Deep Frying on Blackstone Griddle

Learning the technique of Deep Frying on Blackstone Griddle is a controversial cooking method that has the Griddle Nation divided!  There is a lot of do’s and don’ts when it comes to griddle deep frying so make sure to do your research before attempting. 

Deep frying is a beloved cooking method that yields irresistibly crispy and flavorful foods.  It helps to keep the horrible stinky grease smells out of the kitchen.  As a trained chef, I have used many different cooking techniques when it comes to deep frying my favorite foods. 

The biggest thing that I want to stress is “RESPECT THE GREASE!”  If you have never deep fried, then I would suggest not  learning on a griddle. 

Check out this video about “Should I Deep Fry on the Griddle?” by The Flat Top King.  He gives a lot of great advice and what would happen if you did this scenarios.  It really made me think about a lot of things when it comes to frying on the griddle.

Disclaimer:  Deep Frying on a griddle is not recommended.  Using an actual electric deep fryer is best. 

Can You Deep Fry on a Blackstone Griddle?

Yes, you can deep fry on a Blackstone Griddle!  Should you deep fry on a Blackstone Griddle?  Probably not! 

It is safer and quicker to use the Blackstone Griddle deep fryer attachment that comes with some griddles or just use an electric deep fryer. 

But many people including myself  have used a foil pan (or other pans) to deep fry on a griddle.  You just need to follow a few rules for frying and get yourself a good digital thermometer. 

Griddle Deep Frying Video

I created a YouTube video of my step by step process of how I deep fry on the Blackstone Griddle.  Make sure to check it out! 

What You Need to Know About Griddle Deep Frying

Safety should always come first, and using the right equipment is crucial to preventing accidents and achieving the best results.

I have used foil pan several times on the griddle with good luck, but I make sure to respect the grease.  And I have also used cast iron pans but prefer the foil pans instead because it takes a lot longer for the cast iron to heat up. 

Make sure to take a look at my list of hazards as well as the tips for deep frying before you get started. 

Hazards for Using a Foil Pan to Deep Fry on a Griddle. 

Safety Concerns:

1. Stability: Foil pans are not designed to hold a large quantity of hot oil. They can be unstable and may collapse or tip over easily, posing a significant burn risk.
2. Spillage: The risk of spilling hot oil is high with a foil pan, especially on a flat griddle surface. Hot oil spills can cause severe burns and can be difficult to clean up.
3. Flammability: Hot oil can catch fire if it comes into contact with the griddle’s open flame or extreme high heat.

Performance Issues:

1. Uneven Heat Distribution: A foil pan might distribute heat unevenly due to the uneven heat distribution of the griddle, leading to inconsistent frying results.  Controlling the oil temperature can be very challenging due to the uneven heat distribution.
2. Durability: Foil pans are thin and can degrade quickly under high heat, potentially breaking apart causing the oil to spill.

Alternatives for Deep Frying

If you can stick to using an electric deep fryer or a heavy-duty pot for deep frying, that is best.  While deep frying directly on a Blackstone Griddle is not recommended, you can still enjoy fried foods with these safer alternatives:

Use an Electric Deep Fryer: A dedicated deep fryer is designed to handle the high temperatures and safety requirements of deep frying. It provides consistent heat, reduces the risk of oil spills, and has built-in safety features.  I keep my electric deep fryers on a counter in the garage to keep the grease smells out of the kitchen.  This is my preferred way of deep frying! 

Use a Heavy-Duty Dutch Oven: If you prefer a more traditional approach, a heavy-duty Dutch oven or cast-iron pot is an excellent choice. These pots are designed to withstand high heat and provide even cooking. Just make sure to use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature.

Tips for Frying Safely

1. Monitor Oil Temperature: Always use a digital thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the proper temperature (typically between 350°F and 375°F). Overheating oil can lead to fires.
2. Don’t Overfill the Pot: Only fill your pot or fryer about halfway with oil to prevent spills when adding food.
3. Use a Spider or Slotted Spoon: These tools help you safely lower food into the oil and remove it without splashing or poking a hole into the pan.
4. Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Always keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires within reach when frying.
5. Dome Lid: Use a dome lid to help the temperature of the oil rise faster.
6. Do Not add Foods that have Ice Crystals:  If you are frying frozen foods, make sure to tap off any ice crystals that might have formed on the food.  The ice will cause the oil to pop and splatter all over and will bubble the hot oil over the edge of the pan. 
7. Don’t Over Crowd the Fried Foods:  When adding the food to the hot oil, make sure not to add to much so that the oil overflows the pan. 
8. Have a Back-up plan:  If for what-ever reason that the hot oil starts leaking from your pan, have a back-up plan for what to do with the extra hot oil.  Remember to be careful not to burn yourself.

Blackstone Griddle Deep Fried Recipes

Whether you use a foil pan, cast iron pan, the griddle side deep fryer, or metal pans when cooking on your Blackstone Griddle, there is so many great deep fried recipes for you to choose. 

After taking all the necessary precautions when using a foil pan on the griddle to deep fry, I have made several deep fried griddle recipes. 

You can check out my apple fritters, banana fritters, fried chicken wings, BBQ wings, buffalo chicken wings, fried walleye, and deep fried French fries.