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Deep frying at home, safely.
Most Indian snacks are fried, and home frying is safe when you use the right pot, control the temperature and keep water away. Here is the short version.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Pot
Heavy, deep, wide
Oil depth
5 to 8 cm
Temperature
160 to 175 C
Never
Add water
01
Use the right pot
A heavy, deep pot or a wok with a stable base is safest. Fill it only to one-third or half with oil, so there is room for bubbling. A kadai or Dutch oven holds heat well.
02
Control the temperature
Most snacks fry well between 160 and 175 C (320 to 350 F). Use a thermometer if you have one. Without one, drop a small piece of dough in: it should rise steadily with small bubbles, not sink or brown instantly.
03
Keep water away
Water and hot oil cause violent spattering. Dry food thoroughly, wipe your hands and lower items in slowly, away from you. Never leave hot oil unattended.
04
If oil catches fire
Turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Never use water. A fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires is a sensible item to keep, and baking soda can help on a very small flame. If the fire spreads, leave and call 911.
05
Disposing of used oil
Let the oil cool completely, strain it, and store it in a sealed container if you plan to reuse it once. To discard it, put it in a sealed container in the garbage, or take it to a local depot. Do not pour it down the drain. If you would rather not fry at home, order from Tapri Chai in Barrhaven. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
What temperature should oil be for frying samosas?
Around 150 C (300 F) for a slow fry, and 170 to 175 C for vadas and kachoris.
How do I test oil without a thermometer?
Drop a small piece of dough in. Steady small bubbles mean it is ready.
Can I reuse frying oil?
Once or twice, if you strain it and it does not smell burnt.
What do I do if the pot catches fire?
Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Never use water.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.