What Can You Use A Deep Fryer For?

A fried chicken in a deep fryer, What Can You Use A Deep Fryer For?From Japanese tempera to British fish & chips, almost every culture on earth has its unique deep-fried delicacies. Using a deep fryer at home is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite deep-fried goodies while also controlling your oil and sodium intake. Keep reading to find out more about how to use this convenient device properly.

People use deep fryers for cooking food quickly and uniformly while also giving their dishes a delectably crispy outer layer. The list of foods you could put in a deep fryer is endless, but here are the most popular items:

  • French Fries 
  • Onion rings 
  • Fried Chicken
  • Fried Fish

Are you interested in learning how to use your sizzling deep fryer safely? If so, please take a look at all the tasty tricks detailed below.

Contents

How To Use A Deep Fryer: The Basics

In this first section, we’ll share a standard protocol everyone should follow when using an at-home deep fryer for the first time. As a bonus, you’ll also find a few recipes for some of the world’s most popular deep-fried goodies.

How Do You Use A Deep Fryer For The First Time?

Every deep fryer is slightly different, so we encourage you to read your manufacturer’s instructions before using your model. The steps listed below are general guidelines that typically work on commercially-available deep fryers.

  • Pour your preferred cooking oil to the maximum fill line.
  • Ensure all of your food is well-dried before starting your deep fryer.
  • Plugin your device and power it up to your desired temp (usually around 350° F).
  • Use a deep fryer thermometer to track the oil’s temp.
  • Once the temp is hot enough, gently place your food in the deep fryer with a wire basket or slotted spoon.
  • Set a timer for however long it takes to cook your chosen food.
  • When the time is up, remove your food from the oil and place it on a paper towel or a drying rack.
  • If necessary, check the internal temp of your food with a clean meat thermometer. Return undercooked food to the fryer for about a minute.
  • Shut off your deep fryer and enjoy your meal.

To learn how to clean your deep fryer, be sure to read through our thorough guide entitled “How To Clean A Deep Fryer With White Vinegar?

What Can You Cook With Deep Fryers?

Now that you know the basics let’s get into the specifics of cooking some iconic deep-fried treats from the comforts of home.

French Fries

French fries in a fry steel basket deep fryer

Trust us; once you make French fries at home, you’ll never go back to McDonald’s again. Most chefs recommend placing sliced russet potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes before frying. After drying these slices, fry them for 4 minutes on 340° F and another 2 minutes at 375° F.

Here’s a simple recipe from Food Network star Guy Fieri that’s sure to whet your appetite.

Onion Rings

Onion Rings cooking in hot bubbly oil in a deep fryer

Just like French fries, onion rings have become one of the world’s most iconic deep-fried snacks. Most recipes advise you to mix flour, water, egg, salt, and baking soda to create a thick batter. Once you have this batter set, coat your sliced onion rings and put them in a 375° F deep fryer for about 1 minute per side.

You can use this simple onion ring recipe to make your first batch at home.

Fried Chicken

A fried chicken in a deep fryer

A staple of Southern cuisine, fried chicken is now an international sensation. Everyone has their preferred method for cooking the “perfect poultry,” but here’s an easy-to-follow recipe that’s great for first-time fryers.

FYI: the safe internal temp for chicken is 165° F.

You can now buy the highly-rated Harbor 022 Meat Thermometer on Amazon for all your cooking needs.

Click here to find this on Amazon.

Fried Fish

Fried fish is undoubtedly one of the UK’s culinary masterpieces. Although Alaskan cod is always a popular choice, consider experimenting with halibut, trout, and tilapia to discover what fishy flavors suit your palate.

Battered fish should be placed in a 365° F deep fryer for between 3 – 5 minutes. You’ll know your filets are done when they reach an internal temp of 145° F.

To find out how to cook fantastic fish & chips at home, consider following this recipe.

Safety First: How To Use Deep Fryers Properly

Although deep fryers are quick and convenient, they are also one of the more dangerous cooking methods. Please take a few moments to read the critical safety information presented below.

Is Deep-Frying Dangerous?

Yes, deep-frying can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. Not only is the oil scalding hot, but it’s also highly flammable; hence, grease fires are always a risk factor.

Because deep-frying can be so dangerous, you must have a fire extinguisher nearby. If a grease fire happens, then you must call 911 and use a fire extinguisher to get rid of the blaze.

Never use water to put out a deep fryer fire. Because the oil is set at such high temperatures, any water you pour at your deep fryer will instantly turn into scorching steam that could result in third-degree burns.

Be sure to check out this Standard Red Fire Extinguisher for extra security in your kitchen.

Click here to find this on Amazon. 

How Do You Use A Deep Fryer Safely? 

As long as you’re vigilant and take plenty of precautions, you should be in good shape when using a deep fryer. Here are some critical tips to keep you safe while deep-frying:

  • Never exceed your manufacturer’s limit for the maximum amount of oil in your deep fryer.
  • Thoroughly pat your food dry before putting it in your deep fryer.
  • Never leave your deep fryer unattended when it’s turned on.
  • Never use plastic or wooden materials in your deep fryer.
  • Only use cooking oils with smoke points at or above 400° F. Popular choices include peanut, safflower, soybean, grapeseed, and canola oils.
  • Wait at least two hours for your deep fryer to cool before emptying the oil.

If you’re interested in learning more about safely using oil in your deep fryer, please check out our previous post entitled “How Much Oil Do You Put In A Deep Fryer?

Can You Put A Lid On A Deep Fryer?

Yes, you can use a lid when cooking with a deep fryer. Whether or not you should use a lid, however, is up for debate.

People who are in favor of lids claim they help protect chefs from oil splatter and spillage. Critics, however, claim lids create unnecessary condensation that could mess with the taste of your food.

Please always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations if your deep fryer comes with a lid.

Now You’re Ready For Deep Fried Delights!

Deep fryer technology has come a long way in modern times. You’ll be surprised how easy and safe it is to use these devices to cook your fried fairground faves. Just be sure to practice all the safety tips listed above and always keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

By the way, if you’re considering purchasing a deep fryer, we encourage you to read through this previous post where we examine the average cost of a deep fryer.

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