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Fry Foods

There are three basic methods of frying:

  • Pan Frying, also known as sautéing, uses a small amount of melted shortening or oil – just enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
  • Shallow Frying uses enough melted shortening or oil to partially cover the food.
  • Deep Frying completely covers or submerges the food in melted shortening or oil.

Although most foods can be fried using any of the three methods, the following table indicates the foods most typically prepared with each method.

Peanut oil or shortening is commonly used for frying because it has a high flash point, but for a healthier oil, canola and even olive oil can be used. The thing to remember with frying is to get an accurate fat temperature. If too high, the food will burn on the outside and be underdone on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the fried food will be greasy.

  Pan Frying Shallow Frying Deep Frying
Food Lean tender meats such as liver, veal, steak; tender vegetables such as onions; dessert pancakes Shrimp, chicken and other small pieces of food including vegetables such as potatoes Shrimp, chicken, cutlets, vegetables such as potatoes, onion rings, eggplant; fritters or doughnuts
  Pan Frying Shallow Frying Deep Frying
Equipment Heavy fry pan or electric skillet Heavy fry pan or electric skillet Medium to heavy weight 8-10" wide by 4-6" deep saucepan or electric deep fryer
Spatula or tongs for turning food Spatula or tongs for turning food Frying basket; tongs or slotted spoon
Special frying thermometer Special frying thermometer or temperature control
  Pan Frying Shallow Frying Deep Frying
Amount of melted shortening or oil

Enough to cover bottom of frying pan:

• 8" diameter - 1/4 cup
• 9" diameter - 1/2 cup
• 10" diameter- 2/3cup
• 12" diameter - 1 cup

 Enough to partially submerge food; 1/2 - 1" Enough to fill a 4-6" deep saucepan half full, or a deep fryer within 1/2"of the fill mark
  Pan Frying Shallow Frying Deep Frying
Procedure Heat shortening/oil to 365°, a medium heat; place food in pan Heat shortening/oil to 365-375°, a medium-high heat; place food in pan Heat shortening/oil to 365-375°, submerge food, cook until golden brown and done
Turn when nicely browned, complete cooking and browning on other side Turn when brown; complete cooking and browning on other side Remove food from fryer
Drain food on paper towel Drain food on paper towel Drain on paper towel
Serve immediately Serve immediately Serve immediately

from www.crisco.com