After testing over 30 oils, I’ve found that the right oil is key to achieving crispy, golden fries. Whether it’s a high smoke point for even frying, a neutral flavor, or versatility for various cooking methods, each oil brings unique benefits.
Keep reading to discover the best options for your perfect French fries!
Things I Considered While Choosing the Best Oil for Frying French Fry
- High smoke point for consistent frying.
- Neutral flavor for enhancing natural food taste.
- Ability to promote crispy, golden fries.
- Versatility in high-heat cooking methods.
- Large enough container for multiple uses.
- Budget-friendly yet high-quality options available.
- Eco-friendly production and non-GMO options.
- Packaging designed for easy pouring and storage.
What’s the Best Oil for French Fries?
| Product Name | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1. LA TOURANGELLE Toasted Sesame Oil | Best-Value |
| 2. AMAZON GROCERY Peanut Oil | Premium-Quality |
| 3. 365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET Vegetable Oil | Best-Overall |
| 4. CRISCO Pure Vegetable Oil | Best-Cheap |
| 5. LA TOURANGELLE High Heat Neutral Cooking | Budget-Friendly |
| 6. HAPPY BELLY Canola Oil | High-Quality |
| 7. PLANTERS Peanut Oil | Most-Affordable |
Best French Fry Oil
1. LA TOURANGELLE Sesame Oil, Great for Cooking, Add to Noodles, Stir-Fry, Vegetables, Vinaigrettes, and Marinades
I was impressed by the super quick delivery! The La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil arrived in a sleek metal canister, cushioned with thick padding, making the unboxing feel extra premium.
High Smoke Point: This sesame oil stands out for its high smoke point, making it perfect for high-heat cooking without compromising the flavor. You can confidently use it for stir-frying, sautéing, or even deep frying.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: The flavor of this oil is subtle, neither overwhelming nor too mild. It’s a great option if you want to add a hint of toasted sesame without overpowering other ingredients in your dishes.
Promotes Crispy Texture: If you’re cooking up crispy French fries, this oil is a fantastic choice. Its balanced flavor helps achieve that perfect crispness while enhancing the dish with a savory undertone.
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: Whether you’re frying chicken, veggies, or French fries, this oil is ideal for maintaining that crispy crunch at high temperatures. It doesn’t burn easily, making it reliable for deep-frying.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: This oil is highly versatile for various high-heat cooking methods. Whether you’re sautéing, stir-frying, or grilling, it adds a delicious touch to your meals, from Asian-inspired dishes to salads and marinades.
With its high smoke point, neutral taste, and crisp-promoting properties, this oil easily earns a spot as one of the best french fry oil options available.
Pros
- High smoke point for versatile cooking
- Subtle flavor doesn’t overpower dishes
- Promotes crispy texture in fried foods
- Great for stir-frying and sautéing
- Ideal for deep frying without burning
- Adds richness to Asian-inspired dishes
- Expeller-pressed, non-GMO, and kosher
Cons
- Flavor may be too mild for some
- Not as strong as other sesame oils
2. AMAZON GROCERY Peanuts Oil, 128 Fl Oz (Previously Amazon Fresh, Packaging May Vary)
I almost couldn’t believe my fry night was saved when this oil arrived same-day. From the very first batch, I got perfectly golden fries. The high smoke point really makes all the difference!
High Smoke Point: This peanut oil is perfect for deep frying, with a high smoke point of 410°F. It ensures your fries cook evenly without burning or smoking, even at higher temperatures.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: One of the best features of this oil is its mild, neutral flavor. It doesn’t overpower your dishes, letting the natural taste of your food shine through.
Promotes Crispy Texture: Whether you’re frying fries, chicken, or anything in between, this oil helps achieve that crispy, golden texture without any greasy aftertaste.
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: It’s great for high-heat cooking, making it ideal for deep frying, stir-frying, or even turkey frying.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: This oil is incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for everything from frying chicken to making stir-fried dishes, and it performs perfectly every time.
If you’re looking for the best oil for frying French fries, this one delivers on every level.
Pros
- Great value for the size
- High smoke point for perfect frying
- Mild flavor complements all dishes
- Helps achieve crispy, golden texture
- Ideal for high-heat cooking
Cons
- Large container size may not suit everyone
3. 365 BY WHOLE FOODS MARKET Vegetable Oil, 32 Fl Oz
The 365 Vegetable Oil arrived exactly on time! Packed in a compact, efficient box, the minimalistic packaging caught my eye. The bottle design is sleek, clean, and feels well-thought-out.
High Smoke Point: This oil boasts a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying at higher temperatures without worrying about it breaking down. I’ve had no issues when using it in my deep fryer.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: The oil has a very neutral flavor, which means it doesn’t overpower the taste of your food, whether you’re frying up some crispy French fries or sautéing veggies.
Promotes Crispy Texture: It excels in producing that perfect crispy texture, particularly when making French fries. The oil helps achieve a golden, crunchy finish without absorbing too much, making it a solid choice for frying. It’s easily one of the best oils for French fries, thanks to its ability to deliver that ideal crisp every time
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: Whether you’re frying chicken, potatoes, or anything in between, this oil handles the heat well and maintains consistency. I’ve found it to be dependable for all my high-heat frying needs.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: Beyond just frying, it works well for other high-heat cooking methods, like stir-frying or grilling, providing great results each time.
Pros
- Perfect for frying crispy French fries
- High smoke point for safe cooking
- Neutral flavor won’t overpower dishes
- Affordable price for quality oil
- Versatile for various cooking methods
Cons
- Bottle size may be too small
4. CRISCO Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, 1 Gallon
This Crisco vegetable oil comes in a simple plastic bottle, but don’t let that fool you. The oil itself is crystal clear with a perfectly neutral flavor that allows the seasoning in your french fries.
High Smoke Point: Crisco’s vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for high-heat cooking like deep frying. Whether you’re making crispy fries or frying up some chicken, this oil won’t burn easily.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: With its neutral taste, Crisco vegetable oil lets your seasoning take center stage. It won’t overpower the natural flavors of your food, allowing your dishes to taste exactly how you want them to.
Promotes Crispy Texture: This oil is ideal for frying because it helps achieve that perfectly crispy texture on French fries and other fried foods. It fries evenly and delivers that satisfying crunch.
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: If you’re frying French fries or other foods at high temperatures, this oil is up for the task. Its stable composition ensures your food is cooked evenly and safely.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: Not just for deep frying, this oil is versatile for other high-heat cooking methods like sautéing and stir-frying. It can handle a variety of cooking needs without breaking down.
Pros
- Great for frying French fries
- Neutral flavor, won’t overpower food
- High smoke point for high-heat cooking
- Promotes crispy texture
- Versatile for other cooking methods
Cons
- Packaging could be sturdier
5. LA TOURANGELLE Neutral Cooking Oil, Cast Iron Seasoning, Also Great for Skin, Hair, and DIY Beauty Recipes, 16.9 fl oz
When my La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil arrived, there was a slight dent on the outer box, but the can inside was perfectly intact and made a strong first impression.
High Smoke Point: With a high smoke point, La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil handles high-heat cooking like a pro, making it perfect for frying, grilling, or sautéing without the risk of burning.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: Its mild, neutral flavor lets the other ingredients in your dish shine without overpowering them, making it ideal for recipes where you want the natural flavors to come through.
Promotes Crispy Texture: This oil is great for achieving that crispy, golden texture when frying, especially for dishes like French fries. Its ability to cook at high temperatures without smoking ensures a perfect crunch every time.
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: Whether you’re frying French fries, chicken, or veggies, this oil’s high smoke point ensures it can handle the heat without breaking down, so your food stays crispy and flavorful.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: Not just for frying, this oil is also perfect for stir-frying, grilling, or even seasoning your cast-iron cookware, providing a non-stick, smooth finish.
Pros
- High smoke point for safe frying
- Mild flavor enhances dish ingredients
- Perfect for crispy French fries
- Great for high-heat cooking
- Ideal for seasoning cast-iron cookware
- Eco-friendly, sustainable production methods
Cons
6. HAPPY BELLY Happy Belly Canola Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1)
The Happy Belly Canola Oil arrived with a slightly scuffed box, but the product itself was well-packaged and untouched. The bottle was secure, with no leaks or scratches.
High Smoke Point: This oil can handle high frying temperatures without breaking down, making it ideal for deep frying, including crispy French fries.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: Its light taste ensures it won’t overpower your food, letting the natural flavors shine through- perfect for cooking everything from stir-fries to baked goods.
Promotes Crispy Texture: Whether you’re frying chicken or French fries, this canola oil helps achieve that golden, crispy texture we all crave.
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: Happy Belly’s oil is great for frying at high heat, providing consistent results every time.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: From sautéing to stir-frying, this oil handles various cooking methods at high temperatures without losing quality.
Pros
- Affordable price for high-quality oil
- Neutral flavor enhances food, not overpowers
- Great for frying at high temperatures
- Versatile for cooking, sautéing, and baking
- No trans fats, heart-healthy option
Cons
- Not available in smaller, convenient sizes
7. PLANTERS Peanut Oil for Cooking – Ideal Peanut Oil for Deep Frying and Cooking, 24 o z
Although shipping was slightly delayed, I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the package. The bottle was securely padded with cardboard dividers, ensuring it arrived without any scratches.
High Smoke Point: This peanut oil has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for high-temperature cooking like frying. It can handle heat up to 448°F, allowing you to cook your food without worrying about burning the oil or creating that unpleasant burnt taste.
Neutral or Mild Flavor: With its subtle peanut flavor, this oil enhances dishes without overpowering them. Whether you’re cooking fries, stir-frying, or making salad dressings, it adds a light, roasted peanut aroma that complements a wide variety of foods.
Promotes Crispy Texture: When used for frying, this oil produces crispy, golden fries or chicken, sealing in moisture while creating a satisfying crunch on the outside. It’s perfect for getting that delicious fried texture.
Suitable for Deep Frying Temperatures: Ideal for deep frying, the oil maintains its integrity and quality even after multiple uses, making it cost-effective. It delivers consistent results, so you can fry your favorite foods with ease and confidence.
Versatile for High-Heat Cooking: Beyond frying, this oil is versatile enough for grilling, sautéing, and baking. It handles high-heat cooking without breaking down, making it a great all-around choice for your kitchen.
Pros
- High smoke point for deep frying
- Mild, non-overpowering flavor
- Promotes crispiness in fried foods
- Versatile for many cooking methods
- Kosher certified
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to other oils
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Oil for French Fries
Q: What’s the best oil to use for crispy French fries?
A: I prefer using peanut, vegetable, or sesame oils. Their high smoke points ensure my fries cook evenly and come out golden and crispy, without burning or becoming greasy.
Q: How important is the smoke point of oil when frying fries?
A: The smoke point is key for me. I always go for oils with high smoke points, like peanut or vegetable oil, because they prevent burning and allow my fries to cook perfectly.
Q: Can I use olive oil for deep frying French fries?
A: I don’t use olive oil for deep frying. It has a lower smoke point, so I stick to oils like peanut or vegetable, which hold up better at high frying temperatures and give my fries the perfect crunch.
Q: Does the flavor of the oil affect the taste of French fries?
A: Yes, it does! I go for neutral oils like peanut or vegetable oil because they don’t overpower my fries. They let the natural flavor of the potatoes and seasoning come through without being too strong.
Q: How can I prevent my French fries from absorbing too much oil?
A: I make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Using oils like peanut or vegetable helps reduce oil absorption, giving me fries that are crispy without being greasy.
Q: What oils should I avoid when frying French fries?
A: I avoid oils with low smoke points like butter or extra virgin olive oil. These oils burn at high heat and can negatively affect the texture and flavor of my fries.
Q: Can I use sesame oil for frying French fries?
A: Yes! I love using toasted sesame oil for frying. It has a high smoke point and adds a subtle toasted flavor to my fries, making them extra crispy without overwhelming the taste.