How to Fry Food: Methods & Tips

Everyone loves a hot and crispy french fry or onion ring, but did you know that there’s a lot more that goes into frying food than simply dropping a chicken tender into hot oil? Frying is one of the most popular methods for cooking food products, and requires care, proper technique and attention to detail. From various frying methods to the type of oil you use, there are many ways to fry. We’ll explain how to fry up the most delicious dishes so your food comes out perfectly every single time.

4 Methods for Frying

Before you begin, it’s important to consider the type of frying process you want to use to best prepare food dishes

• Shallow frying—Food is fried in a small amount of oil and partially submerged. Also known as pan-frying.
• Deep frying—Food is fully submerged into oil to be fried. Most common practice seen in fast food and fast-casual restaurants.
• Sautéing—Food is cooked using a small amount of oil or butter and medium-high heat to cook and sear.
• Stir frying—Similar to sautéing, stir frying uses a small amount of oil and high heat to cook food items. Additionally, a wok is typically used to stir fry food, allowing the cook to flip, stir and swirl while cooking.

What Type of Oil Should You Use for Frying?

Using the right oil is crucial when frying. You’ll want to ensure the type of oil is one with a high smoke point. These types of oils can withstand the higher temperatures needed to achieve a successful fry. The oils most highly recommended to use for frying include:

• Vegetable
• Canola
• Peanut
• Corn
• Shortening
• Sunflower

Each oil has its own unique flavor, so following recipe recommendations and experimenting with what works best for the type of food you’re frying will help you find the ideal one.

What’s the Right Temperature for Oil Frying?

Depending on the oil, food type and frying method you’re using, 325-375° F, depending on what you’re frying and the method you’re using. While this is a general temperature range, make sure you heat your oil according to food preparation instructions.

What’s the Best Oil for a Deep Fryer?

Typically the best oil for a deep fryer is something with a high smoke point and more stability. For bulk frying, vegetable oil or canola oil are preferable as they’re stable and can withstand high heat for a long amount of time without needing to be changed. Plus, there will be less of a distinct taste in your fried foods.

Cooking Techniques for Successful Frying

• Don’t crowd food while frying as this can lead to food being cooked inconsistently
• Make sure oil reaches the correct temperature and consistently maintain it
• Use metal or wood utensils when removing fried foods from fry pot or pan
• Remove excess water or ice from food products prior to frying
• Cook evenly on each side if you’re shallow frying
• Drain excess oil from freshly fried foods by placing them on paper towels or on a wire rack

Frying Safety Tips

Since you’re dealing with hot oil, safety is a must when frying. Here are some important tips to keep you and others safe while frying.

• Never go past fill lines—If you’re using a fry pot or even a regular cooking pot, it’s important to never overfill past the fill line with oil. Instead, fill the pot up to marked fill lines, or at least 3” from the top of the pot if you’re using regular cookware. This is especially important if you’re deep frying.
• Have a kitchen fire extinguisher ready—Cooking oil is extremely flammable, which is why it’s important to exercise caution when frying foods. Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher nearby in the event a fire occurs.
• Never add water to hot oil—The term “water and oil don’t mix” is especially true when it comes to hot frying oil. Adding any type of moisture to heated oil can result in the water becoming super-heated, which can lead to an eruption of hot oil and water.
• Always clean frying equipment—Cleaning is an important preventative maintenance and safety step, which helps ensure your frying equipment continues to safely operate. Follow your manufacturer’s specific cleaning instructions and regularly keep your frying equipment clean.