Donut fryers are compact, dedicated appliances that allow you cook donuts in high volumes in your commercial kitchen. They’re similarly designed to benchtop deep fryers but are considerably more compact and designed with specific products in mind. 

They have an oil reservoir that’s heated by elements underneath along with baskets that you dip your donuts in with. Many donut fryers also have a drainage shelf for you to place the basket on, allowing the excess oil to run off so you get a perfect consistency each and every time. 

There are several models of donut fryers to choose from, each differing slightly in size and function. One of the most common and accessible options is the countertop donut fryer. Designed for smaller establishments or for kitchens who only require a more modest volume of production. 

For larger establishments that want higher volumes and easier turnover, conveyor models and automatic donut fryers are the premier choice. Conveyor donut fryers can make a continuous stream of donuts while automatic models come with additional features including temperature control and will flip your donuts for you. 

Donut fryers heat your cooking oil to the optimal temperature, which can range between 170℃ and 190℃. Each model will vary, and many come with temperature control. You’ll then place your uncooked donuts in the frying basket before submerging them under the oil to cook them. If you’ve chosen a conveyor donut machine, you’ll simply place them on the conveyor belt. 

After they’ve been in for the designated time and are fully cooked, you’ll remove the basket from the oil and allow your donuts to drain on the side tray. After they’ve cooled enough to touch, they’re ready to be filled, glazed or coated. 

Choosing between an air fryer and a deep fryer comes down to personal preference. Both means of cooking can produce wonderful results when preparing donuts though the textures will vary slightly. 

Due to the deep frying process, donuts made in a donut fryer will tend to be moister and will also have a slightly higher fat content. By contrast, air fryers make for a slightly more crispy exterior though they’re a little more dry due to their lower fat content and being cooked in a mode that’s more similar to a convection oven.

The best temperature to set your donut fryer to will depend on a few factors. We recommend checking the manufacturer guidelines included with your model to get some general guidelines. You’ll also want to consider whether you need to adjust the temperature slightly depending on the oil you’re using. 

Typically, the standard vegetable oils used in deep fryers are optimal at 175℃ to 190℃. Once you’re frying your donuts, it’s crucial to maintain a steady temperature to prevent inconsistent results that are either overcooked or soggy. You can avoid this with temperature-control settings and by ensuring your oil is adequately heated before you start cooking. 

Choosing the best size for you will depend on how much stock you want to generate. You’ll also need to calculate how much space you have in your commercial kitchen to ensure you have adequate room for the model you’d like. 

You’ll also need to ensure your fryer has enough space for ventilation and space around it to work safely and efficiently. Along with checking the physical dimensions, knowing the oil vat’s capacity will also give you a strong idea of how much space it has and how much it’ll allow you to fry at once. Typically, 8 to 12 litres is enough for most cafes and bakeries. 

If you want something large-scale that can be utilised for a range of foods, a free-standing deep fryer may be the best option for you. Or, if you don’t have room in your kitchen for a large fryer, you can cook more batches and store them. To keep higher volumes of donuts warm after they’re cooked, you may wish to add a hot food display to your storefront. 

To clean your donut fryer, first, you’ll need to switch it off and unplug it fully before allowing it to cool. Next, you can remove all of the frying baskets and put them to one side to drain off any excess oil before washing them with hot, soapy water. 

After you’ve removed the baskets, you should drain the oil fully into a food-safe container. Check your fryer’s filters and remove them to get rid of any food debris that’s been caught. You’ll then want to filter your oil, options like oil filter systems help extend its lifespan by up to 30%. 

Then, for a deep clean, you’ll want to start the boil-out process by heating the solution up to a boil and allowing it to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. After that, you can drain it and scrub it down with a soft brush to remove any leftover oil and soap residue. In between deep cleans, you can wipe the drum down with warm soapy water and wipe it with a damp cloth thoroughly to remove any soap residue. 

Depending on how often you use it and how well you filter it, your oil will last for 8 to 10 uses. You may need to do it sooner if you notice it’s discoloured, cloudy, or foaming up when you heat it. 

Ensuring you’re using fresh oil and topping it up to the correct level after each use and your food has absorbed a little bit of oil is key. It will extend the number of times you can use it, along with maintaining the quality of your donut fryer for longer. 

The length of time it takes will vary depending on the temperature you’re frying at, along with the size and number of donuts you’re frying at any given time. Your specific model will come with instructions and guidelines which are important to follow for optimal frying results. Generally speaking, most models will only take 2 to 3 minutes. 

If you’ve recently cleaned your donut fryer, make sure there’s no water residue left before refilling it with oil. The water will spit, increasing the risk of burns when you’re heating your oil. Pot holders or mitts are important pieces of equipment to have on hand to handle everything safely. 

After you’ve finished using it, ensure you allow the fryer to cool completely before draining it or completing any maintenance like clearing the filter.