Fried chicken is a beloved dish that has been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations. It’s a dish that is often associated with crispy, golden-brown skin that is juicy and flavorful on the inside. However, sometimes your fried chicken doesn’t turn out as crispy as you’d like it to be. There are a few reasons why your fried chicken may not be as crispy as you’d like it to be, but there are also some simple fixes to get that perfect crunch.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons why your fried chicken may not be crispy and give you five tips to help you achieve perfectly crunchy chicken every time.
- Dry the Chicken Properly
One of the most common reasons why fried chicken doesn’t turn out crispy is because the chicken isn’t dry enough before it’s fried. If the chicken is too wet, the moisture can create steam, which can prevent the skin from crisping up. To avoid this problem, you need to make sure that the chicken is dry before you start frying it.
To dry the chicken properly, use paper towels to pat the chicken pieces dry. You can also let the chicken sit out for a bit to air dry. The drier the chicken, the better the chances of getting crispy skin.
- Use the Right Flour Mixture
Another reason why your fried chicken may not be crispy is that you’re not using the right flour mixture. You want to use a mixture that will create a crispy, crunchy coating on the chicken.
To create the perfect flour mixture, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. You can also add some cornstarch to the mixture to make it even crispier. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them well.
- Make Sure the Oil Is Hot Enough
If the oil isn’t hot enough when you start frying the chicken, the chicken will absorb too much oil and won’t get crispy. You want to make sure that the oil is at the right temperature before you start frying the chicken.
The ideal temperature for frying chicken is around 350°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan
Another mistake people make when frying chicken is crowding the pan. If you put too many chicken pieces in the pan at once, the temperature of the oil will drop, and the chicken won’t get crispy. You want to make sure that you have enough space in the pan for the chicken pieces to cook evenly.
Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to fry the chicken in batches. When you add the chicken to the pan, make sure to leave some space between each piece.
- Let the Chicken Rest
After you’ve fried the chicken, you want to let it rest for a few minutes before you serve it. This will help the chicken retain its juices and keep the skin crispy.
To let the chicken rest, place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow the air to circulate around the chicken and prevent it from getting soggy. Let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Fried chicken is a classic dish that everyone loves, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t turn out as crispy as you’d like it to be. Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks that you can use to ensure that your fried chicken is perfectly
