Oil for frying should be 350°–375°F. A thermometer is always the easiest way to check, but if you don’t have one, here are a few alternatives:
- Stick the end of a wooden spoon into the hot oil. The oil should vigorously bubble around the end of the spoon. If not, heat the oil longer.
- Sprinkle a little flour into the oil. If it bubbles and sizzles, it’s ready to go. It should not turn brown though (then the oil is too hot).
- Drop a pea-sized amount of batter into the oil. It should sizzle and float to the surface when the oil is the right temperature. If it turns brown, the oil is too hot.
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