Your fryer can get pretty gross after a while. Knowing how to clean a deep fryer can ensure your appliance lasts a long time. Get 7 simple steps for cleaning your deep fryer of normal gunk and stuck-on grease.
How to Clean a Deep Fryer: Materials
Having your own deep fryer can be fun. But it can also be a greasy mess when it comes time to clean it. However, cleaning out your deep fryer is simple if you follow a step-by-step procedure. Before you wade knee-deep into your greasy deep fryer, you must grab:
-
Dish soap (blue Dawn works best)
-
Plastic putty knife
-
Strainer
-
Old toothbrush
-
Sponge
-
White vinegar (also good for cleaning toasters)
-
Baking soda
-
Cloth
-
Fry oil container
Step 1: Cool the Fryer & Remove the Oil
Electricity and water don't mix. Therefore, you first want to unplug the fryer and ensure it is completely cooled down before attempting to clean it. With your fryer cooled, it's time to remove the oil by straining it into a new container. The strainer works to remove any food chunks. Remember, if the oil is cloudy or smells, just pitch it. If it still seems good, reuse it.
Step 2: Get Grease Out of Deep Fryer Basket
Fill the sink with water, 1 tablespoon or so of Dawn, and a cup of white vinegar. Allow the basket to soak in the mixture while you clean out the inside of the fryer.
Step 3: How to Clean Stuck on Grease From Deep Fryer
With the oil gone and the basket soaking, focus your efforts on the inside of the fryer. The first place to concentrate your efforts is the stuck-on grease. Use the scraper and soft bristle brush to remove as much grease and gunk as you can from the fryer's inside. Make sure to pay special attention to the corners.
Step 5: Boil Soapy Water to Tackle Stubborn Buildup
When it comes to cleaning a deep fryer, there is a reason you want to choose Dawn. Why? Because it's a grease blasting champ. Allow it to do the work for you when it comes to stubborn buildup and gunk from the inside as well as the outside and bottom. Just follow these steps to a like-new deep fryer.
-
Fill the deep fryer to the oil line with water.
-
Add a few drops of Dawn and give it a mix.
-
Turn on the fryer and allow the water to boil for about 10 or so minutes.
-
Once the water is cool, dump it out.
-
Add a few drops of Dawn to a sponge, then wipe out the entire deep fryer.
Remember, the deep fryer is electrical. You never want to submerge it in water.
Step 6: How to Clean Stuck on Grease From Deep Fryer
If the boiling water worked, you can move on to step 7. However, if you still have stubborn, stuck-on grease, you need to grab the baking soda.
-
Combine Dawn and baking soda into a paste.
-
Apply the paste to the residue or gunk.
-
Work it around with a toothbrush or sponge.
Step 7: Wipe Down the Basket and Outside of the Deep Fryer
After you have the inside of your deep fryer gleaming, you can tackle the basket. Scrub it using an old toothbrush or soft bristle brush. After its bath, removing any gunk should be pretty easy. You'll also want to put a bit of Dawn in a sponge and wipe down the outside of the deep fryer. Use the toothbrush to get any crusted areas.
How Often Should a Deep Fryer Be Cleaned?
You don't need to clean your deep fryer after every use. The deep fryer oil is designed for multiple uses. If you don't use it often, then follow the cleaning steps to store it after you use it. If you use it frequently, you can wipe it down and clean the basket between uses but only deep clean it about once a month. However, you can get away with only cleaning it every three months with proper care.
When Should You Discard Fryer Oil?
When cleaning your appliance, it's important to strain your oil. This helps it to last and makes your food taste better. However, if it starts to smell funky, foam, or smoke, get rid of it.
How to Clean a Deep Fryer Properly
When it comes to appliances that touch your food, it's important to make sure you clean them right. Therefore, you want to follow the proper steps to keep your deep fryer clean and ready to cook your favorite fried donut. Next, get some tips on how to clean a toaster oven and make that appliance sparkle too.
