Adding A Fryer To Your Blackstone Griddle: Is It Possible?

The Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a griddle and an air fryer. It is a popular choice among beginner cooks as it offers a convenient and easy way to cook a variety of delicious meals. The appliance features a griddle plate, a fry basket, and temperature control knobs for both the griddle and the air fryer.

While you can deep fry on a Blackstone Griddle, it is not recommended due to safety concerns and the time it takes for the oil to heat up. Instead, it is safer and quicker to use the Blackstone Griddle deep fryer attachment or an electric deep fryer.

The Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer is perfect for those who want to cook a wide range of foods, from breakfast favorites like pancakes and eggs to dinner dishes like burgers and grilled vegetables. The air fryer function is also ideal for those who enjoy fried foods but want a healthier option, as it uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly without excessive oil.

Deep frying on a Blackstone griddle is possible but not recommended

Firstly, deep frying on a griddle can be dangerous. The biggest risk is spilling hot oil, which can cause severe burns and be challenging to clean up. Foil pans, which are commonly used for deep frying on griddles, are particularly unstable and may collapse or tip over. Additionally, hot oil can catch fire if it comes into contact with the griddle's open flame or extreme high heat. Therefore, it is crucial to respect the grease and use the right equipment to prevent accidents.

Another issue with deep frying on a Blackstone griddle is the time it takes to heat the oil. The griddle must heat up first, and then the heat transfers to the frying pan, resulting in a lengthy preheating process. This inefficiency leads to increased propane consumption, and the temperature drop when adding cold food further prolongs the cooking time.

Deep frying on a griddle also offers less temperature control than other methods. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is critical for achieving crispy and evenly cooked food. However, the uneven heat distribution of the griddle makes controlling the oil temperature challenging.

Instead of deep frying directly on a Blackstone griddle, it is recommended to use alternative methods such as a dedicated electric deep fryer or a heavy-duty Dutch oven. These options provide consistent heat, reduce the risk of oil spills, and have built-in safety features.

If you choose to deep fry on a Blackstone griddle, there are some essential tips to follow:

• Use a cast iron skillet or a sturdy metal pan instead of an aluminum or foil pan to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Ensure the bottom of the pan is completely flat to maximize contact with the griddle surface and minimize heating time.
• Use oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.
• Monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer, maintaining a range between 350°F and 375°F to prevent fires.
• Only fill the pan halfway with oil to prevent spills when adding food.
• Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires within reach at all times.
• Avoid adding foods with ice crystals, as they can cause the oil to pop and splatter.
• Work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding and maintain the oil temperature.

In conclusion, while it is possible to deep fry on a Blackstone griddle, it is not recommended due to safety hazards and inefficiency. Alternative methods, such as using a dedicated deep fryer or a heavy-duty pot, are safer and more effective for achieving consistent results.

You can use a foil pan, cast iron pan, griddle side deep fryer, or metal pans

While it is possible to deep fry on a Blackstone griddle, it is not recommended due to the time it takes to heat up the oil and the temperature drop that occurs when adding food. However, if you are going to deep fry on a Blackstone griddle, you can use a foil pan, cast iron pan, griddle side deep fryer, or metal pans.

Foil Pan

Foil pans are thin and can degrade quickly under high heat, potentially breaking apart and causing the oil to spill. They are also unstable and may collapse or tip over easily, posing a significant burn risk. The risk of spilling hot oil is high with a foil pan, especially on a flat griddle surface. Additionally, hot oil can catch fire if it comes into contact with the griddle's open flame or extreme high heat.

Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are a safer option for deep frying on a Blackstone griddle. They retain heat well, helping to maintain a steady oil temperature and recover from temperature drops when adding cold food. However, they take longer to heat up than foil pans.

Griddle Side Deep Fryer

The Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer is a versatile appliance that combines the functions of a griddle and an air fryer. It offers a convenient and easy way to cook a variety of meals and is a popular choice among beginner cooks. The air fryer function uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

Metal Pans

When using metal pans for deep frying on a Blackstone griddle, it is important to choose the correct type of pan. Avoid using aluminum pans, as they can be punctured easily, leading to hot oil spills. Instead, opt for a cast iron skillet or other metal pans with flat bottoms that make full contact with the griddle surface.

The griddle can cook up to 24 burgers, 12 steaks, and 72 hot dogs

The Blackstone griddle is a flat-top grill with a large, flat steel surface that lets you cook multiple foods at once. It has a spacious cooking surface, with sizes ranging up to 720 square inches, which means you can cook for a crowd. For example, you can cook up to 24 burgers, 12 steaks, and 72 hot dogs on the griddle at the same time. This makes it perfect for feeding large groups, meal prepping, or simplifying your barbecue setup.

The Blackstone griddle is unique because of its versatility. You can use it as both a grill and a griddle, allowing you to cook a variety of foods, from breakfast classics like pancakes and eggs to dinner favorites like steak and vegetables. It also has independently controlled heat zones, so you can manage and cook multiple foods simultaneously.

While you can technically deep fry on the Blackstone griddle, it is not recommended due to the time it takes to heat up the oil and the inefficiency of the process. However, you can use the griddle as a table and place a deep fryer on its surface to keep the deep-frying odors and mess outdoors. Alternatively, you can use an outdoor electric burner or hot plate to heat up oil in a Dutch oven for deep frying.

The Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a griddle and an air fryer

Getting Started with the Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer

When you first receive your Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer, carefully unbox and inspect all the components. Ensure you have all the necessary parts, including the griddle plate, fry basket, and temperature control knobs. Find a suitable location for your appliance—it should be placed on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface, away from any flammable materials, with enough clearance for proper ventilation.

Next, attach the griddle plate to the base of the appliance, plug it in, and turn it on. The temperature control knobs will light up, indicating that the unit is ready for use.

Understanding the Controls

The Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer has intuitive controls with two temperature control knobs—one for the griddle and one for the air fryer. Each knob is labeled and has specific temperature settings. The griddle knob allows you to cook a variety of foods at different heat levels, while the air fryer knob provides a healthy alternative to deep frying, using hot air and little to no oil.

Cooking with the Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer

The griddle function lets you cook a wide range of foods, from breakfast items like pancakes and eggs to dinner dishes like burgers and grilled vegetables. Preheat the griddle plate, use a cooking spray or a small amount of oil, and place your ingredients on the surface. Use a spatula or tongs to flip your food as needed, and adjust the temperature control knob as required.

The air fryer function is perfect for those who want crispy fried foods without the excess oil. It uses hot air circulation to cook your food evenly. Preheat the air fryer, place your food in the fry basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded, and insert the basket into the air fryer. Set the timer, and once it goes off, carefully remove the basket and let your food cool.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After cooking, allow the Blackstone Griddle Air Fryer to cool down completely before cleaning. Remove the griddle plate and fry basket, and wash them in warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh cleaning agents as they can damage the non-stick coating. Wipe down the exterior of the appliance and the control knobs with a damp cloth. Never immerse the appliance in water or put it in the dishwasher.

Air frying is a healthy alternative to deep frying

While it is technically possible to deep fry on a Blackstone griddle, it is not recommended. Deep frying on a griddle takes a lot of time and patience, and there are much more efficient ways to achieve the same result. For instance, using a deep fryer or an outdoor electric burner is a more effective way to deep fry outdoors.

Now, if you are looking for a healthier alternative to deep frying, air frying is a great option. Air fryers have been on the market for over 10 years and are a popular, healthy, and guilt-free way to enjoy your favourite fried foods.

• Air fryers require less oil: Air fryers only need about a tablespoon of oil to achieve a similar taste and texture to deep-fried foods. Deep fryers, on the other hand, require multiple litres of oil. Less oil generally leads to fewer calories, which can reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity.
• Air fryers may reduce harmful compounds: Deep frying can create potentially dangerous compounds like acrylamide, a compound associated with cancer. Air frying your food instead of using a deep fryer may help lower the levels of these harmful compounds.
• Air fryers are a healthier option for starchy foods: Air frying starchy foods like potatoes increases the levels of slowly digestible starch, which could have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.
• Air fryers are versatile: An air fryer can be used to cook not just meats and potatoes but also other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs.
• Air fryers are convenient: Air fryers are a great way to cook sides while you’re grilling something else. They are also a good option if you tend to eat a lot of fried food and are looking for a healthier alternative.

In conclusion, air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and air fryers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance. However, it's important to remember that air-fried foods are still fried foods, and consuming too much of anything can be unhealthy.

Frequently asked questions