I had my fish fry yesterday for the 4th! Last year was my first and it didn't go well as I used only electric fryers. (everyone waiting for fish that was soggy) This year, my wife (what a catch) bought me a two-burner gas fryer from Academy Sports. It has two large rectangular pans with two baskets for one and one large basket for the other. I couldn't wait to use it. I should have done a trial run, but I figured i knew what i was doing. It took forever for the oil to heat up to cooking temp, then the food cooled it down to 200-250 and it took forever again to heat back up!! Everyone was waiting for fish again this year, but it was good once it was cooked. In hindsight, i know i should have started earlier and possibly used smaller "batches", but geez does anyone have any pointers?? Is nearly an hour normal for two gallons of peanut oil to reach 375??

Thanks in advance.