Deep Fryer Tips for Safe and Perfect Frying
Posted on September 04, 2017 By Alison P
Looking to cook up some delicious eats with your deep fryer? There are tons of great recipes, but before you start experimenting with various fry-able foods, read these basic tips for safe cooking and perfectly-fried food!
Picking the Right Cooking Oil
Deep frying requires an oil that has a high smoke point, meaning the oil will not break down at the high temperatures needed for deep frying. Peanut, safflower, sunflower, and canola oils are all good choices due to their high smoke points. Note: If you choose peanut oil, make sure you're NOT preparing food for someone who has a peanut allergy. Although some sources suggest that you can reuse the cooking oil after frying, it's best not to do so. The oil has already begun to break down from the heat, and undesirable compounds like trans fats have formed. Let the oil cool completely, then discard it safely. Once the oil is disposed of, clean your deep fryer and store it away until the next use.
Maintaining the Temperature
The best temperature for frying is between 350°F and 375°F. Frying at this temperature will help keep oil absorption to a minimum, which cuts back on fat and calories, but it's mainly about safety. The oil temperature can rise quickly between the smoke point and point where its vapor can be ignited, known as its flash point. Most oils reach their flash point at about 600°F. If oil continues to be heated to higher temperatures it will reach its fire point, where it will burn continuously.
Hot oil is nothing to mess with, so a quality deep-fry thermometer is essential equipment. Use it to accurately gauge and consistently maintain the temperature of your oil. If you do reach a fire point, turn the heat off immediately and cover with a metal lid. If you do not have a large metal lid, baking soda will work on flames as well. DO NOT USE WATER. Pouring water on oil can cause it to splash and spread fire instead of putting it out.
Cooking Tips
Before you start submerging your food in the fryer, preheat your oven to a low setting. You can keep your already-fried foods warm on the rack in the oven while you cook the next batch.
As mentioned earlier, water and oil don't mix! Adding water to hot oil can cause an explosion, so always keep your cooking area clean and dry. Do not keep any water around or on a shelf above your deep fryer. All foods should be patted dry with a paper towel before they are dropped into the hot oil. If you are using a wet batter, such as for onion rings, be sure to shake off any excess batter before frying to guarantee splatter-free success.
Do not fill your fryer more than halfway with oil. This will ensure that there will be no dangerous bubbling-over when your food is added. Overloading your deep fryer with food can also cause it to bubble over. Not only that, but the extra food causes the temperature to drop as well, leaving you with greasy and soggy food. Deep-fried food must be surrounded by hot oil at the correct temperature for the best results.
Salt is an essential ingredient in any deep-frying recipe; however, timing is everything when it comes to seasoning. Never salt a food before deep-frying it, as the salt will draw moisture to the food's surface and cause the hot oil to splatter. (Remember, water and oil don't mix!) Salt also lowers the smoke point of oil, which in turn breaks down the oil molecules much quicker. Always salt food immediately after removing it from the hot oil, when it has the best chance of sticking to the food.
Enjoy frying up your food, and remember: Safety first!