Food tastes and feels different when it’s deep-fried, and you can’t get that taste or texture any other way. This is a core reason that restaurant food is so appealing. You can get the same results at home with an electric or stovetop deep fryer. Just remember to clean the deep fryer often to avoid bad oil or appliance problems.
Read on to find out how to clean a deep fryer the right way and to see other tips from Mr. Appliance experts.
Frying turkey in a turkey fryer is a quick and delicious way to cook a bird, but it can leave behind a mess of oil, grease and debris. Properly cleaning your turkey fryer after use is essential to keep it in good working condition for future frying
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a turkey fryer thoroughly after frying
Safety First
Before cleaning, allow the fryer, oil and turkey to fully cool. The oil can take several hours to come down to a safe temperature. Never attempt to clean the fryer when components are still hot to avoid burns. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Drain the Oil
Once cooled, wear gloves and carefully drain the used oil from the fryer into a metal container for storage or disposal. Go slow to avoid spills If your fryer has a drain valve, open it to let the oil flow out seamlessly.
Remove Turkey Debris
Use a plastic or wooden spoon to gently scrape any food particles or debris from the sides and bottom of the fryer vat. Avoid abrasive scrubbing at this stage. Safely dispose of the scraped debris.
Wash the Fryer Vat
Add a few big squirts of degreasing dish soap to the empty fryer. Use a plastic brush or sponge to gently scrub away remaining oil residue. Let it soak for 10 minutes before rinsing clean.
Clean the Basket, Lid and Accessories
Place fryer basket, lid, hooks and other removable parts in your sink. Use hot, soapy water to thoroughly wash and rinse each piece. Remove stubborn grease with a soft bristle brush.
Tackle the Drain Valve
If your fryer has a drain valve, use a narrow bottle brush to scrub inside and remove debris buildup after each use. Rinse thoroughly. Clogs can prevent proper oil drainage.
Dry and Store Properly
Once fully cleaned and drained, thoroughly dry the fryer with towels. Let components air dry completely before storage to prevent moisture buildup. Store indoors in a clean, dry location.
Change the Oil
For best results, replace your frying oil every 3-5 uses. Old oil breaks down, smokes prematurely and impacts flavor. Discard old oil properly.
Extra Cleaning Tips
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Add 1 cup white vinegar to the wash water to help cut grease.
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Use baking soda to scrub off dried, caked-on crumbs.
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Rinse thoroughly until all soapy residue is fully removed.
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Wash cleaning tools in hot, soapy water after use.
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Schedule a deep clean 1-2 times per year to keep fryer like new.
Avoid These Mistakes
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Don’t use abrasive scouring pads or steel wool.
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Never hose down or pressure wash the electrical components.
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Don’t let water sit in components; thoroughly dry after rinsing.
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Don’t wash removable parts in the dishwasher due to high heat.
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Don’t use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.
Enjoy Sparkling Frying Results
And there you have it – a complete guide to cleaning your turkey fryer thoroughly from top to bottom. Putting in the work to properly clean and care for your fryer means you’ll get the best results for years to come. Just be sure to allow proper cool down time and use gentle cleaning methods to keep your fryer in great frying shape.
Supplies Needed to Clean a Deep Fryer
You will need these items to clean your deep fryer:
- Dish soap
- Non-stick pan scraper (or a plastic putty knife)
- Paper towels
- Strainer
- Soft-bristled brush
- Sponge Container for the frying oil
- Clean towels
- White vinegar
- Baking soda (optional)
How Often Should You Clean a Deep Fryer?
If you only use your home deep fryer sometimes, make sure you clean it the way we described above every time you use it so you can safely put it away. If you use it often, like every day or every other day, you can probably get away with a quick wipe-down between uses and the steps above for a deep clean once a week. Just make sure you check for signs of rancid oil, such as a foul odor.
Most of the time, a busy business will clean its fryers lightly every day and thoroughly twice a week. Cleaning appliances is an important part of taking good care of them, whether they are in a home or a business.
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FAQ
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