How do you fry chicken, so that oil doesn't explode on your shirt?
The problem is that you're using a lid.

Spatter screens keep the oil mostly contained, while still allowing any moisture to escape.

A lid, on the other hand, collects the moisture on the underside of the lid.  When you go to lift it, the water drops back into the oil, and causes increased spattering.

You're actually better off without a lid, if you don't have a spatter screen.  Yes, you'll likely have to clean everything in the vicinity of the vessel of hot oil, but you don't have the problems associated with the lid.