Deep-Frying Chicken Legs: The Perfect Timing For Crispy Results

Frying chicken legs at 350°F typically takes 12–15 minutes. However, the exact cooking time depends on the size of the chicken legs, the temperature of the oil, and the type of equipment used. For example, one source recommends frying chicken drumsticks for 15–18 minutes at 375°F, while another suggests 12–14 minutes at 350°F. It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid foodborne illnesses and food poisoning.

The ideal oil temperature for frying chicken legs is 350°F

Frying chicken legs at 350°F in a deep fryer is a great way to get that golden-brown exterior and juicy interior that makes fried chicken so delicious. The ideal oil temperature for frying chicken legs is 350°F, which will give you the perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness.

The time it takes to fry chicken legs at 350°F will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the efficiency of your fryer. On average, you can expect it to take around 12 to 15 minutes to fry chicken legs at this temperature. However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F, which is the safe temperature for consuming chicken.

Tips for frying chicken legs at 350°F

When frying chicken legs at 350°F, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results:

• Choose the right oil: Vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil are all great options as they have high smoke points and neutral flavours that won't overpower your chicken.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer: Fry your chicken legs in batches to avoid overcrowding your fryer, which can lower the oil's temperature and result in soggy chicken.
• Use a cast-iron pan: A cast-iron pan holds the temperature better and heats more evenly than other types of pans, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken legs.
• Don't let the chicken sit on paper towels for too long: Move your fried chicken from the paper towel to a wire rack as quickly as possible to prevent it from steaming and becoming soggy.
• Check the internal temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken legs to ensure they are fully cooked. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

How to make deep-fried chicken legs

Here's a simple recipe for deep-fried chicken legs that you can make at home:

• Mix flour and your desired spices and seasonings in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
• Dip the chicken legs in the dairy and egg mixture, then coat them in the flour and seasoning mixture.
• Repeat the process by dipping the chicken legs back into the milk and flour mixture.
• Fry the chicken legs in batches in hot oil, leaving enough space between each piece.
• Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take around 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F.
• Let the chicken legs rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

It takes 12-15 minutes to deep fry chicken legs at 350°F

Frying chicken legs at 350°F typically takes 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken legs, the efficiency of the fryer, and the desired crispiness of the coating.

It is important to ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken legs. The ideal temperature is around 350°F to 375°F. Frying at a lower temperature may result in oil absorption and a soggy texture, while frying at too high a temperature can burn the exterior without fully cooking the interior.

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, it is recommended to coat the chicken legs with a well-seasoned flour mixture. This can be done by dipping the chicken legs in a dairy and egg mixture, followed by a flour and seasoning mixture. The process can be repeated to create an extra crispy coating.

When frying, it is best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil's temperature and slow down the cooking process. Additionally, it is crucial to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

To ensure the chicken legs are cooked through, it is recommended to check their internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

Chicken legs should be fried until golden brown

To ensure your chicken legs are cooked properly, it's important to check their internal temperature, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done with a digital thermometer. Frying at the correct temperature is crucial, as oil that is too hot can burn the exterior of the chicken while leaving the inside raw, and oil that is not hot enough will result in oily, undercooked chicken.

Before frying, there are several steps you can take to prepare your chicken legs. Some recipes suggest marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, and seasonings for at least four hours or overnight. The chicken legs can then be coated in a flour mixture and dipped in buttermilk before frying. This process can be repeated for extra crispiness. It's important to let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes after coating and before frying, as this helps the breading stick.

When frying, it's best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your skillet, which can lower the oil's temperature and slow down cooking. Turn the chicken legs every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their size, to ensure even cooking. After frying, drain the excess oil on a paper towel or wire rack before serving.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken legs to ensure they are cooked

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken legs is the best way to ensure they are cooked and safe to eat. The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Using a food thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken legs in the thickest part of the meat. If you are cooking multiple chicken legs, be sure to check the temperature of each one, as they may cook unevenly.

If you do not have a food thermometer, there are other ways to check if your chicken is cooked through. One way is to test the juices of the meat. Cut into the thickest part of the chicken and check the colour of the juices. If they are clear, the chicken is cooked. If the juices are pink or red, the chicken is still raw and needs to be cooked further.

You can also check the colour of the meat itself. Raw chicken is a paler pink colour, while cooked chicken is more opaque and white. However, using a food thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.

It is important to note that chicken can carry harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, that can cause foodborne illness. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F.

Use a neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point for frying chicken legs

When frying chicken legs, it's important to use an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavour. This is because chicken legs need to be fried at a high temperature (around 350°F) to ensure the inside is cooked while getting a crispy exterior. Oils with a low smoke point will burn at this temperature, creating an unpleasant taste and potentially setting off your smoke alarm. A neutral flavour is also important so that the oil doesn't overpower the taste of the chicken and any seasonings.

There are several oils that fit the bill, including:

• Canola oil: This oil has a high smoke point of 400°F and is a versatile, economical choice. It's also a healthier option, with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and low levels of saturated fats.
• Peanut oil: With a smoke point of 450°F, peanut oil has a high smoke point and a nutty flavour. It's a popular choice for frying, but it is more expensive and may cause a reaction in those with nut allergies.
• Vegetable oil: Blended from different plant-derived oils, vegetable oil is cost-effective and has a high smoke point of between 400°F and 450°F. It's a good choice for frying chicken legs as it won't impart any unwanted flavours.
• Avocado oil: This oil has the highest smoke point of all and a light avocado flavour with a hint of sweetness. However, it is significantly more expensive than other options.
• Safflower oil: Safflower oil has a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying chicken legs. Like avocado oil, it is on the expensive side.
• Soybean oil: Soybean oil is a neutral-flavoured vegetable oil with a high smoke point, making it a great option for deep-frying chicken legs. It's also very affordable.
• Corn oil: Corn oil is another neutral, high smoke point oil that won't break the bank.

Frequently asked questions