Deep frying is a cooking method that fully submerges food in hot oil to quickly cook it with a crispy exterior. Traditionally, deep frying requires a pot or deep fryer to hold the oil and allow food to be fully submerged. However, some people wonder if you can deep fry on a flat top griddle like the popular Blackstone griddle.
Can You Deep Fry on a Blackstone Griddle?
The short answer is yes, you can deep fry on a Blackstone griddle. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
While a Blackstone griddle provides an ample flat cooking surface, it lacks high edges to hold oil for deep frying. To deep fry on a Blackstone, you’ll need to construct some type of barrier around the edges to hold the oil. This can be done using sheets of aluminum foil crimped along the edges or specialized metal strips made to confine oil on a griddle.
It’s crucial to build up tall enough edges to fully submerge foods in oil. Most recommendations suggest edges at least 4 inches high all around the griddle. This allows enough oil depth for deep frying while keeping it contained. The edges must be securely attached to the griddle to prevent hot oil from spilling over.
Tips for Deep Frying on a Griddle
If you decide to use your Blackstone griddle for deep frying, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a thermometer – A cooking thermometer is essential for monitoring oil temperature. Ideal temps for deep frying are 350-375°F.
- Preheat the oil – Let the oil heat up before adding food. This prevents food from absorbing excess oil.
- Fry in batches – Don’t crowd the oil or the temperature will drop too much.
- Remove food debris – Use a skimmer to remove any loose bits of food between batches.
- Allow oil to cool before removing or storing – Hot oil can be dangerous to handle and should be cooled first.
- Clean thoroughly after use – Any remnants of oil or fried food can go rancid if left on the griddle.
Best Oils for Deep Frying on a Griddle
Choosing the right oil for deep frying on a griddle is important for safety and food quality. Here are some top oils to consider:
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut oil | 450°F | Neutral, versatile |
| Canola oil | 400°F | Neutral, budget friendly |
| Vegetable oil | 450°F | Neutral, affordable |
| Corn oil | 450°F | Neutral, economical |
The high smoke points of these oils make them suitable for frying at the temperatures required. Their neutral flavors allow the food’s flavors to shine. Always avoid oils that smoke at lower temperatures.
Best Foods to Deep Fry on a Griddle
You have lots of options when it comes to deep frying foods on a griddle. Here are some of the most popular choices:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Chicken tenders or nuggets
- Fish fillets or shrimp
- Vegetables like zucchini, okra, or carrots
- Donuts or funnel cakes
- Egg rolls or wontons
- Falafel
- Fried Oreos or candy bars
Make sure foods are dry before frying and fry in small batches for the best results. Pieces should be similar in size so they cook evenly. Just avoid overly delicate or watery foods that may break apart or cause hot oil to splatter.
Pros and Cons of Deep Frying on a Griddle
Deep frying on a flat griddle has some advantages:
- Large even cooking surface – More space to fry several items at once.
- Precise temperature control – Griddles allow you to dial in an exact oil temperature.
- Easier handling – Less risk of burns from lifting a heavy pot of hot oil.
- Outdoor option – Griddles like Blackstone are popular for outdoor cooking.
But there are also some downsides to consider:
- No built-in edges – You must construct your own barriers for holding oil.
- Harder cleanup – Oil can seep under the edges and be tricky to remove.
- Less oil capacity – Smaller volume of oil compared to a deep pot or fryer.
- Temperature fluctuation – Cooling effect of food can drop oil temp.
Safety Tips
As with any deep frying, safety should be your top concern when using a griddle:
- Never leave hot oil unattended.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Don’t overfill the oil or it can spill over.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
- Don’t mix water and hot oil – it can cause splattering.
- Wear long sleeves and closed toe shoes for protection.
- Use heavy oven mitts when handling hot components.
Conclusion
While deep frying on a flat top griddle requires some special considerations, it can absolutely be done safely and effectively. With good prep and the right technique, you can enjoy delicious deep fried treats from the convenience of your Blackstone or other griddle. Just be sure to take all necessary precautions when cooking with hot oil.