Timing

Deep-frying is a lot quicker than most people think, though many factors are involved: how hot the heat source gets, what type of oil is used, whether a gas or an electric stove is used.

Delicate foods such as cut-up fish or chicken cook very quickly, from 5 to 8 minutes. Stuffed thin doughs and dumplings (such as wontons) take 3 to 4 minutes. Very thinly cut food (such as shredded chicken) takes less than a minute—just in and out. Very large pieces of food, such as a whole duck, chicken, or even fish, take 8 to 15 minutes. Cut-up pork takes about 8 minutes.