If you and your household have a balanced diet, having some deep-fried food from time to time is probably something normal— at least for us at Dr Cooker’s team. And, if you want to prepare your food at home, a deep fryer can be an interesting solution. Especially because it helps you achieve the same crispiness and flavour of a restaurant dish at home, without spending too much time or money.
In this article, we will talk a little more about this budget-friendly kitchen gadget, that can save you time and ensure a safer cooking experience. Check it out!
What is a deep fryer?
If you have ever been to a fish and chip shop, you know what a deep frier is. Granted these are more industrialised friers, but the idea is the same.
To ensure we are all on the same page, here is a quick explanation about this home appliance: this gadget is designed for frying food and unlike frying pans, which require constant attention and a careful balance of oil and heat, they maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring even cooking and a perfect golden finish.
They come in various sizes and styles, making them suitable for any kitchen space and budget.
How does a deep fryer work?
The idea of how this appliance works is simple. It operates by heating oil to a set temperature, typically between 350°F and 375°F. The food is then submerged in the hot oil, cooking quickly and evenly.
Most products have a basket that holds the food and allows for easy removal and drainage once cooking is complete. They also feature thermostats to regulate the oil temperature, timers to prevent overcooking, and lids to reduce splatter and mess.
Why does a deep fryer ensure a safer cooking experience?
Even though a deep fryer is not on the list of must-have kitchen essentials, it can help ensure a safer cooking experience if you like having some deep-fried chips, chicken or fish from time to time. Here are some reasons why:
Offers temperature control
One of the primary advantages of using a deep fryer is its ability to maintain a consistent temperature. When frying on a stovetop, the oil temperature can fluctuate, leading to uneven cooking and a higher risk of burning your food.
These appliances have built-in thermostats that keep the oil at the perfect frying temperature, ensuring that your food cooks evenly and reducing the risk of hot oil accidents.
Helps reduce oil splatter
Cooking with hot oil on a stovetop can be messy and dangerous. Oil splatters can cause painful burns and create a greasy mess in your kitchen.
They are designed with lids and high sides to contain splatters, protecting you from burns and keeping your kitchen cleaner.
Has safe handling features
It is equipped with cool-touch handles and exterior surfaces, reducing the risk of burns when handling the appliance. The frying baskets often come with long handles, allowing you to lower and lift food safely into and out of the hot oil without getting too close to the heat source.
This prevents you from getting splashed with hot oil when dropping food to deep fry!
Offers automatic shut-off
Many products come with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the appliance if it overheats or if the oil reaches a dangerous temperature. This safety feature reduces the risk of fires and accidents, providing peace of mind when frying foods.
Other qualities of a deep fryer
Besides ensuring a safer cooking experience, a deep fryer also offers other qualities and important features, such as:
- affordability: it comes in a wide range of prices, with many budget-friendly models available. Therefore, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy its benefits, as even the most basic models can deliver delicious, restaurant-quality fried foods at a fraction of the cost of eating out;
- energy efficiency: the product is designed to heat oil quickly and maintain a consistent temperature;
- time-saving: it cooks food quickly and evenly, significantly reducing the time you spend in the kitchen.
What can you cook using a deep fryer?
This product is a versatile addition to your kitchen. You don’t only need to use it for frying chips, fish, and chips but also for preparing other delicious dishes. You can use it to:
- fry vegetables: not only potatoes but also zucchini, mushrooms and green beans, can be deep-fried creating a tasty and crispy veggie snack.
- prepare desserts: you can make deep-fried desserts like doughnuts, churros, or fritters;
- cook seafood: you can use it to make crispy shrimp or calamari, bringing the taste of the sea to your table.
- prepare appetisers: like delicious mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and egg rolls, that will definitely impress your guests!
Investing in a gadget like this can revolutionise your cooking experience, making it safer, quicker, and more efficient. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking to save time in the kitchen, a deep fryer offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile addition to your home.
If you need a hand for tidying up after using this kitchen appliance, don’t worry… We’ve got the solution: a list of budget-friendly essential cleaning products for your kitchen. Make sure to check it out!
