How To Stop Oil From Popping: Full Guide

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Cooking with oil can **make food tastier** and speed up prepping meals. But be careful—hot oil can bubble and splatter, causing **painful burns** and leaving a messy kitchen.

Fortunately, I’ve discovered several tips and tricks to help you stop oil from popping while you cook. We will look at practical methods for preventing oil from splattering and ways to stay safe in the kitchen. 

Top 5 Ways To Stop Oil From Popping

1. Use A Splatter Screen

Using a splatter screen [1] is one of the most effective ways to stop oil from popping while cooking. A splatter screen is a mesh cover placed over the frying pan, allowing steam to escape while keeping the oil inside. 

It works by trapping any splatters of hot oil that would otherwise escape from the pan, preventing them from landing on the stove or, even worse, on you. 

Splatter screens come in various sizes and shapes to fit different types of pans and can be found at most kitchen supply stores. 

They are easy to use and can help make your cooking experience safer and more enjoyable by minimizing the risk of burns or kitchen messes caused by oil splatters.

Read: Can You Mix Vegetable Oil And Peanut Oil?

2. Dry The Food

One effective way to prevent oil from popping is to dry the food before frying. Moisture in the food can cause the oil to sputter and splatter, increasing the risk of burns and fires. 

Patting the food with paper towels or allowing it to air dry for a few minutes can remove excess moisture and reduce the likelihood of oil popping. 

It’s also important to avoid overcrowding the pan and to use a splatter screen to contain any potential oil splatters. 

Additionally, using an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, can help prevent oil from reaching its smoke point and causing popping.

3. Add The Food Slowly

Another effective way to prevent oil from popping is to add the food slowly and carefully into the hot oil. This can help to minimize the splattering and reduce the risk of burns and fires. 

“If my cuisine were to be defined by just one taste, it would be that of subtle, aromatic, extra-virgin olive oil.”

– Alain Ducasse, Monégasque Chef

Adding too much food at once can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in uneven cooking and more oil popping. Using a deep pot or pan with high sides is also essential to contain any potential oil splatters. 

Additionally, a splatter screen can provide an extra layer of protection and help keep the cooking area clean. Adding the food slowly and carefully allows you to enjoy a safer and more enjoyable frying experience.

4. Lower The Heat

Lowering the heat is another effective way to prevent oil from popping while cooking. High heat can cause the oil to reach its smoke point, leading to oil popping and potentially causing burns and fires. 

The oil can cook the food evenly without reaching its smoke point by reducing the heat to a medium or medium-low setting. 

It’s also important to avoid overcrowding the pan and to use a deep pot or pan with high sides to contain any potential oil splatters. 

5. Use A Deep Fryer

A deep fryer [2] is another effective way to prevent oil from popping while cooking. Deep fryers are specifically designed to fry food in hot oil. 

They have safety features such as built-in thermostats and temperature controls to prevent overheating and oil popping. The food is submerged in the oil, which minimizes the splattering and reduces the risk of burns and fires. 

Using a deep fryer allows you to enjoy a safer and more controlled frying experience, with less risk of oil popping and other potential hazards.

FAQs

In Conclusion 

Several effective ways to prevent oil from popping while cooking include drying the food, adding the food slowly, lowering the heat, and using a deep fryer.

It’s essential to take precautions to minimize the risk of oil splattering, as it can cause burns and fires. 

Using these methods and other safety measures, such as using a splatter screen and avoiding overcrowding the pan, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable frying experience. 

Always be cautious and attentive when cooking with hot oil to prevent accidents and injuries.

References:

1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-splatter-screens-4797128
2. https://www.foodandwine.com/lifestyle/kitchen/best-deep-fryer