# Deep-frying times

Deep-frying times and oil temperatures, in a deep fat fryer or a deep, heavy pan no more than a third full of oil.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/deep-frying-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## Vegetables

Vegetables: deep-frying times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Aubergine (eggplant)](https://feastflow.co.uk/aubergine-cooking-times) (Slices) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Dust slices in flour or batter first. |
| [Cauliflower](https://feastflow.co.uk/cauliflower-cooking-times) (Battered florets) | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | In a light batter, in batches. |
| [Courgettes (zucchini)](https://feastflow.co.uk/courgettes-cooking-times) (Batons) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Thin batons dusted in flour or batter (courgette fries). |
| [Mushrooms](https://feastflow.co.uk/mushrooms-cooking-times) (Whole button, coated) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Coated in batter or breadcrumbs. |
| [Onions](https://feastflow.co.uk/onions-cooking-times) (Rings) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Onion rings, battered or floured. |
| [Okra](https://feastflow.co.uk/okra-cooking-times) (Coated slices) | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Sliced and coated in seasoned flour or cornmeal. |
| [Plantain](https://feastflow.co.uk/plantain-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | In batches. |

## Potatoes

Potatoes: deep-frying times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chips and potato wedges (homemade)](https://feastflow.co.uk/chips-cooking-times) (First fry) | 6–8 min | oil at 140°C (275°F) | First fry, until soft but pale. Drain and cool. |
| [Chips and potato wedges (homemade)](https://feastflow.co.uk/chips-cooking-times) (Second fry) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Second fry, until golden and crisp. |

## Chicken, turkey and duck

Chicken, turkey and duck: deep-frying times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chicken drumsticks and legs](https://feastflow.co.uk/chicken-drumsticks-cooking-times) (Fried chicken) | 12–15 min | oil at 160°C (325°F) | Floured or battered; the oil is cooler so the middle cooks. |
| [Chicken wings](https://feastflow.co.uk/chicken-wings-cooking-times) | 10–12 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | In batches. |
| [Chicken mini fillets and goujons](https://feastflow.co.uk/chicken-tenders-cooking-times) (Breaded) | 4–5 min | oil at 175°C (350°F) | Breaded or battered goujons. |

## Fish and seafood

Fish and seafood: deep-frying times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cod and white fish fillets](https://feastflow.co.uk/cod-cooking-times) (Battered) | 5–7 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | In batter, one or two pieces at a time. |
| [Prawns (shrimp)](https://feastflow.co.uk/prawns-cooking-times) (Battered) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Battered (tempura) or breaded. |
| [Squid and calamari](https://feastflow.co.uk/squid-cooking-times) (Calamari) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Calamari: rings tossed in seasoned flour. |

## Eggs, cheese and tofu

Eggs, cheese and tofu: deep-frying times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Tofu](https://feastflow.co.uk/tofu-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Dusted in cornflour. |

## Frozen food

Frozen food: deep-frying times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Frozen oven chips and fries](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-chips-cooking-times) | 5–6 min | oil at 175°C (350°F) | Chips labelled as suitable for frying. |
| [Chicken nuggets](https://feastflow.co.uk/chicken-nuggets-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | oil at 175°C (350°F) | – |
| [Hash browns](https://feastflow.co.uk/hash-browns-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | – |

## Tips

- Use a thermometer: oil that’s too cool makes food greasy, and too hot burns the outside before the middle cooks.
- Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot, and let it heat back up between batches.
- Lower food in gently with a slotted spoon or the basket. Never leave hot oil unattended, and never put water on an oil fire.
- Drain on kitchen paper and salt straight away.

## Questions

### How long to deep-fry homemade chips?

First fry: 6–8 min in oil at 140°C (275°F). First fry, until soft but pale. Drain and cool. Second fry: 2–3 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Second fry, until golden and crisp.

### How long to deep-fry frozen chips?

5–6 min in oil at 175°C (350°F). Chips labelled as suitable for frying.

### How long to deep-fry chicken wings?

10–12 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). In batches.

### How long to deep-fry prawns?

Battered: 2–3 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Battered (tempura) or breaded.

---

Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/