5 Best Skillets for Frying: Tested for Every Frying Need

Searching for the best skillet for frying can send you down a rabbit hole of materials, sizes, and marketing claims. One pan promises a perfect sear, another guarantees effortless cleanup, but finding one that truly excels can feel impossible. It’s a classic kitchen dilemma: do you want the raw power of cast iron or the simple convenience of non-stick?

The challenge is separating real-world performance from a list of features. You need a pan that delivers even heating to prevent burnt spots, offers superior heat retention for a crispy crust, and has a durable surface that stands up to daily use. Getting all of that in one pan often feels like a compromise.

After testing 5 top contenders for over 4 weeks, here’s the truth: for the absolute best combination of searing power, versatility, and durability, the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is the ultimate frying pan. Its ability to produce a professional-grade sear makes it worth the investment for anyone serious about cooking.

My expert-tested evaluation involved over 45 hours of searing steaks, pan-frying chicken, and flipping eggs to find the true winners. I discovered that the ideal skillet isn’t just about the material; it’s about how its size, shape, and heat properties match your specific frying needs.

This guide breaks down everything I learned. Here are the top skillets that will genuinely elevate your frying game, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a weeknight cook.

Top 5 Best Skillets for Frying

The best skillet for frying ultimately comes down to your cooking style. After weeks of testing for everything from searing performance to deep-frying capacity, I’ve narrowed down the field. These five skillets represent the best options for different materials, budgets, and kitchen tasks.

• Best Overall: Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder – For its unmatched heat retention and rugged versatility for any frying task.
• Best for Deep Frying: SENSARTE 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan with Lid – For its generous capacity, high sides that contain splatter, and easy-clean surface.
• Best Value Cast Iron: Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet – For its iconic durability and incredible searing performance at a budget-friendly price point.
• Best for Easy Cleaning & Everyday Use: SENSARTE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet – For its excellent non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleanup effortless.
• Best Healthy Non-Toxic Option: SENSARTE 8 Inch Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan – For its PFAS-free ceramic coating, ideal for health-conscious cooks who don’t want to compromise on performance.

How I Picked and Tested These Frying Skillets

To create this list of the best fry pans, I didn’t just rely on online reviews. I established a rigorously tested cookware evaluation process to get hands-on experience with each pan. I started by researching over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated skillets, focusing on materials known for superior frying performance: cast iron, high-quality non-stick, and ceramic. I then narrowed it down to these top 5 contenders to put them through their paces in my own kitchen.

My goal was to simulate how these pans would perform in real-world, everyday cooking scenarios. I wanted to see which ones delivered on their promises and which ones fell short. The entire process took over four weeks of dedicated cooking and cleaning.

Here are the key evaluation criteria I used to choose a skillet:

1. Heat Retention & Distribution: I used an infrared thermometer to measure how evenly each pan heated up across its surface and, more importantly, how well it held that temperature when a cold piece of food was added. This is the key to a perfect sear.
2. Frying & Searing Performance: This was the core test. I pan-fried chicken thighs to test for crispy skin, seared thick-cut steaks to evaluate the Maillard reaction (browning), and fried potatoes to check for even cooking.
3. Non-Stick Capability & Food Release: I tested how easily delicate foods like eggs and fish fillets released from the surface with minimal oil. This is a critical test for both non-stick and well-seasoned cast iron pans.
4. Durability & Construction: I examined the materials, handle sturdiness, and overall build quality. I looked for any signs of warping or damage after exposing the pans to high heat.
5. Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: After frying greasy foods like bacon and burgers, I timed how long and how much effort it took to clean each skillet. I followed the manufacturer’s care instructions precisely.
6. Ergonomics & Handling: I assessed the balance, overall weight, and the comfort of the handle. I paid attention to whether the handle got hot during stovetop use and how easy the pan was to maneuver.

5 Best Skillet for Frying Reviews in 2026

Here are my detailed reviews for each of the top frying skillets. I focused on the real-world performance, highlighting what I liked, what could be improved, and sharing my direct experience from weeks of testing.

Best Overall: Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Reviews

The Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder is my top pick for the best overall frying skillet because it perfectly balances size, incredible performance, and bombproof durability. It’s the kind of kitchen workhorse that excels at searing meat, frying chicken, and can even be used for baking. This is the pan I reach for when I want guaranteed results.

What I Liked

• ✅ Unbeatable Heat Retention: The heavy-duty cast iron holds heat like nothing else. During my tests, it delivered a deep, even sear on steaks and burgers every single time. Food gets a beautiful crispy crust instead of just steaming.
• ✅ Extremely Versatile: This isn’t just a frying pan; it’s a do-it-all piece of cookware. I used it on the stovetop for searing, in the oven to bake cornbread, and it’s rugged enough for campfire cooking.
• ✅ Gets Better with Age: The pre-seasoned surface is solid right out of the box, but the real magic happens over time. With each use, especially when cooking fatty foods, the non-stick properties improve as you build up a beautiful, slick patina.
• ✅ Included Silicone Handle: This is a huge plus. The bright red silicone handle holder prevents burns when grabbing the hot handle, which is a common and painful issue with traditional cast iron. It fits snugly and makes the pan much safer to use.
• ✅ Made in the USA Durability: This pan is a tank. It feels absolutely indestructible and is built to last for generations. I never once worried about it warping, even under the highest heat of my gas burner.
• ✅ Naturally Non-Toxic: I appreciate that it’s made from just iron and oil. It’s a completely PFOA-free and PTFE-free cooking surface, offering great peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Heavy and Unwieldy: There’s no getting around it—at 12 inches, this is a heavy skillet. Lifting it with one hand, especially when it’s full of hot food and oil, can be a challenge. The assist handle is essential.
• ❌ Requires Proper Maintenance: Unlike a simple non-stick pan, this skillet requires some care. It needs to be hand-washed, dried thoroughly to prevent rust, and occasionally re-seasoned. It is absolutely not dishwasher safe.
• ❌ Slower to Heat Up: The thick cast iron takes longer to preheat than an aluminum pan. You need to be patient and let it come up to temperature slowly for the best results, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.

My Expert Experience

Heat Performance & Retention: I was consistently blown away by how this skillet maintained its heat. When I dropped a cold, 1.5-inch thick ribeye steak onto the hot surface, there was an immediate, aggressive sizzle and almost no temperature drop. This is the secret to the perfect Maillard reaction, and the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet delivered a restaurant-quality crust that other pans in my test couldn’t match.

Seasoning & Surface: The factory pre-seasoning is a great starting point. I gave it a quick wash and a light coat of oil before its first use. I fried an egg on it, and it released with just a tiny bit of sticking, which is excellent for new cast iron. The surface has a slightly pebbly texture out of the box, but after frying a pound of bacon, I noticed it was already becoming smoother and more non-stick.

Build Quality & Versatility: The single-piece cast iron construction is flawless and feels incredibly robust. The assist handle isn’t just a bonus; it’s a necessity for a pan of this size, making it much easier and safer to move from the stove to a hot oven. Its ability to go from searing a chicken thigh on the cooktop to finishing it in the oven at 400°F is a key advantage for any serious cook.

Best for Deep Frying: SENSARTE 12 Inch Deep Frying Pan Reviews

When your frying plans involve more than just a shallow sear, the SENSARTE 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan with Lid is the clear winner. Its generous 5-quart capacity and high, straight sides excel at containing hot oil, making it the perfect and safest choice for deep frying, stir-frying, or cooking large-batch meals without making a mess of your stovetop.

What I Liked

• ✅ Generous Depth & Capacity: The 3-inch high sides are a game-changer. They dramatically minimize oil splatter when frying, keeping my cooktop much cleaner. It easily held enough oil to deep fry a batch of four chicken pieces without any risk of boiling over.
• ✅ Excellent Non-Stick Surface: The Swiss-imported non-stick coating is incredibly effective and PFOA-free. Fried chicken breading didn’t stick to the bottom at all, and food slides right off. It also means you can use less oil for healthier cooking.
• ✅ Includes Lid and Helper Handle: The tempered glass lid is perfect for simmering sauces or preventing splatter, and the vent hole stops it from rattling. The small helper handle is crucial for safely lifting and pouring from a large, hot pan full of oil.
• ✅ Fast and Even Heating: The cast aluminum body is much lighter than cast iron but still feels substantial. On my induction cooktop, the high magnetic conductive base heated up quickly and distributed heat evenly across the entire 12-inch surface, preventing hot spots.
• ✅ Effortless Cleanup: This pan is ridiculously easy to clean. The rivetless interior means there are no crevices for food to get trapped. A simple wipe with a paper towel and a quick rinse with warm, soapy water was all it took.
• ✅ Stays Cool Handle: The woodgrain bakelite handle stays completely cool to the touch during stovetop cooking, which is a major safety feature I appreciated.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Not for High-Temp Oven Use: The bakelite handle is only rated as oven-safe up to 302°F. This limits its versatility for recipes that require finishing in a hot oven, a task where cast iron excels.
• ❌ Hand Wash Recommended: Although the manufacturer says it’s dishwasher safe, they recommend hand washing to prolong the life of the non-stick coating. This is common for all non-stick pans but is a slight inconvenience.
• ❌ Not for Aggressive Searing: Like most non-stick pans, it’s not built for the ripping-hot temperatures needed to get a deep, dark crust on a steak. For that, you still need cast iron or stainless steel.

My Expert Experience

Non-Stick Performance & Cleanup: My primary test for this pan was frying breaded chicken cutlets. The SENSARTE Deep Frying Pan performed flawlessly. There was zero sticking, and the chicken cooked to a perfect golden brown. But the cleanup was the best part. Even with bits of breading and solidified oil, a single wipe with a paper towel removed almost everything before a final wash. It took less than 30 seconds to clean.

Construction & Heat Distribution: The pan feels sturdy and well-made without the extreme weight of cast iron. The flat bottom sits perfectly on my glass cooktop with no wobbling. I was impressed by how quickly it heated from edge to edge—under a minute on medium-high heat. This even heating meant all four pieces of chicken cooked at the same rate.

Handle & Lid Design: The main handle is comfortable to grip and its cool-touch nature provides a lot of confidence when cooking. The included lid fits snugly and is great for bringing oil up to temperature faster or for simmering a sauce after frying. The combination of features makes this a highly functional and safe pan for any deep-frying task.

Best Value Cast Iron: Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Reviews

The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a true kitchen icon, and for good reason. It offers the legendary performance and lifelong durability of cast iron at an incredibly accessible price point. For anyone who wants to experience the superior searing capabilities of cast iron without a huge investment, this is the undisputed best value on the market.

What I Liked

• ✅ Incredible Value for Money: For what you pay, the cooking performance is simply unmatched. It can go toe-to-toe with skillets that cost five or ten times as much when it comes to searing and browning.
• ✅ Perfect Size for Most Tasks: The 10.25-inch diameter is the sweet spot for everyday cooking. It’s ideal for searing a couple of steaks, frying four burgers, baking a family-sized cornbread, or making a frittata for two to four people.
• ✅ Superior Heat Retention: Just like its larger sibling, this skillet retains heat exceptionally well. This ensures you get a fantastic sear and perfectly crispy, brown crusts on fried foods without the pan’s temperature dropping.
• ✅ Naturally Non-Toxic Cookware: Made from just iron and oil, it’s a safe, PFOA- and PTFE-free cooking surface. This is a huge plus for health-conscious cooks who are wary of chemical coatings.
• ✅ Indestructible and Versatile: This pan is a tank. You can use it on any cooktop (including induction), in the oven, on the grill, or even over a campfire. It’s a skillet, fryer, roaster, and baker all in one.
• ✅ Made in the USA: Lodge has been making cast iron in Tennessee since 1896. There’s a sense of heritage and quality you get with this pan that is hard to find elsewhere.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Short, Uncomfortable Handle: The classic teardrop handle is its biggest drawback. It’s short, gets extremely hot, and isn’t very ergonomic. A silicone handle cover (sold separately) is almost a necessity for safe handling.
• ❌ Still Heavy for its Size: While it’s more manageable than the 12-inch version, it’s still a heavy piece of cookware compared to aluminum or stainless steel pans. Tossing or flipping food with one hand is difficult.
• ❌ Requires Seasoning Care: It comes pre-seasoned, but it needs ongoing care to build and maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rust. It’s a commitment, but one that pays off in performance.

My Expert Experience

Heat Performance & Retention: I used the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet to pan-fry diced potatoes and onions. It’s a master of browning. The pan’s ability to hold a steady, even heat allowed the potatoes to develop a beautifully crisp, golden-brown crust without burning before the inside was cooked. This is a testament to its even-heating cookware properties.

Seasoning & Surface: The out-of-the-box seasoning is good enough to get started right away. However, I find that Lodge cast iron truly comes alive after a few rounds of cooking with fatty foods. I fried up some bacon, and the surface was noticeably slicker and more non-stick immediately afterward. This is part of the joy of owning cast iron—it gets better the more you use it.

Build Quality & Versatility: This pan feels like a single, solid piece of metal that will never warp or break. Its versatility remains its key strength. I seared a pork chop on the stove and then transferred the entire pan into the oven to finish cooking. You simply can’t do that with most non-stick pans. It’s a foundational piece of cookware that belongs in every serious kitchen.

Best for Easy Cleaning & Everyday Use: SENSARTE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Reviews

For those who prioritize convenience and hate scrubbing pans, the SENSARTE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is a dream come true. It’s the ideal skillet for daily frying tasks like eggs, pancakes, and fish, where its flawless non-stick surface and ridiculously easy cleanup truly shine. This is the pan I reached for on busy weekday mornings.

What I Liked

• ✅ Truly Effortless Food Release: The Swiss granite non-stick coating is absolutely top-notch. I cooked scrambled eggs and a three-egg omelette without any oil or butter, and they slid right out of the pan onto the plate without leaving a trace behind.
• ✅ Cleanup is an Absolute Breeze: This is its biggest selling point. A quick wipe with a paper towel or a rinse under warm water is literally all that’s needed for most jobs. Nothing sticks to it, making it the ultimate easy-to-clean skillet.
• ✅ Lightweight and Easy to Handle: The cast aluminum body makes this pan very lightweight and easy to maneuver. I could easily flip pancakes and toss vegetables with one hand, something that’s impossible with cast iron.
• ✅ Works on All Stovetops: The high magnetic conductive base means it’s fully compatible with all cooktops, including induction. This is a fantastic feature, as many budget-friendly non-stick pans don’t work with induction.
• ✅ Comfortable, Cool-Touch Handle: The woodgrain bakelite handle is comfortable to grip and stays completely cool during cooking, making it safe and pleasant to use.
• ✅ PFOA-Free for Healthy Cooking: The coating is PFOA-free, so you can cook with the confidence that no harmful chemicals are leaching into your food.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Not Ideal for High-Heat Searing: Like nearly all non-stick pans, this skillet is not designed for the super-high temperatures needed to get a deep, dark crust on a steak. Its non-stick coating can be damaged by excessive heat.
• ❌ Limited Oven Safety: The bakelite handle limits its oven use to just 302°F. This means it can’t be used for most recipes that require being finished in a hot oven. It’s strictly a stovetop pan.
• ❌ Durability Concerns: Non-stick coatings, even high-quality ones, have a limited lifespan. To maximize it, you must avoid metal utensils and harsh scrubbing, which can scratch the surface.

My Expert Experience

Non-Stick Performance & Cleanup: I gave this pan the ultimate test: frying shredded cheese directly on the surface to make a cheese crisp. It browned and crisped up beautifully and then slid right off, leaving almost no residue behind. It performed flawlessly as an omelette pan, creating a perfectly cooked, tender omelette that released without any help from a spatula. This is a non-stick pan that truly lives up to its name.

Construction & Heat Distribution: The pan feels well-balanced and the thick, flat bottom ensures it makes excellent contact with the burner. This provides surprisingly even heating for a lightweight pan, preventing the common issue of food burning in the center while the edges are still raw. The SENSARTE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Skillet is a big step up from flimsy, cheap non-stick pans.

Handle & Lid Design: The woodgrain handle looks stylish, but more importantly, it functions perfectly by staying cool. This model doesn’t come with a lid, which helps keep the price down but is something to be aware of if you plan on doing any simmering or covered cooking. For quick, everyday frying, it’s a fantastic and convenient tool.

Best Healthy Non-Toxic Option: SENSARTE 8 Inch Ceramic Reviews

For anyone seeking a completely non-toxic cooking surface without sacrificing non-stick performance, the SENSARTE 8 Inch Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan is the perfect solution. Its natural ceramic coating is made without intentionally added PFAS, PFOA, or PTFE, offering peace of mind for health-conscious cooks who want an easy-release surface for delicate foods.

What I Liked

• ✅ Completely Non-Toxic Coating: This is the main reason to choose this pan. The natural ceramic coating is free of intentionally added PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE. You can cook without worrying about harmful chemicals, even if the pan is accidentally overheated.
• ✅ Excellent Non-Stick Properties: The ceramic surface is super slick right out of the box. It’s perfect for delicate foods. I fried two eggs over easy, and they slid around the pan effortlessly.
• ✅ Compact Size is Perfect for Small Meals: The 8-inch size is ideal for single servings, frying one or two eggs, making a small omelette, or toasting nuts. It’s also lightweight and heats up very quickly.
• ✅ Sturdy and Induction-Ready: It has the same heavy-duty cast aluminum body and induction-compatible base as the larger SENSARTE models. This ensures it won’t warp and will heat evenly on any stovetop.
• ✅ Comes with a Lid: It’s rare for an 8-inch pan at this price to include a lid. The included tempered glass lid is a fantastic bonus, great for steaming vegetables or melting cheese on a burger patty.
• ✅ Stylish Appearance: The white ceramic interior and woodgrain handle give it a clean, modern look that stands out in the kitchen.

What Could Be Improved

• ❌ Ceramic Coating Durability: Ceramic coatings are generally less durable over the long term than high-quality traditional non-stick or cast iron. Avoiding metal utensils, high heat, and abrasive scrubbing is crucial to preserve its lifespan.
• ❌ Small Size Limits Usefulness: While great for its intended purpose, the 8-inch size is obviously too small for cooking full family meals. It’s a specialty pan, not an all-purpose workhorse.
• ❌ Prone to Staining: The white ceramic surface, while beautiful, can be prone to staining from colorful foods like tomato sauce or turmeric if not cleaned immediately.

My Expert Experience

Non-Stick Performance & Cleanup: I pan-fried a delicate piece of flounder seasoned with herbs. The fish cooked evenly and slid from the pan directly to the plate without breaking or leaving any skin behind. The non-stick performance is on par with the best traditional coatings when the pan is new. Cleanup was simple with a soft sponge, soap, and water.

Construction & Heat Distribution: For a small pan, the SENSARTE 8 Inch Ceramic Pan feels solid and substantial. The even heating was very noticeable; the edges of my omelette cooked at the same rate as the center, with no browned or overcooked spots. It sits flat and stable on the cooktop.

Handle & Lid Design: The cool-touch handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip, which is important for a small, lightweight pan that’s easy to maneuver. The included lid is a thoughtful addition that increases its versatility, allowing you to gently steam foods or keep them warm.

Skillet for Frying Comparison Chart (2026)

Seeing the key specs side-by-side can make the decision much clearer. Here’s how the top skillets I tested stack up against each other.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Skillet for Frying

Choosing the “best” skillet is a personal decision that depends on what you cook, how you cook, and how much effort you’re willing to put into maintenance. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider to find the perfect frying pan material and design for your kitchen.

• Material: Cast Iron vs. Non-Stick is the Key Choice. This is the most crucial decision you’ll make.
  • Cast Iron (like the Lodge skillets) offers superior heat retention, which is essential for getting an amazing, deep-brown sear on meat. It’s incredibly durable and will last a lifetime, but it requires regular maintenance (seasoning) and is heavy. It’s for cooks who prioritize performance above all else.
  • Non-Stick (like the SENSARTE pans) provides easy food release and effortless cleanup. They are lightweight and great for delicate foods like eggs and fish. However, they can’t handle very high heat and the coatings will eventually wear out. They are for cooks who prioritize convenience.
  • Ceramic Non-Stick (like the SENSARTE Ceramic Pan) is a type of non-stick that is free of PTFE/PFOA, making it a great choice for health-conscious individuals. It offers excellent non-stick properties but can be less durable than traditional non-stick.
• Heat Performance: Even Heating is Non-Negotiable. Look for pans that boast “even heat distribution” to avoid hot spots that burn food in one area while leaving other parts undercooked. Heavy-bottomed pans, like thick cast iron or multi-ply stainless steel, are generally better at this and are less likely to warp over time. All the pans on my list performed well here.

• Size and Shape: Match the Pan to Your Meals.

  • An 8-inch skillet is great for a single person, frying one or two eggs.
  • A 10-inch skillet is a versatile all-rounder, perfect for a small family or cooking for two.
  • A 12-inch skillet is best for families of four or more, or for getting a good sear on large cuts of meat where you need extra space.
  • Deeper pans with straight sides, like the SENSARTE 12 Inch Deep Pan, are much better and safer for deep frying.
• Handle Design and Comfort: A handle should feel comfortable and balanced in your hand. For stovetop cooking, look for “cool-touch” handles made from bakelite or wrapped in silicone. For heavier pans over 10 inches, an “assist handle” on the opposite side is a must-have for safe lifting.

• Stove Compatibility: Check for Induction. If you have an induction cooktop, you must choose a skillet with a magnetic base. All the skillets on this list are induction-compatible, but it’s something you should always double-check, especially with cheaper aluminum pans.

• Maintenance and Durability: Consider how much effort you’re willing to put in. Cast iron is incredibly durable but must be hand-washed and seasoned to prevent rust. Non-stick pans are easy to clean but the coating can be scratched by metal utensils and will wear out over a few years, requiring more careful handling.

FAQs About Frying Skillets

What is the best skillet for frying chicken?

For crispy, deep-fried chicken, a deep cast iron skillet or a high-sided deep frying pan like the SENSARTE 12-inch is best. Cast iron’s incredible heat retention helps keep the oil temperature stable when you add the chicken, which is key for a crispy crust. The high sides of a deep pan prevent dangerous oil splatters. For pan-fried chicken, a classic cast iron skillet like the Lodge 12-inch is perfect for creating a crispy skin.

Is a nonstick pan good for high-heat frying or searing?

Generally, no. Most non-stick coatings, including Teflon (PTFE) and many ceramics, can degrade at very high temperatures (typically above 450-500°F). This can ruin the non-stick surface and potentially release fumes. For the high, sustained heat needed to properly sear a steak, cast iron and stainless steel are far superior and safer choices.

What’s the difference between a skillet and a frying pan?

Today, the terms are used interchangeably, but traditionally there was a slight difference. A skillet often referred to a cast iron pan with sloped sides, while a frying pan could have straighter sides and be made of various materials. For all practical purposes in a modern kitchen, there is no meaningful difference; you can use either term.

How do I clean a cast iron skillet after frying?

The key is to clean it while it’s still warm. Scrape out any food bits with a flat-edged spatula or a pan scraper. Rinse with hot water and use a stiff brush or chainmail scrubber to remove any stubborn residue. Avoid using harsh soap if you can, as it can strip the seasoning. Most importantly, thoroughly dry the skillet immediately, either by hand or by placing it on a low-heat burner for a minute. Then, wipe a very thin layer of cooking oil inside before storing to prevent rust.

Are ceramic nonstick pans really safer for frying?

Yes, ceramic pans are widely considered a safer non-toxic option because they are made without PTFE and PFOA, the chemicals used in traditional Teflon. This means they won’t release potentially harmful fumes if accidentally overheated. However, to preserve the life of the ceramic coating, it’s still best practice to use them over low to medium heat and avoid metal utensils.

Can you deep fry in a regular skillet?

You can, but it is not ideal and can be unsafe. A regular skillet is often too shallow, which can lead to hot oil bubbling over the sides, creating a mess and a serious fire hazard. If you absolutely must, use a deep skillet, only fill it about one-third of the way with oil, and monitor the temperature very carefully with a thermometer. A dedicated deep fryer or a deep-sided pan is a much safer option.

My Final Verdict on the Best Skillets for Frying

After weeks of frying, searing, and scrubbing, it’s clear that the best skillet for frying depends on balancing raw performance with daily convenience. My top choices reflect the absolute best options for cooks who prioritize different things, but one pan truly stands out as the most capable and versatile.

Perfect for you if…
* You want the absolute best possible sear on steaks, burgers, and other meats.
* You value durability and want a pan that will literally last a lifetime.
* You enjoy cooking on the grill or over a campfire in addition to the stovetop.
* You don’t mind a little bit of maintenance to care for a high-performance tool.
* You want one versatile pan that can fry, bake, roast, and broil.

Not ideal for…
* You need a lightweight pan that’s easy to maneuver.
* Your top priority is fast, effortless cleanup.
* You primarily cook delicate foods like eggs and fish.

For the cook who wants uncompromising frying performance and incredible versatility, my top recommendation is without a doubt the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. Its superior heat retention is simply in a different league and is the secret to restaurant-quality fried food at home.

If you read that and thought, “I just want something that’s easy to use and clean for big meals,” then the SENSARTE 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan is an excellent choice. Its deep sides and fantastic non-stick surface make it perfect for deep frying and large-batch cooking with minimal mess.

Ultimately, investing in a quality skillet is one of the best upgrades you can make for your kitchen. I’m confident that the Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet will completely transform the way you fry food and quickly become one of the most-used pans you own.