Deep-Frying Frozen Foods: Is It Possible?

Deep-fried food is a treat for many, with its crispy texture, unique flavor, and golden exterior. But is it safe to put frozen food in a deep fryer? The short answer is yes, you can safely fry frozen food. In fact, frozen foods are often ideal for frying as they have been blanched, or partially cooked, before being frozen, reducing cooking times. This also results in a twice-fried style of cooking, creating a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior. However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when frying frozen foods at home.

Can Frozen Food Be Put in a Deep Fryer?

Safety precautions when deep-frying frozen food

Deep-frying frozen food is possible, but it can be dangerous if not done correctly. Here are some safety precautions to follow when deep-frying frozen food:

Set Up Your Deep Fryer Outdoors

Firstly, it is recommended to set up your deep fryer outdoors. This is because hot oil can splash out of the fryer during cooking, and setting up outdoors minimises the risk of damage to your home and the probability of injury. It also provides better ventilation and helps eliminate lingering odours.

Use the Right Oil

When deep-frying, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, or vegetable oil. Make sure not to overfill your deep fryer with oil, as it can easily spill out. Additionally, always wear protective gear, such as oven mitts, when handling the deep fryer and hot oil.

Preheat the Oil to the Right Temperature

The oil should be preheated to the correct temperature before cooking. Under or over-heating the oil can lead to fires and burns. Always refer to the instruction manual for the correct temperature and keep the fryer away from flammable objects and surfaces.

Thaw and Dry Ingredients

While it is possible to deep-fry frozen food, it is safer to completely thaw and dry your ingredients before placing them in the hot oil. This helps to avoid undercooked or burnt food, as the outer layers will not cook much faster than the inner core. It also ensures a better-tasting meal.

Use Long Tongs

Using long-handled tongs (12–15 inches) is essential for safety and efficiency. They eliminate the need to lean over or lower yourself into the hot oil, reducing the risk of burns or splashes. Long tongs also provide better control and manoeuvrability compared to other utensils like forks or spatulas.

Have a Lid and Fire Extinguisher Handy

Keep a lid nearby to contain splatters and spills, but always turn off the heat before placing the lid on the fryer to avoid hot oil spills or explosions. Additionally, keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.

Clean Up and Dispose of Used Oil Properly

After deep-frying, allow the oil to cool, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove food particles. Used cooking oil should never be poured down the drain as it can cause pipe clogs. Instead, check with your local government or waste management department for recycling programs that accept used cooking oil.

Recommended foods for deep-frying from frozen

Deep-frying frozen food is a great way to achieve a quick, crispy result. Many frozen products, like French fries, are blanched before being frozen, which helps to reduce cooking times. It is important to remember to shake off any excess ice before frying and adjust the cooking time to ensure the food is cooked through. Here are some recommended foods for deep-frying from frozen:

French Fries

French fries are a classic choice for deep-frying. As mentioned, they are often blanched before freezing, resulting in a shorter cook time. This also leads to a twice-fried style of frying, resulting in crispy fries on the outside and warm and soft on the inside.

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are another excellent option for deep-frying from frozen. The frozen state helps to ensure that the cheese remains molten and lovely on the inside, while the outside becomes crispy. Serve with marinara sauce or salsa for dipping.

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a convenient choice for deep-frying from frozen. Look for those made with whole breast meat pieces, air-chilled, and antibiotic-free for the best quality. Chicken nuggets will cook evenly and result in a juicy and crispy texture.

Onion Rings

Onion rings, especially those with a panko breading and sea salt, are a great option for deep-frying from frozen. Aim for a cook time of around seven minutes to achieve a golden-brown colour without burning.

Pretzel Bites

Pretzel bites are an interesting choice for deep-frying from frozen. The air fryer can result in a crispier exterior than a conventional oven, while still maintaining a soft interior.

Egg Rolls

For crispy and flaky egg rolls, the air fryer is the way to go. The air fryer gives the egg roll wrapper a nice layered texture, and the inside remains well-seasoned.

How to prepare frozen food for deep-frying

Deep-frying frozen food is a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a warm, fluffy interior. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare and deep-fry frozen food safely and effectively.

Step 1: Choose the Right Oil

Firstly, select an appropriate oil for deep-frying. Different oils have unique flavour profiles and smoke points. The smoke point is the temperature at which oil begins to break down, so an oil with a higher smoke point will theoretically last longer. Additionally, consider the flavour transfer of the oil onto the food. For example, soybean oil has a high flavour transfer, while canola oil has less flavour transfer but a strong smell during frying.

Step 2: Set Up the Deep Fryer

Set up your deep fryer by filling it with oil and heating it to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for deep-frying frozen foods is typically between 350-375°F (177-191°C). This temperature range allows for the food to cook evenly, creating the desired crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Step 3: Prepare the Frozen Food

Remove the frozen food from its packaging and place it in a strainer to remove any excess ice crystals. This step helps prevent dangerous splatters and burns when they come into contact with hot oil. Ensure there is ample space around each piece of food to prevent steaming and promote even cooking.

Step 4: Fry in Small Batches

To ensure even cooking, fry the frozen food in small batches, avoiding overcrowding in the fryer. Gently place the food into the hot oil, being careful to prevent oil splatters. The cooking time will vary depending on the food, but for items like French fries, cook for 3-7 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Temperature

Regularly monitor the deep fryer and adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness and preventing undercooked or burnt food.

Step 6: Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness (Optional)

For an even crispier texture, you can opt for double-frying. Fry the frozen food at a lower temperature (around 325°F/163°C) for a few minutes, then increase the temperature to 375°F/191°C for the second round of frying.

Step 7: Drain, Season, and Serve

Once the food is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a strainer to remove it from the oil and drain it on a paper towel. Season with salt or your desired seasonings, and serve while hot!

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively deep-fry frozen food, resulting in delicious, crispy treats that rival those from your favourite fast-food joints!

The best type of oil for deep-frying

When choosing the best oil for deep-frying, there are several factors to consider, such as smoke point, flavour profile, and cost.

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it will burn and produce smoke. This is an important factor to consider because heating an oil past its smoke point can impart a burnt flavour to your food, and may even start a fire. For this reason, it is recommended to choose an oil with a smoke point of at least 400°F (204°C) for deep-frying, as the ideal temperature for deep-frying is around 350–375°F (176–190°C). Oils with high smoke points include:

• Refined safflower oil
• Soybean oil (often labelled as vegetable oil)
• Peanut oil
• Canola oil
• Avocado oil
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Sunflower oil
• Palm oil
• Lard
• Tallow
• Ghee
• Dripping

Flavour Profile

The flavour profile of the oil you choose can also affect the taste of your food. For example, soybean oil has a very high flavour transfer, whereas canola oil has a strong smell. Oils with a neutral flavour, such as canola oil, are usually preferred for deep-frying.

Cost

Cost is also an important consideration, especially since deep-frying requires a large amount of oil. Canola oil is a good choice in this regard, as it is widely available and affordable, costing around $2 to $3 per quart.

Other Considerations

In addition to the above, you may also want to consider the health benefits of different oils. Oils that are liquid at room temperature tend to be healthier, with those high in polyunsaturated fats being the healthiest. The healthiest options include sunflower oil and safflower oil, both of which have smoke points above 450°F (232°C). However, these oils can be more expensive, costing $10 or more per quart.

Deep-frying temperatures

Deep-frying is a cooking method that involves submerging food in oil or fat and cooking it at a high temperature. The normal temperature range for deep-frying is between 325 and 375 °F, but temperatures can go up to 400 °F. The high heat means that choosing the right type of cooking fat is very important. Some oils are better suited for deep-frying than others because they have a high smoke point—the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke and turn acrid.

The best oils for deep-frying have a high smoke point, usually above 350 °F. Examples include safflower oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. Other oils with a lower smoke point include soybean, vegetable, and palm oil. These oils are less stable and will develop polymers that can build up on the fryer, making cleaning more difficult and costly.

When deep-frying, it is important to be vigilant about the oil temperature to get the best results. If the oil temperature is too low, the food will be greasy and may stick together. If the temperature is too high, the exterior of the food will burn before the inside is cooked. To maintain a constant temperature, a deep-frying or confectionery thermometer is useful. Alternatively, an electric deep fryer with a built-in thermostat can be used to set and maintain the temperature.

If you don't have a thermometer or an electric deep fryer, you can test the temperature of the oil by dropping a cube of bread into it. The bread will turn golden brown in 25-30 seconds at 160 °C, in 20 seconds at 170 °C, in 15 seconds at 180 °C, and in 10 seconds at 190 °C.

It is also important to note that the temperature of the oil will drop when food is added, especially if the food is frozen. For this reason, it is recommended to fry frozen foods in smaller batches to minimize the temperature drop. The oil should recover to its set point by the end of the frying cycle so that it is ready for the next batch.

Frequently asked questions