Cooking in a Propane Deep Fryer (Beyond Turkey!)

Texas-Style Frying Fun

Published on November 7, 2024

Photo Credit: Gunther Hagleitner

Deep-fried turkey has become a Texas staple, especially during the holidays, but your propane-powered deep fryer isn’t just for turkeys. If you love the crispy goodness of fried food and the convenience of propane-fueled cooking, we’ve got exciting ideas to keep that fryer busy year-round. From savory treats to sweet indulgences, here are 10 foods you can cook in a propane-powered deep fryer that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Think Beyond Turkey: 10 Foods to Cook in a Propane-Powered Deep Fryer

There’s nothing quite like a propane-powered deep fryer. With its quick heat-up times, precise temperature control, and ability to handle large batches of food, it’s a must-have for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Sure, frying a turkey has become a Texas holiday tradition, but your deep fryer is capable of so much more. Why let it gather dust the rest of the year when you can fry up other delicious foods?

Ready to make the most of that propane fryer? Let’s dive into 10 foods you can cook that go way beyond turkey.

Catfish Fillets

Fried catfish is a Southern classic that pairs perfectly with some tartar sauce and hushpuppies. Simply coat your catfish in seasoned cornmeal, drop it into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown. The propane fryer keeps the oil at the perfect temp, ensuring that your fish comes out crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside.

Pro Tip: Use a basket to make it easy to remove multiple fillets at once.

Fried Pickles

Craving something tangy and crispy? Fried pickles are the answer! Slice your pickles thin, dip them in a buttermilk batter, and toss them into the fryer for a quick and satisfying snack. These are perfect for backyard barbecues, game days, or just a casual afternoon snack.

Serving Suggestion: Pair them with ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping.

Chicken Wings

Who doesn’t love deep-fried wings? Frying them in a propane deep fryer ensures the wings come out crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Plus, a fryer can handle larger batches, so you can feed a crowd with ease. After frying, toss them in your favorite sauces like buffalo, honey BBQ, or garlic parmesan.

Bonus: Fried wings stay crisp longer than baked ones, even after being sauced.

Corn Dogs

Take a trip back to the county fair with homemade corn dogs. Skewer some hot dogs, dip them in a sweet cornmeal batter, and fry until golden. These fun, nostalgic treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. And with a propane fryer, you’ll have a whole batch ready in no time.

Try This: Experiment with sausage or cheese-stuffed hot dogs for an extra twist.

French Fries and Onion Rings

Why settle for fast food fries when you can make your own? Deep-fry some hand-cut potatoes or whip up crispy onion rings for the ultimate side dish. The high heat from a propane fryer ensures they come out perfectly crunchy, without getting soggy.

Pro Tip: Double-fry your potatoes for the crispiest results—once at a lower temp, and then again at a higher temp.

Fried Shrimp

For seafood lovers, fried shrimp is a quick and easy dish to make in a propane deep fryer. Coat the shrimp in a light batter or seasoned breadcrumbs and fry for just a few minutes until they’re golden brown. Serve them with cocktail sauce or remoulade, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Jalapeño Poppers

Looking to spice things up? Jalapeño poppers are always a crowd-pleaser. Stuff halved jalapeños with cream cheese (or cheddar), coat them in batter or breadcrumbs, and drop them into the fryer. These spicy, cheesy bites are perfect for parties or as an appetizer for Tex-Mex nights.

Tip: Try wrapping them in bacon for extra flavor!

Churros

Ready for something sweet? Churros are a deep-fried dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. Pipe dough into hot oil, fry until golden, and roll in cinnamon sugar for a crispy, sugary treat. These are perfect for outdoor events or just a cozy family dessert.

Serving Idea: Serve with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping.

Fried Okra

Nothing says Southern comfort like a bowl of fried okra. With its crispy coating and tender inside, fried okra makes a great appetizer or side dish. Just coat the okra in cornmeal batter, fry until golden brown, and enjoy with a dash of hot sauce.

Pro Tip: Serve it as a side dish with catfish for the ultimate Southern meal.

Homemade Donuts

Why wait in line at a donut shop when you can make fresh donuts at home? Use your favorite dough recipe, fry the donuts until golden, and coat them in powdered sugar or glaze. With a propane deep fryer, you can fry large batches quickly, making them ideal for brunches or family get-togethers.

Safety Tips for Using a Propane Deep Fryer

Before you fire up the propane deep fryer, keep these safety tips in mind:

Use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from anything flammable.
Monitor the oil temperature carefully to avoid overheating.
Thaw food completely before frying to prevent dangerous oil splatters.
Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

Final Thoughts: Endless Possibilities with Your Propane Deep Fryer

Your propane-powered deep fryer is much more versatile than you might think. Sure, deep-fried turkey is a Texas favorite, but there are so many other foods you can whip up year-round. From savory treats like fried catfish and chicken wings to sweet indulgences like churros and donuts, the possibilities are endless.

So, next time you fire up that propane fryer, think beyond turkey and try something new. Your friends and family will thank you—and chances are, you’ll never want to go back to oven-cooking again.