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Oil and heat · troubleshooting

Why does frying oil splatter, and how do I stop it?

Oil splatters when water hits it: wet food, ice crystals on frozen food, or condensation from a lid. The water turns to steam instantly and throws oil out of the pot. Pat food dry, lower it in gently away from you, keep the pot sensibly filled, and give the oil room instead of overloading it.

Likely causes, and how to tell them apart

  1. Wet food

    What you see: Violent spitting the moment the food touches the oil.

    The fix: Pat food dry with towels before seasoning or coating. Drain marinades and wet batter off the food first.

  2. Frost or ice on frozen food

    What you see: Loud popping, especially with frozen fries or breaded items.

    The fix: Follow the package or recipe directions for frozen items, and shake off loose ice crystals before lowering the food in.

  3. Dropping food in from a height

    What you see: Waves of oil climb the sides of the pot.

    The fix: Lower pieces gently toward the oil, away from your body, using a spider, tongs or a basket.

  4. Too much oil or too much food

    What you see: Oil rises near the rim of the pot as soon as food goes in.

    The fix: Follow your equipment’s safe fill level, leave headroom, and add small batches.

Fix it now

  • If oil is surging, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, keep your distance, and never add water. Keep a lid close by.
  • Wipe splatter after the oil is fully cool. Use a splatter screen if the recipe allows, and do not seal the pot with a lid while frying, because condensation can drip back in.

Next time

  • Dry everything that goes into the oil.
  • Use a pot that is deep enough and keep to the safe fill level.
  • Wear closed sleeves and keep children and pets away from the stove.

Quick questions

Is it safe to fry frozen food?
Many recipes and package directions fry or bake frozen items. Follow them, keep the amount small and watch for ice crystals, which cause spitting.
What should I do if oil catches fire?
Turn off the heat if safe, cover the pot with a lid and leave it covered. Never use water. See the frying safety guide and call emergency services if the fire grows.

Go deeper

Try it in a recipe

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