They make little pots (countertop appliances, like crock pots) that are dedicated to frying foods--I think "Fry Baby" is one. I would suggest doing what my mother used to do: she liked to shop at places like Goodwill for some appliances (in particular, the old waffle irons pre-Teflon that make much crispier waffles). Find a fry pot that looks like it is in good shape and only costs a couple of dollars to try it out.

SRS