Creative Deep-Frying: Delicious Foods You Can Fry

Deep fryers are a great way to create a variety of delicious, crispy, golden dishes. From sweet to savoury, there are endless options for what you can make using a deep fryer. For beginners, it is recommended to start with something simple like homemade chips or French fries. You can also deep fry frozen foods like burritos, chimichangas, and even Hot Pockets. For a more advanced challenge, you can try making dishes like fried chicken, fish and chips, or even fried manicotti dippers. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of batters and coatings, such as potato starch or tempura. So, what are you waiting for? Get out your deep fryer and start frying!

Deep-fried desserts

Deep-fried treats are often associated with carnivals and fairs, but you can make them at home, too. From cookies and candies to fruits and doughnuts, there are many sweet foods that can be deep-fried. Here are some ideas for deep-fried desserts:

Funnel cakes

Funnel cakes are a classic deep-fried dessert. They are simple to make and can be topped with powdered sugar, cotton candy, or ice cream. You can also make funnel cake fries, which are a kid-friendly alternative to the traditional funnel cake.

Cookies and candies

Deep-fried cookies are a delicious treat. You can add a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter to give it a kick. Oreo cookies can also be deep-fried for a crunchy, indulgent dessert. For an extra-sweet treat, you can deep-fry cookie dough, or even Nutella.

If you're a chocolate lover, you can try deep-frying chocolate truffles or a chocolate bar, such as a Reese's or Snickers.

Fruit

Fruits that can be deep-fried include apples, bananas, and rhubarb. Apple fritters are a classic dessert, and you can also make fried apples coated in cinnamon sugar. Bananas can be breaded in pancake batter, deep-fried, and coated in powdered sugar.

Doughnuts

There are endless variations of deep-fried doughnuts. You can make glazed doughnuts, apple cider doughnuts, or even sweet potato-cranberry doughnuts. For a quick and easy option, you can deep-fry canned biscuit dough and cover it in powdered sugar, cinnamon, or frosting.

Other ideas

Other deep-fried dessert ideas include churros, cheesecake chimichangas, brownie bites, and fried ice cream.

So, if you're looking to indulge your sweet tooth, why not try making one of these deep-fried desserts?

Fried chicken recipes

Fried chicken is the king of the fried food world. Here are some recipes to make this delicious dish in your deep fryer.

The Best Southern Fried Chicken

This recipe produces a crunchy exterior with moist chicken on the inside. The key to this recipe is the buttermilk, which makes the meat tender and prevents it from drying out. It is also important to let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk overnight. The mixture of cornstarch and flour gives the chicken its extra crunchy exterior. The chicken is fried in peanut oil, which has a neutral flavour and won't compromise the taste of the chicken.

Crispy Fried Chicken

This recipe uses a batter instead of a flour coating, which helps the flour stick to the chicken. The chicken is coated in a mixture of flour, eggs and water, and then dipped in seasoned flour, which gives it its crispy texture. The best oils to use for frying are neutral oils, like canola and safflower oil, as they have higher smoke points.

Triple-Dipped Fried Chicken

This recipe uses a seasoned flour mixture and a beer batter to coat the chicken before frying. The chicken is first moistened with water, then dipped in the seasoned flour, followed by the beer batter, and then dipped in the seasoned flour again. The chicken is then fried until crispy and well-browned.

Karaage

Karaage is a simple, deep-fried Japanese dish. The chicken thighs are cut into bite-sized pieces and coated in potato starch instead of dredging them in eggs, milk, and flour.

Seafood dishes

A deep fryer can be used to cook a variety of seafood dishes. Here are some ideas for seafood dishes that can be made using a deep fryer:

Fritto Misto:

A popular Italian dish, Fritto Misto, or 'fried mix', typically includes a variety of mixed seafood such as shrimp, calamari, and small fish. The seafood is lightly coated in flour and deep-fried until golden and crispy. This dish is usually served as a starter or on Christmas Eve. It is best served immediately with fresh lemon wedges, a dipping sauce, or even whipped ricotta.

Crispy Beer-Battered Fish:

For a delicious and crispy fish dish, a beer-battered fish is a great option. This dish can be served with a ranch dressing and hot sauce mixture as a dip.

Fried Butterfly Shrimp:

This refreshing and lightly seasoned fried butterfly shrimp is easy to make and versatile. It can be served as an appetiser with cocktail sauce or as a main course with steamed vegetables, rice, or potatoes.

Tempura:

Tempura is a great way to deep-fry seafood, especially if you're a beginner. You can experiment with different types of seafood and vegetables.

Fried Calamari:

Calamari is a classic fried seafood dish that can be served as an appetiser or a main course. It is often served with a tangy dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce.

Fish and Chips:

A classic fish and chips recipe is a timeless choice for a deep fryer. It delivers the perfect crunch and tender fish pairing. The fish is typically battered and fried, while the chips are crispy and golden.

These are just a few ideas for seafood dishes that can be made using a deep fryer. With a deep fryer, you can experiment with different types of seafood, batters, and sauces to create delicious and crispy meals.

Meat and poultry options

Deep-frying is a cooking method that yields a golden crust and keeps the food juicy and moist inside. It is especially suitable for cooking meat and poultry. Here are some meat and poultry options to make using a deep fryer:

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food and a popular choice for deep frying. It is important to note that different cuts of chicken will have varying cooking times and optimal temperatures. Chicken thighs, for example, offer a good balance between surface area for a crispy crust and cooking time. They also have a higher fat content, which helps retain moisture. Chicken legs are an honourable mention for similar reasons.

To make fried chicken, you can follow this recipe:

• Prepare a seasoned flour mixture with all-purpose flour, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, poultry seasoning, and salt.
• Make a beer batter with beer, all-purpose flour, egg yolks, salt, and black pepper.
• Moisten chicken pieces with water, then dip them in the seasoned flour.
• Dip the chicken in the beer batter, and then again in the seasoned flour.
• Carefully lower the chicken pieces into hot oil heated to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer.
• Fry the chicken in batches until crispy and well-browned, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

For a buttermilk brine version, follow these steps:

• Marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
• Prepare a breading by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
• Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture one at a time, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
• Coat the chicken thoroughly with the breading mixture, tapping off any excess.
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to a depth of about 3/4 inch, reaching a temperature of 350°F.
• Fry 3 to 4 pieces of chicken at a time, maintaining the oil temperature as close to 350°F as possible.
• Fry each piece for approximately 14 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Turkey Wings

Turkey wings offer a richer flavour than chicken wings and can be a tasty upgrade for game days. They can be prepared similarly to chicken wings by deep-frying and tossing them in buffalo sauce or Cajun seasonings. It is important to note that turkey wings may take a few extra minutes to cook compared to chicken wings.

Chicken Liver

Chicken livers are a nutrient-dense food, packing protein, iron, and vitamins A, B, and C. Deep-frying them can create a crisp, golden crust while retaining a moist, creamy interior. To mitigate the metallic flavour of liver, soak them in buttermilk, which neutralises the taste and acts as a tenderiser. Double dredging in seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs will ensure an extra crispy coating.

Pork Loin

Pork loin is a versatile cut that can be experimented with in the kitchen. For a Japanese delight, try making pork loin tonkatsu by double-dipping the pork loin in hot oil to achieve a super crispy exterior. Use panko breadcrumbs, as they absorb less oil than finer breadcrumbs, and allow the pork to rest between dunks to reach the ideal internal temperature.

Pork Chops

Pork chops are lean, affordable, and tend to absorb flavours well, making them ideal for deep frying. To add more flavour, experiment with different types of breading, such as dried herbs or shredded coconut. For a brine option, rub the pork chops with coarse salt, ground pepper, and dried herbs, and let them rest in the fridge for 8 to 24 hours before breading and deep frying.

Cube Steaks

Cube steaks, also known as chicken-fried steaks, are tender, thin, and have a large surface area for collecting a crispy coating. They are typically cut from beef round or chuck, which are usually tough portions. Deep frying helps seal in moisture and creates a crunchy crust. Cube steaks can be served with peppery white gravy for a comforting meal.

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener schnitzel is a traditional Austrian dish made by pounding veal cutlets thin, dredging them in flour, dipping them in egg, and tossing them in breadcrumbs before frying. While the dish can be pan-fried, deep frying creates an incredibly crispy and juicy version of this classic.

Deep-fried vegetables

Ingredients

You can use a variety of vegetables, but for this recipe, we will use okra, zucchini, and eggplant. You will also need:

• 1 cup of unsifted white flour
• 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground rosemary
• 1 cup of milk (room temperature)
• 2 cups of oil for deep frying (co:Canola oil is recommended)
• Seasoning of your choice
• Paper towels
• A deep cast-iron skillet, dutch oven, or heavy aluminum fry pot

Instructions:

• Prepare your vegetables by washing and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. You can also cut them into rounds, slices, or strips, depending on your preference.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, white pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ground rosemary together. You can also add any other seasonings you like to this mixture.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. You can also add a touch of milk to this mixture to create an egg wash.
• Heat the oil in your deep fryer or pot to a temperature between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
• Before frying, always pat your vegetables dry. This will help the batter stick better.
• Dip the vegetables in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
• Next, dip the floured vegetables in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl.
• Finally, dip the vegetables back into the flour mixture for a second coating. Use your fingers to ensure they are well coated.
• Carefully place the battered vegetables into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. You may need to work in batches.
• Fry the vegetables for about 3 minutes or until they are floating and golden brown. Do not overcook them, as you want them to be cooked but still slightly crispy.
• Remove the vegetables from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Repeat this process until all your vegetables are fried.
• Serve your deep-fried vegetables hot with your favorite dip or sauce!

Tips:

• You can also experiment with different types of cheese and vegetables to create cheese-stuffed veggie balls or patties.
• If you prefer a lighter batter, you can mix the egg and milk directly into the flour mixture. This will result in a messier process, but some people prefer this method.
• It is important to maintain the correct oil temperature. If the oil gets too hot, you can add a bit of extra oil or some cold-battered ingredients to lower the temperature.
• Be sure to remove any burnt crumbs between batches to prevent them from burning and affecting the flavor of your oil.

Frequently asked questions