When frying food, oil choice matters. Some people stick to one type of oil, while others wonder if they can mix oils for frying. The short answer is yes—you can mix oils when frying. But before you pour olive oil into a pan of vegetable oil, there are a few things to know about smoke points, flavor, and safety. This guide explains everything you need to know about mixing oils for frying.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can mix oils for frying. Many chefs do this to balance flavor and performance. However, the smoke point of the mixture will be closer to the lower smoke point oil, not an average. This means the weakest oil determines how hot you can safely fry.
What Happens When You Mix Oils?
- Smoke Point: The mixture’s smoke point will lean toward the lowest one. Example: mixing olive oil (375°F) and peanut oil (450°F) means you should fry below ~375°F.
- Flavor: Mixing oils can balance strong flavors (olive oil) with neutral ones (canola, vegetable oil).
- Stability: Neutral, high-heat oils help stabilize lower-smoke oils in frying.
Best Oils to Mix for Frying
- Canola + Peanut Oil: High smoke points, neutral taste, great for deep frying.
- Vegetable + Olive Oil: Adds olive flavor but lowers smoke point slightly.
- Sunflower + Sesame Oil: Neutral base with a nutty kick (used in Asian cooking).
Oils You Should Avoid Mixing
- Butter or Coconut Oil with high-heat oils—they burn quickly.
- Flavored oils (garlic, chili-infused)—not stable for frying.
- Old used oil with fresh oil—reduces quality and can produce off-flavors.
Why Smoke Point Matters
The smoke point is the temperature at which oil starts to smoke and break down. This creates unpleasant flavors and harmful compounds. When mixing oils, always follow the lower smoke point as your limit.
Table: Common Oils and Smoke Points
| Oil | Smoke Point (°F) | Flavor | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canola Oil | 400°F | Neutral | Deep frying, sautéing |
| Vegetable Oil | 400°F | Neutral | General frying |
| Peanut Oil | 450°F | Nutty | Deep frying, Asian cooking |
| Olive Oil | 375°F | Fruity | Shallow frying, flavor |
| Avocado Oil | 520°F | Neutral | High-heat frying |
Pros & Cons of Mixing Oils for Frying
Pros
- Balances flavor and neutrality.
- May stretch expensive oils (like olive) with cheaper ones.
- Can improve stability compared to frying in delicate oils alone.
Cons
- Lower smoke point than expected.
- May waste expensive oils in high-heat frying.
- Old oil contaminates fresh oil.
Tips for Mixing Oils Safely
- Always use fresh oils when possible.
- Stick to oils with similar smoke points for best results.
- Monitor temperature with a thermometer.
- Avoid reusing oil too many times—it breaks down faster when mixed.
Quick Picks: Best Frying Tools for Mixed Oils
- Best Overall: Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven — Retains heat evenly for shallow and deep frying.
- Best Budget: ThermoPro Digital Oil Thermometer — Ensures your oil stays at safe frying temps.
- Best Premium: Breville Smart Fryer — Professional deep fryer with temperature control.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Oils for Frying
- Neutral Flavor: Canola, vegetable, sunflower oils are versatile.
- High Smoke Point: Peanut and avocado oil handle higher temps.
- Budget vs Premium: Save expensive oils (like extra virgin olive oil) for flavoring, not deep frying.
FAQ
Can you mix olive oil and vegetable oil?
Yes, but keep frying below 375°F, since olive oil has a lower smoke point.
Does mixing oils raise the smoke point?
No. The smoke point defaults to the lowest oil in the mix.
Is it okay to reuse mixed frying oils?
Once or twice is fine, but oils degrade faster when blended. Strain out food particles before reuse.
Is mixing oils safe for deep fryers?
Yes, but choose oils with similar smoke points to maintain consistent results.
Conclusion
Yes, you can mix oils for frying, but the lowest smoke point oil sets the limit. Mixing oils is common in home kitchens and restaurants for balancing flavor, cost, and stability. Just remember—never exceed the smoke point, always use fresh oil, and choose combinations that complement each other.
For consistent results, use a digital thermometer to monitor heat, and cook in reliable cookware like a cast iron Dutch oven or a smart fryer.
Shop the best frying tools today and enjoy safe, flavorful results when mixing oils.