Easy Deep Frying On A Food Truck

Food has always been integral to modern culture, bringing people together in various situations. In recent years, food trucks have become the de facto method for bringing delicious dishes to the masses. However, these mobile eateries come with various challenges, particularly when it comes to frying. Fortunately, modern fryers can face and overcome these obstacles, so operators can deliver high-quality fried foods without adding extensive wait times or compromised quality.

So how do technology and foodservice combine to make frying work on a food truck? Let’s break it down.

The History of Food Trucks

Food truck culture goes back a lot further than you might think. In the U.S., chuckwagons were common on the frontier, bringing food and supplies to cowboys and locals who couldn’t make it to the city. In more modern times, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile started in the 1930s, bringing hot dogs to people at parades, schools, and hospitals. 

The modern taco truck didn’t begin until the 1970s in Los Angeles, and for a long time, tacos and greasy sandwiches were the go-to meal option for food trucks. It wasn’t until 2008 and the Great Recession that food truck culture became more modernized and mainstream. These days, trucks utilize high-tech equipment and social media savvy to draw crowds and deliver high-class fare. Now, what was once reserved for construction sites and university campuses is available to everyone, often delivering fine-dining quality dishes.

How Food Truck Trends Are Shaping Outdoor Events

As with all other industries, food trucks had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that things are returning to normal, we’re seeing some trends that began in 2020 continue into 2022 and beyond. Some of those trends include: 

Meal and Ingredient Alternatives

We’ve come a long way from greasy tacos and sandwiches with somewhat questionable ingredients. These days, consumers want to enjoy culinary delights while being health and diet conscious. Some alternatives include sugar-free varieties, vegan options, and gluten-free products. For a food truck to thrive, it needs to cater to a broader audience. 

High-Tech Solutions

Mobile ordering has become essential in the last couple of years, and food trucks have adapted well. Since these roaming restaurants already use mobile devices to handle transactions and social media posting, it wasn’t much of a stretch to allow customers to order ahead. Some of these trucks even developed apps for smoother efficiency. 

Event-Based Economics

As a rule, food trucks thrive when they work together. While some spots allow standing food carts (i.e., Portland, Oregon), most places have mobile trucks that move from one area to another. So, it’s hard to develop a following when going around so much. One way to ensure sustainability is to partner with event promoters to collaborate on different projects. In this case, everyone wins, especially the ticket holder. 

How Pitco Makes Frying on a Food Truck Easier

Frying on a food truck has always been challenging because of cramped conditions and limited supplies. Fortunately, Pitco offers unique solutions for operators who want high quality without exorbitant prices or renovations to their existing layout. 

Since gas fryers are standard on food trucks, something like the Solstice Deep Fryer works well because it offers a leaner profile, thermal efficiency, and automatic cleaning. The Solstice also has matchless ignition, helping prevent accidental fires and other dangerous situations. For food truck operators, considering a Solstice Deep Fryer from Pitco should be part of the equation, as we find they work well in many food truck applications.

Get your food truck ready for some serious frying – click below to schedule a free consultation with one of our fry experts.