A consumer operated frying machine receives food in an open-top container, transfers the food to a frying station for cooking in hot oil, and returns the cooked food to its original container for consumption. Cooking oil is continuously heated, filtered and recirculated through the frying station for improved cooking. A dumping mechanism provides a means to drain excess oil from the cooked food and oscillates to loosen food products which may adhere to the machine during cooking. A sealing lid and air replenishment and filtration system combine to prevent undesirable cooking odors from entering the surrounding environment.