Abstract: In a deep fryer of a compact, portable type comprising a vessel, a handle, which is mounted to the vessel, a basket, which is adapted to be lowered and raised within the basket, a cover, which fits removably onto the vessel so as to cover the vessel, and means for lowering and raising the basket within the vessel while the vessel remains covered by the cover, wherein the handle has opposite ends mounted pivotally to opposite sides of the vessel, an improvement is disclosed wherein the basket lowering and raising means comprises a pair of pins, each of which is attached to one of the ends of the handle so as to rotate as the handle is pivoted, and which are linked to the basket so as to lower and raise the basket within the vessel as the handle is pivoted oppositely.