Frying Drumsticks: How Long Should You Deep Fry?

Frying chicken drumsticks is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior and moist, tender interior. But how long should they fry in a deep fryer? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the weight of the drumsticks, the temperature of the oil, and whether you're using a marinade.

On average, a 4- to 6-ounce chicken drumstick will take about 12 to 15 minutes of deep-frying at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to fully cook. However, if you're using a marinade, you'll need to add time to the frying process. For example, if you marinate your drumsticks in buttermilk for at least an hour or up to overnight, you can expect a total frying time of about 20 to 25 minutes.

How long should drumsticks fry in a deep fryer?

Drumsticks should be fried for 12-15 minutes

Frying chicken drumsticks in a deep fryer for 12-15 minutes is a great way to get them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, without drying out the meat.

To achieve the perfect fried drumsticks, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, prepare your chicken by coating it in a dry mixture of flour and spices, then dipping it in a wet mixture of milk and eggs, and finally, coating it again in the dry mixture. This double-coating technique ensures a thick, crispy exterior. You can also add seasoning to your milk mixture to enhance the flavour.

Next, heat your oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step as the oil temperature affects the cooking time and the crispiness of the chicken. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will take longer to cook and may end up greasy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains raw.

Once the oil is at the right temperature, carefully place the chicken drumsticks into the hot oil. Fry them for 12-15 minutes, turning them over partway through to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and crispy all over.

After frying, remove the drumsticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This resting period is important as it allows the chicken to finish cooking and ensures the juices are locked in, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

By following these steps and frying your drumsticks for 12-15 minutes, you'll end up with delicious, crispy, and safely cooked chicken that your family and friends will love.

Oil temperature should be 350-375°F

Achieving the perfect fried chicken drumsticks requires striking a balance between frying time and oil temperature. While the former is essential to ensure the chicken is cooked through, the latter is crucial for obtaining that coveted crispy texture.

When frying chicken drumsticks, the oil temperature should be maintained between 350°F and 375°F. This temperature range is the sweet spot for achieving the ideal crispiness without overcooking or undercooking the meat.

At 350°F, the oil is hot enough to create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken drumsticks without burning them. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly, resulting in a crispy texture that is desirable in fried chicken. Maintaining this temperature is crucial, as oil that is too cool will result in greasy, undercooked chicken, while oil that is too hot will cause the exterior to burn before the meat is cooked through.

The optimal oil temperature of 350°F to 375°F also ensures that the chicken cooks through properly. At this temperature, an average 4- to 6-ounce chicken drumstick will take approximately 12 to 15 minutes of deep-frying to reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F. This frying time ensures that the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly, preventing any potential food poisoning issues that could arise from undercooked meat.

To monitor the oil temperature accurately, it is advisable to use a deep-frying thermometer or a high-temperature instant-read thermometer. These tools allow you to maintain the target temperature range and make adjustments as needed.

In addition to the oil temperature, it is important to note that the size of the chicken drumsticks and the consistency of the oil temperature can impact the frying time. Larger drumsticks may require slightly longer cooking times, and it is crucial to avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain an even oil temperature.

By adhering to the recommended oil temperature of 350°F to 375°F and adjusting the frying time accordingly, you can produce fried chicken drumsticks that are crispy, golden brown, and safely cooked through.

Use a Dutch oven or cast-iron pan for deep-frying

When deep-frying chicken drumsticks, it is important to use a Dutch oven or a cast-iron pan. This is because lightweight or aluminium pans do not conduct heat evenly, causing the oil temperature to fluctuate, which can lead to uneven cooking and an increase in the chicken drumstick's frying time.

Dutch ovens and cast-iron pans are ideal for deep-frying as they have the necessary depth to prevent splatter and grease fires. When deep-frying, the depth of the pan needs to be twice that of the oil level.

For optimal crisping of the fried chicken batter, the oil in the pan must reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a deep-frying thermometer or a high-temperature instant-read thermometer to measure the temperature of the oil.

Before frying, it is important to let the drumsticks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

When frying the chicken, it is important to maintain the proper temperature of the oil. If the heat is too low, it will take longer for the chicken to cook, resulting in oily and over-dense chicken.

The frying time for chicken drumsticks will depend on the size of the drumsticks and the desired level of doneness. An average 4- to 6-ounce chicken drumstick will take about 12 to 14 minutes of deep-frying. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

After removing the chicken from the oil, let it rest for two minutes to finish cooking. This will allow the temperature to continue rising and ensure that it reaches the recommended internal temperature.

In summary, when deep-frying chicken drumsticks, it is important to use a Dutch oven or cast-iron pan for even heat distribution and to prevent splatter. The oil temperature should be maintained at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the chicken should be fried for about 12 to 14 minutes, depending on its size. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks is a crucial step in the frying process. It ensures that your chicken is cooked properly, avoiding foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria such as salmonella or campylobacter. The recommended minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).

To check the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks, you will need a reliable instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone. The ideal temperature for chicken is 165°F, but you can remove the chicken from the oil at 160°F as the temperature will continue to rise during the resting period.

Let the chicken rest for two minutes before serving. During this time, the temperature will continue to rise, ensuring that the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F. This resting period is essential for food safety and helps prevent food poisoning.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken drumsticks and the type of frying you are doing (deep-frying or shallow frying). Deep-frying a 4- to 6-ounce chicken drumstick typically takes about 12 to 14 minutes, while shallow frying the same size drumstick takes 20 to 25 minutes.

Additionally, if you are frying frozen drumsticks, add five to seven minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Remember to use a suitable pan, such as a Dutch oven or cast-iron pan, for deep-frying, and maintain an oil temperature between 350 and 375°F.

By following these instructions and checking the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks, you can ensure that your fried chicken is safe, properly cooked, and ready to be enjoyed!

Rest for 2 minutes after frying

Frying chicken drumsticks to perfection requires striking a balance between frying time and oil temperature. While the right frying time ensures the chicken is cooked, resting the fried chicken for 2 minutes is equally crucial for food safety and optimal taste.

Importance of Resting Fried Chicken

When you remove the chicken from the oil, it continues to cook due to the residual heat. Allowing it to rest for a couple of minutes ensures that the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F, eliminating the risk of food poisoning.

Maintaining Crispiness

The 2-minute resting period is essential for the chicken's crispiness as well. Placing fried chicken on paper towels to drain the excess oil can cause the skin to lose its crispness due to steam. Instead, use a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch the grease and prevent the chicken from sitting in it.

Resting Temperature

To keep the fried chicken warm until serving, place it in an oven set to the lowest heat setting. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken at room temperature within four hours of cooking.

Pre-Frying Tips

Before frying, ensure that the chicken is at room temperature to prevent a significant drop in oil temperature, which can lead to uneven cooking and increased frying time. Additionally, monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer to maintain the ideal range of 350-375°F.

Post-Frying Tips

After resting, use metal tongs to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. Avoid using paper towels as they can create steam, impacting the crispiness of the chicken skin.

In summary, resting fried chicken drumsticks for 2 minutes is vital for food safety, maintaining crispiness, and optimal serving temperature. Following the recommended frying time and oil temperature, along with proper pre-frying and post-frying techniques, will ensure delicious and safely cooked chicken drumsticks.

Frequently asked questions