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Can you fry donuts in shortening?

Published in Donut Frying 3 mins read

Yes, absolutely. Shortening is an excellent and widely recommended medium for frying donuts, often favored for its stability and ability to produce a desirable texture.

Frying donuts involves immersing the dough in hot fat, and shortening provides several advantages for this process. It helps achieve that characteristic golden-brown crust and a fluffy interior that donut lovers cherish.

Why Shortening is Ideal for Donut Frying

Shortening offers distinct benefits for deep-frying applications like donuts, particularly due to its composition and performance under high heat. According to Daniels, "an all soybean formula shortening made from high oleic soybean and soybean oils is ideal for this process." This highlights the specific qualities of certain shortenings that make them superior for commercial and home donut production.

During the frying operation, the donut dough is placed directly into the hot shortening, where it undergoes a rapid transformation. As Daniels further explains, the dough is "subjected to the frying process," which involves cooking, browning, and achieving the desired texture and expansion.

Key Characteristics of Ideal Shortening for Donuts

When selecting shortening for frying donuts, certain attributes contribute significantly to the end product's quality:
  • All Soybean Formula: Shortenings derived entirely from soybeans offer a neutral flavor profile, ensuring the taste of the donut itself is not masked or altered.
  • High Oleic Soybean and Soybean Oils: The inclusion of high oleic oils indicates greater oxidative stability, meaning the shortening can withstand high temperatures for longer periods without breaking down or developing off-flavors. This results in:
    • A longer fry life for the shortening.
    • Consistent donut quality across batches.
    • Reduced absorption of frying fat into the donut.

The Frying Process with Shortening

Understanding how shortening interacts with donut dough during frying is key to achieving perfect results.
Aspect Description
Frying Medium An all soybean formula shortening, ideally made from high oleic soybean and soybean oils, providing excellent heat stability and a clean flavor.
Operation The raw donut dough is carefully placed into the preheated shortening, typically at temperatures between 350-375°F (175-190°C), initiating the cooking process.
Transformation As the dough is subjected to the frying process, it rapidly cooks, expands, and browns on the exterior, while the interior becomes light and airy.
Result Perfectly cooked donuts with a crispy crust, soft interior, and minimal oil absorption, thanks to the inherent properties of quality shortening.

Tips for Frying Donuts with Shortening

To ensure the best outcome when frying donuts, consider these practical insights:
  1. Maintain Consistent Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the shortening at the optimal temperature (usually 350-375°F or 175-190°C). Too low, and donuts become greasy; too high, and they burn outside before cooking inside.
  2. Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry donuts in small batches to prevent a significant drop in shortening temperature, which can lead to soggy donuts.
  3. Proper Draining: After frying, place donuts on a wire rack over paper towels to allow excess shortening to drain off. This prevents greasiness and helps maintain a crisp exterior.
  4. Choose Quality Shortening: As Daniels suggests, opt for high-quality, stable shortenings (like those made with high oleic soybean oils) for better performance and a cleaner taste.

Shortening vs. Other Frying Fats

While other oils like vegetable oil or peanut oil can be used, shortening often provides a superior frying experience for donuts. Its semi-solid state at room temperature and higher smoke point contribute to less breakdown during prolonged frying. This means the shortening lasts longer and imparts less residual flavor to the fried product compared to many liquid oils, which can sometimes leave a greasy mouthfeel or off-notes if not managed correctly.