How to Keep Fried Chicken Crispy? | Chef Secrets

Fried chicken Crispy is a beloved comfort food, but keeping it crispy can be a challenge. Whether you’re serving it right away or planning to store it for later, maintaining that tantalizing crunch is crucial. Here, we share expert tips and tricks to ensure your fried chicken stays crispy and delicious, just like it came straight out of the fryer.

What is the Best Flour Mix for Crispy Fried Chicken?

To achieve that perfect crunch, the flour mix plays a significant role. A combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch is ideal. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy coating by absorbing moisture and expanding when fried. This means that you get a light, crunchy texture that isn’t overly dense. It’s a trick borrowed from Asian cuisine, where cornstarch is often used to create light, crispy textures.

For extra flavor, add herbs and spices to the flour mix, such as paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the crispiness. Consider adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat or a smoky note. Some cooks even add a pinch of baking powder, which can add to the crispiness by creating tiny air pockets in the crust. If you’re looking to experiment, try adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the mix to add an aromatic spin to your chicken.

How Does Temperature Affect Fried Chicken Crispiness?

Frying at the right temperature is essential. Keep the oil between 325°F and 350°F. This range is crucial because it allows the chicken to cook through without burning the coating. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown quickly on the outside but remain undercooked inside. If too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil, resulting in a soggy texture. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature consistently.

If you don’t have a thermometer, a simple test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil. It should sizzle, turn golden brown, and rise to the surface within 60 seconds. Remember, oil temperature can drop quickly when you add chicken to the pan, so be sure to adjust the heat as needed to maintain the right temperature.

Should You Let Fried Chicken Rest After Cooking?

Yes, letting fried chicken rest is crucial. Once cooked, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This helps to drain excess oil without trapping steam, which can make the chicken soggy. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute and the coating remains crisp.

Resting also allows the flavors to meld and the heat to distribute evenly throughout the chicken. If you want to keep it hot while resting, tent it loosely with foil. However, avoid covering it completely, as this can trap steam and moisture, softening the crust. For maximum crispiness, consider elevating the wire rack over a baking sheet in an oven set to a low ‘keep warm’ setting.

What is the Ideal Oil for Frying Chicken?

Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, which can affect the flavor and texture of the chicken. Peanut oil is particularly favored for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it a great choice for frying. Avoid using butter or olive oil, as their low smoke points can result in burned or greasy chicken.

It’s important to use enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even cooking. If you’re shallow frying, ensure that the oil reaches at least halfway up the sides of the chicken pieces, turning them halfway through cooking. Reusing oil is possible, but make sure to strain it and store it properly, as used oil can carry flavors and impurities that might affect the next batch of frying.

Can You Reheat Fried Chicken and Keep it Crispy?

Yes, reheating fried chicken while keeping it crispy is possible. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate evenly. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until the chicken is hot and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.

If you’re in a hurry, you can use a toaster oven set to a similar temperature. For best results, let the chicken come to room temperature before reheating, which reduces the time needed to heat through and helps maintain crispiness. To add an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the chicken lightly with a bit of melted butter or a spicy sauce before reheating.

How Can You Store Fried Chicken to Maintain Its Crispiness?

To store fried chicken, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container lined with paper towels. This helps absorb excess moisture. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container.

When freezing, consider wrapping each piece of chicken individually in foil or parchment paper before placing it in a zip-top bag. This prevents the pieces from sticking together and makes reheating more efficient. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it using the oven method described above.

What Role Does Brining Play in Crispy Fried Chicken?

Brining can enhance the flavor and juiciness of fried chicken. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar can help the chicken retain moisture and flavor during frying. Brine the chicken for at least 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, then pat it dry before coating and frying.

For additional flavor, consider adding aromatics to the brine, such as bay leaves, peppercorns, or garlic cloves. Some cooks like to include buttermilk in the brining process, which adds tanginess and further tenderizes the meat. After brining, make sure the chicken is thoroughly dried with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly and fries up crispy.

Why is Double Dipping Important for Crispy Chicken?

Double dipping in the flour mixture creates a thicker, crunchier crust. After dredging the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it back into the buttermilk or egg wash, then coat it again with flour. This builds up layers of coating that fry to a golden crisp.

The process of double dipping also allows the seasonings in the flour mix to adhere more effectively to the chicken, intensifying the overall flavor. If you’re looking for an even more substantial crust, consider adding crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs to the second coating of flour for an extra layer of crunch.

How Can Air Fryers Help in Keeping Fried Chicken Crispy?

Air fryers can mimic the effect of deep frying with less oil. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, spray the chicken lightly with oil, and cook until crispy. This method reduces excess oil while ensuring a crunchy texture. It’s an excellent option for reheating fried chicken as well.

The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks the chicken evenly and achieves a similar golden-brown crust to traditional frying. If you’re using an air fryer, flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it crisps evenly on all sides. For extra flavor, experiment with pre-seasoning the chicken or adding a light sprinkle of your favorite spice mix halfway through the cooking process.

What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid for Crispy Fried Chicken?

• Overcrowding the Pan: This lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary, and allow the oil to return to the correct temperature between batches.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Not letting the chicken rest can result in uneven texture. Resting helps preserve the crispiness and allows the flavors to settle.
• Using the Wrong Temperature: Always use a thermometer to ensure precise oil temperature. This prevents undercooking or overcooking the chicken and ensures the perfect crispy crust.

Another common mistake is using the wrong type of chicken. Opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces, which tend to retain moisture better and develop a more flavorful crust. Also, make sure your chicken is fresh and not frozen, as excess moisture from thawing can interfere with achieving a crispy texture.

How Does Buttermilk Contribute to Crispy Fried Chicken?

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor. It also helps the flour mixture adhere better, creating a thicker crust. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour before coating and frying for best results.

The acid in buttermilk breaks down the protein structures in the chicken, resulting in a tender, juicy interior. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

How Can You Add Extra Flavor to Your Fried Chicken?

In addition to the flour mix, you can season the chicken directly with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices before coating. Popular options include cayenne pepper for heat or herbs like thyme for an aromatic touch. This layering of flavors ensures that every bite is savory and satisfying.

Consider creating a spice rub to apply to the chicken before brining or soaking in buttermilk. This can include a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard. For an international twist, try adding curry powder or five-spice powder to your seasoning mix.

Wrap-Up

Keeping fried chicken crispy involves a combination of right techniques, from selecting the proper flour mix to controlling the oil temperature. By following these expert tips, you can enjoy fried chicken that’s flavorful and perfectly crunchy every time. For more delicious tips, check out our guide on Perfect Pairings for Fried Chicken and learn about The Science of Crunch.

For more information on frying techniques and recipes, visit Serious Eats or The Kitchn.

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