Expert: Mary Hughes-Cole - 1/12/2002

Question
I got a new deep fryer for Christmas.  I need to find out...
#1 If I cook fish on one day and french fries the next in the same oil, will the fries taste like fish?  
#2 How long is the oil good for before going bad?   
Thanks so much!  
Karin

Answer
Hi Karin,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you.  First, let me preface what I'm going to say with this, I love fried food, always have.  I'm a southerner and our chicken recipe would put Colonel Sanders to shame, for sure.

From a health stand point, the deep fat fryer is a dangerous appliance for several reasons.  Most obvious is the amount of fat that is transferred to the food you cook.  Even more important than that is the fact that you just can't safely recycle cooking oil.  The high temperatures of frying causes the molecular structure of the oil to break down, resulting in a substance that is both toxic and carcenagenic.

If your fryer was a Chrismas gift, I suggest you take it back and trade it in on an electric skillet.  An electric skillet is a very versatile appliance that is great for frying as well.  You can fry in a minimal amount of oil so you can always use fresh oil each time you cook.  Not only will it be much more economical for you but your food will taste better and will be more nutritionally beneficial.

Good luck!!

Mary