explode, deep fry

炸 is composed of 火 (fire) and 乍 (suddenly). 乍 depicts a sharp object splitting wood, implying rupture. When gunpowder explodes objects, it produces flames, so 炸 represents explosion. Additionally, when certain foods are cooked in boiling oil, their surfaces rupture due to heat, so 炸 also describes the process of deep-frying food in hot oil.