If you have leftover deep fryer oil or if you opened a bottle of oil for use and you are wondering what to do with it and if you can indeed refrigerate it for storage then you should be sure to do your proper research.
This will prevent you from spoiling the oil and thus not ruin your meal the next time you attempt to deep fry it.
Does deep fryer oil need to be refrigerated?
If you are reusing your frying oil then you can strain it and seal it in a container and refrigerate it for usage next time. If you are concerned about an entire bottle of cooking oil then it is not necessary to preserve it in a refrigerator. Storing it in a cool and dry place will work better.
Reusing deep-frying oil is a great way to prevent wastage. You must be careful enough to store the oil only if it is deemed reusable. Storing it in the refrigerator is not necessary but it is great for long-term usage as it will keep your oil fresher for a greater time.
It also has some added benefits.
Prevents your oil from getting rancid:
If you end up storing your oil in an improper way it has a chance of getting spoiled or rancid. Refrigerating decreases the chance of that happening. The oil gets spoiled when it starts to combine with oxygen and oxidizing.
Not only will it alter the taste of your food but it is harmful to you as well. The chances of this happening in a cool environment are much lower than in a humid one. If your kitchen is humid then ensure to store the oil in the refrigerator.
No light and air:
No light, air, and no humid environment mean that there are far fewer chances of your frying oil getting spoiled. It will not react to any exterior elements in the fridge. This will also help to not alter the taste of your food the next time you end up using the oil.
Longer lifespan:
A refrigerator is the best way to ensure that you will be able to use your frying oil for a longer time. It has a higher preservation time and you can use the oil for months. If you have any intention of preserving the oil for a longer time then refrigerating is the way to go.
If you are wondering about the remaining bottle of oil that you opened and did not end up using then simply keeping it in a cool and dry place will do.
Refrigerating it might cause problems like the entire oil picking up an odor from nearby food items and your oil will take a longer time to get hot.
Can you leave deep-frying oil out overnight?
If you have no intention of using that oil for a while then you must refrigerate it. Keeping it out for a longer period of time can cause the oil to react with the air and turn rancid. It will give off a foul odor and will not be reusable anymore as it poses certain health risks too.
If you plan to leave it out in the deep fryer for a short amount of time then ensure to filter it out first. If it contains any food particles then it may end up spoiling the entire oil and making it foul.
You must cover your deep fryer with a lid and ensure that the kitchen is not humid or it can cause your oil to go rancid. Keeping it in a cool and dry place will be the most ideal for your oil and you will be able to reuse it without any worries.
Can you store used cooking oil at room temperature?
Yes, you can store used cooking oil at room temperature as long as you are following the proper protocols. You must filter out all the wasted food particles as if it stays in your oil for a long time it will affect and alter the taste of the food you cook the next time.
You must also store it in a cool and dry place because any contact with air or light can end up turning your oil rancid and you will not be able to use it anymore. Make sure to store it in an airtight container too.
Also, keep in mind that refrigerating used oil preserves its lifetime for a longer time compared to leaving it out at room temperature.
How long should you keep oil in a deep fryer?
It depends on how many times you have used the oil. If it is old oil then you should certainly consider refrigerating it instead of just leaving it out in the deep fryer as it has a greater chance of getting ruined easily.
If the oil is fairly new then you can filter it out and leave it in the open for quite a few hours. If your kitchen is cool and dry you can even consider leaving it out overnight after covering the oil properly.
If your kitchen is more prone to humidity and light then do not keep it out any longer than a few hours as exposure to them can turn your oil rancid.
How long does deep fryer oil last?
It depends on the number of times you use it. If you have used the oil ten times or more then you must change our oil out immediately. However, if you have used it only a few times then with proper storage you can make the oil last a while.
After straining it carefully, keeping it in an airtight container and putting it in the refrigerator can make your used deep fryer oil last for up to three months.
How do you store and reuse deep fryer oil?
When it comes to storing and reusing deep fryer oil, there are certain steps you must keep in mind to avoid your oil getting spoilt.
Preparing the oil for storage:
You must allow the oil to cool down completely and then filter it properly. You can do that using a cheesecloth and filter it a couple of times so that no fried bits remain.
Storing it:
Ensure to store the oil in an airtight and sealed container. Glass containers are the best and avoid plastic. Do not use any metal containers as they might start combining weirdly with the oil.
Either store the oil in the refrigerator to ensure that it lasts longer or keep it in a cool and dry place. The air, humidity, and heat can end up oxidizing your oil and make it rancid.
Reusing the oil:
You can use the oil for cooking purposes only and reuse it until it has turned into a darker shade. Once it has darkened, do not resume that oil and throw it out instead.
When reusing the oil, allow it to gain the appropriate temperature and do not end up burning the oil.
Does deep fryer oil or grease go bad?
Yes, there are chances of your deep fryer oil going bad. This is because when exposed to heat and air your oil starts to react with it. This causes it to oxidize and go rancid.
In that case, your oil will not be reusable anymore as it will have a foul odor, and cooking your food with it can end up harming your health. Used oil has more chances of getting rancid as they are more vulnerable hence you need to store them appropriately.
How many times can you use oil for deep frying?
On average, you can use the oil up to ten times. It does depend on how much food you fry, how frequently you use it, and how well you store it.
If you see that your oil has started to turn into a darker color and if the viscosity is off then it is time that you should consider throwing the oil away. If you store it properly, you can use it for up to two or three months as long as you do not use it to fry foods frequently.
How to tell if deep fryer oil is bad?
The most common indicator is if the oil starts to smell funny. This happens when the oil is not stored properly. As a result, it starts to react with air and heat. When it oxidizes it becomes what is known as rancid. It will give off a bad smell and you must discard it immediately.
Another way to note if your oil is bad is if the color of it darkens. After repeated use, it will and you will need to change it or it will end up burning your food or alter its taste completely.
Does freezing oil damage it?
No, freezing oil will not damage it in any way. It will keep your oil fresher and preserve it for a longer time as it will not come into contact with heat or air. It will not end up going rancid. The oil will have its normal density back when it reaches room temperature again.
Final Thought:
Refrigerating your deep fryer oil is a great way to preserve it for a longer amount of time as long as you follow all the right protocols when attempting to store it. It will avoid wastage of food and allow it to use your oil a few more times compared to if you leave it out in the open.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Reuse Oil In a Deep Fryer?
Can You Use Crisco Shortening in a Deep Fryer?
What Can You Cook in a Deep Fryer?