What is the effect of cooking items that are not frozen in the fryer?

Cooking items that are not frozen in the fryer primarily affects the oil temperature. When frozen items are introduced into hot oil, the temperature of the oil decreases more dramatically due to the presence of ice, which requires significant energy to convert to steam. On the other hand, cooking items that are already thawed or at room temperature will have less of an impact on the oil's temperature, allowing the oil to maintain its heat more effectively. This is crucial for achieving proper cooking times and ensuring the food is cooked evenly. A stable oil temperature helps achieve the desired texture and flavor in the final product.

While the other choices mention aspects that could be affected, they do not directly address the primary impact of introducing non-frozen items into the fryer in terms of maintaining oil temperature, which is vital for optimal cooking performance.