What Happens When You Put Ice In A Deep Fryer? [Quick Answer ...

Have you ever wondered what happens when hot oil and ice mix? 

If you’ve ever used a deep fryer, chances are you have had this interesting question pop into your head.

As much as I love deep fried food, especially delicious Southern fried chicken, sometimes there are items that one should never mix while cooking. 

Two elements you should not mix while cooking are ice and hot oil– namely hot oil inside a deep fryer. 

Putting ice in a deep fryer will cause an intense chemical reaction. Because oil has a higher boiling point than water, and due to the dramatic temperature differences between hot oil and ice, a dangerous explosion or reaction may occur if you mix the two.

We’ve created this guide to explain in more detail the types of reactions you will get if you (accidentally or not) put ice inside a deep fryer. Hopefully, this guide duly prevents you from making that mistake and encourages you to practice mindfulness in your food preparation and cooking. 

We also give you ideas on what to cook inside of your deep fryer and tips on how to use it. 

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How Do Hot Oil and Ice / Water Interact? 

In a deep fryer, oil temperatures may exceed well over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you put ice inside of a deep fryer, a fire or explosion will ensue because of the extreme difference in temperatures. The difference is nearly 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The outcome of putting water in a deep fryer may differ from putting ice inside a deep fryer. Bear in mind, both reactions are highly dangerous and should not take place at home or at work. 

Hot Oil and Ice Reaction 

If you, even accidentally, combine ice with hot oil, the outcome is not good. 

The reason for this is because the ice rapidly changes from three states (solid, liquid, steam) if thrown in a deep fryer. 

This combination may ensue a fire, and if not fire, then the oil will spatter out of the deep fryer. This can be very dangerous, especially if you have pets or children nearby. 

On a more scientific level, when the ice hits the hot oil the ice molecules vibrate rapidly. Usually, this transition happens gradually but when ice goes into a deep fryer the change is required to happen almost instantly. 

The reaction is violent because the molecules in the ice are going from vibrating slowly to a very fast pace. If a single ice cube is dropped into the deep fryer, the reaction will most likely result in a boil and sizzle. If you drop multiple ice cubes in a deep fryer then a fire will most likely occur. 

Important: It is not advisable to place frozen food into a deep fryer. The frozen food is very much like ice and will ignite a dangerous reaction. You will also risk the food not cooking entirely. Frozen foods such as vegetables or meat should not go inside a deep fryer. 

Hot Oil and Water Reaction 

If you have a seasoned chef, then you probably know not to add water to hot oil. The two elements do not mix in many ways, especially when boiling oil is involved. This combination should be avoided.

When water is placed in a deep fryer, it attempts to quickly change to steam. This change in state causes pressure build up, which then leads itself to a nasty reaction. The reaction may damage the deep fryer, yourself, and those around you. 

And What About Putting Dry Ice In A Deep Fryer? 

Given the explanations presented above, it’s understandable to think that putting dry ice inside a deep fryer would cause a stronger and more dangerous reaction. Afterall, according to Sciencing, dry ice sits at approximately -110 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the reactions are not the same. Dry ice is not water. It is actually solid carbon dioxide. 

This key difference is why putting dry ice in a deep fryer garners a different reaction. The result of dry ice and hot oil most resembles putting chicken inside a deep fryer. 

So, What Can I Put Inside A Deep Fryer? 

One of my favourite meals to make using a deep fryer is Southern Fried Chicken, an irresistible comfort meal indicative of where I grew up in the United States. 

Fried chicken is just one of the many delicious, yet safe, recipes you can create with a deep fryer. Other foods you can quickly fry up include: 

• Watermelon for a sweet and savoury snack. 
• Cheese for the ultimate comfort food on a cold day. 
• Avocado for a healthier alternative. 
• Zucchini for a crispy tempura texture. 
• Tomatoes for a tasty snack full of tangy flavour. 
• Tofu for dipping in soy sauce or to add in a stir fry.

Just to name a few! 

In addition, most oils are also safe to use in a deep fryer. Vegetable oil, peanut oil, and canola oil are ideal for deep fryers due to their high smoking points. 

I love frying with sunflower oil as it causes the food to turn golden and crisp. 

For more delicious recipes, check out our article Can You Fry Chicken Without Flour [Full How-To Guide & FAQ].