Deep frying chicken patties is a quick and easy way to get crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken without needing to turn on the oven. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about deep frying chicken patties at home, including ingredients, equipment, tips and tricks, safety considerations, and step-by-step frying instructions.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients and kitchen tools:
Ingredients
- Chicken patties – either homemade or store-bought frozen patties
- Flour – all-purpose or a blend of flour and cornstarch
- Eggs – beaten
- Breadcrumbs – panko or plain
- Oil for frying – peanut, vegetable, canola, etc.
- Spices and seasonings (optional) – salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
Equipment
- A heavy pot or dutch oven for frying
- Deep fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Tongs
- Prep bowls
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
Having all your ingredients and tools ready to go will make the frying process smooth and efficient.
Tips for Deep Frying Chicken Patties
Here are some handy tips to ensure your deep fried chicken turns out perfectly crisp:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts to make patties to ensure even cooking.
- Keep the patties on the thinner side, 1/2 inch thick, so they fry up quickly and evenly.
- Use a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for crispy coating that sticks well.
- Let patties rest after coating to allow coating to adhere.
- Use a deep fry thermometer and maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F.
- Fry in batches and don’t overcrowd the pot.
- Let excess coating drip off before frying.
- Fry patties for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain patties on a paper towel lined rack after frying.
Following these tips will ensure you get perfectly crispy, crunchy chicken patties every time.
Choosing Oil for Frying
The oil you select for deep frying is incredibly important, as it can affect the flavor, texture, and overall quality of your fried chicken. Here are some of the best oil options:
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is one of the best oils for deep frying. It has a high smoke point, around 450°F, so it can withstand high heat. Peanut oil also has a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the chicken.
Vegetable Oil
A blend of vegetable oils is a budget-friendly option. Look for vegetable oils with high smoke points. canola oil and safflower oil are good additions.
Corn Oil
With a smoke point of 450°F, corn oil is suitable for frying. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well for fried chicken.
Canola Oil
A versatile, neutral oil like canola is also a smart choice for frying chicken patties. It has a smoke point around 400°F.
No matter what you choose, use an oil with high heat tolerance to allow for crisp frying without burning. Peanut and vegetable oil blends are your best bet.
Batter vs. Breadcrumbs – Which is Best?
You have two main coating options when preparing chicken patties for deep frying – a wet batter or dry breadcrumbs. Which method yields the best results?
Wet Batter
A wet batter coating made with flour, eggs, and milk or buttermilk will coat chicken patties nicely for frying. The batter adheres well and gets wonderfully crispy. Use a thin, lump-free batter to evenly coat each patty.
Dry Breadcrumbs
For a lighter, crunchier crust on your chicken patties, use seasoned dry breadcrumbs. Standard panko, Italian breadcrumbs, or seasoned crumbs all work well. Dredge patties in flour, then egg, then press into crumbs.
The Verdict
While both methods work well, dry breadcrumb coatings tend to yield the crispiest, crunchiest results. The crumbs fry up light and flaky, while wet batters can sometimes absorb oil and get a bit dense. For optimal crispy fried chicken texture, seasoned dry breadcrumbs get my vote!
Frying Safety Tips
Deep frying comes with some inherent dangers, like hot oil spatter and potential burns. Follow these tips for safe deep frying:
- Use a heavy, sturdy pot to prevent tipping and oil overflow.
- Keep pot handles turned inwards over the stove.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Attach a deep fry thermometer to monitor oil temp.
- Carefully lower food into hot oil away from yourself.
- Wear an apron for added protection from splatter.
- Turn off heat if oil starts smoking heavily.
- Let oil cool fully before disposing to prevent fires.
Exercising caution will help prevent painful oil burns or other accidents while deep frying at home.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty steps for how to deep fry chicken patties at home:
Step 1: Preheat Oil
Start by pouring 2-3 inches of your chosen frying oil into a heavy pot or dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches between 350-375°F. Use your deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Step 2: Prepare Patties
While oil heats, prepare your chicken patties. Homemade or store-bought patties will both work well. Season the patties as desired. For the coating station, set up three bowls – one each with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat Patties
Once oil reaches ideal frying temp, start coating patties. Dredge each chicken patty in flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured patty into the beaten eggs. Finally, press the patty into the breadcrumbs until fully coated on both sides. Place coated patties on a clean plate or rack.
Step 4: Fry Patties
Carefully add 2-4 breaded chicken patties to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown. Use tongs to flip and remove patties.
Step 5: Drain and Cool
When chicken patties are cooked through and crispy, remove from oil and allow excess oil to drip off for 30 seconds. Place patties on a paper towel lined wire rack or plate. The paper towels will soak up grease.
Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Patties
Return oil to the proper frying temperature and repeat the frying process with remaining chicken patties, working in batches. Don’t overload the pot with too many patties at once.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Your crispy, crunchy deep fried chicken patties are ready to eat! Serve hot alongside your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy right away for maximum crispness.
How Long Does it Take to Deep Fry Chicken Patties?
When deep frying at the ideal oil temperature of 350-375°F, chicken patties will fry up nice and crispy in just 2-4 minutes per batch. Thinner, smaller chicken patties may cook faster, while thicker or larger patties may need up to 5 minutes total cook time.
Fry the patties just until the coating is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Depending on batch size, the entire frying process will take 10-15 minutes total. Be sure to allow the oil to come fully back up to temp between batches for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Your crispy deep fried chicken patties taste delicious on their own, but here are some tasty serving suggestions:
- Serve on brioche buns for chicken sandwiches
- Toss in wing or Buffalo sauce for spicy chicken patties
- Pair with French fries and creamy coleslaw
- Make slider patties for mini fried chicken sandwiches
- Top with pickles, lettuce, tomato and mayo
Get creative with toppings and sides based on your preferences. The tenders, crunchy patties pair well with veggies, cheese, sauces and more!
Storage Instructions
Properly stored, your deep fried chicken patties will keep well for 3-4 days. Here are some storage tips:
- Let patties cool fully before storing.
- Place patties in a single layer on a tray or plate. Avoid stacking.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Do not freeze pre-fried chicken patties.
With proper storage in the fridge, you can enjoy crunchy deep fried goodness all week long. Reheat as needed!
Common Deep Frying Mistakes
Getting perfect results when deep frying chicken patties comes down to avoiding these common mistakes:
- Oil temperature too low – Leads to greasy patties
- Overcrowding – Lowers oil temp and causes uneven cooking
- Battering or flouring poorly – Can prevent crispy coating
- Undercooking – Results in raw or underdone chicken
- Overcooking – Leads to dry, tough chicken
- Resting after frying – Allows coating to soften
- Letting patties cool before serving – Causes the crispy coating to get soggy
Watch out for these pitfalls during the frying process for the best homemade deep fried chicken success!
FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about deep frying chicken patties at home:
What size pot do I need for deep frying?
Choose a heavy, deep, straight-sided pot or dutch oven with a capacity of 4-6 quarts. This allows room for oil and patties without too much dangerous spatter.
Can I re-use frying oil?
Yes, oil can be reused 2-3 times if strained through a fine mesh sieve after use. Discard oil that is very dark or smells burnt.
Is peanut oil best for frying?
Many people prefer peanut oil, as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. But oils like canola, vegetable, and corn also work well.
What temperature should chicken patties be cooked to?
Chicken patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer for food safety.
Can you freeze deep fried chicken patties?
It’s best not to freeze deep fried chicken patties, as the coating will soften and become soggy. Simply refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Tips for Crispy Chicken Patties
Looking for the crispiest, crunchiest deep fried chicken patties? Keep these tips in mind:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra moist patties
- Keep patties on the thin side, 1/2 inch thick
- Allow patties to rest after coating for maximum adherence
- Use very hot oil, between 375-400°F
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature
- Use an instant-read thermometer to test oil temp
- Drain fried patties thoroughly on paper towel lined racks
- Enjoy patties immediately while still hot and crispy
Get that shatteringly crispy fried chicken texture at home with these handy tips!
Conclusion
For deliciously crisp and juicy chicken patties, deep frying is the way to go. With the right ingredients, equipment, and technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken in your own kitchen. Monitor oil temperature, work in batches, and fry just until golden brown. Stay safe, get creative with toppings, and serve your crunchy patties hot right away for maximum flavor and crispy texture. Now go forth and fry up some delicious chicken!