Yes, you can absolutely fry Tyson chicken fries! Tyson chicken fries are a premade frozen product that is typically baked in the oven, but frying them is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy outside and tender inside. Frying chicken fries allows you to add your own breading or seasoning and adjust the cook time to your liking. With just a few simple steps, you can make homemade fried chicken fries that are crispy, juicy, and delicious.
What are Tyson chicken fries?
Tyson chicken fries are a popular frozen food item made by Tyson Foods. They consist of chicken breast strips with a light breading that are shaped into fry-like pieces. Chicken fries are an easy and convenient way to prepare boneless chicken bites quickly. Here are some key facts about Tyson chicken fries:
- Made from 100% all white meat chicken breast strips
- Covered in a light, crispy breading
- Shaped into sticks or fries rather than nuggets or tenders
- Offered in original and spicy varieties
- Sold frozen in bags that can go straight from freezer to oven
- Prepared by baking in the oven per package instructions
- Provide a good source of protein
- Make a quick and easy meal, snack, or appetizer
Tyson chicken fries provide the great taste and crunch of fried chicken in a convenient oven-baked product. But for an extra crispy and flavorful version, you can easily fry them at home.
Benefits of frying vs. baking Tyson chicken fries
While Tyson chicken fries are designed to be baked in the oven, frying them has some advantages:
- Crispier exterior: Frying allows you to achieve an ultra crispy, crunchy crust from the oil.
- More flavor: You can add custom seasonings or breading to infuse the chicken with spices and herbs.
- Faster cooking time: Frying takes 10-15 minutes while baking takes 18-22 minutes.
- Temperature control: Frying lets you adjust temperature as needed for even cooking.
- Texture: Frying often leads to a juicier, tender interior compared to baking.
The main drawback is that frying increases the fat and calorie content as oil is absorbed. However, using healthy frying oils can minimize this issue. Overall, frying takes chicken fries to the next level in terms of taste and texture.
How to fry Tyson chicken fries
Frying Tyson chicken fries at home is a very straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for crispy, mouthwatering fried chicken fries:
Ingredients
- 1 bag Tyson chicken fries (original or spicy)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1-2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
Directions
- Take chicken fries out of the freezer and allow to thaw slightly, about 15 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl.
- Dredge the chicken fries in the flour mixture until coated on all sides.
- Dip the floured chicken fries in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place back in the flour mixture and coat again so they are double battered.
- Pour oil about 2 inches deep in a heavy skillet or pan and heat to 350°F.
- Working in batches, fry chicken fries for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried chicken fries to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Season with salt right after frying, if desired.
- Serve chicken fries hot and enjoy!
Key tips for frying Tyson chicken fries:
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 325-350°F.
- Allow oil to return to temperature between batches.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying.
- Keep finished chicken fries warm in a low oven if frying multiple batches.
The double dip in seasoned flour and egg creates a crispy coating that fries up beautifully golden brown. Frying gives the chicken fries a delicious crunch and allows you to add your own unique flavors.
Best frying oils for chicken fries
Choosing the right oil for frying chicken fries makes all the difference. Here are some top oils to consider:
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 450°F | Neutral |
| Canola oil | 400°F | Neutral |
| Peanut oil | 450°F | Nutty |
| Sunflower oil | 450°F | Neutral |
Key things to look for are:
- High smoke point above 375°F
- Neutral flavor that won’t compete with chicken
- Relatively inexpensive and readily available
Vegetable, canola, peanut, and sunflower oils are all excellent choices for frying chicken fries at home. Avoid olive oil as it has too low of a smoke point.
Frying tips and tricks
Use these handy tips for perfect crispy fried chicken fries every time:
- Pat chicken fries dry before dredging to help the coating stick better.
- Allow fried chicken fries to drain on a paper towel lined plate or wire rack.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Use a deep fat thermometer for precision temperature control.
- Discard oil once it becomes dark or develops foam.
- Keep freshly fried chicken fries warm in a 175°F oven on a wire rack.
- Try adding cajun seasoning or lemon pepper to the flour for a flavor boost.
Proper temperature control is key – ideal oil temp is 350-375°F. Letting oil get too hot can cause burning and affect the taste. Frying too many pieces at once cools the oil down too much. Fry in manageable batches for best results.
Serving ideas
Tyson chicken fries straight from the fryer are hard to beat, but you can also try:
- Chicken fry sandwiches – Serve on buns with toppings like pickles, cheese, and sauce
- Chicken fry nachos – Top nachos with fried chicken fries and cheese sauce
- Chicken fry salad – Toss fried chicken fries on top of fresh garden salads
- Chicken fry subs – Load up submarine sandwiches with fried chicken fries
Get creative with toppings, sauces, seasonings, and sides to take these easy fried chicken fries to the next level in taste and enjoyment.
Storing and reheating fried chicken fries
To keep leftover fried chicken fries fresh:
- Allow fried chicken fries to cool completely before storing.
- Place in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing fried chicken fries, as they can lose their crispy texture.
To reheat:
- Place fried chicken fries on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Or re-fry briefly in oil heated to 350°F until warmed through and recrisped.
Proper cooled storage preserves the crunchy coating. Quick reheating in the oven or fryer brings the chicken fries back to crispy, mouthwatering perfection.
Concluding thoughts
Tyson chicken fries are a great convenience product that allows you to cook up quick, boneless chicken bites easily. While baking gives good results, taking the time to double dredge and fry chicken fries at home lets you maximize their crispy, juicy potential. With the right frying oil and technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality chicken fries full of flavor and crunch. Served on their own or incorporated into other dishes, homemade fried Tyson chicken fries are the perfect easy meal or appetizer anytime.