Deep-Frying Chicken: A Beginner's Guide To Crispy Perfection

Deep-fried chicken is a delicious treat, but it can be tricky to get right. There are a few key steps to follow to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Firstly, you'll need to heat your oil to the right temperature – too hot and your chicken will burn, too cold and it will be soggy. You'll also need to prepare your chicken properly – a simple flour and spice mix will do the trick, or you can soak your chicken in salt water overnight for extra flavour. Once your oil is hot and your chicken is coated, carefully lower the chicken into the fryer and cook until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve.

How to prepare the chicken before frying

Firstly, you should soak the chicken in cold salt water overnight in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. The next day, drain the water off the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.

Next, in a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Wash the chicken and place 2 to 3 pieces into the flour mixture. Shake the bag gently to coat the chicken, then remove the chicken from the bag and let it set for 10 minutes.

Now you are ready to fry the chicken. Heat oil to 375°F. Place one layer of chicken into the fryer basket and carefully lower the basket into the preheated oil. Fry until a meat thermometer has reached an internal temperature of 180°F and the breading is golden brown (about 20 minutes).

Finally, drain the chicken on paper towels and serve.

The best oil to use for frying chicken

To cook chicken in a deep fryer, you should first soak the chicken in cold salt water overnight in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. The next day, drain the water off the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, in a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Wash the chicken and place two to three pieces in the flour mixture. Shake the bag gently to coat the chicken, remove from the bag and let it set for 10 minutes. Heat oil to 375°F. Place one layer of chicken into the fryer basket and carefully lower the basket into the preheated oil. Fry until a meat thermometer has reached an internal temperature of 180°F and the breading is golden brown (about 20 minutes). Drain on paper towels.

When it comes to choosing the best oil for frying chicken, several types of oils are suitable, but palm oil stands out as an excellent choice due to its properties and culinary benefits. Palm oil is a semi-solid vegetable oil that contains a balanced ratio of saturated and unsaturated fats. This composition provides stability during frying and helps achieve a crispy, evenly browned exterior while retaining the moisture of the chicken. Its natural antioxidants also contribute to the oil’s longevity and resistance to oxidation. Moreover, palm oil is versatile and can be used for different cuts of chicken, including breasts, cutlets, and wings. Palm oil also offers significant nutritional value. It consists of approximately 50% saturated fats, 40% monounsaturated fats, and 10% polyunsaturated fats.

Canola oil is another good option for frying chicken. It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, and it has high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids while being low in saturated fats, which makes it healthier than other options.

The ideal temperature range for deep frying chicken is typically between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). The high temperature of the oil helps create a crispy, golden exterior while sealing in the juices of the chicken, resulting in moist and tender meat. When the oil is too cool, the chicken absorbs more oil, leading to a greasy product. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the chicken may cook too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside undercooked.

How long to fry chicken for

Frying chicken in a deep fryer is a quick and easy way to cook chicken. To start, heat oil to 375°F. Place one layer of chicken into the fryer basket and carefully lower the basket into the preheated oil. Fry the chicken for about 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer has reached an internal temperature of 180°F and the breading is golden brown.

Before frying, you can prepare the chicken by soaking it in cold salt water overnight in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. The next day, drain the water off the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also coat the chicken in a flour mixture. To do this, combine flour, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Wash the chicken and place 2 to 3 pieces in the flour mixture. Shake the bag gently to coat the chicken, then remove it from the bag and let it set for 10 minutes.

How to tell when chicken is cooked

To cook chicken in a deep fryer, you should first heat oil to 375°F. Then, place one layer of chicken into the fryer basket and carefully lower the basket into the preheated oil. Fry the chicken until a meat thermometer has reached an internal temperature of 180°F and the breading is golden brown. This should take about 20 minutes.

When deep-frying chicken, it's important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and make sure that the internal temperature has reached 180°F. This temperature indicates that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

In addition to using a meat thermometer, you can also look at the colour of the chicken to determine if it's done. The breading on the outside of the chicken should be golden brown when it's ready. If the breading is still pale or has not crisped up, the chicken likely needs more time to cook.

It's also important to note that the size and thickness of the chicken pieces will affect the cooking time. Smaller or thinner pieces will cook more quickly, while larger or thicker pieces may take longer to reach the desired internal temperature.

Finally, it's always better to err on the side of caution when cooking chicken. If you're unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, it's best to cook it for a little longer to ensure that it's safe to eat.

How to drain the oil from the chicken

To drain the oil from the chicken, you should first remove the chicken from the deep fryer. Place the chicken on paper towels to absorb the excess oil. You can also pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any remaining oil.

It is important to note that you should not place the chicken directly on a plate or other surface after frying, as this will cause the chicken to become soggy. The paper towels will help to absorb the oil and keep the chicken crispy.

Additionally, you can also use a wire rack to drain the oil from the chicken. Place the wire rack over a baking sheet or another container to catch any dripping oil. This method allows the oil to drain from all sides of the chicken and helps to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Another option is to use a cooling rack. Place the cooling rack over a baking sheet or another container, and then place the chicken on the cooling rack. This will allow the oil to drain and the chicken to cool evenly.

Finally, you can also use a paper bag to absorb the excess oil. Place the chicken in a paper bag and shake gently to remove any remaining oil. This method is especially effective if you are frying multiple batches of chicken and want to keep the oil level in the deep fryer consistent.

By following these steps, you can effectively drain the oil from the chicken and enjoy crispy, delicious fried chicken.

Frequently asked questions