If you’re searching for a deep fryer for frying chicken indoors, you need one with a higher and more accurate temperature range. Not all deep fryers perform well when frying chicken.
I’ve done extensive research and found you 4 best indoor deep fryers that could fry your chicken either whole or cuts. I’ve assessed them for everything from design, capacity, and performance, to safety. These best picks vary in size, but all provide excellent results when frying chicken. Some of them are also highly versatile and can be used as boilers, roasters, and steamers.
Besides sharing my thoughts on these top chicken fryers, I’ve listed a few essential factors you should consider when picking a deep fryer for poultry in the buying guide section. In the FAQs section, I’ve tried to debunk some deep fryer myths.
So, Keep reading to get closer to your dream chicken fryer.
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1. Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer
The Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer is a popular choice for those who love to fry chicken anywhere effortlessly. Among dozens of deep fryers available in the market, it’s among the highest-rated chicken fryers.
Let’s look at its features and performance to see whether it meets your needs.
Design and Capacity
With 10 “D x 9” W x 8 “H dimensions and 4.5 pounds weight, the Presto 05411 Bucket-Style GranPappy Deep Fryer is the most straightforward and portable chicken fryer.
The design is effortless. Only a power cord turns it on to let you fry your chicken wings, drums, or breasts. This bucket-style fryer comes with a snap lid that allows you to store oil safely inside the bucket and port your deep fryer anywhere.
As for capacity, it has been designed to hold 6 cups of oil to let you fry 6 cups of any food, following a 6:6 oil-food ratio.
How much is 6 cups of chicken, then?
If you wonder about the fryer’s capacity for chicken, it can be about 1 1/3 pounds of raw, skinless, boneless chicken, 5-7 drumsticks, or chicken wings.
In short, I can’t help appreciating such an untraditional and hassle-free design of this deep fryer.
Ease of Use, Cleaning, Storage and Safety
Thanks to one-set temperature control, the Presto GranPappy Deep Fryer is truly a beginner’s friendly fryer. It has no control knobs or buttons, except one power control. All you need to do is add oil, turn it on, and fry your food.
Just like usage, cleaning is also hassle-free. Its nonstick interior and exterior coating makes the cleaning work a snap. Since the GranPappy Deep Fryer has no basket, the cleaning nightmare doesn’t haunt you. But before cleaning it, I’ll advise you to let it cool–the exterior gets hot and can harm you when touched!
For the storage, of course, it’s easy. It requires minimum space. The magnetic cord is detachable. Also, you can store it with oil if you do frying work frequently–the snap lid will take care of it!
Previously I’ve mentioned the nonstick coating of this fryer; you must be wondering what type of coating it is and if it’s health-safe.
The answer is the Presto GranPappy fryer has a Whitford Xylan nonstick coating. Xylan is a fluoropolymer coating that is durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion. Besides this, the Xylan coating on the Presto GranPappy fryer is also free of PFOA and PTFE—two chemicals that were found toxic.
Overall, whether it’s GranPappy or FryDaddy Deep Fryer by Presto, they’re all about ease of use, cleaning, and storage.
Temperature Control and Performance
Unlike other deep fryers, this Presto uncomplicated deep fryer uses an internal temperature control system for food. This system maintains the oil temperature to the optimum range of 375 degrees–no freedom for temperature adjustment.
No matter what quantity of food you add—of up to 6 cups, the oil temperature would be maintained at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
For this reason, it makes an excellent choice for deep-frying chicken. Because the ideal temperature for frying chicken thighs, breasts, wings, and everything is “chickeny.”
The thing is excellent for frying boneless chicken to get a brown crust. Yet, cooking bone-in raw chick can mess up the operations. The reason is its high temperature which might leave the inner undercooked. To combat it, you can boil the chicken for a while and then fry it.
Overall, if you’re a beginner and are going to fry a recipe requiring an upper-temperature limit, this affordable and portable deep fryer is a great pick.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy to use and maintain
- Heats up quickly for fast frying
- Portable
- Nonstick surface for effortless cleaning
- It comes with a snap-on lid for oil storage.
- One year warranty and excellent customer support
Cons
- No adjustable temperature control
- Small capacity may not be suitable for larger families or gatherings.
- Not great for frying food that needs a temperature range lower than 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean, 1700 Watts Stainless Steel Deep Fryer
If you prefer a deep fryer with precise control over temperature to let you cook various recipes, including chicken, T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer is one of the best chicken fryers.
What makes it an excellent choice? There’re a lot of reasons; let’s explore in this detailed review.
Design and Capacity
The T-Fal EZ Clean Deep Fryer is an excellent deep fryer with great capacity. This robust stainless steel deep fryer measures 18.3 “D x 13.7” W x 14.8 “H.
The size is big, and so is the capacity. You can cook 1.3 pounds of food, which means 5-7 chicken drums, up to 10 wings, and 4 chicken breasts.
The deep fryer has a fry basket, removable heating element, and a power cord. Besides this, it features an easy temp-control knob at the control panel, and on the removable panel, you get oil filtration controls. Underneath you find an oil filtration basket.
For stability, the unit has firm feet, and for safer portability, it has insulated handles.
I appreciate that T-Fal has designed the lid beautifully. It has a cool-to-touch handle, holes for steam escape, and a fancy viewing window.
Yet, I really don’t apprehend what purpose such a see-through window serves–as soon as you cook food, the steam makes it foggy. So, you can’t trace progress; instead, you’ve to rely on estimated time or remove the lid to check your food.
Except for the addition of a see-through window, which makes no sense to me, and heavy weight 12.4 pounds or 5.6 Kilos, making it less portable, the fryer’s design is excellent.
Ease of Use, Cleaning, Storage and Safety
T-Fal EZ Deep Fryer, just like Prestos’ FryDaddy and GranPappy, is all about ease of use, cleaning, storage, and health friendliness. The deep fryer by T-Fal is easy to use.
You can heat the oil by choosing the temperature on the dial and adding food.
BTW, it’s always a good idea to heat oil at a higher temperature than the recommended; after some time, switch the dial to the desired temperature. This way, you can avoid temperature drops.
I have got one great reason to like this chicken fryer–it’s really easy to clean. The T-Fal EZ Fryer has a built-in oil filtration system. Once the oil is cool, you can set the machine for oil filtration by using the primary control system control knob at the front bottom. The fryer will filter the oil and store it in a leak-free container for the next frying. Thus this oil can be usable up to 15 times––oil saver, it is!
I must mention that with the small models, many users had problems with the leakage of oil from oil containers. Yet, for the large-size T-Fal Deep Fryers, the issue is not common.
Besides its oil-cleaning system, the parts are also easy to clean. The product is free from the nonstick coating. You can put all parts except the heating element and the deep fryer’s outer shell in the dishwasher. And, for cleaning the exterior, when the fryer is not in use, a single wipe is enough.
For storage, I apprehend that putting such a big fryer in the cabinet isn’t easy. You can better leave it on the counters by putting cord and foldable handles inside the basket or under the cabinet—its sleek design will shine there.
Last but not least, the T-Fal EZ Deep Fryer is an extremely safe deep fryer.
How?
It has nothing like a nonstick coating, which can also be prone to wearing. The stainless steel interior and mesh basket make it health safe. And, for usage safety, the magnetic power cord detaches itself easily in case anything bad happens; it doesn’t shake the entire unit.
So, except for portability, the deep fryer is outstanding.
Temperature Control and Performance
The real thing….any beautiful, sturdy deep fryer is useless if it can’t fry, especially if you’re getting it for frying chicken or meats. The T-Fal EZ clean deep fryer has a precise temperature control system. Its temperature control dial allows you to control the heat by 18 degrees increment between 302 to 374 degrees Fahrenheit– a precise control.
Is the temperature accurate and consistent?
Yes, it is…
The key is to always set your deep fryer about 15-25 degrees higher before adding the food; this way, the instant temperature drop won’t affect your food, and as for chicken, start with the upper limit of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
I have found many users complaining that they used a thermometer to check the temperature, and the T-Fal wasn’t as accurate. Some fluctuations are common with all deep fryers, yet before doing such a test, you need to use the thermometer correctly–I’ll discuss it in a later section of this article. Likewise, most of them don’t really read the usage instructions.
So, according to my assessment, this deep fryer is excellent for frying chicken–it beeps, and your chicken is done.
Pros
- Stylish, non-toxic, and durable stainless steel deep fryer
- Adjustable temperature control with 18 degrees Fahrenheit increment for precise frying
- EZ Clean oil-filtration system for easy maintenance
- Completely health-safe designs and system
- Large capacity suitable for small to medium size family
- Cool-touch handles and safety features for peace of mind
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- The size may be too large for small kitchens with limited counter space.
- The stainless steel exterior gets hot, which can be hazardous if touched accidentally.
- You need to pour the oil out of the plastic container slowly. Otherwise, it can be messy.
- The addition of a see-through window is unnecessary.
3. National Presto 06009 10-Quart Kitchen Kettle XL Deep Fryer
Pretty unconventional when you think about those rectangular or square electric deep fryers, another excellent quality deep fryer by Presto can meet all your frying, boiling, or steaming needs. This multitasker National Presto Deep Fryer can become your favorite chicken fryer indoors and at camping sites.
How?
Let’s know in the detailed review.
Design and Capacity
Just like, Presto GranPappy and Fry Daddy have amazed home chefs with their unconventional designs. It’s a pot-style deep fryer, boiler, and steamer. The design is simple and fuss-free. It has 4 stable legs and 2 handles. And the unit weighs only 1 pound. All these factors add to the probability.
The frying pot measures 16 x 12.25 x 8.25 inches. So, you can fry 10 cups of food, a whole chicken, and a similar quantity of chicken (about 2-3 lbs). This is why it’s enough to combat the needs of a medium to medium to large family.
The Fryer pot has a PTFE health-safe nonstick coating, while the fry basket is made of aluminum.
Many deep fryers with their small see-through glass windows impress you. Here the Presto XL Kettle does justice!
It has a lid of tempered glass to let you check your food by lifting the lid–yeah, it gets foggy just as other viewing windows do, but it’s attractive.
The entire unit is controlled with a dial control attached to a 30-inch magnetic power cord. Some users didn’t like that the cord comes out easily.
Don’t worry. Such peasy detachment is for safety purposes. You can pull it in an emergency without worrying about food or oil flooding, which can be hazardous.
Overall, the Presto aluminum pot makes a highly portable and sturdy fryer.
Ease of Use, Cleaning, Storage, and Health Safety
If you love frying a lot, you must be already familiar with the Presto GranPappy and FryDaddy deep fryers, their ease of use, and cleaning. The same goes with this Presto 06009 10-quart Kitchen Kettle, which is a multi-cooker to allow you to steam, boil, roast, and fry. And it does every job easily to perfection.
As you receive the Kettle, its assembly is easy. Attach the handles, legs, dial control and power cord, and you’re done. After use, let the oil cool, drain it, and put the fryer in the dishwasher; it’s clean.
After cleaning, storage is also hassle-free. You can put the cord inside the pot and store your deep fryer.
The National Presto 06009 10-quart Kitchen Kettle Multi-Cooker has a premium nonstick coating, both inside and out. The nonstick coating is made of a material called PTFE, which is PFOA-free (a chemical that has been linked to health problems).
In short, the Multitasker Kettle by Presto serves you as an easy-to-use, clean, and health-safe chicken fryer.
Temperature Control and Performance
The National Presto 06009 10-quart Kitchen Kettle XL steamer Multi-Cooker has proven to be a fantastic chicken fryer in our assessment. Since it’s more than a deep fryer, the temperature range is optimum to allow you to fry chicken.
At the dial control, you can find the temperature range mentioned between 150 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the 150-degree setting has been named as a warm setting. So, you can control the temperature with a 50-degree Farenheit increment. It’s less precise, but for deep fryers, it’s fine, especially when you fry challenging food like meats, including fish and chicken.
The biggest concern is, “Is this machine accurate in temperature?”
Yes, it is, but as for the upper temperature limit of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it hardly gets there. I think it’s only a sales tactic to emphasize how hot the oil or water can get in it. Just ignore it; the deep fryer can still allow you to fry chicken at the optimum temperature range.
Pros
- Unconventional deep fryer with a portable design
- Adjustable temperature control for versatile frying
- EZ Clean oil-filtration system for easy maintenance
- The health-safe and dishwasher-safe nonstick coating is peace of mind.
- Large capacity suitable for medium to large family needs
- 1-year warranty and incredible customer support
- Cool-touch handles and magnetic cord are safety features.
Cons
- The size may be large for small families.
- The basket is not nonstick.
- Besides the pot, the handles and cord also get hot.
- If you can’t get it on sale at about 25-35% off, it’s overpriced.
4. Masterbuilt MB20012420 Butterball Deep Fryer
If you have been dreaming about frying a whole chicken or a turkey but can’t go for an outdoor fryer, Masterbuilt Butterball XL 10 Liter Deep Fryer is for you.
Let’s know about it in this detailed review.
3 in 1 Design and Huge Capacity
The Masterbuilt Deep fryer with 18.43 “D x 16.46” W x 14.8 “H has been designed to fry, boil and steam large batches of food like crawfish, turkey, chicken, and veggies. And it gets you covered when you want to fry whole birds like 20 lbs turkey, big chicken, 3 dozen wings, or 20 chicken thighs safely.
On arrival, it requires literally no assembly except attaching the magnetic breakaway power cord.
With the Masterbuilt Fryer, you get a main fryer with a stainless exterior and porcelain-coated interior–it doesn’t have a nonstick coating like PTFE. Besides this comes the metal frying basket and removable hinged lid, which are dishwasher safe.
At first glance, you might suspect the deep fryer for not having an oil drain system.
It has!
Behind the removable control panel sits the well-thought built-in drain valve. You can attach the drain spigot and remove the oil when cool.
Overall, this big buddy has a sleek design. But I miss that despite being a premium deep fryer, it lacks an oil filtration system–if it were the fryer’s size were impractical to store. Likewise, I felt a bit concerned knowing that extending its short cord can compromise safety–the company has warned not to add any extension!
Portability?
Obviously, this 20.48-pound machine is less portable.
Ease of Use, Cleaning, Storage and Safety
From assembly to use, everything is a breeze. As discussed earlier, it comes ready to use. You can cook your large batches of food and then clean it.
The basket has a hook handle to remove the large quantity of food from the fryer.
Then, the handy valve behind the removable control panel allows you to drain the oil.
The metal basket and removable lids are dishwasher safe. While you can hand wash the oil container. And, for cleaning the exterior, a single wipe will do the job. Hence, cleaning is child’s play–not frying!
Yet, it’s demanding for storage. You need some ample space to have it if the kitchen or cabinet is small. It can better sit on your counters.
Last, health safety… it’s not compromised at all. The fryer has a porcelain coating, while the basket is metal. Hence, the entire unit is safe for your health.
Safety is a priority with the Butterball XL Electric Deep Fryer. It has a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off the power if the oil temperature becomes too high, preventing potential hazards.
Temperature Control and Performance
This MasterBuilt Butterball XL Electric Deep Fryer is promising for performance.
Such a big deep fryer has been built to deep fry large food, and for this purpose, the temperature range, accuracy, and precision are great.
It can reach the upper limit of 375 degrees Fahrenheit to cook meat. Yet, for such a large quantity of oil to heat up, it takes time. And, when hot, it also holds the temperature very well. The result is perfectly cooked poultry.
On the downside, however, sometimes this machine can suck. The reason is so many safety features. Of course, for holding such a large quantity of hot oil indoors, a unit should have as many safety features as possible. So, at that point, you have to be patient and understand it.
Pros
- Sleek and modern design
- Generous 10-litre capacity for frying large items
- Adjustable thermostat for precise temperature control
- Built-in digital timer for accurate cooking
- Easy-to-clean and dishwasher-safe components
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Larger sizes may require more storage space.
- This XL deep fryer with so many safety features requires patience to learn it.
- Primarily designed for frying large poultry items, it might be excessive for everyday frying needs.
- Less portable
- Doesn’t have an oil filtration system
So, which is the Best Deep Fryer for Chicken?
As discussed, all chicken fryers are unique and best for one reason or another. For example:
- Presto GranPappy is excellent as a portable fryer.
- Presto Kitchen Kettle is great if you need a versatile and portable fryer that can boil, steam, and roast. Additionally, it can cook a small whole chicken as well.
- The Masterbuilt XL Deep Fryer is matchless, for it can cook a whole chicken or 20 lbs of turkey. But it lacks an oil filtration system, which is OK with such a massive deep fryer because such integration could add to size. Thus, it could be less practical to store.
- T-Fal is simply matchless. This premium quality deep fryer fries chicken to perfection, and it’s also available with an advanced oil filtration system.
I could add several other deep fryers to my list, but I ditched them not because they’re cheap but for the ultimate value.
They have no oil filtration system, which can be a trade-off with an extra large capacity fryer like Masterbuilt because that could add more to the machine’s dimensions.
But with a small deep fryer, I see no reason for not adding some advanced features like oil filtration.
I hope you’ll understand me here.
I wish you good luck with your selection! Please don’t forget to continue reading the buying guide and FAQs section; it’ll add value to your learning and findings.
Easy Guide to Choosing the Best Chicken Fryer
If you’re a fan of mouthwatering, crispy chicken and looking for the perfect electric chicken fryer for your home, you’ve come to the right place. With so many options available, it can be challenging to make the right choice.
But fear not!
In this easy-to-read guide, I’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the best electric chicken fryer for your kitchen.
Size that Fits
Before you choose a deep fryer, think about how much chicken you usually cook. If you have a big family or often have guests over, a larger fryer with a higher capacity is the way to go. But if you’re cooking for a smaller household, a compact fryer will do the job without hogging counter space.
Temperature Range with Adjustability and Preciseness
The ideal temperature for deep frying chicken is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. So your deep fryer works within such a temperature limit.
This temperature range will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, is crispy on the outside, and remains moist and tender inside. In contrast, too hot oil can burn the chicken, while lower temps can cause the chicken to absorb more oil and become greasy.
Easy to Use and Clean
Look for a fryer that’s easy to use and clean. Intuitive controls and a simple setup make your frying experience smooth sailing. Plus, go for one with dishwasher-safe parts to save you time and effort.
Safety First
Safety is a top priority in any kitchen. Seek a fryer with cool-touch handles to prevent burns and a built-in timer to avoid overcooking accidents. Auto shut-off features are of great help because they turn your fryer off if the oil gets too hot. Likewise, a magnetic cord that comes out easily saves you in emergency situations when you can’t use a power off button on your fryer. If power cords were not designed to detach so easily, you could be at risk.
Capacity and Cooking Time
Consider how much chicken you need to fry at once and the cooking time it takes. A fryer with ample capacity and quick cooking will help you serve up a tasty feast in no time.
Material Matters
Durability matters, so choose a fryer made of sturdy materials like stainless steel or aluminum. It’s easy to clean, resists rust, and stands the test of time.
Compact and Convenient
If kitchen space is at a premium, opt for a fryer with a compact design. A smaller fryer can be easily stored when not in use, giving you more room to work in your kitchen.
Multi-Functionality
Some fryers come with extra features like grilling or baking options. It’s a plus if you love versatility!
Budget-Friendly Options
Set a budget that suits your needs and find a fryer that meets your expectations without breaking the bank. There are excellent options available at various price points.
Warranty Coverage
Last but not least, always check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A solid warranty shows the company’s confidence in its product and offers you peace of mind.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best electric chicken fryer for your home.
FAQs
How can I combat the deep fryer oil’s temperature dropping?
It’s one of the most common issues with deep fryers, no matter what quality deep fryer you get. If the temperature drops without adding food, but not for some apparent reason, it might be because of lower environmental temperature. But, usually, it’s after adding food, especially when you add a large quantity of food to the fryer. In such situations, it takes a significantly longer time for the fryer to regain the temperature. To avoid it, it’s best to heat oil at a higher temperature than required, if possible, and add food in moderate quantity.
Why do you cook food twice when using a deep fryer?
Cooking food twice in a deep fryer is a technique known as “double frying,” it is commonly used to achieve a specific texture and crispiness for certain foods. Here’s why you might cook food twice when using a deep fryer:
Crispiness
When food is deep-fried once, the outer layer may not get as crispy as desired. Double frying allows the moisture on the surface to evaporate fully, resulting in a crispier texture.
Cooking Uniformity
In some cases, especially with larger food items or when frying in batches, double frying ensures that the food cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of doneness throughout.
Oil Absorption Control
The first fry at a higher temperature seals the outer layer, preventing excessive oil absorption during the second fry, leading to lighter and less greasy results.
Color Enhancement
Double frying can enhance the color of certain foods, making them more visually appealing.
Pre-cooking and Final Crisping
Some foods, like certain types of fried chicken, benefit from being partially cooked in the first fry to ensure the inside is fully cooked. The second fry then crisps up the exterior to perfection.
Reheating and Serving
For restaurants or large gatherings, double frying allows the food to be partially cooked in advance during the first fry. And then, it’s quickly crisped up before serving during the second fry.
It’s important to note that not all foods require double frying, and the technique should be used selectively based on the desired outcome and the type of food being cooked.
best deep fryer for chicken
Why does a deep fryer’s oil temperature vary when checked with handheld thermometers?
Here are a few reasons why deep fryers’ oil temps vary when checked with handheld thermometers:
The type of thermometer
Handheld thermometers come in various types, including liquid-filled, digital, and instant-read. Each type of thermometer has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the accuracy of the reading can vary depending on the type of thermometer. For example, liquid-filled thermometers are more accurate than digital thermometers, but they can take longer to give a reading.
The location of the thermometer
The temperature of the oil can vary depending on where the thermometer is placed in the fryer. The oil at the bottom of the fryer will be hotter than the oil at the top, so it is important to place the thermometer in the center of the oil to get an accurate reading.
The amount of oil
The amount of oil in the fryer can also affect the temperature reading. The less oil in the fryer, the faster the temperature will rise.
The ambient temperature
The ambient temperature in the kitchen can also affect the temperature of the oil. If the kitchen is hot, the oil will heat up more quickly. Conversely, when it’s cold, the oil meter can keep dropping rapidly though you expect it to be according to the temperature selected at the control dial.
If you are concerned about the accuracy of your handheld thermometer, you can calibrate it and test it against other items as well. You can also check the temperature of the oil in several different locations to get an average reading.
