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.
As Thanksgiving approaches, turkey fryers make their triumphant return to deliver gloriously crispy, juicy holiday birds But after all the feasting is done, you’re left staring at a vat of used peanut oil and a deep fryer coated in turkey grime Have no fear – this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to clean a turkey fryer properly after frying, leaving it sparkling clean for next year.
Safety First When Cleaning a Hot Fryer
Before cleaning, allow the fryer oil to fully cool, which can take 12 hours or longer. Hot oil can cause severe burns, so resist any urge to rush the cooling process along. Once cooled, move the fryer to an outdoor location for cleaning. Wear gloves and safety goggles too for protection.
Drain and Dispose of the Used Oil
To start carefully drain the used peanut oil from the turkey fryer into a sealable container through the drain spout. Funneling it will minimize spills. Make sure to seal the container well and discard responsibly.
Do not pour hot oil directly down drains which can clog pipes and create plumbing hazards. Instead, let cooled oil solidify and throw away with regular trash pickup.
Scrub Away Surface Oil and Grime
With the fryer oil drained, mix a degreasing dish soap with hot water in the empty vat Use a plastic spatula to gently scrape any stuck-on food residue from the sides and bottom
Let it soak for 10-15 minutes to penetrate the grease. Then use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub remaining oil, drippings, and grime from all surfaces.
Be thorough around corners, crevices, and the fryer basket. Rinse soap away thoroughly with a garden hose.
Detail Clean the Fryer Basket
The fryer basket takes a beating during frying, so needs extra attention. Place it in the sink and coat with dish soap. Let soak for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge to remove all traces of oil and crispy bits.
Rinse clean before letting air dry. Store in a cool, dry spot until next use.
Flush Out the Drain Valve
If your turkey fryer has a drain valve, use a narrow bottle brush dipped in soapy water to scrub the interior of the valve. This prevents grease buildup that can impede oil drainage.
Rinse valve thoroughly before drying and storing. Repeat brushing after every few uses.
Degrease the Exterior Surfaces
Don’t neglect the outside of the turkey fryer! Give metal surfaces a good wipe down with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth to remove any oil splatters or exterior grease.
Rinse and dry fully. A final wipe with isopropyl alcohol removes stubborn residue.
Freshen Up With New Oil
Though peanut oil can be reused a few times when filtered, replace with fresh oil after 5-6 uses for best flavor and performance. Date and label new jugs for easy reference next Thanksgiving!
Extra Turkey Fryer Cleaning Tips
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Let fryer fully air dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
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Wipe the lid clean too and check the thermometer probe.
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Clean any accessory hooks, racks, or turkey lifters used.
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Give propane tank a wipe down if needed.
And that’s it! With some soapy elbow grease and these key steps, you can easily transform your grimy turkey fryer back to pristine condition. Just be sure to exercise patience and caution when handling hot oil. Enjoy your sparkling clean fryer as you look ahead to crispy turkey next year!
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.
Turkey Fryer Easy Clean up Hack
FAQ
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