Can You Microwave Coconut Oil? Is It Really Doable Or Not?

can you microwave coconut oil

Did you know?

Because of its reasonably high melting temperature, coconut oil stays in a smooth, thick condition at room temperature—roughly 76°F.

Thus, when you want to use it for a recipe, you need to melt it.

However, many suggest microwaving the oil instead of letting it melt naturally.

Yet, there are arguments surrounding this.

So, can you microwave coconut oil?

Find out now.

Can You Microwave Coconut Oil?

Yes, you can.

It is simple to warm coconut oil in the microwave.

Simply pour the amount of coconut oil you like into a microwave-safe bowl.

Nuke the oil for 15 secs for multiple rounds, whisking in between.

Allow it to cool once it has melted.

Is It Safe To Microwave Coconut Oil?

Microwaving coconut oil should be fine until you overheat it to the point when it breaks down.

In other words, “melting” is perfectly OK. However, you must proceed with caution while adopting this technique. This is why:

Microwave ovens function by inducing the links amongst atoms to oscillate.

Heat is generated by the movement of atoms shaking and rebounding around.

Based on a characteristic known as the “dielectric constant,” different compounds collect microwave energy in various ways.

Water particles possess a strong dielectric constant, making them exceedingly active and prone to bouncing about. Meanwhile, oil particles are bigger and more stable.

However, because their dielectric constant is lower, they will need a longer time to warm up.

BUT, because oil has a lower heating point than water, it can carry almost twice as much heat.

As a result, you can quickly overheat coconut oil to the extent that it burns you.

When Burned, Does Coconut Oil Become Toxic?

As coconut oil burns, it generates carcinogens that are discolored and scorched.

If eaten, these carcinogens could enhance the formation of free radicals in your system, raising your chance of having cancer.

Is It OK To Heat Coconut Oil?

can you microwave coconut oil

Coconut oil is the optimum option for high or higher temperatures.

More than  90% of coconut oil fats are saturated, making it exceptionally heat tolerant.

In addition, the oil remains semi-solid and may be stored for years or decades without becoming spoiled in normal conditions.

Does Coconut Oil Pop In The Microwave?

Yes, it does. And the underlying reason is water. You might be questioning, “Wait a minute! Coconut oil isn’t water; it’s oil.” However, water indeed causes the popping thing.

This problem is caused by both the coconut oil and the microwave.

Even when the coconut has been dried, water will linger in the concoction. Water may be a thick substance, and you will find it inside the coconut oil if it is not refined correctly.

Here comes the microwave side.

To begin, here’s an intriguing fact: fats and water both possess oppositely charged sides.

As a mixture of fat and water, coconut oil will make those opposite charges clash, creating the popping. Moreover, as the water warms faster than fat, it turns into vapor and explodes when it bursts through the mixture.

How can you solve this problem? Set the heat on a low level, frequently stir, gently warm the oil, then top the container with a microwave-safe lid to save effort on clean-up!

Wrapping Up

Now you know you can microwave coconut oil.

Although the process is pretty safe, only nuke it briefly to prevent burning yourself.

Also, never use burned oil as it could result in cancer. Good luck!

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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