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Deep fryers they are excellent in cooking a assortment of foodsand are usually safe. Fryers run on electricity so there are no harmful air pollutants or gas leaks to worry about, and these powerful convection ovens aren’t much of a fire hazard as long as you keep them clean and don’t run them unattended for too long. But there’s one part of the fryer that almost no one cleans, and it can cause a dangerous build-up of food residue over time.
Read more: Making a whole chicken in the deep fryer is the best culinary hack I’ve found all year
The underside of the fryer body where the heating coils are located is prone to food splatter and debris accumulation. Some forum users at Reddit’s Deep Fryer Sub they admitted to ignoring the nasty buildup, but it could be really dangerous. Cleaning every few weeks with a wet cloth will reduce the risk of the fryer breaking down and prevent the food you cook from getting dirty.
Below you’ll find a complete guide to fryer safety, including how to clean and use it. For more, learn how to make crispy bacon or the the perfect cheeseburger in the fryer.
Are deep fryers dangerous?
The potential risk of a deep fryer should not overshadow the many benefits of a powerful oven. In fact, deep fryers are generally safer than other cooking methods, including natural gas stoveswhich have a flow of flammable gas and an open flame. Two alarming studies also show that gas stoves can release toxic gas when not in use and can contribute to childhood asthma.
When used properly, fryers they reduce fat and calories compared to deep-frying or pan-frying and are an excellent channel for eat healthier. They can too save money on your energy bill if you use it instead of a wall oven, which needs more energy to heat up and takes longer to cook food once it’s heated.
But the key to deep fryer safety is taking care of your cookware – while these handy pieces of equipment are usually incredibly safe, it’s important to keep them clean of any grime that can build up while you cook.
Increased fryer recall from 2021
But that doesn’t mean deep fryers don’t pose a risk. Faulty wiring or user error can cause the fryer to overheat, burning food inside or the machine itself, leading to several reported cases of kitchen fires and burns. To date, no deaths have been reported.
One reason could be the influx of cheap fryers, some for $20 or $30. Several of those cheaper brands have caused problems that have led to consumer recalls. While you certainly don’t need to spend more than $100 on a deep fryer—and probably shouldn’t – over-cheaping can lead to problems.
If you’re thinking of buying one, check out CNET’s the complete guide to deep fryersincluding how they work and what to consider when choosing a model. In this post I will explain the potential dangers of using a deep fryer and how to mitigate the risk of deep fryer fires in your kitchen.
1. Clean the fryer basket after each use
Wash the entire fryer basket with soap and water after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, which can corrode the non-stick surface over time.
Deep fryers are great for cooking up chicken wings, mozzarella sticks (okay, not all deep fryer food is healthy) and other craveable snacks. If you don’t add cooking oil or cooking spray, you may notice a pool of oil or film left in the basket when you remove the dish. That oil – and all other pieces of food – should be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Oil residue and small burnt bits of food will increase the possibility of a basket fire.
The good news is that most baskets are for deep fryers nonstick all it takes is a few vigorous scrubs with a warm, soapy sponge to get them ready for your next session. Some fryer baskets are advertised as dishwasher safe, but I suggest you wash them by hand. The pounding your basket will take inside dishwasher may erode the non-stick coating over time.
2. Clean the coils above the basket once a month
Clean the coils above the fryer cooking basket for a safer kitchen and better tasting food.
A less obvious but equally important part of deep fryer cleaning care is the coils and the area around them inside the fryer body and above the basket. During cooking, oil, sauce, and even bits of food can splash up and onto those coils. You probably won’t notice this buildup unless you tilt the fryer backwards or turn it completely upside down.
When cleaning the inside of the fryer, it’s best to avoid using soap, as soap residue could stain your food the next time you cook. And saturating it with too much water can potentially damage the functionality of the coils. Instead, use a damp scrub or the rough side of your sponge. If you do this often enough, it shouldn’t be difficult to clean those coils.
In addition to reducing the risk of fire, cleaning this section will keep your air fryer humming and cooking at optimum power.
3. Give the fryer its own outlet while in use and turn it off afterwards
The safest way out is blank.
Fryers draw a lot of current and can cause an electrical fire. It’s always best to unplug them when not in use. Some air fryers are quite quiet, so this also ensures that the air fryer is not running or accidentally turned on by a passing cat or the curious hand of a small child. (Plus, this can save you some money over time, like devices can still draw power even when turned off.)
Kitchen appliances, including toasters, fryers, and microwave ovens, should also be plugged directly into an outlet, not into an extension cord or extension cord, as they provide more resistance to the flow of electricity. You should also avoid running your fryer through an outlet when other appliances are on, especially those in use, as this can cause stress on the circuits.
True, any the electrical device may cause a fire if there is a faulty electrical outlet or bad wiring. Call an electrician if you hear crackling or see sparks. Speaking of damaged electrical outlets, try to position your fryer so that the hot air blowing out the back doesn’t hit an electrical outlet in your kitchen. Over time, this can cause problems.
4. Do not crease the fryer basket
If you’re struggling to get the basket in because the food is piled up so high, it might be time for a bigger fryer.
One thing you don’t want is food touching the hot coils during use or loads of grease and sauce splattering towards the hot coils. To avoid this, don’t overcrowd the cooking basket or pile food so high that you have to push or squish it to get it into the basket. If you jam food in it to cook the amount you need for you or the family, it may be time for a bigger fryer.
5. Do not leave the fryer switched on and unattended
Make the bacon in the fryer, but don’t walk too far while it’s cooking.
Fryers heat up and heat up quickly. As with any oven, you should not move too far away from it while it is in use. Watch for smoke or unusual smells like burning food or plastic. And always follow the cooking instructions.
Many ovens only suggest cooking at higher temperatures for 20 minutes or less at a time. Read the fryer instructions carefully before diving in.
Do deep fryer baskets contain harmful chemicals or PFOA?
Fryer baskets are coated with the same chemicals as non-stick cookware. If you’re trying to avoid non-stick altogether, you have many options.
Most fryer baskets are coated with a chemical non-stick surface. Depending on how old you are, you’ve probably heard of Teflon and may be wondering if it’s safe. The so-called chemical PFOA used in the original Teflon has been linked to cancer and banned in 2014.
New and supposedly safer materials such as GenX are now being used in non-stick cookware and deep fryer baskets. There is still some skepticism and ongoing debate about the safety of non-stick, but to date no major study has linked the use of modern cookware to negative health outcomes in those using non-stick or Teflon cookware. Although GenX, when consumed in larger quantities and found in drinking water, was Considered toxic by the EPA.
If you’re trying to avoid non-stick altogether, there are options for fryers with non-stick baskets, such as this model. The majority toaster oven for air frying they come with wire shelves instead of baskets and are another good alternative to non-stick material.
For more information on deep fryers, read our a beginner’s guide to deep fryers and find out if a deep fryer is cheaper to run than a large oven.
FAX
Is it safe to use a chemical non-stick fryer basket?
You may have heard of “Teflon grip,” but today it’s generally safe to use chemical-free cookware. Teflon products created before 2014 contain a chemical called PFOA, and this is what would make people sick. However, it’s best to make sure you’re getting cookware from trusted sellers. If you buy something outside the US, you run the risk that that product still contains PFOA.
Why is it important to clean the fryer after cooking?
When you cook something in the deep fryer, especially foods like chicken wings or mozzarella sticks, a greasy film can remain on the fryer basket. If you don’t clean it, there is a small risk of your fryer basket catching fire when cooking more food.
What is the easiest way to clean the fryer?
We recommend cleaning the fryer in three steps. Start by soaking up the oil inside or around the device. Then remove the bowl and basket and wash them with dish soap. After washing them, let them dry and wipe the heating element inside the fryer.
