8 Best Deep Fryers for Chicken 2026

This powerhouse performer redefines what it means to fry at home, delivering restaurant-grade results with unmatched versatility. Its 1800-watt immersed heating element ensures rapid heat-up and consistent oil recovery, while the massive 4.7-quart (19-cup) oil capacity lets you fry up to 12 cups of chicken tenders or wings in one go—perfect for feeding a crowd without batch fatigue. The vented lid with a view window is a game-changer, eliminating splatters while letting you monitor browning in real time, solving the messy chaos that plagues most deep-frying adventures.

In real-world testing, this fryer shines when handling large, multi-item meals like fried chicken and fries simultaneously. The three-basket system—one 12-cup and two 6-cup baskets—allows for smart separation of foods with different cook times or flavor profiles, preventing cross-contamination. The chrome-plated baskets drain efficiently when hooked over the pot, reducing greasiness, and the removable heating element makes cleaning safer and simpler. However, its size demands counter space, and the stainless steel exterior can show fingerprints easily—minor trade-offs for its performance.

Compared to the Chefman or Amazon Basics models, this Hamilton Beach unit stands out with its superior wattage and triple-basket flexibility, making it ideal for families or entertainers who prioritize volume and control. While bulkier than budget options, it’s a no-compromise choice for serious fry enthusiasts who want professional results without the stovetop hassle. It outguns the Chefman in power and capacity, offering a more robust experience than entry-level fryers, even if it costs more.

Don’t let its compact frame fool you—this pocket-sized powerhouse delivers crisp, golden perfection for small-batch frying with precision and ease. The ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free interior ensures food releases cleanly and cleanup is a breeze, while the automatic temperature control maintains optimal heat without guesswork, solving the common issue of undercooked centers or burnt exteriors. Its 4-cup oil capacity is ideal for frying four servings of chicken strips or onion rings, making it a kitchen savior for singles or couples who want crispy treats without excess oil or waste.

During testing, the FryDaddy proved its worth with quick preheat times and excellent temperature recovery, allowing back-to-back frying of shrimp and chicken bites with minimal lag. The swing-up handle and snap-on lid make storage effortless, and the included fry scoop doubles as a lifter and drainer, streamlining serving. It handles delicate foods like tempura with care, though its small size means it’s not suited for whole chicken pieces or large batches—manage expectations and it excels.

When stacked against the Hamilton Beach 35034, the FryDaddy sacrifices capacity and wattage but wins in space efficiency and portability, making it a smarter pick for dorms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. It’s not built for parties, but for everyday indulgence without clutter, it’s unmatched. It’s less versatile than multi-basket models, but for focused, single-task frying, it offers a cleaner, more convenient experience than larger, bulkier units.

This budget-savvy beast brings big-flavor frying into reach without sacrificing core functionality, making it a standout for cost-conscious home cooks. With a 4.5-liter capacity and 1700 watts of power, it handles large batches of fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, or chips with ease, delivering even cooking and crisp textures that rival pricier models. The adjustable temperature dial and built-in timer take the guesswork out of frying, while the magnetic breakaway cord adds a critical safety layer, preventing tip-overs—a common hazard with heavier fryers.

In real use, the Chefman proves reliable for family dinners and casual gatherings, frying up to a pound of chicken at a time with consistent results. The removable oil container is a major win, simplifying cleanup and storage, and the side-clipping basket allows for drip-free draining. However, the plastic lid feels less durable than stainless steel counterparts, and the heating element isn’t as fast as the 1800W Hamilton Beach. It’s best for those who fry weekly, not hourly.

Compared to the Secura triple-basket model, the Chefman lacks multi-food separation but offers better value for solo-task frying. It’s not as feature-rich as premium picks, but for families wanting restaurant-style chicken without the premium price, it delivers. It doesn’t match the All-Clad in build quality, but it outperforms expectations for its class—a smart buy for practical, high-volume frying on a budget.

If you love frying multiple foods at once, this triple-basket titan is engineered for culinary multitasking with precision and control. The cool-touch stainless steel body combines safety with durability, while the three-basket system—one jumbo and two side-by-side—lets you fry fish and chips simultaneously, or separate chicken from fries to avoid flavor transfer. With 1700 watts of power and a 4.0-liter oil tank, it heats quickly and maintains temperature well, and the 60-minute auto-shutoff timer adds peace of mind during longer sessions.

In practice, the Secura excels in multi-course frying scenarios, like preparing appetizers and mains together. The adjustable thermostat (250°F–375°F) allows fine-tuning for delicate shrimp or crispy chicken, and the odor filter and see-thru lid keep kitchens smelling fresh while letting you monitor progress. However, the baskets can feel cramped when used side-by-side, and the oil tank lacks full dishwasher compatibility, requiring hand-washing the heating element.

Pitted against the Hamilton Beach 35034, the Secura offers better multi-food flexibility but slightly less power and oil capacity. It’s not as fast as the 1800W models, but for hosts and families who cook varied menus, it’s a strategic upgrade. It’s more specialized than the Chefman, trading raw volume for smart, simultaneous frying capability—ideal for those who value organization over sheer output.

This no-frills workhorse proves that simple design can deliver solid performance, making it a top contender for those seeking reliability without bells and whistles. The 1500-watt heating element may not be the strongest in the lineup, but it heats oil efficiently for small to medium batches, and the 3.0L oil capacity is just right for 6–8 chicken wings or a family-sized serving of fries. The adjustable temperature dial and viewing window provide essential control, letting you track browning without lifting the lid and disrupting heat.

Real-world use shows it’s best suited for routine frying tasks like chicken tenders or onion rings, where precision matters more than volume. The mesh basket with draining hooks works well to reduce oil retention, and the stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints better than glossy models. However, it struggles with larger items like whole chicken pieces, and the lower wattage means longer recovery between batches compared to 1700W+ models.

Compared to the Chefman, it offers similar capacity but less power and fewer premium touches, like a removable oil pot. It’s not built for heavy use, but for occasional fryers who want a clean, durable machine, it’s a strong value play. It undercuts the Hamilton Beach in features but overdelivers on build quality for its price, making it a smart foundational pick for starter kitchens.

Safety takes center stage in this thoughtfully engineered fryer, where cool-touch sides and a smart lid design make it the go-to for households with kids or limited kitchen experience. The 2-liter oil capacity is modest—ideal for 6 cups of fries or chicken tenders—but it’s paired with a 1500-watt immersed heating element that delivers fast, even frying. The vented lid allows basket lifting while closed, minimizing splatter and locking in heat, solving one of the biggest pain points of home frying: messy stovetops and burns.

In testing, this model proved ideal for quick, small meals, like frying a few chicken strips or reheating mozzarella sticks. The viewing window and ready light eliminate guesswork, and the enamel-coated oil tank resists staining and is easy to wipe down. However, its small size limits it to single servings or light family use, and it’s not designed for parties or large cuts of meat.

When compared to the larger Hamilton Beach 35034, this model sacrifices capacity and wattage for superior safety and compactness. It’s not as powerful as premium electric fryers, but for first-time users or small-space living, it’s a confident, worry-free choice. It doesn’t match the Chefman in volume, but it’s safer and simpler than most, making it the best pick for cautious fryers.

Step outside and unleash flavor with this rugged outdoor fryer, built for high-heat, high-volume frying where indoor units fear to tread. Crafted from food-grade 10QT aluminum, it withstands intense gas burner heat, making it perfect for frying whole chickens, turkeys, or seafood boils with even cooking and deep flavor infusion. The perforated strainer basket with ergonomic handles allows safe lifting and draining, while the durable, non-stick finish ensures easy release and cleanup after big events.

In real-world outdoor use, this pot shines during BBQs, camping trips, or holiday feasts, handling large cuts that would overwhelm electric models. It works seamlessly with propane burners, achieving higher temperatures than most electric fryers, which translates to faster crisping and juicier interiors. However, it lacks temperature controls or safety features like auto-shutoff, requiring constant monitoring to avoid overheating.

Compared to indoor electric fryers like the All-Clad or Hamilton Beach, this Gas One pot offers raw power and capacity but demands more skill and caution. It’s not for beginners or daily use, but for outdoor cooking enthusiasts chasing authentic, deep-fried excellence, it’s unmatched. It doesn’t have the convenience of a timer or filter, but it delivers a level of performance no electric model can match—ideal for those who fry big and fry bold.

This luxury-tier fryer redefines precision frying with patented oil filtration and premium stainless steel construction, making it the gold standard for serious home chefs. The 3.5-liter oil capacity supports up to 2.65 pounds of food—enough for a family meal—while the 1700-watt element and 300°F–375°F range offer tight control for delicate tasks like frying chicken to golden perfection without overcooking. The automatic oil management system stores and filters oil post-use, reducing waste and kitchen odors, a feature no other model offers.

In testing, the All-Clad proved exceptionally consistent, maintaining temperature through multiple batches and delivering crisp, evenly cooked results every time. The locking lid, cool-touch handles, and auto shut-off enhance safety, while all main components are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. However, its higher price point and minimalist design may deter budget shoppers, and the oil filtration system requires proper maintenance to avoid clogs.

Stacked against the Hamilton Beach 35034, it trades multi-basket versatility for superior oil care and build quality, making it ideal for those who fry frequently and value cleanliness. It doesn’t have three baskets, but its oil reuse system outperforms all others, offering long-term savings and sustainability. For discerning users who want restaurant precision at home, it’s the ultimate upgrade—refined, reliable, and built to last.