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New TikTok trend of deep frying water is dangerous, experts warn

By Racquel Quieta
Published April 13, 2021 12:53 PM PHT

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deep fried water


Warning: DO NOT try this at home!

TikTok is filled with fun, entertaining challenges that are perfect for curing your quarantine boredom. However, there are also some trends in the platform every now and then that can potentially harm you, just like the latest deep fried water trend.

It may all seem innocent and fun at first. Who wouldn't be curious or tempted to try deep frying water? It's unheard of and seeing that others were able to do it can definitely ignite that “challenge accepted” attitude.

But experts warn that the deep fried water trend is dangerous and even called it “somewhere between insane and suicidal.”

Dr. Christopher Cramer of the American Chemical Society warned, "Bottom line - good heavens, don't do this!”

deep fried water

Trendy Chef tries the dangerous Deep Fried Water trend / Source: @trendychef_ (TikTok)

If you're confused as to how water can possibly be fried, the latest trend involves using calcium alginate to create “water balls” or spherical blobs of water.

People then coat it with egg and breadcrumbs and drop it in the deep fryer.

So, why is it dangerous, you ask? Dr. Cramer explained to MailOnline how this seemingly ingenious recipe can turn into a recipe for disaster.

“The way deep frying works, of course, is that the 'nugget' is immersed in a hot oil - typically about 400°F (204ºC) or warmer.

"The exposed breading fries quickly to a crispy texture, while the heat works its way inward to a cooler centre, raising the interior's temperature more slowly.

“When that happens, it will expand in volume by about 1,500 times.

“That will happen pretty much in an instant, as the first portion to boil will break the nugget, and the resulting exposure of all of the remaining volume to the hot oil will flash it to steam immediately.

“So, that's basically an explosion in a vat of hot oil - and heaven help you when that oil begins to rain down onto the gas flame or hot electric burner.”

One TikTok creator Trendy Chef, whose account is known for deep frying everything, has recently tried this dangerous trend.

@trendychef_

DEEP FRIED WATER 💧 What Should I Deep Fry Next? ##water ##friedwater ##tiktokfood ##foodie ##science ##fyp

♬ Just Water - Bryansanon

But even before the deep fried water became popular on the platform, there were already previous attempts to recreate the recipe.

YouTuber Jonathan Marcus has tried the trend at home way back in 2016 and he warned followers about how potentially dangerous it is.

His video description reads: “This is potentially very dangerous. If water leaks out while the sphere is frying in hot oil, it may explode sending scalding oil everywhere.

“Do not attempt without proper safety precautions. Do not consume until cooled down or you may get burned. Also they don't taste particularly good.

“You have been warned.”

So, if you're planning on trying this TikTok trend, we strongly advise you to NOT do it. Aside from the fact that it's not tasty and have less nutritional value, it can leave you hurt and even injured.

It certainly won't trigger an explosion of flavors in your mouth and it can potentially cause a real explosion in your kitchen.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

You might also want to read about the viral TikTok condiment prank video of Filipino content creators Chuck and Joe.