6 Common Deep Frying Mistakes to Avoid and Be a Pro Cook

Frying at home is fun until the oil starts splattering, the kitchen turns into a mess, and you’re stuck figuring out how to dispose of that greasy oil. Sound familiar? If you're wondering how to deep fry at home without the hassle and mess, you’re in the right place.

These frying mishaps are more common than you think, and they can quickly ruin your fry game. But don’t sweat it; we’re breaking down the 6 mistakes to avoid so that you can fry smarter, cleaner, and with way less hassle. Let’s get you frying like a pro.

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Oil

Not all oils can handle the heat. Polyunsaturated oils, like sunflower or soybean, break down fast when frying, forming harmful compounds like HNE. 

This makes your food taste bad and isn’t great for your health. Stick to oils that have a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil, and fry with confidence.

Mistake #2: Not Monitoring Oil Temperature

Oil temperature is everything when frying. Too hot, and your food burns on the outside but stays raw inside. If it's too cold, it soaks up excess oil, leaving you with a greasy mess. 

Keep your oil within 350°F and 375°F, and use a thermometer to nail that perfect fry every time.

Mistake #3: Overcrowding the Fryer

Trying to fry too much at once? You’re asking for soggy food. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making your food absorb more oil. 

Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot, and you'll get that crispy, golden texture every time. It’s worth the wait.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Food Prep

Don’t toss wet food into hot oil. Trust us, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Moisture causes splattering and accelerates the breakdown of the oil. 

Dry your food thoroughly before frying to avoid burns and keep your oil clean for a longer period.

Mistake #5: Reusing Oil Too Many Times

Reusing oil too many times is a sure way to spoil your fry. When you repeatedly heat oil, it breaks down and forms harmful compounds, such as acrolein and aldehydes, which not only affect the flavor but are also linked to health issues like inflammation and an increased risk of cancer. 

As oil darkens and smokes more, it's a sign to toss it. We typically recommend reusing oil 4-5 times, as long as it's properly filtered and monitored. This helps maintain good flavor while still being mindful of safety.

Mistake #6: Disposing of Oil Incorrectly After Frying

Pouring oil down the drain clogs pipes, causes fatbergs, and leads to expensive repairs. Dumping it on the ground isn’t better; it sits there, polluting the soil and releasing harmful gases. 

Dumping it in waterways? One liter can contaminate up to one million liters of water, harming aquatic life, blocking filters, and even contributing to climate change. Dispose of its right to avoid these disasters.

3 Pro Tips for Cleaner Frying

Frying doesn’t have to be a messy, stressful experience. Here are three practices that will make your frying process smoother and cleaner:

1. Use a Splatter Screen

No more oil splatters on your stovetop (or you). A splatter screen keeps the mess contained, so you fry smarter, not messier.

2. Rest Fried Food on a Wire Rack

Stacking food on a plate traps moisture and ruins that crispy texture. Rest your food on a wire rack instead; it lets the oil drip off, keeping everything nice and crisp.

3. Have FryAway (Cooking Oil Solidifier) Ready

Cleaning up after frying doesn’t have to be a headache. Keep FryAway in your cooking essentials kit and make oil disposal a breeze. Here’s how it works:

• Sprinkle the powder into hot oil and stir.
• Let it cool, and watch the oil solidify.
• Toss the solidified oil in the trash. No mess, no hassle.

Ready to Take Your Frying Skills to the Next Level?

Now, after going through the six mistakes, you know what to avoid when deep frying. Those will surely help you cook up perfect, crispy dishes every time. 

Frying doesn’t have to be messy or stressful. With the right techniques and tools, like monitoring your oil temperature and using the right oils, you’ll become a frying pro. 

And when it comes to disposing of that leftover oil, you’ve got the perfect solution, “FryAway”. Dispose of it cleanly and responsibly, so you can keep your kitchen and the planet happy. Ready to fry smarter? Grab your FryAway.