Can I fry chicken in coconut oil? That’s a question that gets asked all the time. And the simple answer is yes, you can.
Chicken fried in coconut oil might sound like a weird idea, but it’s a prevalent method of cooking food in coconut oil. Before trying, you need to know some things about cooking food in coconut oil.
Cooking in coconut oil can be delicious and healthy, but you need to know the right way.
This blog will discuss everything you need to know about frying foods in coconut oil, including the benefits of cooking in coconut oil.
Read more: Can You Fry Chicken in Vegetable Oil?
Can I Fry Chicken in Coconut Oil? (In-Depth Explanation)
Yes! Coconut oil is an excellent fat to cook with. It is a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) and can cook and sauté just like butter. It is perfect for baking, too. MCTs are very easy to digest and have no trans fats.
Coconut oil is saturated fat, so it’s not ideal for cooking at high temperatures. However, you can use it for baking at high heat and deep frying.
Coconut oil is relatively stable and won’t oxidize at high heat like other oils. So if you’re frying foods in coconut oil, don’t put them in until they start to brown.
Read more: Can You Fry Chicken in Olive Oil
How to Cook with Coconut Oil?
While coconut oil may seem intimidating, it is pretty simple to prepare. Here are a few of our favorite ways to cook with it:
Baking: Baking with coconut oil allows the flavors to infuse and make the food taste extra delicious. The only caveat to this method is that it takes longer to cook, so use the slowest oven setting you can manage.
Creaming: Creaming is a cooking method where you blend two or more ingredients in a blender and then heat them together. It’s excellent for creating creamy sauces and soups.
Frying: Frying foods in coconut oil adds a crispy, healthy texture to the food. The key is to use the right amount of fat, which is about half the amount you would typically use.
Muffins: Muffins are one of our favorite recipes to cook with coconut oil. They are quick, easy to make, and packed with nutrients.
Oven-baked Chicken Breasts: These delicious, healthy chicken breasts are easy to make, and they’re loaded with iron, protein, and vitamin D. All you need to do is pop the chicken in the oven and bake.
Stir-fry: Stir-fries are a popular Asian dish that uses a variety of vegetables in one pot. A good stir-fry mixes crisp vegetables, tender meat, and spicy sauce.
Tofu Scramble: Tofu scrambles are a great breakfast option because of the protein they contain. They’re also delicious, easy to make, and can be made with various ingredients, like eggs, ham, or veggies.
Veggie Omelet: Omelets are a favorite breakfast option for vegetarians and vegans. They’re easy to make and are a perfect way to get your fill of veggies and protein.
Read more: Can You Fry Chicken Wings in Olive?
What are the best coconut oil brands?
We recommend buying organic, unrefined coconut oil from natural food stores that provide detailed ingredient lists and product information. Suppose you’re unsure whether to buy organic or conventional. In that case, we recommend you go with organic and raw, as it is more beneficial for your health.
Is Coconut Oil Healthy?
There are many myths surrounding coconut oil, but it is safe, nutritious, and healthy. However, coconut oil is rich in saturated fat, which some people do not consider beneficial.
When people say that coconut oil is not healthy, they are referring to the saturated fat in coconut oil. The saturated fat in coconut oil is medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which have different effects on your body than the saturated fats found in animal products like milk, eggs, and cheese.
Saturated fat is stored in your body and may not be broken down as quickly as other fats. Some studies have shown that it may raise LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels, while others show that it does not.
In addition, coconut oil is a source of lauric acid, a monounsaturated fat considered heart-healthy. When combined with other healthful fats such as avocado oil, coconut oil may help reduce triglycerides or “bad” cholesterol and increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.
FAQ
Q1: Is frying food in coconut oil healthy?
A: Cooking food in coconut oil is an excellent way to reduce the risk of obesity and cancer. It is healthier than cooking it with butter or lard and contains antioxidants that protect against heart disease. However, you should only cook food in coconut oil if it has been thoroughly heated for at least 5 minutes. Coconut oil heats up fairly quickly when exposed to high temperatures, and it may start to smoke if heated for too long.
Q2: Can you cook or fry with coconut oil?
A: Yes, you can cook or fry with coconut oil. It is a good substitute for cooking with vegetable oil and works as a healthy replacement. You can use it for various purposes, including baking, frying, roasting, grilling, etc.
