There’s something irresistible about deep-fried food. Just think about the contrasting crunchiness and chewiness, as well as the burst of flavor in every bite. Deep frying can transform any food into a mouthwatering treat, from chicken and fish to potatoes and doughnuts.
But you don’t need a fancy deep fryer to make your own deep-fried food at home. All you need is a Dutch oven, some oil, and some basic tools.
If you’ve got one for yourself, read on as we show you how to deep fry in a Dutch oven safely and easily and answer some of the most common questions about this cooking method.
Why Are Dutch Ovens Good for Deep Frying?
Dutch ovens are good for deep frying because they are made from cast iron, which means that they have thick bottoms and high heat retention properties. These properties ensure that they can maintain the heat of the oil evenly and prevent hot spots or temperature fluctuations.
Dutch ovens are also wide and tall, allowing them to accommodate larger food like pork belly and even a whole chicken. Not to mention, its tall side walls are great for keeping the oil from spilling, which adds to its overall safety feature.
What Tools Do You Need for Deep Frying?
Before you start deep frying in a Dutch oven, you need to prepare some tools to make the process easier and safer, such as:
- Oil: You need enough oil to fill at least half of your Dutch oven. Choose one with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil.
- Tongs: Ready tongs to safely flip and remove the food from the oil. Make sure they have long handles that are heat resistant.
- Spider strainer: Get a spider strainer to scoop out any crumbs or bits that may burn in the oil. This will help keep the oil clean and prevent off-flavors from your dish.
- Cooling rack: Set a cooling rack to place the finished pieces on to let the excess oil drip off and keep the food crispy.
- Kitchen thermometer (optional): You may also want to use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of the oil and the food, helping you achieve optimal results and avoid undercooking or overcooking your food.
- Splatter screen (optional): A splatter screen may also come in handy when you want to cover the Dutch oven while deep frying, protecting you from hot oil splashes and reducing mess.
A Quick Guide to Deep Frying in a Dutch Oven
Got your tools ready? Good! It’s time you know how to deep fry in a Dutch oven! Here are some simple steps to help you get started:
Prepare your tools
Gather everything you need for deep frying and place it near your stove. Make sure you have enough space and ventilation in your kitchen.
Place enough oil on the Dutch oven
Fill your Dutch oven with oil until it reaches about half its depth. Don’t fill it too much, or it may overflow when you add the food.
Heat the oil to an appropriate level
Place your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and wait for the oil to heat up. Depending on what you’re frying, you may need different temperatures. For example, chicken usually requires 350°F (177°C), while doughnuts need 375°F (191°C).
You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature or look for signs of readiness, such as bubbles around a wooden spoon inserted in the oil.
Don’t overcrowd the Dutch oven
Once the oil is ready, carefully lower the food using tongs or a spider strainer. Don’t add too many pieces simultaneously; they may stick together or reduce the oil temperature drastically. Leave some space between each piece and fry them in batches if necessary.
Keep an eye on the finished pieces
Fry each piece until golden brown and cooked through. You can tell if it’s finished when it starts to float or has already achieved the desired color. For thicker pieces, you could use a meat thermometer or poke and slice the meat to see if the inside is done.
Strain and drain finished pieces to keep them crispy
Use tongs or a spider strainer to remove the finished pieces from the oil and place them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet. This will allow the excess oil to drain off and keep the food crispy. You can also season them with salt or other spices while still hot for that added flavor.
Wait for the oil to heat up again before frying the next batch
If you’re frying more than one batch of food, wait for the oil to return to its original temperature before adding more food. Doing so will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Dutch Oven Deep Frying FAQs
How hot should the oil be for deep frying?
The ideal temperature for deep frying depends on what you’re frying, but generally, it ranges from 325°F (163°C) to 375°F (191°C). If the oil is too cold, the food will absorb too much oil and become soggy. But if the oil is too hot, the food will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
How much hot oil do you need for deep frying?
The amount of oil you need for deep frying depends on the size of your Dutch oven and the food you’re frying. As a rule of thumb, you should put enough oil in the Dutch oven to the point where you can fully submerge whatever you’re cooking without it overflowing. You don’t want to fill your Dutch oven more than two-thirds full of oil, as it may overflow when you add the food or if the oil boils over. Get a larger Dutch oven if necessary.
Should you cover a Dutch oven while deep frying?
No, because it may trap steam and moisture, making the food soggy. It may also cause the oil to boil over and create a fire hazard. Use a splatter screen instead, as its fine mesh grille lets steam out, yet keeps hot oil splatters from making a mess in your kitchen.
How do you keep deep-fried food crispy?
To keep deep-fried food crispy, drain the excess oil from the food as soon as it’s done and place it on a cooling rack over a baking sheet. This will prevent the food from steaming and becoming soggy. Also, avoid stacking or covering the food, as it may trap heat and moisture, making it limp.
If you want to keep the food warm until serving, place it in a low oven for a few minutes.
Master the Art of Deep Frying in a Dutch Oven
Congratulations, you have just learned how to deep fry in a Dutch oven like a pro! Go on and practice your new-found deep-frying techniques to make crispy and juicy food with your trusty cast iron pot.
If you love your Dutch oven, you will love Cult of Cast Iron even more! Scroll through our blog for more tips and tricks on how you can use your cast iron cookware for other amazing dishes. Whether you want to bake, roast, grill, or braise, Cult of Cast Iron has got you covered!
Explore the wonderful world of cast iron cooking and join the cult of happy and satisfied cast iron lovers today!
Miguel is a cast iron enthusiast from Cavite, Philippines. He works in the digital marketing field as a content marketing strategist. On the side, he manages a small online bookstore and tends to his plants.
