Can You Use Avocado Oil To Season Cast Iron: An In-Depth Guide?

Cast iron is an excellent and durable material that can withstand high temperatures and weather elements. That is why many people choose skillets, grills, and griddles made of cast iron. However, it is crucial that you season this material to create a layer of protection.

The key is to select the right oil and follow the correct steps to season perfectly. So, if you are wondering whether you can use avocado oil to season cast iron, you are in the right place. Here is an in-depth guide for you.

Can You Use Avocado Oil To Season Cast Iron?

Yes, you can use avocado oil to season cast iron because the smoke point of this oil is incredibly high. The smoke point goes up to over 520F. When you compare this to olive oil, it only has a smoke point of 375F.

The avocado oil will create a light yet protective layer that will be perfect for deep frying, high-heat cooking, and much more. However, the downside to using this oil is the pricing. It is an expensive choice, but it can help you season your pan or griddle in the best way.

Step-By-Step Guide To Season Cast Iron With Avocado Oil

Seasoning the cast iron past in the correct way will give you use for a long time. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve this aim:

1. Gather What You Need

The first thing you will have to do is gather all the tools you will need for seasoning. These include the following:

• A scrub brush or sponge
• One tablespoon of avocado oil
• Aluminium foil or baking sheet
• Oven
• Dish soap and towel
• Sink

All of these are important things you need for seasoning. Once you have gathered these things, you can move on to step two.

2. Preheat The Oven

The next step is to preheat your oven, but the temperature should be below 520F because that is the smoke point of the oil. We recommend that you preheat the oven to 400F. You can also go up to 450F if you like, and if there is some smoke at this point, it is okay.

3. Add Baking Sheet

You have to keep a layer of baking sheet or foil under the pan inside the oven. That is because the oil will begin dripping, and you need something to catch this excess oil. It is best not to leave it exposed because your oven will get dirty, and it will be a hassle to clean.

4. Clean The Pan

Before you put the pan inside the oven, make sure that you clean it thoroughly. That is because there is a factory coating you need to eliminate before you season it with avocado oil. We recommend that you take the sponge and dish soap to clean the pan and remove the coating.

Also Read:How To Clean A Rusty Griddle? (And Tips To Prevent Future Rusting)

5. Use A Towel to Dry The Pan

Then, it is time for you to dry the pan using a clean towel. You have to remove the moisture so that you can season the pan without any issues. After the pan is dry, make sure that you heat it for a few minutes to remove even the smallest of water droplets.

6. Apply The Avocado Oil

Take one tablespoon of avocado oil and spread it across the pan using a fabric or paper towel. Make sure you cover the sides, handles, bottom, and everything else. Besides that, don't put too much oil, or excess oil will have an opposite effect on the seasoning.

7. Bake The Pan

You must bake your cast iron pans after applying avocado oil. This is important to prevent oil from building at the bottom of the tool. Remember to keep your pan upside down in an oven when heating it.

It is important to let the pan bake in the oven for at least one hour. If you don't perform this step, the tool will be sticky. This means that your food quality will not be the best after cooking.

The high oven heat will break down the oil and help it bond with the material. Your tool will not be sticky because of this step. So you don't have to worry about cooking issues.

8. Let The Tool Cool

Seasoning the pan may take some time, but it will all be worth the effort. After baking for one hour, you can turn off the oven. However, do not take out the tool yet.

You should let the item sit in the oven for half an hour or more before taking it out. This will cool the item. You may open the oven door to make the tool cool down faster.

Letting the item cool will save it from thermal damage. The cast iron tool will also not warp after this step. You can also repeat the earlier steps five to seven times if you want a tough seasoning.

Repeating the steps is optional, so there is no need to worry much if you don't have time for it. You can use the item right away for cooking once it has cooled down.

Why Do You Need To Season Cast Iron?

The seasoning process of this material is longer, so many people wonder why they should do it. Your tool with cast iron parts is prone to rusting because of iron inclusion. Any time you use water with the pan, air will react with the liquid.

This reaction will cause rusting of the pan, skillet, or griddle. Damage by rusting will lead to a shorter lifespan of your tool. This is why seasoning is necessary.

The process will form a security barrier and prevent the reaction of oxygen and water from happening. Your cast iron tool will not rust. So you can use it for many years to come and enjoy the best value for money.

Benefits Of Avocado Oil For Seasoning Cast Iron

Here are the benefits of using this oil:

Enhances Taste

The best part is that avocado oil seasoning will ensure a better taste of your dish. This is because the item imparts a buttery flavour to food. The smell of the oil is also pleasant.

So the aroma of your food will be better than the aroma you get from using other oil types.

Better Stability

It is no secret seasoning with avocado oil takes some time. The slow process is a benefit because it helps you create a tough barrier. Oils that season faster do not form a strong bond with the material.

This means that the seasoning will wear out faster. Cast iron pans seasoned with avocado oil have to be reseasoned only once or twice every year.

Meanwhile, you will have to reseason your skillet or griddle more than two times every year if you use other oil types.

Final Words

This is all you must know about whether you can use avocado oil to season cast iron. The seasoning will take a few hours, but the barrier will be strong. Your tool will last for years after using this oil.

The best part is you will not have to reseason often every year. So it will save more time in the long run.