Influence of Multiple Deep-Frying Cycles on the Characteristics of Corn Oil and Acrylamide Content in French Fries

Abstract

Abstract Reusing oil in deep-frying is a common practice in homes and restaurants, with little knowledge of its negative effects. The present study investigated the physicochemical properties of corn oil (CO) and acrylamide content (AA) in French fries during four deep-frying cycles. Results revealed that the lowest level of AA contamination was 24.65 ppm during the first frying cycle, while the highest level was 55.91 ppm after four frying cycles, indicating increased acrylamide formation. Repeated frying led to detrimental changes in CO, including significant increased peroxide value, acid value, free fatty acids, viscosity, and density, decreased smoking point, and iodine number, signifying reduced thermal stability and unsaturation level. DPPH assay showed antioxidant activity decreased from 41.51 to 23.41, while TFC decreased from 20.29 to 15.02 and TPC decreased from 14.85 to 3.97 after four frying cycles, indicating the declining quality of CO after reusing it in the deep-frying method.