Everyone loves fried food. While it may not be the healthiest option, it sure is tasty. Whether you’re making fried chicken for dinner or fried pickles for the football game, it’s sure to be a hit. If you’re the one responsible for cooking, you want the food to be crispy and delicious. We put together a guide that explains a few easy techniques that make food more crispy, so read on to learn more.
Make a Batter
If you’re looking for easy techniques that make food more crispy, the batter is where you should start. The batter is what makes food crispy. A batter is typically flour and corn starch mixed with some seasoning. Paprika and garlic are two seasonings that are usually mixed into a batter. Corn starch is commonly made in a facility that manufactures gluten-containing foods, so opt for arrowroot powder if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. There are many ways to use arrowroot powder, as it’s commonly used as a cornstarch substitute. When the batter is done, begin to dunk the food into the batter. Make sure to shake off any excess before proceeding.
Check the Oil Temperature
When you fry food, it’s incredibly important to check the oil temp. Although crispy food isn’t always fried, that’s often how you get the crispiest outcome. Canola oil works best for frying, but there are plenty of options. The oil should be about 325 degrees, so make sure you have a thermometer on hand. Digital thermometers are the ideal option, but any thermometer works. It’s important that the oil doesn’t get too hot, so make sure you watch the temperature carefully. The oil can splash out of the pan occasionally, so stand back and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, make sure the handle of the pan isn’t hanging off the edge of the stove. You don’t want to accidentally bump it and cause an accident.
Utilize Cooling Racks
After the chicken is fried, it’s time to take it out of the oil. A mistake people make is putting fried food directly onto a paper towel after frying. Do not do this. Instead, use cooling racks to ensure the food doesn’t get soggy. If the food sits on a paper towel, it won’t be crispy like you want it. To prevent the counter from getting dirty, you can lay a tray under the cooling rack. The goal is to let the food cool slightly without soaking in any juices. We hope these techniques help you make some crispy and delicious food. Happy cooking!