Flash frying is a quick cooking method that uses a small amount of very hot oil to quickly brown and cook pieces of chicken. It results in chicken that is crispy and golden brown on the outside while still being juicy on the inside. Flash frying only takes a few minutes, making it a fast and easy way to cook up delicious chicken for meals or snacks. In this article, we’ll look at exactly what flash frying entails, its benefits, how to do it properly at home, and some serving ideas for flash fried chicken.
What is Flash Frying?
Flash frying, also sometimes called stir frying, is a cooking technique where small pieces of food are quickly fried up in a small amount of very hot oil for just a minute or two per side. This gives the food a crispy exterior from the hot oil while the inside remains moist.
Unlike deep frying where food is submerged in a large pot of oil and takes several minutes to cook, flash frying uses only enough oil to barely coat the bottom of the pan. The oil is heated to very high temperatures, usually between 350-450°F. The food is then added and stirred or flipped frequently for even cooking.
This quick cooking in ripping hot oil gives flash fried foods a crispy, crunchy exterior that people love about fried foods. But because it’s only fried for a brief time, the inside doesn’t dry out.
Key Points About Flash Frying
– Uses very small amount of oil
– Oil is heated to very high temps, 350-450°F
– Food is fried just 1-2 mins per side
– Results in crispy exterior, moist interior
Benefits of Flash Frying Chicken
Flash frying has many advantages that make it a great cooking method for chicken:
1. Quick Cooking Time
– Only takes 2-5 minutes to cook chicken pieces
– Much faster than baking or pan frying
– Great for weeknight meals, since it’s so fast
2. Crispy Texture
– Hot oil browns the outside and gives a delicious crunch
– The high heat caramelizes the exterior
– Skin gets perfectly crispy and crunchy when flash fried
3. Juicy Interior
– Short cooking time doesn’t dry out the inside
– Chicken remains moist and tender when flash fried
4. Enhanced Flavor
– Maillard reaction occurs when amino acids and sugars are heated, enhancing flavor
– Hot oil also impart its own delicious taste
– Flash fried chicken is bursting with flavor inside and out
5. Healthier than Deep Frying
– Uses less oil than submerging food in a deep fryer
– Can be made with healthy oils like avocado or coconut oil
– Results in a less greasy end product than deep frying
How to Flash Fry Chicken at Home
Here is a step-by-step guide to flash frying chicken yourself at home:
Ingredients
– Chicken pieces – breast, thighs, wings, etc
– Oil for frying – vegetable, canola, coconut, avocado, etc
– Spices and seasonings (optional) – salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc
Equipment
– Cast iron skillet or other heavy bottomed pan
– Frying thermometer
– Tongs
– Paper towels
Steps
1. Heat at least 1 inch depth of oil in a heavy skillet or pan over high heat until it reaches 375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with desired spices, herbs or salt.
3. Once oil is hot enough, place chicken pieces gently into the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
4. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Turn chicken carefully with tongs.
5. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease.
6. Repeat with remaining chicken, allowing oil to reheat between batches.
7. Optionally, keep chicken warm in a low oven while you fry the rest.
8. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy!
Tips
– Smaller chicken pieces will cook quickest. Cut larger pieces in half.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan, cook chicken in batches for even cooking.
– Let oil reheat between batches. Test with a thermometer it’s back to 375°F.
– Drain chicken on paper towel lined plates to soak up excess grease.
Serving Ideas for Flash Fried Chicken
Flash fried chicken is delicious enjoyed hot and fresh on its own. But here are some quick and easy ways to incorporate it into meals:
As an Appetizer
– Serve poppable chicken bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
– Make chicken lettuce wraps with crispy chicken, lettuce leaves, avocado and tomato.
In Salads
– Toss crispy chicken pieces on top of fresh garden or wedge salads.
– Add to a chicken caesar salad for extra flavor and crunch.
In Sandwiches
– Put flash fried chicken on rolls or buns for delicious chicken sandwiches.
– Add to wraps along with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and ranch.
As a Side Dish
– Pair crispy flash fried chicken with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta.
– Serve it alongside cooked veggies, a salad or beans.
As an Entree
– Make chicken kabobs with veggies and flash fried chicken.
– Mix flash fried chicken pieces into stir fries, fried rice or pasta dishes.
Simple Sauces for Serving
– Honey mustard
– Ranch dressing
– BBQ sauce
– Buffalo hot sauce
– Homemade sriracha mayo
Nutrition of Flash Fried Chicken
Here is the nutrition information for a 3.5 ounce serving of flash fried chicken breast without skin:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184 |
| Fat | 8.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3g |
| Cholesterol | 72mg |
| Sodium | 74mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 26g |
As you can see, flash fried chicken is a lean source of protein with minimal carbs and fat when skinless. The small amount of oil used for flash frying adds a crispy texture without too much extra fat or calories.
Conclusion
Flash frying is quick and easy way to cook chicken with a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. It takes just a few minutes using a small amount of very hot oil to achieve this crunchified texture. Flash fried chicken is great for meals, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and more. Follow the simple instructions to achieve professional-level results right in your own kitchen. Be sure to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe 165°F. Enjoy your freshly flash fried chicken right away for maximum crunch!