Not taking the proper safety precautions before you begin

Before you even attempt deep-frying at home, one of the most important issues to address is safety. If you're not prepared for the worst, hot oil bubbling on the stovetop could spell disaster! First and foremost, if you have small children in your home, make sure they are otherwise occupied before you begin. You want your entire attention to be on the frying, not on curious little hands! The BBC recommends keeping children out of the kitchen while frying, and turning panhandles away from the front of the range. Not only will this keep small fingers from accidentally pulling the pan off the stove, but it will also keep adults from accidentally jostling or knocking the pan.

Set a well-fitting lid nearby before you begin cooking to help you extinguish a fire if necessary. Water is far more dangerous in the event of a grease fire! You should devote your full attention to frying. If you leave frying food alone, the oil may overheat, increasing the risk of smoke or fire.