Which cooking method involves submerging food in hot oil?

The cooking method that involves submerging food in hot oil is deep frying. This technique is characterized by cooking food at high temperatures, typically between 350°F to 375°F (about 175°C to 190°C), allowing the exterior to become crisp and golden brown while retaining moisture within the food item. The hot oil circulates around the food, ensuring thorough cooking and enhancing flavors.

Deep frying is commonly used for items like French fries, chicken wings, and doughnuts. This method contrasts with steaming, which uses water vapor, boiling, which uses water, and baking, which uses hot air in an oven. Each of those methods has its unique properties and results, but they do not involve the immersion of food in hot oil.