Creative Deep-Frying: Delicious Foods You Can Make

Deep fryers are used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, potatoes, fish, and vegetables. They come in various types and sizes, from countertop electric devices to larger gas-powered equipment, and are designed to meet specific operational requirements in a restaurant setting. Electric fryers are popular due to their ease of use and temperature control, making them suitable for smaller kitchens. When using a deep fryer, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent food from tasting burnt.

Chicken

Deep fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, fish, and potatoes. Before frying, it is recommended to dredge the food through an egg wash and apply a flour or breadcrumb coating.

When using a deep fryer, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn or break down. The oil should be poured into the deep fryer when it is off and cool to prevent hot oil from splashing. The minimum and maximum fill lines should be observed to avoid overfilling or underfilling the fryer. If your fryer has a basket, remove it before filling the basin with oil. Fry baskets are used to contain foods in a deep fryer and to strain foods when removed from the oil.

Additional tools that can be used with a deep fryer include cooking thermometers, tongs, slotted spoons, wooden spoons, and sieves. Japanese deep-frying tools include long metal chopsticks, the agemono-nabe deep frying pot, the ami-shakushi net ladle, and the abura-kiri oil drying rack pan.

Deep fryers come in various types and sizes, from countertop electric devices to larger gas-powered equipment. They are generally classified into two types: gas and electric. Electric fryers are popular due to their ease of use and consistent temperature control.

Potatoes

Deep fryers can be used to make a variety of foods, including chicken, fish, and potatoes.

To prepare the potatoes for deep frying, start by peeling and cutting them into cubes, slabs, or wedges. The size of the cubes can vary, but a good range is 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick. After cutting, wash the potatoes and let them drain. It is also important to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Next, heat the oil in the deep fryer to 350 F/180 C. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potatoes to the fryer. Fry them for about 15 minutes, or until they are deep golden and tender. Remove the potatoes from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.

For an extra flavour boost, you can toss the cooked potatoes with butter and a spice mixture. A Moroccan-style spice blend might include salt, paprika, white pepper, black pepper, thyme or oregano, and garlic powder. These deep-fried potatoes can be served as a side dish with tagines, fried fish, eggs, grilled meats, or sandwiches. They are also delicious with a simple roasted chicken.

Fish

Deep fryers can be used to make a variety of foods, but some are more popular than others. Fish is one of the most common things to deep fry. Most fish will taste better if you dredge it through an egg wash and apply a flour or breadcrumb coating before frying. You can also fry vegetables like okra, tomatoes and pickles. It's important to use an oil with a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn or break down and can make your food taste burnt.

Vegetables

Deep frying vegetables is a great way to add some variety to your meals. There are many vegetables that can be deep-fried, including cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, which can be coated in a light batter and crisped up. For a vegetarian twist on classic Buffalo wings, deep fry cauliflower florets for a crispy, flavourful bite. Beer batter works especially well for broccoli and cauliflower as it isn't too heavy yet contains a robust flavour.

Squash blossoms can be stuffed with crab Rangoon for a savoury appetiser that's perfect for the deep fryer. Green beans are another option, which can be easily seasoned and paired with complementary dipping sauces. The best time to season fried green beans depends on how elaborate your seasonings are, but typically, the seasoning should be included either in the batter before dredging and frying your veggies or immediately after retrieving them from the deep fryer.

Falafel, a Middle Eastern dish, is another example of a deep-fried vegetable dish. While not all vegetables are suited for deep frying, there is a wide range of options to choose from. It's important to maintain proper food safety and hygiene practices when deep frying, such as using the correct type and amount of oil, discarding the oil after a few uses, and exercising caution around the hot oil and heating elements.

Okra

Deep fryers are used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, potatoes, and fish. They can also be used to fry vegetables like okra, tomatoes, and pickles.

When deep-frying okra, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn or break down, and using an oil with a high smoke point will help to prevent the okra from tasting burnt.

Deep-fried okra can be served as a side dish or appetizer and is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Frequently asked questions