Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing deep fried food portions. The apparatus consists of a floor and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the floor. The floor contains one screen-covered drain, two pinhole-sized drainage holes, and a plurality of substantially planar floor portions. The selected size of the holes in the screen covering the drain depends upon the size of particles which naturally detach from food portions during preparation. The apparatus is placed in a cooking liquid-filled conventional deep fryer, and cooking liquid enters the apparatus through the drain, drain holes, and openings in the side walls, partially filling the apparatus. Food portions are coated with either a batter or breading and are placed in the apparatus. The food portions immediately sink to the bottom of the apparatus, directly contacting the floor portions. Unlike typical mesh food baskets, the coating does not "grip" the floor portions.