Frying Drumsticks: How Long To Deep Fry?

Frying chicken drumsticks to perfection can be challenging. The length of time needed to fry chicken drumsticks in a deep fryer depends on several factors, including the type of oil used, the size of the chicken pieces, and the desired level of crispness. The key to achieving the desired result is maintaining the proper oil temperature and frying the chicken for the appropriate amount of time.

Drumsticks frying time: 12-15 minutes, or 25-30 minutes if frozen

Frying chicken drumsticks is a great way to create a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are some key steps to follow to ensure your drumsticks are cooked to perfection. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect fried drumsticks:

Preparation

Firstly, ensure you have fresh chicken drumsticks. Rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to removing any bacteria and preparing the drumsticks for the next steps.

Breading

In a separate container, prepare your breading mixture. A simple combination of flour, cornmeal, and salt will do the trick. You can also add additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper for extra flavour. For a thicker coating, you can dip the drumsticks in buttermilk or egg before coating them in the breading mixture. Ensure you bread the drumsticks just before placing them in the oil to avoid making them too moist.

Oil Temperature

Use a deep fryer or a large skillet/sauté pan to heat your oil. The ideal oil temperature for frying drumsticks is around 350°F (175°C). You can use peanut oil, sunflower oil, or any other oil with a smoke point above 400°F. Fill your deep fryer or pan with the amount of oil necessary to submerge the drumsticks.

Frying Time

Now, for the crucial part: the frying time. For unfrozen drumsticks, the ideal frying time is between 12 and 15 minutes. However, if your drumsticks are frozen, they will need a longer cooking time of 25 to 30 minutes. This extended time ensures that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

Checking for Doneness

There are a few ways to check if your drumsticks are done frying:

• Use a meat thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick, away from the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Visual inspection: The drumsticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork or skewer.

Post-Frying

Once your drumsticks are done frying, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving.

Serving

Fried chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or an appetiser. They go well with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or mashed potatoes. For a special touch, serve them with dipping sauces like honey-mustard or blue cheese.

Remember, the key to successful frying is maintaining the proper oil temperature and adjusting the frying time based on whether your drumsticks are frozen or not. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fried chicken drumsticks!

Oil temperature: 350-375°F

When deep-frying chicken drumsticks, the oil temperature should be maintained at 350-375°F. This temperature range is crucial to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly, inside and out.

Before frying, the chicken should be coated in a breading mixture. This typically involves dipping the chicken in a liquid mixture, such as buttermilk, and then coating it in seasoned flour. The breading helps to create a crispy texture and adds flavour to the chicken. It is important to ensure the chicken is coated just before frying, as leaving the breading on for too long can make the chicken too moist.

Once the chicken is coated and the oil has reached the correct temperature, carefully place the chicken pieces into the fryer. It is important not to overcrowd the fryer, as this can reduce the oil temperature. Fry the chicken for around 15 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the juices run clear.

To ensure the chicken is cooked safely, it is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the minimum safe temperature for poultry, ensuring that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.

Oil type: Peanut, sunflower, canola, grapeseed, olive, sesame seed, or corn oil

When it comes to frying chicken drumsticks, the type of oil you use is important. Different oils have different smoke points, flavours, and prices, all of which can affect the taste and texture of your food. Here are some of the most commonly used oils for deep frying and how they might affect your fried chicken drumsticks:

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is a popular choice for deep frying because of its high smoke point (around 425-450°F) and neutral flavour. It also has a high monounsaturated fat content, which makes it more stable at high heat. However, it is more expensive than some other oils and may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is another affordable, all-purpose oil with a high smoke point (around 450°F). It has a mild flavour, which makes it great for deep frying as it won't overpower the taste of your food. It is also high in vitamin E, making it a healthier option.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is similar to vegetable oil in terms of flavour, colour, smoke point, and usage. It has a high smoke point (around 400°F), a neutral flavour, and is more cost-effective than other oils. It is also a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthier option for frying.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is prized by chefs for its high smoke point (around 400-420°F) and clean, neutral taste. It is a versatile oil that can be used for high-heat cooking and is often used in vinaigrettes as it is less expensive than some other oils.

Olive Oil

Olive oil, specifically extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has a lower smoke point (around 350-400°F) and a robust flavour, so it is not ideal for deep frying. However, it can be used for pan-frying or shallow frying at medium heat. Light olive oil, which has been processed to neutralize its flavour, has a higher smoke point and is more suitable for high-heat cooking.

Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame oil has a high smoke point (around 410-420°F) and a relatively neutral flavour, making it a good general-purpose oil for sautéing and roasting. Toasted sesame oil has a nuttier, bolder flavour that is great for adding to sauces and dressings.

Corn Oil

Corn oil, or maize oil, is another affordable, all-purpose oil with a high smoke point (around 450°F). It has a neutral flavour, making it ideal for deep frying as it won't impart any additional taste to your food. It is commonly used in Hispanic cuisine for frying tortilla chips and other foods.

Internal temperature: 165°F

Achieving an internal temperature of 165°F is crucial to ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked safely and thoroughly. This temperature is the minimum safe temperature for poultry, and it's important to use a food thermometer to check that your chicken has reached this level of doneness.

To reach an internal temperature of 165°F, deep-fried chicken drumsticks should be cooked for around 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F. However, it's important to note that the exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the temperature of the oil. Therefore, it's always advisable to use a food thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked properly.

When checking the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone or fat. This will give you an accurate reading to ensure your chicken is cooked safely.

After removing the chicken from the oil, it's a good idea to let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the chicken to continue cooking and ensures that it reaches the desired internal temperature of 165°F.

Remember, undercooked chicken can pose a risk of food poisoning, so it's crucial to ensure your chicken drumsticks have reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Marinade: Buttermilk, Tabasco, salt, and pepper

Frying chicken drumsticks is a great way to get juicy meat with a wonderfully crispy exterior. A marinade of buttermilk, Tabasco, salt, and pepper is a fantastic option for a delicious, spicy kick.

To make this marinade, whisk together buttermilk, Tabasco, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can also add a little Dijon mustard to the mix for extra flavour. It is important to pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels before adding them to the marinade. Do not rinse the chicken, as water and raw chicken juices can increase the chance of cross-contamination in your kitchen. Once coated, cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least one hour, or even overnight for a more intense flavour.

After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. If you have a cooling rack, place it over a rimmed baking sheet and put the chicken pieces on it.

When you are ready to fry, heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175-190°C). Combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a resealable plastic bag. Add the drumsticks, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Then, carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Enjoy your spicy, crispy, and juicy fried chicken drumsticks!

Frequently asked questions