Outdoor Fish Fryer: Best Equipment Options

There are several options for outdoor fish fryers, including propane fryers, electric fryers, and traditional pan-frying methods. Propane fryers heat up quickly but cannot be used indoors due to carbon monoxide risks, while electric fryers can be used both inside and outside. Electric fryers are also recommended for safety reasons, as they do not require an extension cord, reducing the risk of fire and hot oil spills. Traditional pan-frying can be done inside or outside using a cast-iron skillet on a stove, fire grate, or portable propane burner. Air fryers, which don't require oil, are another option but need an electrical source.

Electric-powered fryers can be used both inside and outside

If you're set on a dedicated fish fryer, it's best to bring it outside on the days you plan to use it. An outdoor fryer will sit perfectly on your countertop, leaving you with plenty of counter space for prep work. You can also use a shorter pot for shallow frying.

For safety, experts recommend that you use an electric fish fryer without an extension cord to reduce the risk of fire. Most models feature breakaway cords, which also reduce the possibility of hot oil spilling on anyone nearby if the cord is tripped over.

Propane fryers heat up quickly but cannot be used indoors due to carbon monoxide risks

Propane fryers are a great option for outdoor fish frying as they heat up quickly. However, they cannot be used indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric-powered fryers are a safer option for indoor use, but they can also be used outdoors. If you're looking to fry fish outdoors, you may want to consider an electric fish fryer without an extension cord to reduce the risk of fire. Models with breakaway cords can also help prevent hot oil spills if someone trips on the cord.

When choosing an outdoor fish fryer, it's important to consider the size of the fryer and how quickly you need to produce a meal. If you're frying for a small family or a few friends, a smaller fryer may suffice. However, if you're cooking for a larger group, you may need a bigger fryer that can accommodate more food at once.

Another option for outdoor fish frying is to use a traditional cast iron skillet on a stove, fire grate, or portable propane burner. This method can be used both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility in your cooking setup.

Additionally, it's important to consider the type of oil you'll be using in your outdoor fish fryer. Peanut oil is a popular choice due to its high smoke point, but it can impart a peanut taste to your fish. Other types of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, may be better suited for frying fish without altering the flavour.

Traditional pan-frying can be done inside or outside on a cast iron skillet, stove, fire grate or portable propane burner

If you're looking to deep-fry your fish, you can use an outdoor deep fryer. These can be powered by propane or electricity. Propane fryers heat up quickly but cannot be used indoors because of carbon monoxide risks. Electric fryers can be used inside or outside, but you should avoid using an extension cord to reduce fire risk.

Air fryers, which don't require oil, need an electrical source

You can use an electric fish fryer outside to keep your kitchen clean and odourless. Electric-powered fryers can be used either inside or outside. Air fryers, which don't require oil, need an electrical source. You can also use a shorter pot for shallow frying. If you're using an electric fish fryer outside, experts recommend that you don't use an extension cord to reduce the risk of fire.

Propane fryers heat up quickly but cannot be used indoors because of carbon monoxide risks. You can use a propane fryer safely for frying large quantities of food like turkeys and bulk batches of fries.

If you're frying fish, you can use tongs, a deep-frying strainer, or make sure frozen, breaded fish is fully thawed before placing it in your fryer basket. People often use peanut oil because of its high smoke point, but it can impart a peanut taste to freshly-caught and breaded fish. Depending on how golden you like your fish fillets, oil heated to between 350 and 380 degrees is generally best.

Peanut oil is often used because of its high smoke point, but it can impart a peanut taste to the fish

You can use an electric fish fryer outside to keep your kitchen clean and odourless. You can also use a propane fryer, but these can't be used indoors because of carbon monoxide risks. If you're frying fish outside, you can use a giant pot for deep frying or a shorter pot for shallow frying.

Peanut oil is often used for frying fish because of its high smoke point, but it can impart a peanut taste to the fish. Some people like this taste, but if you don't, you can use another type of oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

Frequently asked questions