Start here ⮛ |
What do you want to fry/How do you want it to taste and look | Crispy and crunchy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside | Light and crispy texture, fried with little oil | Crisp texture, fried fast and with little oil, and healthy |
Frying method | Deep fry | Air fryer, Convection oven | Stir-fry |
Foods to try this on | Fried ice cream, deep-fried apple pies, deep-fried cheesecake, deep-fried oreo, cupcake nuggets, fried watermelon, fried cookie dough, funnel cakes, cinnamon doughnuts, fried candy bars, and more. | Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower; tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken, steak, and more. | Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, yellow or white onions, green onions, pea pods, cabbage, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, and leafy Asian greens in the “choy” family, such as bok choy and yu choy; tofu, tempeh, edamame, and beans; noodles (like udon, chow mein, rice noodles, or pasta), rice, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, and more. |
Read this before you continue |
Don’t care about frying, just want a bite of homemade fries?
Check out this short post on how to deep fry in a pan or pot and this post for tips on making your frying better:
- How to deep fry anything at home in 7 simple steps
- Deep frying at home: expert tips for perfectly crispy results
Now, want to take a good, long look at what frying is about? Then welcome — to the world of frying and a throughout, deep-dive guide to it! |
This guide to frying walks you through all the main types of frying and has everything you need to know to start — even if you’ve never tried frying your food before.
We will also dive into frying techniques and tools, and what you can and can not do with each of them.
There are two basic types of frying: shallow frying and deep frying.
Shallow frying is about cooking food in a shallow layer of oil in a pan, while deep frying means the food is completely submerged in hot oil.
There is a number of frying techniques and tools (like deep fryers, griddles, and other things) that rely on one of these two types. Both methods can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, from fried chicken to donuts.
Specialized appliances (deep fryers, air fryers, griddles) usually can only do one type or the other. But if you go with “manual” tools like a pan or a wok, then you’ll be able to do many types of frying with that single tool.
Types of frying
Deep frying (in a deep fryer, a pan, or a pot)
Deep frying is a cooking technique that involves submerging food in hot oil.
Foods that can be deep fried:
- French fries
- Fried chicken
- Onion rings
- Fried fish or shrimp
- Donuts
- Churros
- Fried calamari
- Spring rolls or egg rolls
- Falafel balls
- Fried chicken wings
Since it’s literary just cooking in hot oil, you can do it in a simple pot on a gas or electric stove.
But if you need to fry a lot and often, or just want an “authentic” device specialized for the job, getting a deep fryer is the best option.
Tools you can use to deep fry:
Deep fryer
Pan
Wok
Pot
A deep fryer is an electric appliance that heats the oil to a consistent temperature and holds it there. It also has a basket that you can lower into the oil and raise out again, making it easy to add and remove food.
When you use a deep fryer, you don’t have to worry about the temperature of the oil or wonder when to get the food out. The fryer does most of the work for you, so all you have to do is add the food and wait for it to cook.
Deep fryers also come in a range of sizes and prices — from small ones for one or two people to bigger ones for a family of five.
Check out some of our guides to help you get started:
- A guide to oils for frying: How to choose the best for your cooking needs
- 2 best electrical deep fryers for home under $50
- 3 best outdoor deep fryers for perfectly fried foods every time
However, deep frying is a high-calorie cooking method, so you might want to try air frying instead. |
Air frying (in an air fryer)
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. Its basically a convection oven that sits on your countertop and is smaller in size.
To be perfectly honest, it is not actually frying… but everyone’s used to calling it that, so let’s roll with it.
Air fryer gives the taste and texture of deep-fried food, but uses a much smaller amount of oil than deep fryers do.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the food at high speed. The food is in a perforated basket — this makes it possible for the hot air to cook the food from all sides. The basket is usually coated with a non-stick material — this makes it easy to clean it.
The main selling point of an air fryer is that it creates a crunchy, crispy food exterior but with minimum oil, and this supposedly makes the food healthier than a deep fryer does. |
Modern air fryers are more energy efficient than using an oven and that means savings on energy bills. It’s also faster and easier to use than traditional ovens.
Foods that work well with air frying:
- French fries
- Chicken wings
- Fish and chips
- Onion rings
- Fried chicken
- Mozzarella sticks
- Falafel
- Spring rolls
- Sweet potato fries
- Roasted vegetables
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Muffins
- Cakes
Tools you can use to “air fry”:
Air fryer
Convection oven
Here are a few articles that dive deeper:
- Guide to air fryers: Everything you need to know to choose your own
- 3 best budget air fryers for home in 2023
All in all, the principle behind cooking in an air fryer is similar to that of a convection oven, but the air fryer is smaller and faster.
Now on to the more “manual” ways: pans, woks, and their variants. These will test your skill… because you’ll need to watch out for things that a deep fryer or an air fryer would take care of for you. The advantage is that they can be cheaper and easier to start with… and they feel more like actual “cooking” compared to using a deep/air fryer. |
Pan-frying (in your regular pan)
Pan-frying is a cooking method where you fry food in a hot pan with a small amount of oil. Food is often coated with flour, bread crumbs, or other coatings before frying.
The only tool you’ll need for this is a pan — or you could even use a pot, depending on the dish you are making.
Pan-frying is a very simple thing to do on the surface, but its simplicity is deceiving — you’ll need quite a bit of experience before you can get your fried food to be consistently good.
Pan-frying is perfect for cooking thin cuts of meat or fish, and it’s a great way to get a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
Foods you can fry in a pan:
- Chicken breasts
- Pork chops
- Salmon fillets
- Tilapia fillets
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Vegetable fritters
- Crab cakes
- Beef burgers
- Ground turkey patties
- Eggplant slices
- Zucchini slices
- Mushroom caps
- Quesadillas
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Pan-frying is a versatile cooking method that can be used for a variety of foods, including meats, fish, vegetables, and even fruits. It’s a popular cooking method because it creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Tools to pan-fry:
Pan
Of course, you can deep-fry in a pan too — if your pan (or pot) is deep enough to drown the food in it.
Shallow frying (in a skillet or griddle)
Shallow frying can be done in a pan, skillet or griddle, and the main difference is that there is less fat or oil.
Foods you can cook in a skillet and a griddle:
- Pancakes of various flavors and toppings, such as banana oatmeal, carrot cake, cranberry chip, etc.
- Grilled cheese and avocado sandwich, a classic comfort food with a creamy twist.
- Griddled chicken with quinoa Greek salad, a light and healthy dish with Mediterranean flavors.
- Salsa corn cakes, a spicy and savory snack that can be served with sour cream or guacamole.
- PB&J French toast, a breakfast treat that combines peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with eggy bread.
- Waffle Monte Cristos, a sweet and smoky sandwich that uses waffles instead of bread and is filled with turkey, ham, bacon, and apricot preserves.
- Griddled courgettes with pine nuts and feta cheese, a simple and tasty side dish that can be served hot or cold.
- Roasted vegetable quinoa salad with griddled halloumi, a cheese and grain salad with vibrant colors and flavors.
- Chicken skewers with tzatziki, a kid-friendly dish that can be wrapped in tortillas or served with salad.
- Griddled vegetable and feta tart, a vegetarian tart made with crispy filo pastry and filled with grilled veggies and cheese.
- Griddle scones with honey, a quick and easy dessert that can be made with storecupboard ingredients.
- Griddled courgette and seafood lasagne, a healthy and lower-fat version of the traditional pasta dish.
- Griddled salad jar, a trendy and convenient way to pack a salad with grilled chicken, corn, peppers, and lettuce.
- Smoked duck and grilled peach salad, a fruity and elegant salad that can be served as a light lunch or starter.
- Minty griddled courgettes, another way to enjoy this versatile vegetable with a fresh herb dressing.
- Griddled leeks and goat’s cheese, a simple but attractive dish that can be served as a side or a ciabatta filling.
- Griddled cornbread with devilled eggs and avocado, a hearty and colorful brunch dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors.
Shallow frying is usually great for cooking portion-sized cuts of meat, fish, potatoes, and patties such as fritters. You can also get tasty fried vegetables with it.
Tools to shallow fry:
Pan
Skillet
Giddle
- Skillet pans 101: A quick guide to choosing and using the best skillet pan for your needs
- Best electric skillets for efficient cooking in 2023
- Electric skillets: Quick buying guide
- A guide to griddle pans & plates: What you need to know to choose your own
- How to pick the perfect griddle appliance: Gas, propane, or electric?
- 7 best electric griddles for cooking delicious meals quickly and easily
Stir-frying (in a wok)
Stir-frying is a cooking technique where small pieces of meat, vegetables, or other ingredients are cooked rapidly by stirring them in a wok or frying pan over high heat. This method is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. The dish that results from stir-frying is also called stir-fry.
Stir-frying is a good way to cook food because it keeps the good stuff, color, taste and feel of the food. You can also make different kinds of stir-fry with meat, seafood, tofu, veggies, noodles, rice and sauces.
Popular stir-fry foods and dishes:
- Chicken stir-fry with teriyaki sauce, vegetables and rice
- Pork noodle stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and spring onions
- Salmon stir-fry with pak choi, sugar snap peas and sesame seeds
- Thai prawn, ginger & spring onion stir-fry with lime juice, fish sauce and coriander
- Beef and broccoli stir-fry with oyster sauce, sherry and cornstarch
- Szechwan shrimp with garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and peanuts
- Kung pao chicken with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch and cashews
- Asian beef with snow peas with soy sauce, sherry, ginger and sesame oil
- Sweet and sour pork with pineapple, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar and cornstarch
- Crispy orange beef with orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch and orange zest
- Sesame beef with soy sauce, garlic, sesame seeds and scallions
- Shrimp and vegetable stir-fry with lemon and garlic sauce
- Chicken and cashew nuts with hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and chili paste
- Mongolian beef with brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and green onions
- Spicy tofu stir-fry with Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar and cornstarch
- Vegetable fried rice with eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil and green peas
- Chicken chow mein with egg noodles, oyster sauce, soy sauce and bean sprouts
- Pad thai with rice noodles, tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar and peanuts
- Singapore noodles with rice vermicelli, curry powder, soy sauce and shrimp
- Special fried rice with eggs, ham, shrimp, peas and carrots
Tools for stir-frying
Wok
Deep pan or pot
You can stir-fry in a pan or pot with a thin bottom and thin and tall walls. But the wok has advantages over them.
Sautéing
Sautéing is incredibly similar to stir-frying, except you use a little more fat and the process can take a little longer. As stir-frying is fast and at high heat, sautéing can take a little more time, and require a lower heat to allow for slow and even cooking.
Foods you can saute:
- Garlicky Sauteéd Mushrooms
- Sauteéd Snap Peas with Lemon and Dill
- Tofu and Shiitake Lettuce Wraps
Tools for sautéing:
Sauté pan
Normal pan
Oils for frying
Different oils have different smoke points, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and release smoke.
The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it begins to smoke and break down. If you heat it past its smoke point, it will start to smoke, burn, break down, and you’ll get an unpleasant taste and smell of the oil and the food you are cooking. |
You need to know the smoke point so that you can choose which oil to use. Some oils, like peanut oil and canola oil, are versatile and can be used for a variety of frying methods. Other oils, like olive oil and sunflower oil, may be better suited for specific types of foods or frying methods.
A deep fryer cooks food at a temperature of around 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. So your oil must have a smoke point higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit — otherwise, it will burn, and spoil the dish.
Here are 22 oils that you can use for frying, along with their smoke point, taste and nutritional value, listed in the order from highest nutritional value to the lowest.
# | Oil name | Smoke point | Flavor profile | Nutritional properties |
1 | Avocado oil | 520°F (271°C) | Mild, nutty flavor | High in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants |
2 | Safflower oil | 510°F (266°C) | Neutral flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
3 | Rice bran oil | 490°F (254°C) | Mild, nutty flavor | High in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
4 | Olive oil (Refined) | 465°F (240°C) | Neutral flavor | High in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds |
5 | Corn oil | 450°F (232°C) | Neutral flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
6 | Palm oil | 450°F (232°C) | Mild, nutty flavor | High in saturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants |
7 | Peanut oil | 450°F (232°C) | Mild, nutty flavor | High in monounsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
8 | Soybean oil | 450°F (232°C) | Neutral flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
9 | Sunflower oil (refined) | 450°F (232°C) | Neutral flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
10 | Sesame oil (refined) | 450°F (232°C) | Neutral flavor | High in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
11 | Grape seed oil | 420°F (216°C) | Light, neutral flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats, and rich in antioxidants |
12 | Cottonseed oil | 420°F (216°C) | Neutral flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
13 | Canola oil | 400°F (204°C) | Neutral flavor | High in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids |
14 | Walnut oil | 400°F (204°C) | Nutty, earthy flavor | High in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds |
15 | Vegetable oil | 400-450°F (204-232°C) | Neutral flavor | Typically a blend of different oils, high in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
16 | Olive oil (virgin) | 390°F (199°C) | Fruity, slightly bitter flavor | High in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds |
17 | Olive oil (extra-virgin) | 375°F (191°C) | Fruity, slightly bitter flavor | High in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds |
18 | Coconut oil | 350°F (177°C) | Sweet, nutty flavor | High in saturated fats, lauric acid, and antioxidants |
19 | Sesame oil (unrefined) | 350°F (177°C) | Nutty, toasted flavor | High in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
20 | Hemp seed oil | 330°F (165°C) | Nutty, grassy flavor | High in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and rich in antioxidants |
21 | Flaxseed oil | 225°F (107°C) | Nutty, earthy flavor | High in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lignans |
22 | Sunflower oil (unrefined) | 225°F (107°C) | Nutty, toasty flavor | High in polyunsaturated fats, low in saturated fats |
Out of this list, only the top half are good for deep frying.
- Sunflower oil. It has a high smoke point, a mild flavor, and is purse-friendly, making it a good choice for frying.
- Canola oil. High smoke point and a neutral flavor make it a versatile choice for frying a variety of foods, but the price is a bit expensive.
- Corn oil: This oil has a high smoke point and is an affordable and accessible option for frying.
- Vegetable oil. This is typically a blend of different plant oils and has a high smoke point, making it a good choice for frying.
When choosing an oil for frying, consider the smoke point and the flavor of the oil. Oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil or refined peanut oil, can be used for frying and other high-heat cooking methods. Oils with lower smoke points, such as flaxseed oil or extra-virgin olive oil, are better suited for lower-heat cooking methods like sautéing or as a finishing oil.
The smoke point can be affected by factors such as the quality of the oil, the cooking method used, and the duration of cooking, so it is important to be aware of these factors as well when cooking with oil. |
Breading and coating
Breading and coating are essential steps to make the food crispy. One of the widespread methods is to use a combination of:
- A liquid binder such as beaten eggs or milk.
- Coating — such as breadcrumbs, panko, or cornmeal.
Season each bowl with your desired spices and seasonings. To bread your food, start by coating it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the liquid binder, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, coat it in the coating mixture, pressing the mixture onto the food to ensure it sticks.
For a thicker coating, you can repeat the process by dipping the food back into the liquid binder and coating it in the coating mixture again.
Temperature control
Temperature control is crucial to achieving the perfect crispy texture and preventing undercooked or overcooked food. Maintaining the right temperature ensures that your food cooks evenly and absorbs less oil, resulting in a healthier and tastier meal.
There are several methods for monitoring and maintaining temperature, including using a thermometer, checking the smoking point of your oil, and using a digital thermometer, deep-fry thermometer, or candy thermometer.
The most accurate way to determine the temperature of your oil is by using a thermometer. A long-stem fry thermometer is recommended for deep frying, as it can be clipped onto the side of the pot and reach the bottom without burning your hand. Simply place the thermometer in the oil and wait for it to reach the desired temperature before adding your food.
It’s important to note that the temperature of your oil will drop once you add food, so be sure to adjust the heat accordingly to maintain the desired temperature. If the oil is too hot, your food will burn on the outside and be undercooked on the inside. If the oil is too cool, your food will absorb more oil and be greasy.
Another way to monitor temperature is by checking the smoking point of your oil. The smoking point is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke and break down, releasing harmful compounds and affecting the flavor of your food. Different oils have different smoking points, so be sure to choose an oil with a high smoking point, such as canola oil or peanut oil, for deep frying.
Finally, using a digital thermometer, deep-fry thermometer, or candy thermometer can also help you maintain the right temperature. These thermometers are easy to use and provide an accurate reading of the temperature, so you can adjust the heat as needed to prevent overcooking or undercooking your food.
Frying equipment and accessories
The equipment can be broadly split into necessary (i.e., a pan, an oil, or fat) and optional (a thermometer, tongs). Below are some necessary and optional equipment to help you get started.
Necessary equipment
Here are some essential tools to have on hand when frying:
- A fry pan, pot, or wok with high sides. A Dutch oven or deep fryer can also work well.
- The right oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, sunflower, corn, canola, or peanut oil.
- Something to move the food: a fork, a knife, a spatula, chopsticks, or anything else that can do the job.
Optional equipment
Here are some additional tools that can make frying easier and more enjoyable:
- A thermometer: useful for monitoring the oil temperature. A deep-fry thermometer is ideal, but a probe thermometer can also work.
- A spider or slotted spoon: to remove food from the hot oil.
- Tongs: useful for flipping and turning food while frying.
- An air fryer or a convection oven: a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It uses hot air to cook food, so you can achieve a similar crispy texture without using as much oil.
- A deep fryer or a pro-style fryer. A pro-style fryer is a countertop appliance that can fry large quantities of food at once. It also has a built-in thermometer and a basket for easy removal of food.
Safety tips
Since we deal with hot oil that can splatter, and sometimes with hot pots and pans, minding your safety is important in cooking. Here are some tips to help you avoid accidents and injuries:
- Choose the right equipment. Use a deep pot or fryer with a lid to prevent oil from splattering. Make sure the pot or fryer is stable and won’t tip over.
- Use the right oil. It should have a high enough smoke point, such as corn, refined sunflower oil, or peanut oil. Avoid using butter or margarine, which can burn easily.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry small batches of food to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can cause the oil to spill over and create a fire hazard.
- Fry at the right temperature. The oil should be between 350-375°F for best results. If the oil is too hot, it can burn the food. If it’s not hot enough, the food will be greasy.
- Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to blot excess oil from the food after frying. This will help make the food crispy and less greasy.
- Be careful with hot oil, it can cause serious burns. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to add and remove food from the pot.
- Don’t touch the pot or fryer with wet hands or a wet towel, as this can cause the oil to splatter.
- Keep an eye on the pot at all times while frying. If the oil starts to smoke or catch fire, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid to smother the flames.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble getting your fried foods just right, don’t worry! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
Soggy food
If your fried food is coming out soggy, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: your oil isn’t hot enough, or you’re overcrowding the pan.
- Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature (usually between 350 and 375°F) before adding your food. If you add your food too soon, it will absorb more oil and become soggy.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. If there are too many items in the pan at once, the temperature of the oil will drop, causing the food to become greasy and soggy.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding the pan can cause your food to become greasy and soggy.
To avoid this, only add a few items to the pan at a time. This will allow the oil to stay at the correct temperature and will ensure that each piece of food is evenly cooked. If you have a lot of food to fry, consider doing it in batches.
Burnt Food
If your food is burning, it’s likely because the oil is too hot.
Make sure you’re using the correct temperature for the food you’re frying, and adjust the heat as necessary. Also, be sure to keep an eye on your food while it’s frying.
Don’t walk away from the stove, as the food can burn quickly.
Greasy food
If your food is coming out greasy, it’s likely because it’s not draining properly after frying.
Let your food drain on a wire rack or paper towel after frying.
If you’re still having issues with greasy food, try using a different type of oil. Some oils are better for frying than others, so do some research to find the best one for your needs.
Tips and tricks in preparing, seasoning, and serving fried food
Preparing food for frying:
Properly prepare your food before frying. This can include trimming excess fat, coating with flour or cornstarch, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
For chicken, remove any excess skin or fat and coat with seasoned flour or breadcrumbs. For vegetables, slice thinly and coat with a light batter or dredge in flour before frying.
When frying, be sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy, greasy food.
Seasoning and flavoring:
Season with salt and pepper immediately after removing from the oil, while the food is still hot. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, try adding hot sauce, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce after frying.
For sweet treats like churros or doughnuts, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Serving and storing fried food:
When serving fried food, it’s important to drain excess oil to prevent it from becoming too greasy.
- Use a wire rack or paper towels to let the food drain for a few minutes before serving.
- To prevent food from becoming soggy, serve immediately after frying.
- If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
Regional variations of frying
Different regions around the world have their own unique twists on this cooking technique. Here are some of the most popular regional variations of frying:
Tempura – Japan
Tempura is a Japanese dish that involves lightly battering seafood or vegetables and then deep-frying them in oil. The batter is made from flour, eggs, and cold water, which gives it a light and crispy texture.
Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi broth.
Pakoras – India
Pakoras are a popular snack in India that is made by coating vegetables, such as onions or potatoes, in a spiced chickpea flour batter and then deep-frying them.
Pakoras are often served with chutney or yogurt dip.
Churros – Spain and Latin America
Churros are a classic Spanish and Latin American dessert that is made by piping dough into long, thin strips and then deep-frying them until they are golden brown. Churros are often served with a chocolate dipping sauce.
Fish and chips – United Kingdom
Fish and chips is a classic British dish that involves coating fish in a batter made from flour, eggs, and beer and then deep-frying it until it is crispy.
The fish is then served with thick-cut French fries and tartar sauce.
Falafel – Middle East
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is made by grinding chickpeas or fava beans into a paste and then deep-frying them into small balls or patties.
Falafel is often served on pita bread with hummus and vegetables.
Beignets – New Orleans, USA
Beignets are a classic New Orleans dessert that is made by deep-frying dough that has been rolled into squares and then dusted with powdered sugar.
Beignets are often served with café au lait.
Samosas – India and other parts of South Asia
Samosas are a popular snack in India and other parts of South Asia that are made by filling a pastry shell with spiced potatoes or meat and then deep-frying it.
Samosas are often served with chutney or yogurt dip.
Spring rolls – China and Southeast Asia
Spring rolls are a popular dish in China and Southeast Asia that involves wrapping a mixture of vegetables and meat in a thin pastry shell and then deep-frying it.
Spring rolls are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili.
Croquettes – Spain and Latin America
Croquettes are a popular snack in Spain and Latin America that is made by mixing mashed potatoes or meat with flour and then deep-frying the mixture into small balls or patties.
Croquettes are often served with a dipping sauce made from aioli or tomato sauce.
Poutine – Canada
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that involves topping French fries with cheese curds and gravy and then deep-frying the entire dish.
Poutine is often served as a snack or as a meal in its own right.
Questions & answers
1. What temperature should the oil be for frying?
Ans: The ideal temperature for frying varies depending on the type of food being fried, but generally, it should be between 350-375°F (175-190°C). A deep fryer usually uses between 375-400°F. Using a thermometer can help ensure the oil is at the right temperature.
2. What kind of oil is best for frying?
Ans: Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as sunflower, corn, canola, peanut, or vegetable oil, are best for frying.
3. How do I know when the food is done frying?
Ans: The food should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fully cooked on the inside. You can check by cutting into the thickest part of the food or using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
4. Can I reuse the oil for frying?
Ans: Yes, you can reuse oil for frying, but it is important to strain and store it properly to prevent contamination. You should also avoid reusing oil that has been used to fry strongly flavored foods like seafood, as it can affect the flavor of the next batch of food.
5. How do I prevent the food from sticking to the pan or pot?
Ans: Using a non-stick pan or pot can help prevent sticking, as can adding a thin layer of flour or cornmeal to the food before frying.
6. How do I prevent the oil from splattering?
Ans: Using a splatter screen, covering the pot or pan with a lid, and making sure the food is dry before frying can help prevent oil splatters.
7. Can I fry frozen food?
Ans: No, it is not recommended to fry frozen food, as it can cause the oil to splatter and the food to cook unevenly. Thaw the food completely before frying.
8. Can I fry without batter or breading?
Ans: Yes, you can fry food without a batter or breading, but it may not be as crispy and may cook faster.
9. How do I dispose of used frying oil?
Ans: Used frying oil should be allowed to cool completely before disposing of it in a sealed container in the trash or recycling bin. Do not pour it down the drain, as it can clog pipes and cause damage to the plumbing system.
10. How long can I store used frying oil?
Ans: Used frying oil can be stored for up to a month in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It is important to strain it before storing and to check for any signs of spoilage before reusing it.