Fried chicken is one of the most popular and beloved comfort foods around the world. While many people think that frying chicken is a simple process, achieving the perfect crispy skin can be a little trickier than it seems. One of the key factors in getting crispy, golden-brown skin on your fried chicken is making sure that the oil is hot enough. In this article, we will explore the exact temperature and method for frying chicken to get that perfect, delicious crunch.
Why is the temperature of the oil important?
The temperature of the oil is important because it ensures that the chicken is cooked properly while also achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy and soggy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the outside of the chicken may burn before the inside is fully cooked.
What temperature should the oil be?
The optimal temperature for frying chicken is between 350-375°F (175-190°C). It’s essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the frying process, so invest in a good thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature. The temperature of the oil will drop when the chicken is added to it, so it’s crucial to adjust the heat accordingly to maintain the desired temperature.
The testing method
To test the oil’s temperature, you can use a digital thermometer or the bread-crumb test. Simply sprinkle some bread crumbs into the oil, and if they sizzle and turn golden brown in less than 60 seconds, the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying chicken.
How hot oil temperature affects cooking time
The oil’s temperature plays an important role in cooking time, too. When the oil is too hot, the chicken may brown on the outside too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. Conversely, when the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will take longer to fry to a crisp, potentially overcooking and drying out. Hence, it is important to know how hot the oil should be and at what temperature the chicken should be cooked.
How long to cook chicken?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it will take about 6-8 minutes per side at a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). On the other hand, bone-in chicken pieces may take longer to cook completely, so it’s better to check their internal temperature as well.
What type of oil to use?
The oil you use for frying chicken plays a significant role in the final taste and texture of the chicken. Oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, are the best for frying because they can maintain their stability at high temperatures without smoking, burning or imparting any off-flavors into the food.
How to ensure that the chicken is crispy?
There are various tips and tricks to ensure that your fried chicken comes out crispy and perfect every time. Firstly, it’s essential to let the chicken reach room temperature before frying it, so it cooks evenly. Secondly, pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Lastly, dredge the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture to add flavor and create that perfect crispy crust.
How to season the flour mixture?
You can season the flour mixture with your favorite herbs, spices, or seasonings. Common seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference, and try mixing in some cornstarch or baking powder to make it even crispier.
What is the best method to fry chicken?
There are different methods to fry chicken, such as deep-frying, shallow-frying, or air-frying. However, deep-frying is widely considered the best method because it ensures crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
The deep-frying method
- Fill a deep pan or Dutch oven with 3-4 inches of oil and heat it to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Flip the chicken every 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
In conclusion
By following these tips and tricks, you can fry chicken with crispy skin at the right temperature, texture, and flavor. However, make sure to practice and be patient because frying chicken is not an exact science, and you may have to tweak your method a little to get it right. Nevertheless, with the perfect combination of flour, seasoning, and hot oil, you can achieve that juicy and crunchy fried chicken that you have been craving for.
FAQs:
Here are some common questions and their answers related to how hot oil to fry chicken
- What is the right temperature to fry chicken wings?
- Can I reuse the oil for frying chicken?
- Why is my fried chicken still greasy after frying?
- Can I fry chicken without flour?
- What should I do if the oil catches fire while frying chicken?
The ideal temperature to fry chicken wings is between 375-400°F (190-200°C).
Yes, you can reuse the oil if you strain it after every use and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
If the fried chicken is still greasy after frying, it could be because the oil was not hot enough, or the chicken was not patted dry correctly before frying.
While flour helps create a crispy crust, you can still fry chicken without it using alternate coating options like cornstarch, breadcrumbs or even crushed cereal.
Turn off the heat immediately and carefully extinguish the flames by covering the pan with a lid or smothering it with baking soda or a fire extinguisher. Never use water to put out an oil fire.
References:
- https://www.seriouseats.com/2015/07/the-food-lab-complete-guide-to-sous-vide-fried-chicken.html
- https://www.cooksillustrated.com/articles/2224-fry-fry-again-the-best-pan-fried-chicken