How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet

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Cast iron skillets are a wonderful non-stick pan that will last generations when cared for and Cast iron skillets are a wonderful non-stick pan that will last generations when cared for and seasoned properly. Learn how to season a cast iron skillet and get cooking!

A stack of cast iron skillets in different sizes on a wood table.

Table of Contents

What Is Cast Iron Seasoning?

If you’re new to the wonderful world of cast iron, you may hear the word seasoning and think of typical cooking spices. That’s understandable, but in this case, seasoning means the amazing non-stick coating that you bake right onto your cast iron skillet!

Seasoning a skillet is the process of lightly coating your cast iron skillet with oil and baking it in a high-temperature oven. This process causes a reaction called polymerization to happen to the oil, which binds it to the metal and creates the super-durable non-stick coating we all love so much!

It’s not my first choice, but did you know you can season a cast iron skillet without an oven? It’s true! It can be done on the stove as well, but you’ll only be able to season the inside of the skillet, so I recommend sticking with this oven method if you can.

Before we jump into seasoning, make sure your skillet is cleaned and ready to go. If you need help with that, I’ve got a post on how to clean a cast iron skillet right here.

What You Need to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet

Tools needed to season a cast iron skillet laid out on a table, with text labels overlaid.

Soap: This is only used if your skillet is new or completely unseasoned!
Plastic Scraper: I use this to scrape out any existing scraps before cleaning.
Chain mail Scrubber: This can be used if you have some really stuck-on bits that the plastic scraper is not able to loosen.
Oil: I used avocado oil for my seasoning, but any other high smoke point oil will work too! Flaxseed, grapeseed, coconut, or canola oil are all good options.

How to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet

If you’re just reseasoning a cast iron skillet that has an existing season, skip to step 3.

Washing a cast iron skillet with water and a rag.

Step 1: With your new cast iron skillet, start by washing well with warm, soapy water. Washing cast iron with soap is typically bad practice, but since this one is new and we are about to season it, a quick clean will not hurt anything.

Drying a cast iron skillet with a clean rag.

Step 2: Pat dry with a clean towel, making sure the skillet is completely dry before continuing.

Rubbing oil into a cast iron skillet with a paper towel.

Step 3: Using an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, lightly coat the entire skillet. Be sure to coat inside and out, including the bottom and handle. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.

A cast iron skillet upside down on an oven rack.

Step 4: In a preheated 400°F oven, place the skillet upside down on the center rack. Position a large baking sheet or strip of aluminum foil on a rack below it to catch any oil drops. Allow to bake for 1 hour.

Step 5: Let the skillet cool in the oven. After turning off your oven, leave the skillet inside to cool gradually. Doing this helps the seasoning set properly, giving a better season. Once cooled, your skillet is ready to use. The non-stick aspect gets better the more you use your skillet, so enjoy it often!

Pro Tip: If your pan still looks a little dull or patchy, go ahead and repeat the seasoning process until you’ve built up a thick, even layer you’re happy with. It’s worth the extra effort!

A stack of cast iron skillets in various sizes.

Expert Tips

Never season a dirty skillet! It must be completely clean and dry for the seasoning to adhere.
You only need a very thin layer of oil. Using too much oil can create a sticky finish instead of a non-stick one!
Avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes or vinegar-based dishes right after reseasoning. They can strip away your fresh layer of seasoning, putting you right back at square one.
After each use, apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the inside of the skillet to help prevent rust in storage. Rust is your worst enemy when it comes to cast iron care, but if it happens, be sure to check out my tips on cleaning rust off of cast iron!

What If My Skillet Still Sticks After Seasoning?

Are you preheating your skillet before using it? Sure, cast iron is uber non-stick when well seasoned, but cast iron must be preheated in order for it to work.

Another common issue is that the layer of polymerized oil is deteriorating, which can happen over time if not maintained.

If a skillet starts to stick after seasoning, it could be due to cast iron neglect, going long periods of time between seasoning, using abrasives such as steel wool, or even cooking with acidic foods such as tomatoes. All of those mean you might need to preseason your skillet.

The good news is that cast iron is very durable! Repeat the seasoning process 3-4 times to get a good coat of oil baked back onto the cast iron, and you’ll be good to go.

Regular reseasoning of your cast iron skillet will keep it non-stick. Depending on use, cast iron should be seasoned several times a year. Lightly coating the bottom of your skillet with fresh oil after each use will help prolong the time between seasonings.

What Oven Temp Is Best To Season Cast Iron

Lodge Cast Iron recommends an oven temp between 400° and 450°F for seasoning the skillet. I personally recommend setting the temp at 400°F and running the exhaust fan during baking.

The oven may smoke and give off some smells during polymerization. If possible, open a window to allow some air circulation while seasoning.

Cast Iron Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Season A Cast Iron Skillet?

Cast iron skillets use a process called polymerization, which is essentially using high heat to bake oil onto the skillet. This reaction, through the process of seasoning, literally causes the bonding of oil to the cast iron. If done properly, your cast iron will have a nice thin layer of polymerized oil, creating a durable, natural non-stick cooking skillet.

What Is The Best Oil To Season Cast Iron With?

Any oil with a high smoke point will work for seasoning your skillet. Grapeseed oil, vegetable oil and avocado oil are all great picks with a high smoke point. I do most of my cooking with coconut oil, so I generally season my skillets with it. Learn more about the best oils to season a skillet here.

When Should I Reseason My Cast Iron?

When food is constantly sticking to the bottom and you find yourself having to scrape it out, it may be time to re-season. Other signs are rust and a metallic taste in the food. You can use this stovetop cast iron seasoning method to season just the inside of your skillet as needed.

How Do I Clean Cast Iron?

After cooking with the skillet, scrape any remaining bits of food out using a wooden spatula and rinse with warm water. I am often asked if it is ok to use a washcloth to clean the skillet. I almost always use a wet washcloth to wipe out my skillet, and have seen no negative effects because of it. Save the soap for cleaning your enameled cast iron!

Can I Use Abrasives Such As Steel Wool On Cast Iron?

Um, no. Unless you’re restoring a rusty old skillet in preparation for a fresh seasoning, no abrasives should be used. If the cast iron is starting to stick after each use, it’s probably just time to re-season.

Cast Iron Care Tips

If you followed these steps to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet, please leave a star rating and let me know how you use your skillet in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!

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