Building A Gas Deep Fryer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Deep frying is a cooking method that can be done at home with the right equipment. It involves submerging food in hot oil to create a crispy, golden texture. While purchasing a deep fryer can be expensive, it is possible to make a gas deep fryer at home using household items. This do-it-yourself method is budget-friendly and practical, especially if you don't have the space for new appliances.

Choosing the right equipment

Before you start deep frying on a gas grill, it's important to ensure you have the right equipment. Here's a list of what you'll need:

Deep Fryer Attachment

First, check if your gas grill has a deep fryer attachment that fits over one of the burners. If it doesn't, you can purchase a standalone deep fryer that is compatible with gas grills.

High-Quality Oil

Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Make sure you have enough oil to completely submerge the food you'll be frying.

Thermometer

Monitoring the temperature of the oil is crucial to ensure it stays at the right level for frying. A clip-on or built-in thermometer is ideal for this purpose.

Long-Handled Tongs

Long-handled tongs are essential for safely lowering and removing food from the hot oil.

Other Useful Items

Other useful items include a deep frying pot and basket, elbow-length work gloves, a wand lighter or handheld propane torch, and a drying rack and baking tray.

Safety Precautions

When deep frying, it's important to take safety precautions. Always use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, and wear long gloves and safety glasses. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the fryer unattended while in use.

Preparing your gas grill

Before you start deep frying on your gas grill, ensure you have the right equipment. Here's what you'll need:

• A deep fryer attachment that fits over one of the burners. If your grill doesn't have this attachment, you can buy a standalone deep fryer that works with gas grills.
• High-quality oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, or vegetable oil.
• A thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and ensure it stays at the right frying level. A clip-on thermometer is a good option.
• Long-handled tongs for safely placing and removing food from the hot oil.

Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to prepare your gas grill for deep frying:

Clean the Grill

Start by ensuring your grill grates are clean and free of any leftover food particles. This is important to prevent any unwanted flavours from transferring to your fried food.

Set Up the Deep Fryer Attachment

If your grill has a built-in deep fryer attachment, follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting it up. If you're using a standalone deep fryer, place it on one of the burners of your gas grill.

Add Oil

Fill the fryer with the appropriate amount of oil, leaving enough room for the oil to bubble up when you add the food. Use enough oil to completely submerge the food you'll be frying.

Preheat the Grill

Turn on the burner under the fryer and preheat the oil to the desired frying temperature, usually between 350-375°F. This temperature range is ideal for deep frying most foods.

Now that your gas grill is ready for deep frying, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

• Use the Right Amount of Oil: Ensure there's enough oil to fully submerge the food, but don't overfill the fryer to avoid spills and splatters.
• Monitor the Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and adjust the burner as needed to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
• Don't Crowd the Fryer: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
• Use a Slotted Spoon or Basket: Use a slotted spoon or basket to easily remove the fried food from the hot oil.
• Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the food on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Deep-frying tips

Choose the right oil

Select an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Peanut oil is widely regarded as the best for deep frying due to its high smoke point and ability to impart flavour, although canola oil is a more widely available and affordable option.

Prepare your food

Ensure any large items are fully thawed before frying. Frozen foods can cause oil to splash out of the pot suddenly. Also, be sure to fill your frying basket only about two-thirds of the way full to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and a drop in oil temperature.

Monitor the temperature

Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and adjust the burner as needed to maintain a consistent frying temperature. The ideal temperature range for deep frying is between 350°F and 400°F. Oil temperature will drop when you add food, so you may need to increase the heat to maintain the desired temperature.

Use the right tools

Long-handled tongs are ideal for safely lowering and removing food from the hot oil. A slotted spoon can also be useful for removing smaller items and scooping out cooked food. Always wear thick, heat-resistant gloves when handling hot oil and food.

Drain excess oil

After frying, place the food on a paper towel-lined plate or a rack with a baking sheet underneath to drain any excess oil. Allowing the food to cool for several minutes before serving will help it to crisp up and prevent greasy fingers!

Stay safe

Deep frying involves working with large amounts of hot oil, so it's important to take safety precautions. Always use your fryer in a well-ventilated area, free from flammable materials. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from oil splatters.

Popular foods to deep-fry

Deep-frying is a cooking method that can be used to prepare a wide variety of foods, from sweet treats to savoury snacks and mains. Here are some of the most popular foods to deep-fry:

French Fries

Cut potatoes into sticks, soak them in cold water, pat them dry, and then deep-fry until they are golden and crispy.

Chicken Wings

Season chicken wings with your favourite spices and toss them in a batter if desired. Deep-fry until they are golden and cooked through.

Onion Rings

Dip onion rings in a seasoned batter and deep-fry until they are crispy and golden brown.

Fish

Coat fish fillets in a seasoned batter or breading, then deep-fry until they are flaky and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Apple Fritters

This is an old Southern recipe that combines the sweetness of apples with a crispy, fried coating.

Cookies

Deep-frying cookies results in a delicious, indulgent treat. You can even add a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra kick of flavour.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

For a unique twist on a classic dessert, try deep-frying chocolate chip cookies.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a classic deep-fried treat and can be made in a variety of flavours and styles, such as apple cider doughnuts or Long Johns.

Potato Chips

Deep-frying your own potato chips at home results in a golden brown and crunchy snack that is tastier and crispier than store-bought bags.

Corn Dogs

A fairground favourite, corn dogs are easy to make at home and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Fried Okra

Crispy and crunchy, fried okra is hard to stop eating once you pop a few of these tasty bites!

In addition to these popular options, you can also experiment with deep-frying other foods such as hot dogs, sausages, artichoke hearts, pickles, cheese, cheesecake, tofu, ice cream, and even pizza! The possibilities are endless when it comes to deep-frying, so feel free to get creative and explore new flavours and textures.

Safety precautions

Deep fryers are a great way to make delicious snacks and treats, but safety is an important consideration when using this cooking method. Here are some detailed safety precautions to follow when making a gas deep fryer:

Choose a Safe Location

Select an open, outdoor area that is free of flammable materials and has good ventilation. Driveways are ideal as any oil spills will not damage your lawn. Ensure there are no nearby curtains, furniture, or other potential hazards that could easily catch fire.

Wear Protective Gear

Always wear protective clothing and footwear when operating a gas deep fryer. This includes slip-resistant, closed-toe shoes, tightly-fitted kitchen clothes, and oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Additionally, safety glasses are recommended to protect your eyes from potential oil splatters.

Use the Right Oil

Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola, or vegetable oil. Ensure you have enough oil to fully submerge the food, but do not overfill the fryer to avoid spills and splatters. Oils with higher smoke points are less likely to ignite under typical cooking temperatures.

Monitor Temperature

Keep a close eye on the oil temperature to prevent overheating, which is a common cause of fires. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and ensure it does not exceed 375°F (190°C). Cooking oil should never exceed this temperature as it starts to break down and smoke, releasing harmful toxins.

Handle Food Carefully

Avoid frying frozen or partially frozen food as it can lead to uneven cooking and increase the risk of oil splashing out of the fryer. Ensure all food is completely thawed and dried before placing it into the hot oil. Blot fresh items with a paper towel to remove any excess water.

Use Proper Utensils

Always use long-handled tongs or frying baskets to safely lower and remove food from the hot oil. This helps to maintain a safe distance from the hot oil and reduces the risk of burns. Do not use forks or spatulas as they can easily tip or break, sending hot oil splashing.

Be Mindful of Splatters

Keep a lid handy to contain any splatters or spills that may occur. Remember to turn off the heat before placing the lid on the fryer to prevent hot oil from spilling out or exploding.

Never Leave Unattended

Never leave a gas deep fryer unattended while in use. Hot oil can easily ignite a fire, so keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. Ensure you are familiar with emergency procedures in case of a fire.

Clean Up and Dispose of Oil Properly

Allow the oil to cool completely before removing it from the fryer. Strain the oil to remove any food particles, then transfer it to a sealed container for disposal. Do not pour used oil down the drain as it can cause pipe blockages. Recycle the oil through a local government or waste management program, or dispose of it as waste in a sealed container.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain your gas deep fryer to prevent safety issues. Consult a specialist to check the fryer's thermostat and heating components and to provide advice on cleaning and maintenance procedures.

By following these safety precautions, you can enjoy delicious fried foods while minimizing the risk of accidents and creating a safe cooking environment.

Frequently asked questions