Donuts are a beloved breakfast food and snack enjoyed around the world. Whether glazed, frosted, or filled, their appeal is universal. But what oil is best for frying up a perfect batch of donuts?
Canola Oil
One of the most popular oils for frying donuts is canola oil. Derived from the canola plant, this vegetable oil has a high smoke point of 400°F. This makes it an ideal choice for high-heat frying. Canola oil has a neutral flavor that allows the taste of the donut to shine through. It is affordable and widely available.
Benefits of Using Canola Oil
- High smoke point of 400°F
- Neutral flavor
- Affordable price
- Widely accessible
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is another favorite for frying donuts. With a smoke point between 450-475°F, it can withstand the high heat of frying. Like canola oil, it has a neutral flavor profile. The taste of the peanut comes through only faintly. Peanut oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. This makes it a slightly healthier choice over oils high in saturated fat. However, peanut allergies should be considered when using this oil.
Advantages of Peanut Oil
- High smoke point of 450-475°F
- Neutral taste
- Source of monounsaturated fats
Disadvantages of Peanut Oil
- Risk of allergic reaction
- More expensive than other vegetable oils
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has grown in popularity in recent years. With a smoke point around 350°F, it can certainly be used for frying donuts but does have a slightly lower smoke point than canola or peanut oil. It has a subtle coconut flavor that complements donuts nicely. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain triglyceride that may have health benefits. However, the high saturated fat content of coconut oil makes it a less healthy choice than unsaturated oils.
Pros of Coconut Oil
- Pleasant coconut flavor
- Source of lauric acid
Cons of Coconut Oil
- Lower smoke point of 350°F
- High in saturated fat
Shortening
Vegetable shortening is pure fat derived from hydrogenated oils such as soybean, cottonseed, or palm. It has excellent frying properties with a high smoke point around 370°F. Shortening helps give donuts a crispy, crunchy exterior. Because it is 100% fat, donuts fried in shortening will absorb more oil during cooking. Shortening has little flavor of its own, allowing the sweetness of the donut to come through. However, it is high in unhealthy trans fats created during hydrogenation.
Shortening Pros
- Crisp donut exterior
- Neutral flavor
Shortening Cons
- High in trans fats
- Donuts absorb more oil
Olive Oil
Olive oil is beloved for its flavor and health benefits but is not the best choice for frying donuts. With a smoke point between 325-375°F, it does not stand up well to the high heat. Donuts fried in olive oil tend to absorb more oil and be greasier. The distinctive olive oil flavor comes through strongly. For the lightest, least greasy donuts opt for a refined olive oil over extra virgin. Save your good extra virgin olive oil for salads and dips where its flavor and nutrition can shine.
Olive Oil Pros
- Healthy fats
- Flavourful
Olive Oil Cons
- Low smoke point
- Donuts absorb more oil
- Strong olive flavor
Comparison of Oils
Let’s compare some of the key attributes of these common donut frying oils:
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor | Fat Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canola oil | 400°F | Neutral | Mono- and polyunsaturated fat |
| Peanut oil | 450-475°F | Neutral, slightly nutty | Monounsaturated fat |
| Coconut oil | 350°F | Coconut | Saturated fat |
| Shortening | 370°F | Neutral | Trans fat |
| Olive oil | 325-375°F | Olive | Monounsaturated fat |
Choosing the Best Oil for Frying Donuts
When selecting an oil for frying donuts, you’ll want to consider smoke point, flavor, and nutrition. For consistently golden, tender donuts a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut works very well. If you don’t mind a subtle coconut flavor, coconut oil is suitable but has a lower smoke point. For optimal heart health, avoid oils high in trans or saturated fats like shortening and coconut oil.
Tips for Frying Donuts
- Use a heavy, high-sided pot for safety.
- Maintain oil temperature of 350-375°F.
- Allow donuts room to float and flip. Avoid overcrowding.
- Turn donuts as they fry for even cooking.
- Drain fried donuts on a rack or paper towels.
- Allow oil to fully cool before straining and reusing.
Making Baked Donuts
If you want to indulge in donuts but avoid the fat and calories of frying, consider baking your donuts instead. Baked donuts allow you to cut down on oil. Baking gives donuts a cakier, bread-like texture compared to the crispier exterior of fried donuts. But they can be just as delicious!
Benefits of Baking Donuts
- Significantly less fat and calories
- Easier cleanup without dealing with hot oil
- Kid-friendly cooking activity
Tips for Baked Donuts
- Use mini or regular size donut pans.
- Fill donut pans only 2/3 full to allow rising.
- Rotate pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Test doneness with a toothpick before removing from oven.
- Glaze or coat while still warm for best coverage.
Frying Donut Alternatives
Besides baking, a few other donut preparation methods to consider are:
Air Fried Donuts
- Air fryers mimic fried texture with a fraction of the oil.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil before cooking.
- Flip donuts halfway for even browning.
Microwave Donuts
- Super quick and easy but can have a rubbery texture.
- Best for cakier, bread-like donuts.
- Don’t overcook – check after 30 seconds.
Icing and Topping Ideas
Half the fun of donuts is decorating them with creative toppings and icings. Some tasty ideas include:
Glazes
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Maple
- Orange
- Cookies and cream
Frostings and Icings
- Cream cheese frosting
- Peanut butter frosting
- Coconut cream icing
- Lemon icing
- Cinnamon cream cheese icing
Decorations
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
- Crushed cookies or candy bars
- Shredded coconut
- Dried fruit
Storing Leftover Donuts
Leftover donuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place donuts in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen donuts overnight in the fridge before enjoying. Reheat briefly in the microwave or toaster oven if desired.
Conclusion
Donuts are a delicious breakfast treat or snack any time of day. While deep frying yields the crispiest, fluffiest donuts, alternatives like baking or air frying produce healthier versions with less fat. For best results when frying, choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil. And don’t forget the toppings – glazes, icings, and decorations add the perfect sweet finishing touch. Dip in and enjoy this beloved food in all its many forms!