How to Fry Anything With Butter

Most people recognize frying food isn't the healthiest preparation method. You can make fried foods a little lighter by frying in canola or vegetable oil. But for browning and flavor, butter is usually the first choice.

Frying foods in butter can pose a challenge, however, because butter has a low smoke point and can burn quickly, which can ruin your dish. Health-care professionals advise people to limit the frequency with which you fry foods in butter. When you do, though, follow a few basic guidelines to keep your dish tasty.

1. Preheat a skillet or frying pan to medium-low or medium heat before adding the butter. Never fry with butter on high heat.
2. Add enough butter to coat the bottom of your pan once it's melted but not more unless your recipe calls for it.
3. Swirl the butter around the pan as it melts and add your food once it's melted but before it begins to turn brown.
4. Combine the butter with canola or vegetable oil in a 2:1 ratio for foods that require a little more heat or cooking time. This way you get the flavor of the butter without it burning.