I want to share an exciting culinary adventure – deep frying on a pellet grill.
It’s up to you if you give it a go, there are a few risks that I’ll mention below.
However, let me tell you, deep frying on a pellet grill is not only possible but also incredibly delicious!
Now, before we dive into the specifics of deep frying on a pellet grill, let me introduce myself. I’m Tom Mueller, the author behind PelletGrillSmoker.com, a website dedicated to all things pellet grills and smokers.
Over the years, I’ve tested various cooking techniques and pushed the limits of what can be achieved on these machines I’ve written articles for other sites and reviewed/put together Traegers and GMGs.
One question that has frequently popped up in my inbox is whether it’s feasible to deep fry on a pellet grill. Many grilling enthusiasts, like you, wonder if they can achieve that coveted golden crispiness using their beloved pellet grills.
Can You Deep Fry on a Pellet Grill?
Deep frying on a pellet grill is all about capturing and maintaining the high temperatures required for frying, and that’s where cast iron or a dutch oven comes into play. These heavy-duty cooking vessels excel at retaining heat, making them perfect for deep frying on a pellet grill.
I haven’t videoed it, but here is a guy doing it.
Deep frying on a pellet grill requires a clever combination of techniques and equipment to ensure success.
One crucial element in this process is the use of cast iron or a dutch oven, which excels at heat retention.
These heavy-duty cooking vessels act as heat reservoir, capturing and evenly distributing the intense heat produced by burning wood pellets.
When you’re ready to venture into the world of deep frying on your pellet grill, start by placing a cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven on the grates.
As the wood pellets combust in the firebox, they generate a tremendous amount of heat.
Temperature control is essential for achieving perfect deep-fried results. The pellet grills are functional at this, with built-in thermostats
Deep frying typically requires oil temperatures between 350°F and 375°F (175°C and 190°C) to ensure a crispy exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
Most pellet grills offer precise temperature control, allowing you to easily reach and maintain these desired frying temperatures.
Heat Captured Using Cast Iron or Dutch Oven
I recommend I pot with a high wall, not a skillet.
It will splatter oil, the more moisture on the surface of the meat or food you are deep frying, the more splattering you will get.
Ways to Minimize Splattering When Deep Frying on a Pellet Grill Smoker
- Use a deep and wide pot or pan to provide more space for the oil and food.
- Fill the pot or pan with oil only up to the recommended level to prevent overflow during frying.
- Pat dry the food items before placing them in the hot oil to minimize moisture content.
- Avoid overloading the pot or pan with too much food at once; fry in small batches instead.
- Gently lower the food into the oil to prevent splashing.
- Place a splatter screen or mesh guard over the pot or pan to contain the oil and reduce splattering.
- Use a thermometer to monitor and control the oil temperature accurately.
- Avoid using frozen or wet foods directly into the hot oil, as they tend to cause more splattering.
References:
- “Deep-Frying Safety Tips” – The Spruce Eats Link: https://www.thespruceeats.com/deep-frying-safety-tips-4687106
- “How to Deep Fry Foods Without Making a Hot Mess” – Serious Eats Link: https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-deep-fry-food-without-making-a-hot-mess-tips
- “How to Prevent Oil Splatter While Frying” – Food Network Link: https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/photos/how-to-prevent-oil-splatter-while-frying
Making it Safe with a Grease Tray
I recommend it’s important to keep safety in mind when deep frying on a pellet grill.
Since deep frying involves submerging food in hot oil, it’s crucial to have a proper setup to catch any potential drips or splatters. Most pellet grills come equipped with a grease tray or drip pan, which serves this purpose perfectly.
Before I start frying, position the cast iron or dutch oven over the grease tray to catch any oil that may escape. It normally covers the entire area under the grill grates.
You Will Not Find Pellet Grills Recommended for Deep Frying
While deep frying on a pellet grill is indeed possible and can produce fantastic results, it’s worth noting that pellet grill manufacturers typically do not recommend using their grills for deep frying.
This caution is primarily due to the potential safety hazards associated with frying and the added stress it can place on the grill’s components.
However, if you take the necessary precautions, use proper equipment, and exercise caution throughout the process, deep frying on a pellet grill can be a rewarding and delicious experience.
So, my friends, if you’ve been itching to try your hand at deep frying on your trusty pellet grill. I’ve done it but prefer more traditional pellet grill smoking.
Honestly, you’re better off instead of deep frying just doing the whole cook hot smoked using traditional pellet grill smoking as per below, Turkey, in my opinion, deep frying is just fat flavor (yes it’s crispier). Healthier and more complex in flavor.
Saturated fat is just a shortcut to flavor, we are hardwired through evolution in my opinion to crave it. Since it was essential to get a bit of fatty meat to survive as foraging/scavengers tens of thousands of years ago (again this is just what I’ve learned from reading, and my interpretation!).
Smoke Your Turkey in the Pellet Grill Instead (or whatever else you’re thinking of covering in saturated fat).
https://www.traeger.com/learn/how-long-to-cook-a-turkey
I prefer to use cast iron for steaks and searing, I wrote about that here –
