Let’s be real for a moment. The siren call of perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried food is hard to resist. That glorious crunch of a French fry, the juicy interior of a piece of fried chicken—it’s the stuff culinary dreams are made of. A deep fryer is your golden ticket to that world, but owning one is only half the battle. To truly unlock its potential and go from a novice fryer to a deep-frying maestro, you need the right gear. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the Must Have Accessories For Deep Fryer success. Think of these tools not as extras, but as essential parts of the machine itself.
Without the right equipment, you’re not just risking soggy results; you’re playing with fire—literally. Proper tools ensure safety, consistency, and a much, much cleaner kitchen. So, are you ready to elevate your frying game? Let’s dive in.
Before You Fry: The Non-Negotiable Safety Gear
Before we even talk about the tools that touch your food, let’s talk about the ones that protect you. We’re dealing with a vat of oil heated to upwards of 375°F (190°C). Safety isn’t optional, it’s paramount.
Heat-Resistant Gloves and an Apron
Splattering oil is a guarantee, not a possibility. A single drop can cause a nasty burn. A good pair of long, heat-resistant gloves (think BBQ or grilling gloves) gives you the confidence to work around the fryer without fear. An apron, preferably a heavy-duty canvas or leather one, protects your clothes and provides an extra barrier for your torso. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way.
The Essential Toolkit: Your Must Have Accessories for Deep Fryer
Once you’re suited up for safety, it’s time to assemble your primary arsenal. These are the tools you’ll be reaching for every single time you fire up the fryer.
The Spider Strainer: Your Best Friend in Frying
If you buy only one accessory, make it this one. A spider strainer, with its wide, shallow wire-mesh basket and long handle, is the undisputed champion of retrieving food from hot oil. It allows you to scoop up large batches of fries, wings, or donuts in one go, and its wide-open design lets oil drain away instantly.
Why is it better than a slotted spoon? A slotted spoon’s smaller holes can get clogged, and it doesn’t drain nearly as fast, meaning more hot oil gets transferred to your cooling rack. The spider is simply more efficient and safer.
A High-Quality Deep Fry Thermometer: The Secret to Perfection
Most electric deep fryers have a built-in thermostat, but how accurate is it? And if you’re using a propane fryer or a Dutch oven on the stovetop, a thermometer is non-negotiable.
“The single biggest mistake home cooks make with deep frying is incorrect oil temperature. Too low, and your food becomes a greasy, soggy sponge. Too high, and you get a burnt exterior with a raw inside. A reliable thermometer is your only guarantee of consistency.” – Chef David Chen, Culinary Institute of America Alumnus
Look for a candy/deep-fry thermometer that clips onto the side of the pot. This gives you a constant, at-a-glance reading. An instant-read digital thermometer is also a fantastic tool for double-checking the oil temperature and testing the internal temperature of larger items like chicken pieces. For more details, check out our guide on [how to maintain perfect frying temperature].
Long-Handled Tongs and Forks: Keep Your Distance
You need tools that allow you to safely place food into the oil and maneuver it without getting your hands too close. A pair of sturdy, long-handled metal tongs (at least 12 inches) is perfect for gently lowering individual items into the fryer, preventing splashes. A long-handled fork is useful for flipping and testing the doneness of certain foods.
A Wire Cooling Rack: The Unsung Hero of Crispiness
You’ve just pulled a batch of perfectly golden food from the fryer. What’s your next move? If you said “put it on a plate of paper towels,” you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Placing fried food directly on a flat surface traps steam underneath, turning that beautiful, crispy coating into a soggy mess. A wire cooling rack is the solution. By elevating the food, it allows air to circulate all around, wicking away steam and preserving that incredible crunch you worked so hard to create. Place the wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any oil drips for easy cleanup. This is one of the most critical yet overlooked must have accessories for a deep fryer.
Oil Filtration and Storage System: Save Money and Reduce Waste
Deep fryer oil isn’t cheap, and you can often reuse it several times if you care for it properly. Pouring used oil down the drain is an environmental and plumbing disaster. The solution? A simple filtration and storage setup.
- Let the oil cool down completely. Never handle hot oil.
- Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with a few layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a funnel.
- Carefully pour the cooled oil through the filter into a clean, airtight, light-proof container. A dedicated oil caddy or the original bottle works well.
- Label the container with the date and what you fried in it (e.g., “Fries/Veggies” or “Chicken/Fish”). Avoid cross-contaminating flavors.
This simple process removes food particles that would otherwise burn and turn your oil rancid, extending its life significantly.
Leveling Up: Accessories for the Serious Home Chef
Once you’ve mastered the basics, a few more tools can make your frying experience even more streamlined and professional.
Breading and Battering Stations
For anything that needs a coating—from chicken tenders to onion rings—a dedicated breading station is a game-changer. These are typically sets of three interlocking shallow trays for your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture. They contain the mess and make the process far more organized.
A Mandoline Slicer or French Fry Cutter
Consistency is key to even cooking. For perfect, uniform French fries or potato chips every single time, nothing beats a mandoline slicer or a dedicated French fry cutter. It’s much faster than using a knife and ensures every piece cooks at the same rate. Always use the safety guard that comes with a mandoline—no exceptions.
The Splatter Screen: Taming the Beast
While not a substitute for caution, a splatter screen placed over the fryer can significantly reduce the amount of oil that escapes, especially when frying high-moisture foods. This makes for a safer environment and a much easier cleanup job.
How to Keep Your Gear in Top Shape (And Your Kitchen Safe)
Owning the best gear is pointless if you don’t care for it. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for both performance and longevity. Learning [how to clean a deep fryer] correctly is just as important as learning how to use it.
Quick Cleaning Checklist:
- Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the unit and let the oil cool completely.
- Drain and Filter: Drain and filter the oil for storage as described above.
- Wipe Out Debris: Use a paper towel to wipe out any large, loose food particles from the fryer basin.
- Wash Removable Parts: The basket, lid, and sometimes the basin itself are often dishwasher safe (check your manual!). If not, wash them by hand with hot, soapy water.
- Clean the Interior: For non-removable basins, use a non-abrasive sponge and a small amount of dish soap. Fill with a bit of hot water, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Make sure it is completely dry before adding oil again.
- Wipe the Exterior: A damp cloth is all you need to clean the outside of the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best oil to use in a deep fryer?
A: The best oils have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Top choices include peanut, canola, vegetable, and safflower oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil, as they will burn and impart a bitter taste.
Q: Can I use my deep fryer accessories with an air fryer?
A: Some, but not all. Tongs, thermometers, and breading stations are universally useful. However, spider strainers are specific to oil frying. The needs of an air fryer vs deep fryer are quite different, so it’s best to consult your air fryer’s manual for recommended accessories.
Q: How often should I change the oil in my deep fryer?
A: This depends on what you’re frying and how well you filter it. For lightly used oil (e.g., for French fries), you can get 8-10 uses. For heavily breaded items or fish, you may only get 2-4 uses. If the oil becomes dark, smokes easily, or smells rancid, it’s time to change it.
Q: Are propane or electric deep fryers better?
A: Electric deep fryers are great for indoor use, offering convenience and precise temperature control. Propane fryers are for outdoor use only, heat up faster, and are ideal for larger batches, making them popular for events like Thanksgiving turkey frying.
Q: What are the most important safety tips for deep frying?
A: 1. Never leave a deep fryer unattended. 2. Keep a lid and a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby. 3. NEVER use water to put out a grease fire. 4. Keep children and pets away from the frying area. 5. Make sure your food is as dry as possible before adding it to the oil to minimize splattering.
Your Journey to Frying Perfection
Stepping into the world of deep frying is an exciting culinary adventure. While the fryer itself does the heavy lifting, having the right support system is what separates good results from great ones. By investing in these must have accessories for Deep Fryer use, you’re not just buying tools; you’re investing in safety, consistency, and a far more enjoyable cooking experience. You’ll be able to tackle any recipe with confidence, knowing you have the right equipment for the job. Now, go forth and fry! We’d love to hear about your frying successes in the comments below.