How to Get the Crispy Benefits of Deep-Frying Without the High Cost

Efficient workhorses. That’s what David Kuo thought of the four deep fryers at Little Fatty in Los Angeles, where dumplings, egg rolls, general Tso’s cauliflower, sweet and sour pork, orange chicken, fried chicken sandwiches, popcorn quail, and more all take a dunk in the fryers’ roiling 350°F oil. 

“Then I got a bill from a purveyor for $4,000 worth of oil,” says Kuo.

Deep fryers aren’t the most glamorous...