In the realm of pan frying, the selection of oil is crucial. It not only influences the taste of your dishes, but it can also modify their health benefits and the overall method of cooking. This is the reason we’ve dedicated numerous hours to the investigation and examination of various oils to pinpoint the optimal choices for pan frying.

When selecting an oil for skillet frying, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you want an oil with a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and smoke. This is essential for achieving a crispy, golden crust on your food without burning the oil or creating harmful compounds.

Second, you want an oil with a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the taste of your food. Some oils, like olive oil, have a distinct flavor that can clash with certain dishes. A neutral oil allows the flavors of your ingredients to shine through.

Finally, you want an oil that’s healthy and won’t add unnecessary calories or saturated fats to your meal. While some oils like coconut oil are touted for their health benefits, they’re also high in saturated fats and may not be the best choice for skillet frying.

After testing multiple oils, we’ve determined that the following are the best options for skillet frying:

1. Avocado Oil – With a high smoke point of 520°F and a neutral flavor, avocado oil is an excellent choice for skillet frying. It’s also rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

2. Peanut Oil – Another oil with a high smoke point (450°F), peanut oil is a popular choice for frying due to its mild flavor and ability to withstand high temperatures. It’s also low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

3. Canola Oil – While some people avoid canola oil due to concerns about its processing and genetic modification, it’s still a healthy option for skillet frying. It has a high smoke point (400°F), a neutral flavor, and is low in saturated fats.

By choosing one of these oils for your skillet frying needs, you can ensure that your food is cooked to perfection without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Best Oils for Skillet Frying

As avid home cooks, we know that the right oil can make all the difference in achieving the perfect sear or crispiness in our skillet-fried dishes. After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best oils for skillet frying. Whether you’re making stir-fry, fried chicken, or sautéed vegetables, these oils will help you achieve delicious results every time.

Here are our top picks:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Peanut Oil
• Canola Oil
• Grapeseed Oil

Each of these oils has its own unique characteristics and benefits when it comes to skillet frying. Read on to find out which one is right for your next skillet-fried dish.

Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray

If you’re looking for a cooking spray that is both healthy and delicious, then the Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The Pompeian cooking spray contains no propellants or additives, providing you the best-tasting, highest-quality oil to help you Eat and Live Well.
• Expertly crafted by The Olive Oil People, this light and subtle 100% Grapeseed Oil cooking spray is made from the seeds of wine grapes imported from France.
• Pompeian’s propellant-free cooking sprays are ideal for any meal. With its subtle taste profile and high smoke point, Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil Cooking Spray is perfect for stir-frying, baking, and frying!

Cons

• The bottle is quite small and may not last long if used frequently.
• The spray nozzle may sometimes get clogged, requiring you to clean it before using it again.
• The taste may be too light for some users who prefer a stronger flavor in their cooking oil.

We highly recommend the Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray for anyone who wants a healthy and delicious cooking spray that is perfect for stir-frying, grilling, and sautéing. The light and subtle flavor of this cooking spray will never disrupt the flavor of your favorite dishes, and its high smoke point makes it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.

This cooking spray is made from the seeds of grapes imported from France and is rich in Vitamin E. Its light, subtle taste will never disrupt the flavor of your favorite dishes. Each of our cooking sprays utilizes a powerful pouch system so that your oil is never mixed with propellants or other additives and is safe and delicious sprayed directly on food. The innovative spray, can, and pouch system help protect the oil from light and heat, ensuring you the best-tasting, highest-quality oil.

In conclusion, the Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray is a must-have for anyone who wants a healthy and delicious cooking spray that is perfect for all their cooking needs. Its subtle taste, high smoke point, and healthy ingredients make it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to eat well and live well.

Leather Cast Iron Skillet Pan Handle Cover

If you’re looking for a sturdy and durable handle cover for your cast iron skillet, the Leather Cast Iron Skillet Pan Handle Cover by Hardmill is a great option.

Pros

• The double-layered, oil-tanned full-grain leather provides a comfortable grip and fits perfectly in your palm.
• The Kevlar thread used for stitching is heat-resistant, ensuring that the stitching remains intact even if it comes in contact with flames.
• The patented design allows for easy removal of the cover when switching between skillets or placing a cast iron skillet in the oven.

Cons

• The entry point for the handle cover is narrow, which makes it difficult to put on at times.
• The cover may slide off the handle if not secured tightly.
• The cover is only available in two sizes, which may not fit all cast iron skillets.

We’ve used this handle cover for several months now, and it has held up well. The leather is thick and durable, and the Kevlar stitching ensures that the cover remains intact even when exposed to high heat. The cover is easy to remove and put on, and it fits snugly on the handle.

One thing to note is that the entry point for the handle cover is narrow, which can make it difficult to put on at times. Additionally, the cover may slide off the handle if not secured tightly. However, these are minor issues that don’t detract from the overall quality of the product.

Overall, we highly recommend the Leather Cast Iron Skillet Pan Handle Cover by Hardmill. It’s a well-made and durable product that provides a comfortable grip and protects your hands from the heat of the skillet.

Mesquite Wood Cowboy Spatula. Handmade in Texas. Made in USA. Safe for nonstick, and cast iron cookware. Choose an Engraving! (Come and Take It – Skillet)

If you’re looking for a durable and versatile spatula to add to your collection, the Mesquite Wood Cowboy Spatula by Cowboy Spatula Company is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made from strong Texas mesquite wood that is safe for all types of cookware, including nonstick and cast iron.
• Handmade in the USA with unique variations in grain, color, and size that add character to your kitchen.
• Finished with food-safe 100% pure coconut-derived oil for added durability and longevity.

Cons

• May require occasional oiling to maintain its quality and prevent cracking.
• Slightly more expensive than other spatulas on the market.
• May not be suitable for those with allergies to coconut oil.

This spatula is perfect for those who want a unique and high-quality cooking tool that will last for years to come. The mesquite wood is incredibly durable and won’t damage your delicate cookware, while the food-safe coconut oil finish ensures that it will stand up to even the toughest cooking challenges.

One of the best things about this spatula is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking with cast iron, enameled, or non-stick cookware, this spatula is up to the task. It’s also great for use on a steel wok or any other pot or pan.

The Mesquite Wood Cowboy Spatula is handmade in the USA, which means that each one is slightly unique. The variations in grain, color, and size add character to your kitchen and make this spatula a true conversation piece.

In terms of maintenance, this spatula is relatively low-maintenance. Simply wipe it clean with mild detergent and water, and occasionally wipe it with food-grade oil of your choice. However, if you want to ensure that it lasts for decades, it’s important to avoid leaving it soaking in water.

Overall, we highly recommend the Mesquite Wood Cowboy Spatula by Cowboy Spatula Company for anyone who wants a high-quality and versatile cooking tool that will last for years to come.

Rani Peanut Oil 33.8 Ounce (1 Liter) Cold Pressed | 100% Natural | NON-GMO | Kosher | Vegan | Gluten Free 33.8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a versatile oil to use in your cooking and beauty routine, Rani Peanut Oil is worth considering.

Pros

• 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan
• Mild and nutty taste, perfect for deep-frying
• Can be used for skin care and hair treatments

Cons

• The bottle cap can be difficult to pour from without spilling
• Some users report a burnt taste when used for high-heat cooking
• A few customers found the price to be too high for the amount of oil received

Rani Peanut Oil is a great choice for those looking for a natural, versatile oil to use in their cooking and beauty routines. The oil is made from 100% pure peanuts and is free from GMOs, gluten, and animal products, making it a great option for vegan and gluten-free diets.

One of the standout features of Rani Peanut Oil is its mild and nutty taste, which makes it perfect for deep-frying. It can reach high temperatures of up to 450°F, which allows food to cook quickly and evenly while retaining moisture. It can also be used to add a unique and exotic flavor to recipes.

In addition to cooking, Rani Peanut Oil can also be used for skin care and hair treatments. The oil can be applied to the roots and ends of hair for a conditioning treatment, resulting in shiny and healthy-looking hair. It can also be used for massage and moisturizing purposes.

While Rani Peanut Oil has many benefits, it’s important to note that the bottle cap can be difficult to pour from without spilling. Additionally, some users have reported a burnt taste when using the oil for high-heat cooking. Finally, a few customers found the price to be too high for the amount of oil received.

Overall, Rani Peanut Oil is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and natural oil to use in their cooking and beauty routines. It’s important to keep in mind the potential issues with the bottle cap and burnt taste when using it for high-heat cooking.

Pompeian USDA Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray

If you’re looking for a high-quality olive oil spray for skillet frying, we highly recommend the Pompeian USDA Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray. This spray is perfect for those who want to cook with olive oil but don’t want to deal with the mess of pouring it out of a bottle.

Pros

• The Pompeian olive oil spray is made with 100% farmer-crafted, imported, first cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil that is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified by the Non-GMO Project, and Naturally Gluten Free and Non-Allergenic.
• The innovative pouch system helps protect the oil from light and heat, ensuring you the best-tasting, highest-quality olive oil.
• The Pompeian olive oil spray contains no propellants or additives, providing you the best-tasting, highest-quality oil to help you Eat and Live Well.

Cons

• The spray nozzle on the can works incredibly well, but it can be very forceful, so be sure to press lightly.
• The consistency of the aerosol type thing in it can be a bit off-putting, but it doesn’t affect the quality of the oil.
• The quantity of the can is small, so if you use a lot of olive oil, it’s best to buy a bottle of oil as well.

We’ve used the Pompeian olive oil spray for skillet frying and found that it works incredibly well. The full-bodied, robust taste of the olive oil adds a delicious flavor to any meal that starts with a sauté and ends with a drizzle. We love using it on salads, pasta, and even for baking.

The Pompeian olive oil spray is also incredibly easy to use. Simply hold the can about 6 inches away from the surface of the pan and spray a light coating of oil. The spray is even and consistent, so you don’t have to worry about any hot spots or uneven cooking.

Overall, we highly recommend the Pompeian USDA Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray for anyone who wants to cook with olive oil without the mess. It’s high-quality, delicious, and easy to use. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Chosen Foods Pumpkin Spice 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray

If you’re looking for a versatile and flavorful oil to use in your skillet frying, Chosen Foods Pumpkin Spice 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray is a great option.

Pros

• The pumpkin spice infusion adds a warm and spiced burst of flavor to your dishes.
• Made with healthy fats from avocados, this oil is a wholesome and nutritious choice.
• The fine mist spray is easy to use and there are no propellants, making it a convenient and eco-friendly option.

Cons

• The pumpkin spice flavor may not be suitable for all dishes.
• The spray nozzle may clog if not used frequently.
• The price point may be higher than other cooking oils.

Chosen Foods Pumpkin Spice 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray is a naturally refined and certified non-GMO, kosher, gluten-free, soy and canola oil-free product. With a smoke point of up to 500°F, it’s perfect for high-heat cooking, sautéing, frying, and baking.

We found that the pumpkin spice flavor added a unique and delicious twist to our dishes, especially when used in baking and cooking sweet treats like coffee cake and pies. The fine mist spray made it easy to apply the oil evenly, and we appreciated the lack of propellants in the product.

Overall, we recommend Chosen Foods Pumpkin Spice 100% Pure Avocado Oil Spray for those looking for a healthy and flavorful option for their skillet frying needs.

PAM Cooking Spray Olive Oil, 5 Oz (Pack of 2) 5 Ounce (Pack of 2)

If you’re looking for a non-stick cooking spray that doesn’t leave any taste, PAM Cooking Spray Olive Oil is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Non-stick
• No taste
• Olive oil

Cons

• Small quantity
• Not suitable for high-heat cooking
• Not organic

We’ve used PAM Cooking Spray Olive Oil on a variety of surfaces, including non-stick pans, stainless steel pans, and baking sheets, and it has always worked great. It doesn’t leave any residue or flavor, and the olive oil adds a nice touch of flavor to the food.

One thing to keep in mind is that this spray is not suitable for high-heat cooking, so if you’re planning to cook at high temperatures, you might want to consider a different product. Additionally, the quantity is relatively small, so if you do a lot of cooking, you might go through it quickly.

Overall, we think PAM Cooking Spray Olive Oil is a great option for those looking for a non-stick cooking spray that doesn’t leave any taste. It’s also a good value for the price.

Crisco Professional No-Stick Cooking Spray, Grill Master, 12 Ounce

If you’re looking for a cooking spray that can help you cook without sticking and without adding extra fat, then the Crisco Professional No-Stick Cooking Spray, Grill Master, 12 Ounce might be a great option for you.

Pros

• It helps to keep your favorite foods from sticking to the pan, making them easier to cook and clean.
• The spray is alcohol-free, which means that it won’t add any unwanted flavors to your food.
• It allows the full flavor of the food to come through, making your meal taste even better.

Cons

• The cost of shipping can be a bit high, which might make it less affordable for some people.
• The spray can sometimes leave a residue on the pan, which might require extra cleaning.
• It might not work as well on certain types of pans, such as cast iron.

In our experience, the Crisco Professional No-Stick Cooking Spray, Grill Master, 12 Ounce is a reliable and effective cooking spray that can help you cook your favorite foods without sticking. We appreciate that it doesn’t add any unwanted flavors to our meals, and that it allows the full flavor of the food to come through. Plus, it’s easy to use and helps to make cleaning up a breeze.

That being said, we have noticed that the cost of shipping can be a bit high, which might make it less affordable for some people. Additionally, the spray can sometimes leave a residue on the pan, which might require extra cleaning. And while it works well on most types of pans, it might not work as well on certain types, such as cast iron.

Overall, we would recommend the Crisco Professional No-Stick Cooking Spray, Grill Master, 12 Ounce to anyone who is looking for a reliable and effective cooking spray that can help them cook without sticking. It might not be perfect, but it’s definitely worth considering if you want to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best oil for skillet frying, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to smoke and break down. When choosing an oil for skillet frying, it is important to select an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning and producing harmful smoke. Oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, peanut oil, and refined coconut oil.

Flavor

The flavor of the oil can also impact the taste of your food. If you want a neutral flavor, consider using refined oils such as canola or vegetable oil. If you want a more distinct flavor, consider using oils such as olive oil or sesame oil.

Nutritional Value

Different oils have different nutritional values. Some oils, such as coconut oil, are high in saturated fats, while others, such as olive oil, are high in monounsaturated fats. When selecting an oil, consider its nutritional value and how it fits into your overall diet.

Cost

The cost of the oil can also be a factor to consider. Some oils, such as avocado oil, can be more expensive than others. However, it is important to remember that higher quality oils may be more expensive but can provide better health benefits and taste.

To summarize, when choosing the best oil for skillet frying, consider the smoke point, flavor, nutritional value, and cost. By taking these factors into consideration, you can select the best oil for your needs and ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.

• Consider the smoke point
• Consider the flavor
• Consider the nutritional value
• Consider the cost