There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly fried donut. Whether you love them glazed, powdered, or filled with jelly, donuts can brighten anyone’s day. But if you’re making them at home—or even running a bakery—you’ve probably asked yourself this critical question: What oil is best to fry donuts in?
Here’s the thing: the oil you choose doesn’t just affect how your donuts taste. It also impacts the texture, crispiness, and even how greasy (or not!) your donuts turn out. Picking the right oil is the difference between donuts that feel heavy and soggy and light, crispy, and downright dreamy.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about frying donuts, from the best oils to tips for success. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get frying!
Why the Right Oil Makes or Breaks Your Donuts
First things first, let’s talk about why the oil you choose matters so much. Sure, it might seem like a simple ingredient, but not all oils are created equal—especially when it comes to frying donuts. The best oil to fry donuts, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, has to check a few important boxes. These oils have high smoke points, neutral flavors, and create the perfect golden, crispy crust without making the donuts heavy or greasy. Choosing the right oil is truly the key to donut perfection!
- Smoke Point:
- Frying donuts require oil that can handle high heat—typically around 350°F. Oils with low smoke points start to burn, giving your donuts a bitter, smoky flavor. Nobody wants that.
- Flavor Impact:
- Ever bitten into something fried and thought, “Why does this taste weird?” That’s probably the oil talking. A neutral-flavored oil lets your donuts shine without overshadowing their sweetness.
- Texture Control:
- The right oil helps create that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The wrong oil? It’ll leave your donuts greasy and heavy.
- Health and Cost:
- Some oils are healthier than others, with less saturated fat or trans fats. Cost matters, too—especially if you’re frying donuts for a crowd and need a large quantity.
For a fun twist on traditional donuts, check out our article on Donut Fries: The Sweet Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed. These crispy, dippable delights are a must-try for any donut lover.
What Happens When You Fry Donuts
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening when your donuts hit the hot oil. This quick process is what creates the irresistible golden crust and fluffy interior we all love.
- The Outer Layer Cooks First:
- The oil rapidly heats the surface of the dough, creating a crust. This seals in moisture and prevents the donut from soaking up too much oil.
- Steam Cooks the Inside:
- As the crust forms, the water inside the dough turns into steam, puffing up the donut and cooking it through.
This is why maintaining the right temperature is so important. It’s too hot, and the outside burns while the inside stays raw. Too cool, and the donuts absorb too much oil, becoming greasy and heavy.
What to Look for in Frying Oil
When it comes to frying donuts, not just any oil will do. Here are the must-have qualities for a perfect frying oil:
- High Smoke Point:
- The oil needs to handle temperatures of 350°F without breaking down. Oils with low smoke points burn quickly, leaving a bitter taste.
- Neutral Flavor:
- A good frying oil won’t overpower the delicate sweetness of your donuts.
- Affordability:
- Deep frying requires a lot of oil, so cost matters—especially if you’re frying frequently.
- Availability:
- The best oil is one you can easily find at your local grocery store or bulk supplier.
The Best Oils for Frying Donuts
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is the go-to choice for many home cooks and bakeries. Why? It’s affordable, easy to find, and has a high smoke point of about 400°F.
Pros:
- Neutral flavor.
- High smoke point.
- Widely available.
Cons:
- It is not the healthiest option due to its saturated fat content.
Best For: Everyday frying, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a close second to vegetable oil. It has a slightly higher smoke point (about 425°F) and a lighter flavor profile. Plus, it’s lower in saturated fat, making it a healthier option.
Pros:
- Neutral flavor.
- Healthier than many other frying oils.
- Affordable and easy to find.
Cons:
- Can develop an off smell if overheated or reused too many times.
Best For: Health-conscious home cooks and small-batch frying.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is the gold standard for professional kitchens. Its high smoke point (around 450°F) and subtle nutty flavor make it ideal for frying donuts.
Pros:
- Extremely stable at high heat.
- Adds a mild, pleasant flavor.
- Great for large-scale frying.
Cons:
- More expensive than vegetable or canola oil.
- Not suitable for those with peanut allergies.
Best For: Commercial frying or when you want a slightly nutty flavor.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a trendy alternative, especially for those seeking a natural, plant-based option. With a smoke point of about 350°F, it’s best for small batches.
Pros:
- It adds a light sweetness.
- Works well for health-focused recipes.
- Solidifies at room temperature, making cleanup easier.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- It can impart a coconut flavor, which not everyone likes.
Best For: Gourmet donuts or health-conscious recipes.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is light, neutral, and perfect for frying donuts. With a smoke point of about 440°F, it’s stable and reliable.
Pros:
- Neutral taste.
- High smoke point.
- Low in saturated fat.
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than vegetable or canola oil.
Best For: Home cooks who want a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.
Oils to Avoid When Frying Donuts
Not every oil is suited for frying donuts. Here are the ones to skip:
- Olive Oil: Its low smoke point and strong flavor make it a poor choice.
- Sesame Oil: Overpowers the donut’s flavor with its intensity.
- Butter: Delicious in dough but burns too quickly for frying.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Donuts
Ready to fry like a pro? Here are some practical tips:
- Use a Thermometer: Maintain a steady oil temperature of 350°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many donuts at once drops the oil temperature.
- Drain on Paper Towels: This helps remove excess oil for a lighter texture.
- Strain and Store Oil: If you’re reusing oil, strain it to remove crumbs and store it in an airtight container.
How Oil Temperature Affects Donut Quality
Maintaining the correct oil temperature is non-negotiable for perfectly fried donuts. If the oil is too hot, the outer layer will brown too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. On the flip side, if the oil isn’t hot enough, the donuts will soak up excess oil, making them greasy and heavy. A steady 350°F is the sweet spot. Use a reliable kitchen thermometer to keep an eye on the heat, and remember to let the oil come back to temperature between batches. Consistency is key!
Why Neutral Flavors Matter in Frying Oil
Neutral-flavored oils, like vegetables, canola, or sunflower, are the best for frying donuts. Why? Because the star of the show should be the donut itself—not the oil. Strong-tasting oils like olive or sesame can easily overshadow a donut’s subtle sweetness or rich filling. By sticking to a neutral oil, you let the donut’s flavor shine, whether you’re glazing it with chocolate or dusting it with powdered sugar.
How to Dispose of Frying Oil
Once you’ve fried your donuts to golden perfection, you must deal with the leftover oil. Pouring it down the sink is a big no-no—it can clog your pipes and harm the environment. Instead, let the oil cool completely, strain it to remove crumbs, and pour it into a sealable container. If the oil is still in good shape, you can reuse it for future frying. Otherwise, dispose of it responsibly at a recycling center or with regular trash.
Should You Fry Donuts at Home or Buy Them?
There’s a certain charm to making donuts at home. The aroma of frying dough, the joy of adding your own toppings—it’s a fun and rewarding experience. But let’s be real: frying at home can be messy and time-consuming. If you don’t fry often, it might be easier to leave it to the pros. However, if you love experimenting in the kitchen, investing in a deep fryer and high-quality oil can take your homemade donuts to the next level.
Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Frying
While nothing beats the crispy, golden texture of deep-fried donuts, you can explore alternatives if you’re looking for a healthier option. Air fryers have become a popular choice, using little to no oil while still delivering a satisfying bite. Baked donuts are another option, though they have a denser texture. For deep frying, sticking to oils like canola or sunflower with lower saturated fat content can also help strike a balance between indulgence and health.
Reusing Frying Oil: Tips and Tricks
If you’re frying donuts at home, you might be wondering: can you reuse the oil? The good news is, yes, you can—but there are a few things to keep in mind to do it safely and keep your donuts tasting amazing. Here’s the lowdown on reusing frying oil and the best oils to fry donuts in the first place.
FAQs About Frying Donuts
Can I reuse frying oil?
Yes! Strain the oil to remove crumbs and store it in an airtight container. Use it for similar recipes only.
What’s the healthiest oil to fry donuts in?
Canola oil and sunflower oil are the best choices for a healthier option.
How much oil do I need to fry donuts?
You’ll need enough to fully submerge your donuts—usually about 2–3 inches.
Can I fry donuts in an air fryer?
Yes, but the texture won’t be the same. Air fryers produce a baked-like consistency.
Final Thoughts
Frying donuts is both an art and a careful process, and the oil you choose plays a huge role in the final product. The best oil to fry donuts, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, ensures a light, crispy exterior while keeping the flavor neutral. These oils have high smoke points, which prevent burning, and their mild taste allows the sweetness of the donut to shine. Whether you stick to classic vegetable oil or experiment with peanut or coconut oil, choosing the right oil is the secret to donut perfection.
Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge, it’s time to get frying. Whip up a batch of donuts, share them with friends and family, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts.