Chef Joel’s Tips<\/strong><\/p>\nDeep frying at home can be made better by the type of oil, and how it is used.<\/p>\n
The ideal temperature of the oil for frying is 350-375-degrees F. When breaded or battered food is cooked in oil at this temperature, its surface cooks almost instantly and forms a type of “seal” that the oil cannot penetrate.<\/p>\n
If the temperature is too low, the oil will seep into the food, making it greasy.\u00a0Also, overcrowding the skillet or overloading the fryer basket greatly lowers the temperature of the oil.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the oil can oxidize, posing serious health risks.<\/p>\n
Some oils can withstand much higher temperatures than others. Fry with an oil that has a high smoke point.<\/a> Heating oil to the point where the oil begins to smoke produces toxic fumes and harmful free radicals (unstable atoms that can cause oxidative damage in the body) which can contribute to a number of different diseases including dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\nWith the right oils, the occasional deep-fried treat (preferably home-fried)<\/em> can be enjoyed without the guilt!<\/p>\n