I often get asked if it is safe to put oil in a pressure cooker. And to be honest, even I did not know the answer until I did some research and conducted a few experiments. But finally, I think I have a reasonable answer to this question.
So, can you put oil in a pressure cooker? Let’s find out!
Can you put oil in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can put oil in a pressure cooker. The temperature inside a pressure cooker reaches up to 250°F. At this temperature, it is safe to use Peanut oil, Avocado oil, Sunflower Oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and Safflower oil in a pressure cooker as these oils have a smoke point of more than 250°F.
| Types of Cooking Oils | Smoke Point | Ideal Usage | Pressure Cooking Suitability |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 375°F | Salads | Yes |
| Coconut oil | 450°F | Sautéing | Yes |
| Canola oil | 399°F | Frying | Yes |
| Avocado oil | 519°F | Frying | Yes |
| Peanut oil | 320°F | Salads | No |
| Sesame oil | 350°F | Stir Frying | No |
| Light olive oil | 470°F | Frying | Yes |
| Safflower oil | 510°F | Deep Frying | Yes |
| Sunflower oil | 440°F | Deep Frying | Yes |
Also read: Are air fryers overrated?
What is the smoke point of cooking oil?
The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to produce smoke and break down. This breakdown produces harmful compounds that can be unhealthy for us to consume.
Cooking oils have different smoke points, depending on their chemical composition. For example, olive oil has a lower smoke point than other oils because it contains more monounsaturated fats.
The type of fat in oil also affects its smoke point. Saturated fats have a higher smoke point than polyunsaturated fats because they are more stable at high temperatures.
When choosing an oil for cooking, it’s important to consider the smoke point. Use oils with a high smoke point for frying and other high-temperature cooking methods. And use oils with a low smoke point for low-temperature cooking methods like dressings and sauces.
How can I figure out the smoke point of a cooking oil?
There are a few ways to figure out the smoke point of a particular oil. One way is to consult a reliable source, such as a cooking magazine or website. Another way is to conduct your test by heating the oil in a pan until it starts to smoke.
The type of oil you use can also make a difference. For example, refined oils have a higher smoke point than unrefined oils. So if you’re looking for an oil with a high smoke point, it’s best to choose a refined option.
Read more: Why does my deep fryer overflow?
What to do with cooking oils that have low smoke point?
When it comes to cooking, oils with a low smoke point are often overlooked. But what are they useful for?
Cooking oils with a low smoke point are best used for things like sautéing or stir-frying. These methods don’t require high heat, so that the oil won’t break down as quickly.
Additionally, these methods allow you to control the temperature better, so you can avoid smoking the oil altogether. Although some of these oils have a high smoke point, that does t mean you can use them for cooking. Some are better suited for certain types of food or recipes than others.
What happens if you put low smoke cooking oil in a pressure cooker?
If you put low-smoke cooking oil in a pressure cooker, the oil will start to break down and release harmful chemicals. These chemicals can cause serious health problems, including cancer.
So, what exactly happens when you put low-smoke cooking oil in a pressure cooker? The high pressure and heat cause the oil to break down into smaller molecules. These molecules can then pass through the cell walls and enter our bloodstream.
A few studies have been conducted on this issue, showing that exposure to these chemicals can increase cancer risk. One study found that people exposed to these chemicals had a 1 in 3 chance of developing cancer. Another study found that exposure to these chemicals increased the risk of liver cancer by 300%.
Conclusion
To sum up, you can put oil in a pressure cooker. Oils like peanut oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil have a smoke point higher than the maximum temperature inside the pressure cooker. However, if you want to use oil other than those mentioned in this article, check their smoke point before putting them in the pressure cooker.
References
Characterization of the release of heated and pressurized water from a pressure cooker
