Deep Frying Chicken Strips: How Long Does It Take?

Chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They can be made in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, and deep frying. Deep-frying chicken strips is a popular method that results in extra-rich and juicy tenders with a crunchy coating. The cooking time for chicken strips in a deep fryer varies depending on the thickness of the strips and the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges between 4 to 8 minutes for each batch. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to deep-frying chicken strips, including preparation tips, cooking instructions, and serving suggestions.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Chicken Strips in a Deep Fryer

Chicken strip preparation

Ingredients

To make chicken strips, you will need the following:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Oil for frying (co: 2>peanut, safflower, canola or vegetable oil)
• Breadcrumbs, flour, or crushed crackers (e.g. Saltines or panko)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Spices (e.g. garlic salt, dried basil, paprika, pepper, dried thyme, Old Bay, or cayenne pepper)
• Salt

Preparation

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1" wide and 5 inches long. You can also use boneless, skinless thigh meat, but this will take a few extra minutes to cook.

Before cooking, it is important to prepare the chicken strips properly. First, pat the chicken dry. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper, or your chosen spices.

Next, you can optionally dry brine the chicken by letting it sit uncovered in the fridge for 4 hours. This will help the breading stick and will make the inside of the chicken juicy and tender. You can also optionally dip the chicken in buttermilk, egg, or a combination of the two, to keep the chicken moist and tender during cooking.

After seasoning and/or brining, coat the chicken strips in flour, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers. You can also add spices to the flour for extra flavor. Dip the chicken in egg and/or milk, then coat in the breading mix again, ensuring every part is thoroughly coated.

At this point, you can place the chicken in the fridge for 15 minutes to an hour to let the coating adhere. You can also freeze for 15 minutes, or stick in the fridge for 30 minutes after coating.

Cooking

Heat oil in a deep fryer to between 350°F and 375°F (190°C). You can also use an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer. Fry the chicken in small batches, a few strips at a time, for 2-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.

Remove the chicken strips from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Keep warm in the oven while you fry the remaining chicken. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F before serving.

Serving

Chicken strips can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or aioli. They can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or added to a salad.

Deep fryer oil type and temperature

When preparing chicken strips in a deep fryer, it is important to use a cooking oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down, causing a rancid flavour and potentially smoke and burn. Oils with high smoke points include peanut oil, safflower oil, canola oil, and refined avocado oil. These oils also have a neutral flavour that does not overpower the taste of the chicken.

To achieve the best results, it is recommended to fry chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy and unevenly cooked chicken. The ideal temperature for deep-frying chicken is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit (175 to 190 degrees Celsius). If frying at a lower temperature, the chicken may absorb excess oil and become soggy, while frying at too high a temperature can burn the exterior while leaving the interior undercooked.

It is crucial to allow the oil to return to the desired temperature before adding the next batch of chicken to ensure each batch is cooked at the optimal temperature. Additionally, always pat dry any food items before placing them in the fryer, as moisture can cause the oil temperature to drop and lead to greasy results. Regularly filtering and replacing the oil is also important to prevent contamination and off-flavours from occurring over time.

For an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time differ slightly. Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the chicken in a single layer on a greased tray or basket. Spritz the strips with cooking spray and cook for about seven to eight minutes, or until the coating is golden brown. Then, flip the strips over and repeat on the other side. Check for any pinkness inside the chicken, and if present, return the strips to the fryer for an additional one to two minutes per side.

Cooking time and colour

The cooking time for chicken strips in a deep fryer depends on the desired colour and level of doneness. For chicken strips that are golden brown on the outside and cooked on the inside, fry for about 4 to 8 minutes in batches. The exact cooking time will depend on the temperature of the oil, which should be maintained at around 350°-375°F.

When frying chicken strips, it is important to use a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, safflower oil, or canola oil. These oils have a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the chicken. Before frying, the oil should be heated to the desired temperature, between 350° and 375°F. This can be measured with an oil thermometer.

Once the oil is heated, the chicken strips can be carefully added to the fryer in batches. It is important not to crowd the fryer, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken strips for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they reach the desired colour and doneness. For chicken strips that are golden brown and cooked through, the total cooking time will be about 4 to 8 minutes.

To ensure even cooking, the chicken strips should be thin and evenly sized before frying. Additionally, the chicken should be patted dry and seasoned before frying to enhance the flavour and texture of the final product. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve chicken strips that are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside.

Internal temperature

When deep-frying chicken strips, it is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is safe to eat. This temperature is crucial to ensure that harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are killed and that the chicken is properly cooked.

To achieve this internal temperature, deep fry the chicken strips in small batches for around 4 to 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken strips and the temperature of the oil, which may fluctuate during the cooking process. It is recommended to heat the oil to around 350°F to 375°F (177°C to 190°C) before adding the chicken.

An oil thermometer can be a useful tool to monitor the temperature of the oil and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the fryer, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy chicken strips. Fry the chicken in batches, allowing the oil to return to the desired temperature between batches.

Once the chicken strips are golden brown on both sides, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. You can also transfer them to a cooling rack in a warm oven to keep them warm while you fry the remaining batches.

Checking the internal temperature of the chicken strips with a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure they are fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is not yet at this temperature, return it to the fryer for an additional minute or two, and then check again.

Serving suggestions

Deep-fried chicken strips are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

Chicken strips can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include French fries, salad, or vegetables. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce on the side, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or aioli.

Appetizer or Starter

Chicken strips also make a great appetizer or starter. Serve them in smaller portions, perhaps with a dipping sauce, such as green goddess dip or aioli.

Sandwiches or Wraps

Leftover chicken strips can be used to make sandwiches or wraps. Add some fresh vegetables and a spread, such as mayonnaise or mustard, for a quick and easy lunch.

Salads

Chicken strips can also be added to salads to boost their protein content. Try them with a healthy salad for a nutritious and filling meal.

Sides and Sauces

When it comes to sides and sauces, the options are endless. Here are some ideas:

• Honey mustard sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Ketchup
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese
• Buffalo wing sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Green goddess dip

Customization

Chicken strips can be customized to your taste preferences. You can experiment with different spices, breading options, and cooking methods (such as air frying) to create unique flavors and textures.

Frequently asked questions