What is one reason fryer baskets should never be filled more than half full?

Fryer baskets should never be filled more than half full because overfilling can cause oil to overflow during the cooking process. When food is added to hot oil, it displaces some of the oil, and if the fryer basket is too full, the volume of displaced oil can exceed the capacity of the fryer, leading to spillage. This spillage is not only messy but also poses a significant fire hazard, as hot oil can ignite and lead to dangerous situations in the kitchen. Maintaining the proper oil level is crucial for safety and for achieving optimal cooking conditions.