Which cooking method typically requires the use of a deep fryer?

Deep fat frying is a cooking method that specifically involves immersing food in hot oil within a deep fryer. This technique allows for even cooking and a crispy texture on the outside of the food due to the high temperature of the oil, which cooks the food quickly while sealing in moisture. The use of a deep fryer is essential for this method, as it provides the right temperature control and environment for frying larger quantities of food.

In contrast, pan frying uses a smaller amount of oil and is typically done in a skillet or frying pan, while grilling involves cooking food over direct heat, often on a barbecue or grill pan. Baking is an entirely different method that uses dry heat in an oven, relying on convection rather than the immersion in oil characteristic of deep fat frying. This distinction highlights why deep fat frying is uniquely associated with the use of a deep fryer.