What is a deep fat fryer and how to use it

The deep fat fryer is a household electric appliance that is intended for the preparation of various deep-fried dishes.

What is "deep fat"? A deep fat fryer is animal or vegetable fat suitable for a deep fat fryer. It is heated to a maximum temperature to fry food in it. Refined sunflower oil is usually used for deep fryers, but corn, olive, cotton, palm, peanut, and soy are also suitable. Unrefined oils are best avoided.

It happens that deep fat is prepared from pork or beef fat. It is possible to use fat ducks or chickens. In general, the choice of deep-frying varies from culinary traditions, personal preferences and the type of product that is supposed to be prepared. Refined vegetable oil is ideal for any food. It is preferable to fry vegetables and salted dough products in oil mixed with beef fat, and fancy cooking - in a combination of vegetable oil with pork fat.

The electric fryer includes a lid closure and a heater. On the body of the device is a temperature controller that is responsible for the level of heating.

The principle of operation of a modern deep fryer is quite simple:

1. oil or deep-fat mixture is poured into the bowl;
2. the appliance is plugged in;
3. the deep fat is heated to a predetermined temperature;
4. a grid with prepared products is lowered into the device;
5. after the products are fried, the net is removed from the bowl and the finished products are folded onto a dish or paper towel.

Deep Fried Potato

The main point of cooking in an electric fryer is when the deep fat is heated to 190 degrees. Further, the device maintains a constant temperature. Thanks to this, the products are cooked evenly. The food cooked in this appliance is not very high in calories, since the oil only “envelops” it without penetrating the crust.

How to use an electric deep fat fryer - instructions for use

Electric fryer operating rules are intuitive:

1. Open the lid and pour oil or deep-frying mixture into the bowl.

You cannot ignore the Minimum and Maximum marks! Never mix used oil with fresh!

In supermarkets you can find special oil for deep fryers

2. When laying products in a basket, it is better to place them closer to the perimeter, leaving the center free. It is impossible to overload the basket - the deep-frying temperature will significantly decrease. If products are from the freezer, they must be shaken vigorously before being lowered into deep fat. By the way, it is recommended that only a third of the basket be filled with frozen foods, as they reduce the temperature of the oil. If you plan to fry food in batter, you should first lower the basket into deep fat and then dip the products into it, so the dough will not burn to the basket.
3. Close the appliance with a lid.
4. Properly selected temperature is a very important nuance. If you set it too low, the food is saturated with fat, which will affect the taste.
5. If the device is equipped with a viewing window, during the preparation process you can control what is happening, and if necessary, make your own adjustments.
6. After the beep sounds, you must immediately get ready food. This must be done carefully, as the deep-frying cools very slowly.
7. Before serving, put the finished dish on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Fried foods are best folded onto paper towels.

How many times can the same oil be used in a deep fat fryer?

When it comes to the deep fat fryer, the novice cook suspects that a lot of oil will leave. In fact, if everything is done correctly, the products during frying will not take in more than they should, and it will not be sprayed like in a frying pan. Still, the question is relevant - how many times is it safe to use the same oil in the device? The answer cannot but rejoice - one portion can be used up to twenty times. And if you keep it tightly closed in the device, it will remain so until six months without losing its taste. When using oil, the following nuances should be remembered:

• apply refined oil correctly. On sale there is an oil with a label "For deep fryers";
• pour the mixture for deep fat should be in the proportion of one part to ten parts of the products, and to the middle of the bowl;
• if you plan to cook something in a deep fat fryer, and the old deep fat fryer is not enough, you need to pour it and pour in a fresh portion;
• Do not heat the oil until smoke appears. The ideal temperature is 175 degrees, and in the electric fryer no more than 195 degrees;
• if fish or meat was cooked in the appliance, and the smell remained, before the next cooking it is necessary to heat the deep fat fryer to 165 degrees and lower a couple of pieces of bread into it, the smell will disappear;
• the oil has become thick, darkened and has an unpleasant odor - pour it immediately! It must not be disposed of hot; it must first be cooled!
• when preparing products in breading, you can put a paper filter on the bottom of the appliance, then the deep fat will remain clean, without crumbs;
• experts warn that with every reuse of oil, the number of carcinogens is increasing.

Subject to cooking technology, the food turns out to be rosy and beautiful.

How to choose the right deep fat fryer

Today's electric fryer market is rich and diverse. And although they all work on the same principle, their functionality may be different. What you should pay attention to when buying a device for the home:

• some models are equipped with a self-timer, which sounds when the food is ready;
• the presence or absence of removable or integrated filters that capture odors; oil filters filter it. Removable filters are replaced from time to time, stationary filters are thoroughly washed;
• the volume of the bowl varies from one to four liters. The larger it is, the larger the device. The bowl is made of stainless steel or aluminum, with enamel or non-stick coating. The latter last much longer;
• at cheap units, the bowl cannot be removed, which is very inconvenient in the washing process. At more expensive, the cup can be removed;
• the power of the device affects the speed of heating the deep fat and the cooking time, usually it is 2 kW;
• fixed temperature control in cheaper models, for more expensive ones - smooth temperature control;
• the viewing window in the lid of the appliance makes the cooking process visual;
• advanced models are equipped with a “cold bottom” function, which does not allow products at the bottom of the bowl to stick to its bottom;
• protection against overheating will allow the device to work longer;
• the oil drain system is very convenient when changing the oil, but makes the device more expensive.

When choosing a deep fryer model, it is better to lean towards the appliance with a flat surface, with a minimum of buttons, troughs and protrusions.

Fryers with a removable bowl are much more convenient to use.

Overview of the most popular deep fryers

This rating was made up only of those models that, according to reviews, showed themselves exclusively on the positive side. These are the following brands: Tefal, Vitek, Moulinex, Delongi, Philips, Bosch. Representatives of these brands were distinguished by comfort, durability and quality.

A brief overview of the most popular deep fat fryer models for 2018 with current prices.

1. Tefal FZ 7000 ActiFry - an air fryer with a capacity of 1400 W, equipped with electronic control, will prepare 1 kg of potatoes at a time with virtually no oil. Manufacturers claim that the device is able to fry a kilogram of potatoes in one tablespoon of deep fat. The lid of the device is removable, the bowl is pulled out, which will allow to keep the device clean. The components of the unit can be laid in the dishwasher. The set includes a deep-frying spoon, a folding handle for the bowl and a recipe book. Of the minuses, users noted the large size and quiet sound of the buzzer.

Tefal FZ 7000 ActiFry will decorate any kitchen

2. Philips HD9220 - an air fryer with a mechanical control of 1425 W uses 14 g of oil per kilogram of potato. The stationary filter catches the smell, the removable basket and bowl are washed in the dishwasher, the compartment for the cord will save space in the kitchen, the heating regulator will allow you to set the desired temperature, a timer with automatic shutdown will notify you when the dish is ready. The separator for food will allow you to cook two different dishes at the same time. No flaws were found.

Philips HD9220 is not only useful, but also a beautiful device

3. VITEK VT-1537 - low-cost unit with a 2000W mechanical manual. The bowl is designed for 1 kg of products. Adjust the heating temperature from 130 to 190 degrees. Requires 2.5 liters of oil. A universal appliance can also cook fondue. Removable bowl with non-stick coating is excellent to wash. The viewing window in the removable cover allows you to fully control the process. A convenient handle protects the user from burns. The plastic case does not heat up during use. The only minus noted by users is a large amount of frying oil.

VITEK VT-1537 - an excellent budget option

4. Moulinex AF 1005 Minuto - A compact and low-cost device with a capacity of 840 watts will prepare 250 g of potatoes in one step. Mechanical control. The appliance is equipped with a heating indicator. The device will require 700 ml of oil to operate. The plastic case does not heat up. There is the possibility of cooking fondue. The device is intuitive to use. Of the shortcomings - a fixed working bowl makes caring for the device extremely uncomfortable.

Moulinex AF 1005 Minuto - one of the most compact deep fryers

5. Sinbo SDF-3827 - A full-fledged budget model, made in a stainless steel case. The power of the device is 2200 W, mechanical control. Temperature controller up to 190 degrees. There is a heating indicator. For work 3 liters of oil are required. The controls are so simple that even a child can handle them. Rubber feet will prevent the appliance from sliding off the table. The removable enamel bowl is easy to clean. The filter picks up odors in good faith. The case is thermally insulated, thereby preventing the heating of the working device. No flaws were found.

Sinbo SDF-3827 metal body of the long-lived device

So, all the secrets and nuances when using the deep fryer are disclosed. It remains to pick up the model you like and master with it the masterpieces of deep-fried food.