Emilie Meyer
Cleaning a deep fat fryer is a time-consuming but necessary task to keep your appliance in good working order. The process involves several steps, from allowing the oil to cool and draining it into a sealable container to cleaning the fryer basket and removing debris and excess oil. You will also need to clean the filters, perform finishing touches such as rinsing and drying, and maintain safety by never cleaning while the fryer is plugged in and avoiding water on electrical cables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | Clean every week if you use it frequently, or once every two weeks if you use it occasionally |
| When to change the oil | After eight to ten uses |
| Where to store oil | In a cool, dark place |
| How to clean a deep fryer | Unplug the fryer, let it cool down, remove the basket and oil, wipe the basin, fill with water and soap, turn it on, let it cool, dump the soapy water, and rinse |
| How to clean a fryer basket | Remove the basket, wash with hot water and detergent, scrub with a scouring sponge or brush, rinse, and let dry |
| How to remove debris and excess oil | Blot with paper towels, then use plastic spatulas and pan scrapers to remove debris |
| How to clean the filters | If removable, remove and soak in hot soapy water, then wipe with paper towels; if not, use detergent and paper towels to remove oil, grime, or batter |
| Safety dos and don'ts | Never clean while the fryer is plugged in, never immerse the fryer in water, avoid getting water on electrical cables, and always make sure the oil is cool before draining |
What You'll Learn
Unplug and let the fryer cool down
Unplugging your deep fryer and letting it cool down is the first and most important step in the cleaning process. It may take several hours for your fryer to cool off after use, but it is imperative that you wait. Do not be tempted to start cleaning a fryer with hot oil in it. This is a safety hazard and could result in serious injury.
While you wait for the fryer to cool, you can gather your cleaning supplies. You will need a container for the oil, such as a plastic bowl or jar, as well as a sponge or brush, dish soap, paper towels, and vinegar (optional). You may also want to prepare a baking soda paste to tackle any tough grease.
Once the fryer is cool, you can begin to remove the oil. Be sure to wrap the power cables in paper towels to protect against spills. Carefully lift the oil reservoir and pour the oil into your chosen container. If the oil is still relatively clean, you can save it to reuse. If you plan to reuse the oil, be sure to pour it through a strainer to remove any leftover food bits. If the oil is cloudy, very dark, or smells rancid, dispose of it safely in the trash.
With the oil removed, you can now focus on cleaning the fryer basket and interior. Place the fryer basket in the sink and wash it with hot water and dish soap. Use a cleaning brush or toothbrush to loosen any small bits of food that may be stuck to the basket. For the fryer interior, use a non-stick pan scraper or a plastic putty knife to scrape away any build-up on the sides or bottom of the fryer. Be sure to work your way into the corners to remove all the grease and grime.
Now that the fryer has been thoroughly scraped and scrubbed, you can move on to the next step of the cleaning process, which involves filling the fryer with soapy water and boiling it out.
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Drain oil and remove debris
To drain oil and remove debris from your deep fat fryer, follow these steps:
Firstly, make sure your deep fat fryer is unplugged and has completely cooled down. This may take several hours. Do not attempt to clean a fryer with hot oil in it.
Next, carefully lift the oil reservoir and pour the oil into a sealable plastic container or bowl. If you plan to reuse the oil, pour it through a strainer to remove any leftover bits of food. If the oil is cloudy, very dark, or smells rancid, dispose of it safely in the trash.
Now it's time to remove any remaining debris from the fryer. Blot up any leftover oil with paper towels. Get your spatulas and plastic pan scrapers ready to remove any stubborn caked-on bits. Use a damp paper towel to wipe down the basin, and if there are any stubborn bits, use a plastic spatula or a silicone spatula to avoid damaging the finish.
If you have a lot of tough grease to deal with, you can use a baking soda paste. Add a spoonful of baking soda to a small bowl and mix in hot water to make a paste. Work the paste into the greasy areas and use a soft cleaning brush to work it in.
Once you have drained the oil and removed all debris, you can move on to the next steps of cleaning your deep fat fryer.
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Soak the basket in soapy water
So, you've decided to take on the dreaded task of cleaning your deep fat fryer. Don't worry, it's not as hard as it seems! The first step to tackling this job is to soak the basket in soapy water.
First things first: make sure your deep fat fryer is unplugged and has completely cooled down. You don't want to risk burning yourself with hot oil or a hot appliance. Once your fryer is cool, it's time to remove the basket. The basket will likely be coated in grease, food particles, and oil, so it's important to give it a good soak. Fill your sink with hot water and add some dish soap. You can also add a few tablespoons of vinegar to help break down the grease. Place the basket in the sink and let it soak for a few minutes.
If your basket is particularly dirty, you can add some detergent and baking soda to the soapy water. This will help loosen the grease and oil, making it easier to clean. While the basket is soaking, you can start cleaning the rest of your deep fryer. But don't forget about the basket! You'll need to come back and scrub it with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Pay special attention to the areas where grease and food particles tend to build up.
Once you've scrubbed the basket, rinse it with warm water. If you still see any grease or traces of food, don't be afraid to use more dish soap or baking soda to spot clean. After you've removed all the residue, rinse the basket again and dry it thoroughly. You can use paper towels to absorb any remaining water and speed up the drying process.
By soaking the basket in soapy water, you'll be able to easily remove the grease and food particles that have built up. This is an important step in maintaining the taste and quality of your food, as well as extending the lifespan of your deep fat fryer. So, don't skip this step! Take your time and let the basket soak, and you'll be on your way to a cleaner, better-functioning deep fat fryer.
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Clean the fryer with soapy water
To clean a deep fat fryer with soapy water, you'll first need to unplug the fryer and let it cool down completely. Drain the oil into a sealable container, checking whether it's rancid or has changed colour. If it's still good, you can keep it to reuse; if not, dispose of it safely.
Next, remove the basket from the fryer and soak it in the sink with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Drain the basin and wipe it down with a damp paper towel. If there are any stubborn bits of food stuck to the basin, use a silicone spatula or non-stick pan scraper to scrape them off.
Now, fill the basin with water up to the maximum oil line and add several drops of dish soap. Plug the fryer back in, turn it on, and let the soapy water boil for 10-15 minutes. While the water is boiling, wash and rinse the fryer basket, then let it dry.
Once the water has boiled, turn off the fryer, unplug it, and let the water cool for about 30 minutes. Then, dump out the soapy water, rinse the basin with warm water, and let it dry. You can also wipe down the exterior parts of the fryer with a damp paper towel.
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Rinse and dry
Once you've scrubbed your fryer with soapy water, it's time to rinse and dry it. First, you'll need to rinse the fryer with clean water to ensure no soap remains. Then, use an old rag or microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the fryer, removing any remaining sticky oil and grease. If more soap is needed, use a small bowl to mix liquid dish soap and hot water to form suds. Dip the cloth in the mixture between scrubs.
If you've managed to get all the oil off, set the unit out to dry. If more oil remains, you can try using a baking soda paste. Add a heaping spoonful of baking soda to a small bowl and add just enough hot water to work the baking soda into a paste. Work the paste into the areas where you still have a sticky film or stuck-on residue. If the reservoir features a nonstick coating, use a soft cleaning brush to work the paste in.
When your fryer is clean, it's important to let the unit dry completely before using it again. Wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Allow the rest of the fryer to air dry.
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Frequently asked questions
First, unplug the fryer and let it cool down. Then, remove the frying basket and wash it with dish soap and hot water. Next, remove the oil—never pour it down the sink, as it can cause plumbing issues. Finally, use a damp paper towel to wipe down the basin, fill it with water and soap, and turn it on to boil and clean.
You will need a container for the oil, a pan scraper or spatula, and paper towels. You may also want a sponge, brush, or soft-bristled toothbrush to help scrub away any remaining bits of food.
If you use your fryer frequently (every day or every other day), you can do a thorough wipe-down in between uses, with a weekly deep clean. If you only use your fryer occasionally, you should follow the deep-clean steps every time you use it.
Once the oil has cooled, drain it into a sealable container. If you plan on reusing the oil, check that it isn't cloudy, very dark, or rancid-smelling. If it is, dispose of it safely.
Remove the basket from the fryer and soak it in warm, soapy water, adding vinegar to help break down grease. Then, scrub it with a brush or sponge and rinse it clean.
