Avocado Oil Uses & Why You Should Use It More
August 10, 2020
Heard the hype about all things avocado oil? More than the culprit behind the much-maligned millennial toast or the star of margarita & guac o’clock, this fruit favorite can also be made into a versatile oil. Whether you’re already a fan looking for some fresh inspiration, or a new convert, here’s the skinny on all the ways to use one of the ‘fats we love’ here at Primal Kitchen.
Why Use Avocado Oil?
With so many choices of cooking oils stocked in the grocery store, why use avocado oil? We call it a ‘fat we love’ for a reason: for folks who follow Primal, Paleo, Keto or Whole30 diets and plans, avocado oil is a staple ingredient to many tasty recipes. When it comes to ingredients, there’s nothing like the real thing, baby. Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil is made from high-quality, real-food ingredients, plus it’s Whole30 Approved, Certified Paleo, Keto Certified, and Non-GMO Project Verified. If you’re cleaning up your kitchen cabinets, adding avocado oil is an easy update to make. But even with such overachieving credentials, you might still be wondering, what is avocado oil used for, specifically?
- Flavor. One of the many culinary benefits and avocado oil uses for cooking is the flavor. Light, neutral, and clean-tasting, avocado oil won’t overpower whatever dish you’re whipping up. It will sing back-up for baked goods, crunchy kale salads and broiled veggies, letting the other ingredients’ flavors take center stage. Extra virgin avocado oil, however, packs a bit more of a taste punch. Rich, with earthy undertones, extra virgin avocado oil is ideal for drizzling, or for when your dish needs a little dressing up. The flavor of avocado oil makes it an important ingredient in your arsenal, especially when you’re tackling new recipes or updating old standbys. Swap it in and see for yourself!
- Smoke Point. Refined avocado Oil can take the heat! Avocado oil has a smoke point of approximately 520ºF (extra virgin can make it to about 480). A high-heat oil makes sautéing, stir-frying, air-frying, roasting, and baking a breeze. This high smoke point only increases the myriad of culinary avocado oil uses, so you can get your chef’s hat on and be creative in the kitchen.
- Monounsaturated Fats. Want to go even deeper and become a real avo-aficionado? Avocado oil contains about 70% monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are primarily oleic acid, and there are 10g of monounsaturated fats per 1 tablespoon serving of avocado oil.
Avocado Oil Uses for Cooking
With so many benefits of cooking with avocado oil, there comes a lot of questions, too. If you’ve ever panicked at a recipe and wondered, “Can I use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil, or will my muffins taste like a summer salad?,” then this quick FAQ section is for you. We see your Q’s, and we’ve got A’s!
Can you use avocado oil for baking?
Yes! You can swap avocado oil for other oils in your tried-and-true recipes. You can also discover new ways to incorporate it with recipes like this decadent chocolate cassava cake. Avocado oil is also perfect for greasing baking sheets, loaf pans, and cake molds. Bonus tip: Grease baking pans easily and more effectively with our spray-able Avocado Oil.
Can you use avocado oil for frying?
You bet! Keep that smoke point in mind when frying, and you’re in the clear. We suggest skipping the extra virgin avocado oil when it comes to fry-minded recipes and dishes, since the smoke point is lower. Our spray-able avocado oil is perfect for air fryer favorites, too.
Can you cook with extra virgin avocado oil?
Definitely. Sauté, stir-fry, pan-fry, roast, sear, grill, drizzle, douse... however you want to use it! Just keep in mind the smoke point before you turn up the heat, and be mindful that you’ll get an extra hit of rich avocado flavor with the extra virgin variety.
Recipes Using Avocado Oil
All this avo-talk might have you feeling hungry, so here are some recipes using avocado oil to whet your appetite and your culinary creativity.
Spritz your fresh green salads
Drizzle or spray your favorite fresh salads with avocado oil to enhance, not overpower, your farmer’s market finds.
Coat your favorite sweet potato fries
Who doesn’t love a good fry? Spray fry-sized chopped sweet potatoes with Avocado Oil and add them to the air fryer or oven for a vegan side that’s undeniably delicious!
Make avocado toast
Ah, avocado toast. This dish might be in need of a new PR manager, but the taste and comfort can’t be beat. Think outside the (bread) box with a sweet potato base.
Devour grain-free nut flour waffles
Bring on the brunch favorite with grain-free, nut flour waffles made with avocado oil. Try this unique butternut squash selection, or go classic.
Cook up some tasty avocado fries
It’s time for some avo-on-avo action with these avocado oil fried avocado slices.
How to Use Avocado Oil Outside of the Kitchen
Wondering how to use avocado oil in more unique ways? Avocado oil can be used as a secret weapon for at-home beauty treatments. Who knew that thing you’ve been dunking tortilla chips into could actually soften your skin and add shine to your hair? But before you make a Tex-Mex meal on your face, follow the rest of this guide to get the scoop on avocado oil use specifics. There’s some clever ways on how to use avocado oil for hair, for example, it can be made into a mask or a deep conditioner for a plant-based pampering session. And there are seemingly infinite avocado oil uses for skin, from a moisturizer for skin to an elegant eye serum. Make it a staple of your self-care routine as a luxurious body scrub. Make your own delicious and gift-able rose lip balm that’s perfect in a care package. Creativity is king with avocado oil and beauty, so don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get the most out of this special product!
Cooking with avocado oil is a cinch, and a simple swap. Add a little extra love to recipes, dishes, and even beauty treatments with this versatile oil, and stay in the loop on more avo-inspo by subscribing below.
