Deep-Frying Delights: Exploring The Versatile Deep Fat Fryer

Deep fryers are a great way to cook up some delicious treats and snacks. From the classic French fries to the more unusual deep-fried steak, there are plenty of options to explore. For those with a sweet tooth, there are apple doughnuts, churros, and even deep-fried Oreos. Savoury fans can indulge in chicken, fish, and chips, or get adventurous with deep-fried mac 'n' cheese, artichoke hearts, or cabbage. With so many possibilities, it's no wonder that deep fryers are a popular choice for those looking to satisfy their fried food cravings.

Chicken, fish, and other meats

Chicken

Chicken thighs, in particular, are a great cut for deep frying, with plenty of surface area for a crispy crust and a higher fat content that keeps the meat moist. Chicken legs are also a good option, but be sure to separate the legs from the thighs before frying, as whole leg quarters will take too long to cook and may dry out. Chicken livers are another option, but be sure to look for pale, cream-coloured specimens, as these are fattier and have a milder taste.

To prepare, you can brine the chicken in pickle juice or buttermilk, baste it in mustard before breading, or toss the cooked product in a cayenne-butter mixture for a homemade take on Nashville hot chicken.

To cook, heat oil to 170-180°C in a deep fryer or heavy-based saucepan. Carefully lower the chicken into the oil with tongs or gloved fingers, cooking only a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 25 minutes. Finally, increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 more minutes, until the juices run clear and the chicken is deep golden brown.

Fish

Fish is also a great option for deep frying, though it requires a protective coating to prevent the delicate flesh from absorbing too much oil. You can use breadcrumbs, batter, or a simple rub or spice blend. To coat the fish with breadcrumbs, first dust the fish with flour, then dip it in a beaten egg mixture, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs. If using batter, dip the fish in beer batter or several coatings of egg and seasoned flour.

Heat oil to 170-180°C in a deep fryer or heavy-based saucepan. Gently lower the coated fish into the oil with tongs or a basket, cooking only a few pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding and a drop in oil temperature. Fry until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, then drain on absorbent paper.

Other Meats

In addition to chicken, other meats that are great for deep frying include pork loin and pork chops. Pork loin benefits from a small fat cap that keeps the meat moist, and its versatility makes it a great option for experimenting with different flavours and techniques. Pork chops are lean, affordable, and have a sponge-like quality that allows them to absorb flavour easily.

As with chicken, you can brine pork in pickle juice or buttermilk, or experiment with different breadings and spices to add flavour. Then, simply heat oil to 170-180°C in a deep fryer or heavy-based saucepan and carefully lower the meat into the oil, cooking until browned and cooked through.

Vegetables

Deep-frying is a cooking method that involves submerging food in extremely hot oil until it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. When food is deep-fried properly, it will be hot and crispy on the outside and cooked safely in the centre.

Deep-frying can be done with a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, onions, and potatoes. The process of deep-frying vegetables is similar to that of other foods. First, preheat oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot or deep fryer on medium-high heat. The oil temperature should be between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. You can also use the panko or chopstick method to check the temperature if you don't have a thermometer. The panko method involves putting a piece of panko (Japanese breadcrumb) in the oil and observing the reaction. The chopstick method involves inserting a wooden cooking chopstick into the oil and waiting for bubbles to appear.

Once the oil is hot, dip the vegetables into a batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Use a large spoon or skimmer to stir the contents of the fryer so they don't stick together. Fry the vegetables for about 3 minutes or until they are floating and golden brown. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy. Remove the vegetables from the oil and place them on a plate or platter lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

It is important to note that deep-frying can be dangerous due to the extremely hot oil involved. Always exercise caution when deep-frying, and never leave the fryer unattended. Additionally, make sure to pat dry the vegetables before battering and frying them, as this will help the batter stick better.

Sweets and desserts

Deep-fried sweets and desserts are a treat, and you can make a variety of them using a deep fat fryer. Deep-fried sweets are a simple concept: take a sweet food, coat it in batter, and cook it in hot oil until it's golden and crispy. The result is a delicious, indulgent treat that's perfect for special occasions or moments when you feel like spoiling yourself.

The options for deep-fried desserts are endless, but some popular choices include deep-fried Oreos, which are classic Oreo cookies dipped in batter and fried until golden. Funnel cakes are another favourite, made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil to create a lacy, crispy, powdered sugar-dusted fried dough. These are often served as a fair or carnival treat. Churros, a Spanish dessert, are also a common choice, made by piping a simple dough through a star-shaped nozzle, frying it until crispy, and coating it in cinnamon sugar.

If you're looking for something more decadent, you can try deep-fried cheesecake bites, deep-fried cookie dough, or even deep-fried Snickers bars. These desserts are usually found at state fairs, carnivals, or amusement parks and are loved for their gooey centres and golden coatings. For a fruity option, deep-fried strawberries are a treat—coat them in chocolate and batter and cook them in oil for a wonderfully decadent dessert.

Deep-fried desserts have a long history, with evidence suggesting they originated in ancient Mesopotamia or Egypt. The ancient Mesopotamians invented a type of pottery that allowed oil to be heated to a temperature suitable for frying foods, and the ancient Egyptians consumed a type of fried cake, pastry, or donut during celebrations. The Romans and Greeks also had early forms of deep-fried desserts, and the practice eventually spread to America, where it became an obsession, with the doughnut crowned the "Hit Food of the Century" at the 1934 Chicago World's Fair.

So, if you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth and create some golden, crispy delights, a deep fat fryer can certainly help you cook up a storm.

Snacks and appetisers

Deep-fried snacks and appetisers are often crowd-pleasers, but it's important to keep in mind that deep frying in hot oil can be dangerous. When cooking with a deep fryer, do not overcrowd the frying basket to avoid undercooking or uneven cooking. Also, never leave the fryer unattended as food can burn and become a fire hazard.

Onion Rings

Onion rings are a classic appetiser that can be cooked in a deep fryer. Cut onions into thick slices, batter them, and fry until golden brown.

Chicken Nuggets

For a crunchy texture and tender meat, coat chicken pieces in a breadcrumb and spice mixture before frying.

Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a type of deep-fried cheese that can be easily made at home. Cut mozzarella into sticks, batter, and fry until the exterior is golden and crispy.

Broccoli Florets

Broccoli florets can be battered and deep-fried for a unique snack. Coat broccoli florets in a light tempura batter before frying to create a crispy exterior.

Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a great way to combine barbecue flavours with a southern twist. Stuff jalapeno peppers with cooked chicken or beef, batter, and deep fry for a spicy treat.

Other Ideas

Other snacks and appetisers that can be cooked in a deep fryer include chicken spring rolls, tofu, shrimp, hot dogs or sausages, and doughnuts. Get creative and experiment with different batters, coatings, and spices to find your favourite deep-fried treats!

Creative and unexpected items

Deep fryers are a great way to cook up some delicious treats, and you can get really creative with what you cook. Here are some unique and unexpected items that you can cook in a deep fryer:

Olives

Who doesn't love an olive? Try stuffing them with a simple beef and pork filling, dredging them in breadcrumbs, and then deep-frying them. You could also try a vegetarian version by stuffing them with oozing cheese, cured meats, and anchovies, and serving them with garlic mayo and saffron for a Spanish kick.

Bananas

Coat bananas in a thin, delicate shell of caramel and deep-fry for a unique dessert. This idea comes from Beijing’s China Club restaurant.

Wontons

Buy frozen wonton skins, defrost, and fill with items that would usually melt in oil, such as ice cream or cheesecake slices. Seal the wontons well, refreeze if needed, and deep-fry until golden brown and crisp. Serve with powdered sugar.

Cauliflower

Dip cauliflower in an egg-milk wash and then coat with Italian breadcrumbs. Deep fry until golden and crispy, and serve with ranch dip.

Pizza

A Scottish delicacy, deep-fried pizza is a unique take on the traditional Italian dish. You can also deep-fry the individual ingredients, such as battered broccoli florets.

Sweets

For those with a sweet tooth, try battering and deep-frying Oreos, candy bars, or brownies. You could also try making apple doughnuts or funnel cakes.

Frequently asked questions