Deep-frying gives a crispy and delicious flavor to almost every protein and vegetable. If you own a deep fryer, it’s important that you learn how to use it correctly so you can enjoy golden and crispy food.
It’s also crucial to take the right safety precautions in order to avoid grease fires and burns.
Fortunately, if you set up the fryer correctly and use the right cooking techniques, you’ll be able to prepare delicious fried food without worrying about burning down your house!
What’s In This Guide
This guide includes a few steps on how to use a deep fryer correctly. We also explain the benefits of using a deep fryer and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about deep-frying.
Hopefully, this guide will answer all of your questions. But in case it doesn’t, feel free to leave us a comment below!
Why Use a Deep Fryer?
A deep fryer ensures a faster frying process than a frying pan. You don’t have to worry about turning your food during cooking, and since most modern models come with timers, you just have to set the right cooking time and take out the food once the frying is done.
A deep fryer further ensures delicious and crispy food. The included thermostats lower your chances of overcooking your food and give you full control over the cooking temperature. You can use a deep fryer to make several scrumptious meals and snacks, including chips, crackers, and potatoes.
It also minimizes spillage, helping you reduce the amount of oil wasted during cooking. A safety lid further decreases the splattering of oil, while the oil filters keep the oil clean, making it perfect for reuse.
The Process
If you’re using a deep fryer for the first time, you can follow these steps to ensure that you don’t cause a grease fire and burn your house down:
- Set up your deep fryer
- Turn it on
- Keep cords out of the way
- Dry your food
- Slowly lower your food in
- Monitor the fryer
- Carefully remove the food
- Let the food dry
- Keep a fire extinguisher close
- Let the oil cool down
Step 1: Set up your deep fryer
It’s better to fill your deep fryer with an oil that has a high smoke point.
The smoke point is basically the temperature at which the oil starts to break down and gives your food a burnt flavor.
Grapeseed, soybean, vegetable, and peanut oil all have high smoke points. Other oil types, such as olive oil, have a low smoke point, making them unsuitable for deep-frying.
Once you decide the type of oil you’re going to use, pour it into a cool deep fryer, making sure not to over or underfill it.
Most models come with a max fill line, while some feature a minimum fill line, so you’ll easily know the right amount of oil to put in.
Step 2: Turn it on
Depending on your model, you’ll either have to plug in your machine, turn on the switch, or set the time and temperature to turn it on. Also check that the oil reaches the right temperature and does not overheat. It’s advisable to deep-fry food between 350oF and 375oF.
Most models come equipped with a thermostat that automatically ensures and maintains the right temperature, but it’s still better to keep a deep-fry thermometer on hand to check the heat.
Step 3: Keep cords out of the way
If your deep fryer has an electrical cord, make sure you keep it in an area that doesn’t receive any foot traffic. You can topple the entire deep fryer by tripping over the cord, which can result in a grease fire or seriously burn someone.
Step 4: Dry your food
Oil and water don’t mix! Make sure you dry whatever you’re deep-frying or cover it with a dusting or batter of some kind.
For example, if you’re frying freshly cut potatoes, just remember to dry them on a kitchen or paper towel, or the oil will splatter out dangerously when you place them in the fryer.
Step 5: Slowly lower your food in
This step is fairly easy, as most deep fryers come with a basket you can put food into. You can then lower this basket easily and lock it into place.
However, some units don’t have a basket, so you’ll either have to carefully place the food in the oil or use a slotted spoon to do so.
Either way, it’s important to go slowly. Make sure that the food is fully submerged in the oil, but if it’s not, turn it over once one side is cooked.
Step 6: Monitor the fryer
Make sure you monitor the fryer when it’s on, and remember to never walk away or leave it unattended. If the oil begins to burn or smoke, reduce the heat or turn it off completely.
Some models now feature built-in timers to prevent overcooking. If your machine doesn’t have a timer, you can easily set one on your phone or microwave.
Step 7: Carefully remove the food
Carefully remove the food once it’s completely fried. If your fryer has a basket, you just need to lift it out of the oil. If not, you can use a slotted spoon to remove the food, ensuring that all extra oil drains out of the holes in the spoon.
Remember to not touch the deep fryer when it’s on. Some fryers get hot and can burn your hand if you touch them. Make sure that you only handle the basket or use tongs to submerge the food when you’re using the fryer and not the fryer itself.
Step 8: Let the food dry
It’s important to let freshly deep-fried food dry. You can let it sit in the basket, place it on a drying rack, or pat it dry with a paper towel.
If you don’t dry your food, you’ll be consuming the oil that sticks to the outside of it. By drying, you’ll be able to remove an extremely unhealthy element.
Step 9: Keep a fire extinguisher close
Grease fires are extremely dangerous and can’t be extinguished with water. For this reason, it’s important to keep a fire extinguisher close. If your deep fryer does cause a grease fire, you just need to point the fire extinguisher towards it and press the trigger to release its chemicals onto the fire.
Step 10: Let the oil cool down
Make sure you let the oil cool to room temperature before you dispose of it. This usually takes about two hours.
You can store the cooled oil in a sealable plastic or metal container and then throw it in the trash or dispose of it at a grease-collecting facility. Don’t pour the oil down the toilet or drain because it will clog your pipes.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Using A Deep Fryer Correctly
Which oil is best for deep-frying?
Every oil is suitable for a different purpose, so it’s better to keep a few types on hand. Neutral oils like vegetable and canola oil are best for deep-frying, while more flavorful kinds like coconut or olive oil are ideal for pan-frying and sautéing.
Which flour should I use for deep-frying?
All-purpose flour is the best choice for deep-frying meats because it can withstand the high temperature needed to properly cook meats. You can use all-purpose flour for frying pork, beef, fish, and chicken.
Should I cover my deep fryer with a lid?
No, you should not cover your deep fryer with a lid when you’re using it. This is because the lid creates condensation, which falls back into the hot oil and partially steams the food, defeating the purpose of deep-frying. It’s better to remove the lid and fry your food in small batches.