Best Pans For Deep Frying: Top Picks For Crispy Results

Best pans for deep frying are deep stainless or heavy nonstick skillets with lids.

I’ve stood over a smoking stove more times than I care to admit, testing pans so I could find the perfect one for crispy fries, golden chicken, and fail-proof tempura. A good deep pan fixes soggy batter, uneven browning, and oil chaos. It holds heat, spreads it evenly, and gives you room to fry without splatter. If you cook for family dinners, weekend batches, or small catering jobs, the right pan makes deep frying simple and safe.

SENSARTE 12″ Deep Nonstick Pan

I picked up the SENSARTE 12″ because it promised deep walls and a solid nonstick finish. In use, it heats fast and keeps food from sticking. The lid holds heat well. Cleanup is quick, which I love after heavy frying sessions.

This pan is roomy enough for a family-sized batch of fries or fritters. The non-toxic, PFOA-free coating gives me peace of mind. The helper handle helps me lift the pan safely when it’s filled with oil. It works on induction, which is a bonus in my kitchen.

Pros:

• Deep walls reduce oil splatter during frying
• Nonstick finish eases cleanup after frying
• Induction compatible for modern cooktops
• Helper handle improves control when full
• PFOA/PFOS free for safer cooking

Cons:

• Nonstick can wear if overheated
• Not as heavy-duty as tri-ply steel
• May need oil depth monitoring for large batches

My Recommendation

This SENSARTE 12″ pan is best for home cooks who want a hassle-free deep frying pan. I recommend it for people who value quick cleanup and a lighter pan that still holds heat well. The nonstick surface helps when you fry delicate items like fish or soft-battered vegetables.

Best for	Why
Busy families	Fast heat and easy cleanup save time
Induction users	Works on induction cooktops
Delicate frying	Nonstick prevents batter from sticking

SENSARTE 13.3″ Deep Pan

The SENSARTE 13.3″ ups the capacity without adding much weight. I like the extra space for larger batches and family meals. It keeps oil from bubbling over due to the taller sides. Heat spreads well and holds steady for crisp frying.

This size is great when I cook for a crowd. The nonstick interior still performs and cleanup remains easy after a greasy cook. The lid seals in heat if I need to finish food in the oven or hold items warm. It also pairs well with a splatter screen.

Pros:

• Extra capacity for larger batches
• Tall sides reduce splatter and spill risks
• Good heat retention for consistent frying
• Easy to clean nonstick surface
• Includes lid for multitasking and storage

Cons:

• Wider footprint takes more stove space
• Nonstick still requires careful temperature control
• Handles may get hot with extended use

My Recommendation

I suggest the SENSARTE 13.3″ pan if you need more volume for frying. I use it when hosting or batch-cooking. It’s one of the best pans for deep frying larger portions without crowding the pan and dropping oil temperature too much.

Best for	Why
Large families	Room for big batches
Party cooks	Frees you to cook more at once
Meal preppers	Batch-fry for meal portions

SENSARTE 10″ Deep Skillet

The SENSARTE 10″ deep skillet is a compact, versatile choice. I find it perfect for two to three servings. The stay-cool handle is helpful when I move the pan from stove to counter. It heats evenly and keeps a steady oil temperature.

This model is stone-coated, and I’ve gotten good results with less oil. It’s lightweight, which makes turning and draining foods easy. The lid seals in heat and helps if I need to simmer a sauce after frying. It fits smaller stoves nicely.

Pros:

• Compact size for small households
• Stone coating reduces required oil
• Stay-cool handle enhances safety
• Good heat distribution for even frying
• Oven compatible for finishing dishes

Cons:

• Smaller capacity limits large batches
• Stone coatings need gentle utensils
• Not ideal for deep commercial use

My Recommendation

I recommend the SENSARTE 10″ if you fry for one or two people. I reach for this pan when I want quick, crisp results without heating a giant pot of oil. It’s one of the best pans for deep frying small portions with control and safety.

Best for	Why
Singles or couples	Right-sized for small meals
Apartment cooks	Fits small burners and storage
Health-conscious fryers	Stone finish needs less oil

SNOWCLAD 12″ Hybrid Saute Pan

SNOWCLAD’s 12″ hybrid pan blends stainless steel durability with a nonstick interior. I noticed quick, even heating and a sturdy feel. The hybrid coating resists scratches better than many nonstick pans. It comes with a snug lid that locks heat in well.

This pan stands out when I need both frying and finishing in the oven. It holds oil steadily and browns foods reliably. It cleans up without too much fuss, even after batter-heavy meals. The handle stays solid under weight and heat.

Pros:

• Hybrid nonstick for durability and release
• Sturdy stainless exterior for even heat
• Oven and dishwasher safe for convenience
• Large capacity for family frying
• Solid lid improves oil temperature control

Cons:

• Heavier than plain nonstick pans
• Price can be higher than budget pans
• May require oil management for deep frying

My Recommendation

I use the SNOWCLAD 12″ when I want a durable pan that handles both searing and deep frying. It’s one of the best pans for deep frying if you want a hybrid build that lasts. I recommend it for cooks who want long-term value and oven-safe performance.

Best for	Why
Durability seekers	Hybrid build resists wear
Oven cooks	Safe at higher oven temps
Frequent fryers	Handles regular heavy use

Gotham Steel 9.5″ Square Fry Pan

The Gotham Steel square pan is a useful twist on classic round pans. The square shape gives more usable surface area. It includes a basket and steamer which I found handy for draining and steaming after frying. The ceramic-titanium coating releases food cleanly.

I liked frying small batches in this pan. The basket makes it easy to remove food and let oil drip back. The nonstick coat is easy to clean and stands up to frequent use when I follow the care tips. The compact size works well for smaller stoves.

Pros:

• Square shape increases usable cooking area
• Comes with a basket for easy draining
• Ceramic coating offers good release
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Multi-piece set adds versatility

Cons:

• Smaller capacity for large batches
• Ceramic coatings can wear over time
• Square shape may not fit round burners perfectly

My Recommendation

If you love gadgets and small-batch frying, the Gotham Steel 9.5″ square pan is a smart pick. I use it when I want quick loss-free frying and easy draining. It’s among the best pans for deep frying when you want a multi-tool that speeds cleanup.

Best for	Why
Small-batch cooks	Basket aids quick draining
Gadget lovers	Set includes multiple tools
Apartment cooks	Compact and easy to store

CAROTE 10″ Ceramic Fry Pan

The CAROTE 10″ has a ceramic nonstick coating that feels clean and natural to cook on. I used it for light deep frying and achieved crisp results with less oil. The induction compatibility is handy for modern stoves. It’s lightweight and stores easily.

I appreciated the non-toxic makeup. The pan heats evenly and is forgiving with batter. It’s best for modest batches like shrimp, small fish, or hushpuppies. I found the lid useful for keeping oil hot between batches when frying multiple rounds.

Pros:

• Ceramic nonstick for healthier frying
• PFOA/PFAS free for safer cooking
• Induction compatible for modern ranges
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Good for modest portions and quick frying

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavy, commercial use
• Ceramic can wear faster than stainless
• Smaller depth for very large oil volumes

My Recommendation

I reach for the CAROTE 10″ when I want crisp results and a lighter, safer nonstick. I recommend it if you cook small batches and care about a PFOA-free surface. It’s one of the best pans for deep frying lighter foods with minimal oil.

Best for	Why
Health-conscious cooks	Ceramic allows less oil
Induction users	Works on induction ranges
Quick dinners	Heats fast for quick frying

SENSARTE 12″ Stone Chef Pan

The 12″ SENSARTE Stone Chef pan feels sturdy without being heavy. I like its heat hold and even surface. The stone-like coating resists scratch marks and keeps food from sticking. It’s built for repeated use and family-sized frying.

The stay-cool handle makes long cooks less stressful. I used it for wings and fritters and the results were consistent. The pan is induction compatible, and I can go from stovetop to oven to finish with no issues. It’s a good daily driver in my kitchen.

Pros:

• Stone coating gives strong nonstick properties
• Even heat distribution for consistent browning
• Induction compatible and oven safe
• Comfortable stay-cool handle
• Durable for regular frying sessions

Cons:

• Coating still requires care to extend life
• Not as heavy as tri-ply for extreme heat retention
• May show wear after intense use over time

My Recommendation

I choose the SENSARTE 12″ Stone Chef pan when I need reliable daily performance. It is one of the best pans for deep frying for cooks who want a balance between nonstick ease and durable build. I value its steady heat and simple cleanup.

Best for	Why
Everyday cooks	Balanced, durable nonstick
Family meals	Roomy for multiple servings
Stovetop to oven users	Handles oven finishing

LOLYKITCH 12″ Tri-Ply Sauté Pan

The LOLYKITCH 12″ tri-ply pan feels like a pro tool in the home kitchen. I notice excellent heat spread and strong temperature hold. The thick base helps me keep oil hot even when I add food. It’s heavy in a reassuring way.

Tri-ply construction shines when I need high heat for a quick sear before frying. Cleanup is simple if I wipe it soon after cooking. This pan is oven safe and built to last. It’s more work to maintain than nonstick, but the frying quality is top-tier.

Pros:

• Tri-ply build for superior heat retention
• Heavy base keeps oil temperature stable
• Large 7 QT capacity for big batches
• Oven safe and durable for long-term use
• Nonstick interior blends performance and durability

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier to store
• Requires more care to protect finish
• Higher price point than basic pans

My Recommendation

For those who want the best pans for deep frying and plan to do it often, I recommend the LOLYKITCH tri-ply pan. I use it for big jobs where steady oil temp and consistent browning matter. It’s a long-term investment that pays off in frying quality.

Best for	Why
Serious home cooks	Tri-ply heats evenly under heavy use
Large batches	High capacity for family meals
Long-term value buyers	Built to last with proper care

FAQs Of best pans for deep frying

What pan material is best for deep frying?

I prefer tri-ply stainless or heavy-gauge aluminum with a nonstick surface. These hold oil temperature and heat evenly. Cast iron also works but can be heavy. Choose a material that keeps heat steady for consistent frying.

How much oil should I use in a deep frying pan?

Use enough oil so food can float without touching the bottom. For most pans, this is 1 to 2 inches of oil. Too little oil lowers temperature when you add food. Too much oil can create spill hazards. Always monitor oil level and temperature.

Can I use nonstick pans for deep frying?

Yes, you can. Nonstick pans help with cleanup and release. But avoid overheating nonstick coatings. Keep oil below the maximum temperature recommended by the maker. For very high-heat frying, tri-ply stainless or cast iron may be better.

Are deep frying pans safe on induction cooktops?

Many pans are induction compatible. Look for stainless steel or pans labeled induction-ready. I check manufacturer notes before buying. An induction-ready base ensures even heat and faster heating times.

How do I test oil temperature without a thermometer?

I drop a small piece of bread or a popcorn kernel into the oil. If it sizzles and browns in about a minute, the oil is likely near frying temp. For accuracy, use a thermometer. It’s safer and gives better results.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For everyday ease, I like the SENSARTE 12″ options for their nonstick finish and simple cleanup. For heavy-duty frying, the LOLYKITCH tri-ply pan offers best-in-class heat control and lasting performance.

All told, pick a pan that fits your batch size, cooktop, and care routine. The best pans for deep frying are those that keep oil steady, cut splatter, and match how you cook.