Can You Deep Fry with Olive Oil

When it comes to deep frying, most people reach for oils like vegetable or canola. But if you’ve ever wondered whether you can deep fry with olive oil, you're not alone. Olive oil is a staple in many kitchens thanks to its heart-healthy fats and rich flavor—but is it suitable for high-temperature cooking like deep frying?

What Is Considered Deep Frying?

Deep frying is a cooking method where food is completely submerged in hot oil, typically at temperatures between 160°C and 190°C (320°F to 375°F). This high-heat environment quickly cooks the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender.

 Can You Deep Fry with Olive Oil?

Technically, yes—you can deep fry with olive oil. Olive oil has a smoke point between 375°F and 410°F (190°C to 210°C), depending on the type. Since most deep frying happens at around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C), extra virgin and regular olive oil can generally withstand those temperatures.

However, there are some caveats:

• Olive oil is more expensive than other oils and may not be the most cost-effective for deep frying large batches.
• It has a lower smoke point compared to refined oils like peanut or sunflower, which means it can degrade faster and release unwanted flavors or compounds.
• High heat can destroy olive oil’s antioxidants and nutrients, defeating its main health benefits.

So while it’s possible to deep fry with olive oil, it’s not always ideal—especially if you’re trying to preserve its health properties.

Does Frying with Olive Oil Destroy the Health Benefits?

Frying with extra virgin olive oil can reduce some of its antioxidants and polyphenols due to heat exposure, but it does not destroy its health benefits. According to a 2020 study by the University of Barcelona, EVOO retains significant amounts of these beneficial compounds even at typical cooking temperatures between 120°C and 170°C (258°F to 338°F). Although the polyphenol content drops by 40–75% at these temperatures, the remaining levels are still relatively high—especially compared to other oils like coconut or avocado oil.

Additionally, the health benefits extend to the food itself. Research published in the Journal of Food Chemistry showed that when vegetables are fried or sautéed in EVOO, some of the oil’s antioxidants and phenolic compounds are transferred to the food. This means that frying with EVOO can actually enhance the nutritional value of your meal.

In short: Frying with olive oil may slightly reduce its antioxidant content, but it still remains a healthier option than most other cooking oils.

Which Oil is Best for Deep Frying?

The best oils for deep frying are those with high smoke points and neutral flavors. Top choices include:

Peanut Oil – Smoke point: ~232°C (450°F)

Excellent for high-heat frying, neutral taste, and widely used in restaurants.

Refined Corn Oil – Smoke point: ~232°C (450°F)

Affordable and commonly used for commercial deep frying.

Sunflower Oil (refined) – Smoke point: ~225°C (437°F)

Light flavor and good heat tolerance.

Avocado Oil – Smoke point: ~270°C (520°F)

Very high smoke point and rich in monounsaturated fats, but more expensive.

Refined Coconut Oil – Smoke point: ~204°C (400°F)

Suitable for deep frying with a mild coconut flavor.

Light (Refined) Olive Oil – Smoke point: ~240°C (465°F)

More stable for frying than extra virgin olive oil, with a less intense flavor.

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer: Which Is the Healthier Choice?

Air frying reduces fat content by up to 75% compared to deep frying. It uses little to no oil, producing lighter, less greasy food that’s easier to digest—ideal for anyone watching calories or cholesterol.

Deep frying, while flavorful, involves submerging food in oil, which leads to higher fat and calorie content. Regular consumption can contribute to weight gain and heart health issues.

Can an Air Fryer Fully Replace a Deep Fryer?

Not entirely. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative for crispy dishes, but they can’t fully mimic the thick, crunchy crust deep frying creates, especially for battered or moisture-heavy foods, which may not crisp up as well in an air fryer.

Still, with some recipe tweaks, air fryers can deliver crisp, flavorful results for many fried favorites—without the excess oil.  Here is a test with Ciara's air fryer.

Taste Test: Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer Fries

We put both methods to the test, preparing homemade fries in each to compare prep time, cooking, and—most importantly—taste.

Air Fryer Method:

• Peeled and cut potatoes into sticks
• Rinsed under cold water to remove starch
• Blanched in salted water for 3–4 minutes
• Coated lightly in cornstarch
• Refrigerated for 1 hour
• Brushed with oil and air fried at 200°C for 10 minutes, flipping halfway

Result: Light golden color, moderate crispiness, soft interior. Healthier and satisfying, but didn’t quite match the deep fryer’s crunch and flavor.

Deep Fryer Method:

• Same prep: cut, rinse, and blanch
• Coated in cornstarch after cooling
• First fry: medium heat for 8 minutes
• Second fry: high heat for 1 minute
• Finished with salt and ketchup

Result: Golden, super-crispy exterior with a fluffy center. Full-bodied, rich flavor—the classic fry experience.

Verdict: Air-fried fries are healthier and less messy, but deep-fried ones win on taste and texture.

Time-Saving Comparison
Air fryers heat up and cook faster overall. From start to finish, most dishes are ready in 10–20 minutes. Deep fryers, on the other hand, can take up to 30 minutes just to preheat, though they cook food rapidly once hot.

Air fryers are also more hands-off—no need to monitor hot oil or deal with splatters. Just set the time and temperature, and you're good to go.

A Smarter, Healthier Alternative: Air Frying

Ciarra Air Fryer with 8-in-1 presets for items like fries, steak, chicken, fish, and even cakes, it offers one-touch cooking that’s fast and stress-free.

Its Max Crisp Technology circulates hot air at up to 392°F (200°C), achieving a crispy finish with up to 75% less fat—no excess oil needed.

It also features easy-to-use temperature and timer controls, giving you full command over your meals.

Key Features:

Family-Sized Capacity in a Compact Design

With a generous 5L basket, it easily serves 3 to 5 people—ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend snacks.

8-in-1 Versatility

Choose from 8 preset functions including French fries, steak, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, cake, and even dry fruit.

Adjustable Temperature & Time

Customize your cooking from 80°C to 200°C for perfect results every time.

Easy to Clean

The non-stick Teflon-coated basket is removable and dishwasher-safe—designed for quick and easy cleanup.

Certified Safe

CE, LFGB, and DGCCRF certified for food safety and compliance in Europe.

From golden fries to moist baked goods, the Ciarra Air Fryer makes everyday cooking healthier, faster, and more convenient. Fry smarter. Eat better. Live well—with Ciarra.

How to Use Ciarra Airfryer?

Tips: Shake Reminder

Partway through cooking, the fryer may remind you to shake the food. The “Shake” light flashes and a beep sounds every 3 seconds for 30 seconds.
You can either:

Remove the basket, shake the food, and reinsert it, or Do nothing—the fryer will continue cooking automatically after 30 seconds.