Electric Skillet Temperature Guide

On some models, the electric skillet temperature settings may be low, medium, and high, while other models have a degree Fahrenheit temperature control setting.

Some also include a notification light to indicate when the appliance has reached the desired temperature as well as a time control to signal when cooking has ended.

Keep in mind that the following are guidelines and each different electric pan model may vary. However, the basic electric frying pan temperature settings are as follows:

What is Medium Heat on an Electric Skillet?

Many recipes for an electric skillet require a medium heat setting. However, given the various electric skillet cooking temperatures available, it may be difficult to know for sure which setting is medium.

Provided you are using a skillet with a Fahrenheit setting, the medium setting is usually around 300 degrees Fahrenheit on most models, while the medium-high setting is between 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Low heat is 200°F or simmer (some electric skillets have a minimum temperature of 250°F which would be the low setting in that case) and high heat is 400°F or higher. Looking through the product manual for your particular model can be helpful.

What Temperature for Pancakes?

When cooking pancakes in an electric skillet, the temperature for pancakes is between 350°F to 400°F. Depending on your model, you may need to lower the heat if the pancakes are cooking too quickly. Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are golden brown. My method is to cook for 2 minutes (when bubbles form), then flip and cook for 1 minute longer.

Since electric frying pan cooking temperatures differ, it is suggested that you try making a test pancake first to ensure the skillet is set at the correct temperature. If the test pancake browns too fast on the bottom before it is ready to be turned, then adjust the heat setting to a lower temperature for the rest of the batch for the perfect pancakes.

What Temperature to Cook Bacon?

To determine what temp to cook bacon in an electric skillet, begin by adjusting the knob on the temperature controller to 325°F, or medium heat. 

Once the indicator light goes off, indicating the chosen temperature has been reached, place the bacon in the skillet, and then allow it to brown evenly, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, 8 to 10 minutes total cooking time for both sides, depending on the thickness of the bacon.

If the bacon cooks unevenly, adjust the temperatures up or down to learn what temperature to fry bacon using your specific device.

What Temperature to Cook Sausage?

Your electric frying pan can be used to make a variety of different sausages. For a sausage link, set the temperature control to between 300°F and 325°F.

Once the indicator light goes off, signaling the desired temperature setting is met, add the sausage and allow it to brown for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

For a pre-cooked sausage, set the temperature dial to between 325°F and 350°F. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes.

What Temperature is Simmer?

An electric skillet can also be used to simmer a variety of foods from meats to sauces. There should be a 'SIMMER' option on the temperature control.

To simmer foods and sauces, set the temperature to 350°F on the temperature control and then allow the liquid to come to a boil. Once the liquid comes to a boil, adjust the temperature control setting to 'SIMMER' (or 200°F) for the remainder of the cooking time.

Temperature to Cook Eggs

To make eggs in an electric skillet adjust the temperature to cook  the eggs between 250°F-275°F. Once the indicator light goes off, indicating the desired temperature has been reached, add the egg mixture to the skillet, and then scramble the eggs for 3 to 5 minutes until done.

For fried eggs, adjust the temperature setting to 275°F and then allow the eggs to cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until they reach desired doneness.

Temperature to Cook Potatoes

An electric frying pan can be used to make a variety of potato dishes vs baking potatoes in the oven or in a pan, including crispy brown potatoes and country fried potatoes.

For country fried potatoes, turn the temperature control knob to 325°F, and then once the indicator light goes off, signaling it has reached the desired setting, add the potatoes to the skillet and allow them to cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are done.

For crispy brown potatoes, adjust the temperature control setting to 350°F, and then once the indicator light signals off, indicating the desired temperature setting has been reached, add the potatoes and allow them to cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

You can also try your hand at my electric skillet scalloped potatoes.

What Temperature to Cook Biscuits?

An electric skillet allows you to make warm, fluffy biscuits in just a matter of minutes. There are a couple of methods you can try: baking or frying. They require different temperatures.

To bake biscuits, place the lid on the electric skillet, and then set the dial to the desired temperature. (You are going to want to bake them around 425ºF. They generally require higher heat.)

Place the biscuit dough into a baking pan. Once the skillet has preheated, remove the lid, and place a wire rack into the bottom of the skillet.

Place the baking pan onto the wire rack and then place the lid of the skillet back on. Allow the biscuits to bake until they are golden brown.

To fry the biscuits in oil in the electric skillet, follow this recipe. You will use a temperature of 400ºF.

What Temperature to Fry Chicken in an Electric Skillet?

To make the perfect fried chicken in your electric skillet, fry chicken in a high smoking point oil heated to 375°F.

The average time to deep fry the various chicken parts can vary. Chicken which includes the bones typically requires more cooking time compared to boneless chicken. You will fry the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked.

However, because some types of electric skillets may regulate temperature slightly different from others, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F before removing from the oil.

What Temperature to Cook Pork Chops?

For basic, brown ½" thick pork c hops, turn the temperature setting to between 325°F and 375°F. Once the indicator light shuts off, add the pork chop and then allow it to brown approximately 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

For ¾" pork chops, set the dial to between 325°F and 375°F and cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

For breaded chops, adjust the temperature control to 375°F. Once the indicator signal clicks off, add the pork chop to the skillet and allow it to brown for about 5 minutes per side for a total cooking time of approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Make sure the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and have a 3-minute rest time.

What Temperature to Cook Hamburgers?

An electric skillet is a great tool for making hamburgers of every size.

For a basic ½" thick hamburger, adjust the temperature control setting to 350°F, and then once the indicator light goes off, add the hamburger patty to the skillet and allow it to sear evenly on each side, 8-12 minutes in total.

For a more rare burger, allow the burger to cook about 2 to 4 minutes per side for a total cooking time of between 4 to 8 minutes.

Our Recipe for Electric Skillet Burgers

What Temperature to Cook Steak?

An electric skillet makes it easy to practice cooking a variety of different steak cuts to seared, tender, juicy perfection. Rare steak should reach an internal te mperature of 130°F to 140°F. Medium steak should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

To prepare a 1" thick steak cut, set the temperature control setting to between 350°F and 400°F. Once the indicator light goes off, add the steak to the skillet and allow it to sear about 3-3 ½ minutes on each side for a rare steak, 5-6 minutes per side for a medium steak.

To prepare a 1 ½" thick steak, set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. Sear the steak on each side 4-5 minutes for rare, and 9-10 minutes on each side for medium.

For cubed or Minute steak, adjust the temperature control to 400°F. Once the indicator light goes off, allow the steak to evenly brown on both sides for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Or you can give this electric skillet steak recipe with herb butter a try.

What Temperature to Cook a Roast?

An electric frying pan can also be used to make roasts, braised meats, and many other slow-cooked meals.

To make a basic three to four-pound roast in yo ur electric skillet, set the temperature control to 400°F. Once the indicator signal goes off, place the meat in the skillet and then brown it on all sides, it should take about 10 to 12 minutes in total.

Once the meat is browned, adjust the temperature down to 200°F/250°F, depending on the model. Once you have added your desired additions, cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer until done.

For a three to four-pound roast, it should take approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours in your skillet. Also, be sure to check the roast periodically to add a small amount of liquid to the bottom of the skillet to avoid scorching.

What Temperature to Cook Berry or Fruit Cobbler?

Electric Skillet Peach Cobbler Recipe (pictured)

Yes, your electric skillet can even be used to make skillet berry cobbler. To make a basic fruit cobbler using your electric skillet, set the temperature to 275°F for about 25 minutes, or 200°F for a slower cook. You don't want to go any higher than 275°F or the bottom of the cobbler is likely to become burnt and it will be hard to clean.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has left you with a greater appreciation for your electric skillet and the many different ways the electric can be used to prepare delicious, hearty meals. Or, if you have yet to experience this handy kitchen gadget, hopefully, this guide has helped eliminate the intimidation of using one. I have a guide for how to use an electric skillet for continued reading, if needed.

Overall, an electric frying pan is a handy tool that enables you to prepare a variety of meals in just one pot, which helps save time, money, and kitchen space.

In the end, cooking the perfect foods using your electric skillet comes down to experience. These temperatures are a guide. The more you practice and get to know temperatures for different dishes, the better the results will be.