460655 Wed Nov 14 15:04:40 -0800 2007 10 31 Home Cooking 0 3125742 I just bought a deep fryer and I find that my battered food i.e. corn dogs and onion rings stick to the metal grated basket..Any tips???? Wed Nov 14 15:04:40 -0800 2007 141474 Deith 1 3125827 Are you putting the food in the basket and then lowering it into the oil? If so, there's your problem. Immerse the basket, THEN put the food items in the oil, slowly lowering them, and holding them for a fraction of a second before you release them. That will allow the batter to cook a little before it sinks to the bottom and hits the basket. Wed Nov 14 15:34:40 -0800 2007 3125742 13700 ricepad 2 3126540 I agree with ricepad, your problem probably is that you are putting the uncooked food into the basket before it is in the fryer. Just leave the basket there and only use it take out your food. If that's not it, check your oil temp and make sure not to overload the fryer with too much food at once. Wed Nov 14 21:43:38 -0800 2007 3125827 58855 digkv 1 3127488 What type of oil are you using? I have a new one, too and have never used it. I've heard peanut oil is the best - just not sure why... Thu Nov 15 09:22:22 -0800 2007 3125742 78821 BatMan 2 3127527 Peanut oil is best. IMHO peanut oil creates a "cleaner" crisp, and taste - not overly oily. I use it when frying turkey, potato chips, buffalo wings, egg rolls, etc. Thu Nov 15 09:30:51 -0800 2007 3127488 51435 lamster 2 3127780 Not only does peanut oil have a fairly neutral flavor, it also has a high smoke point, so it'll withstand accidental overheating better than most other oils. Thu Nov 15 10:37:06 -0800 2007 3127488 13700 ricepad 1 3127540 I like to get the basket hot too, let it sit in the oil first as well. Thu Nov 15 09:34:31 -0800 2007 3125742 50431 chef chicklet 1 3128103 ditto on peanut oil. make sure your oil is up to temperature before adding the food. Thu Nov 15 11:48:45 -0800 2007 3125742 105717 alkapal 1 3148020 Thanks everyone..the suggestions really helped...I also agree on the neutral flavor of the peanut oil.... Thu Nov 22 12:47:16 -0800 2007 3125742 141474 Deith 1 3148074 Peanut oil: is that taboo for those with peanut allergies? If so, that'd be one of those situations, to be aware of who it's being served to. AnnieG Thu Nov 22 13:27:04 -0800 2007 3125742 99375 violabratsche 2 3148191 Different thoughts on this. Obviously the correct choice would be to be overly protective, since the consequences could be so dire. But Alton Brown in one of his shows said that most commercial peanut oil did not contain the offending element, though allergy sufferers needed to avoid cold-pressed(?) or certain blends. Thu Nov 22 14:47:54 -0800 2007 3148074 10855 nosh