A deep fryer can smoke when oil overheats, deteriorated oil is reheated or food residue burns. Steam escaping from moist food is not the same as oil smoke. Treat an unusual burning smell or heavy smoke as a reason to stop, not as a normal part of frying.
What Should You Do First?
Switch off the heat if you can do so safely. Do not lean over the appliance or carry it while it contains hot oil. If a fire starts, keep clear, get everyone out and call the local emergency service. Never put water on an oil fire.
Check the Oil and Temperature
Once the appliance has cooled, check whether the oil is suitable for your fryer and whether it needs replacing. Old oil and burnt crumbs can cause problems even when the temperature dial is set normally.
Follow the recipe and appliance temperature settings rather than using a blanket high-temperature range. Ventilation can remove cooking fumes, but it does not replace temperature control or make smoking oil safe.
Use the Correct Fill Level and Load
Keep oil within the appliance’s specified limits, and do not overfill its basket. Too little oil can also cause overheating in a fryer designed to operate above a marked minimum.
Prepare food as directed, including removing excess surface water or ice where instructed. Lower the basket carefully and stay with the fryer. Browning is a quality cue, not proof of safe internal temperature.
Clean and Inspect It After Cooling
Clean the user-removable parts according to the manual and dry them before reassembly. Keep the electrical assembly out of water unless the manufacturer expressly specifies otherwise.
If there is an electrical burning smell, visible damage or repeated overheating despite correct use, stop using the fryer and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service. Do not assume that every smoking problem is user error.
Use the fryer on a stable, level surface and keep children and pets away while it is operating or cooling. Use the heat protection specified in its instructions when handling hot parts.
Related Reading
- The Basics of Working of a Deep Fryer
- Deciding on an Appropriate Oil for a Deep Fryer
- Can You Stop a Deep Fryer from Exploding?
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