Here’s a secret that makes you look like a pro: listen to your food. When you first drop something in, there’s a loud, aggressive sizzle. That’s the water escaping. When the sizzle calms down and becomes a gentle hiss, it’s usually a sign the crust is set and the inside is cooking.
Also, color is your compass. You want a deep, even brown—not pale, not black. If it’s getting dark too fast, your oil is too hot. Turn the heat down, and breathe. Frying is supposed to be chill, not a fire drill.