in mind that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, so use it in moderation.
Best Oils for Frying Chicken
FAQ
Which oil is best for frying chicken?
For deep-frying chicken, peanut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are generally recommended due to their high smoke points.
What oil do KFC fry their chicken in?
KFC typically uses a blend of vegetable oils for frying their chicken, with canola oil and palm oil being common components. The exact blend can vary by location and over time based on supply and cost considerations.
Is crisco or vegetable oil better for frying chicken?
Melted shortening (ie, Crisco) really is better than cooking oil.
What is the healthiest oil for deep frying?
Avocado oil, canola oil, and refined olive oil are all healthy choices for deep frying because they have high smoke points and a lot of monounsaturated fat, which makes them more stable at high temperatures.