Frying is one of the most popular cooking techniques. Whether it’s whipping up juicy fried chicken, crispy French fries, or mouth-watering onion rings just thinking about it, it’s hard to deny the flavor of deep frying. From its origins in ancient Egypt to modern advancements that have made it easier and more delicious than ever, let’s take a closer look at some of the facts behind this popular cooking method!
Temperature :
Choosing the right frying temperature is a key factor in ensuring your food is cooked properly and evenly. To do this, most people recommend using an oil thermometer to make sure the temperature stays in the optimum range of around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If the temperature is too low, your food may be greasy or soggy, but if it is too high, it may cause smoke and burns.
How to maintain the right temperature?
Pro tips for maintaining oil temperature in a frying pan:
- Start with an appropriate amount of cooking oil; too much or too little oil will cause temperature fluctuations.
- Heat the oil slowly, over medium-low heat, as this helps control it better and avoids sudden fluctuations in temperature.
- For even heating, avoid overloading the pan with food – having too many items in a pan can cause sudden drops in temperature which can cause food to cook unevenly.
- Add additional oil if needed, but do so only between batches of food and not during cooking to avoid sudden drops in temperature.
- Whenever possible, opt for heavier pans that conduct heat evenly so food cooks more evenly and maintains consistent temperatures throughout preparation.
Type of oil:
Different types of oils have different smoke points which determine the temperature they can reach before burning. Vegetable oils such as sunflower, corn, and canola are generally good options because they have a higher smoke point than other types of oil. It’s also important to note that vegetable oils tend to be lower in saturated fat than animal fats like butter or lard, which can help keep your meal healthier overall.
Energy :
To fry without wasting energy, a helpful tip is to preheat your pan or deep fryer before adding oil or food to it, so you don’t have to use as much energy to reach the desired temperature. Also, using a good quality non-stick cooking surface will help you avoid wasted energy by allowing you to cook with less oil and reduce sticking issues, as well as making cleanup easier later. .
Breading:
There are a wide variety of breadings for frying food, ranging from batter and breadcrumbs for fish and chips to seasoned flour for fried chicken or cutlets. These breadings not only add flavor and texture, but they also help protect foods from burning from the hot oil used for frying.
How to prepare a successful breading?
Preparing the right breading for crispy frying requires a few key steps that shouldn’t be overlooked.
- First, start with the basics and make sure all ingredients are kept cold during preparation. In order for the coating to adhere to the food, it is important to start with a dry surface. This means that excess moisture must be blotted from the food before breading.
- Next, create an egg or buttermilk bath by combining eggs, buttermilk, or other liquids with seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for added flavor. The egg wash acts as an adhesive to help the coating stick to the food.
- Once you have prepared your egg bath, combine your dry ingredients in another bowl. For example flour or panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) crumbs with spices like salt, pepper and herbs for extra flavor.
- Dip the food in the egg bath, then roll it in the dry ingredients until it is completely coated. It may help to press the dry ingredients lightly to help them adhere better to the surface of the food.
- Finally, fry your breaded foods until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve immediately after frying for maximum crispiness!
Fryer or frying pan: which is better?
The decision to use a frying pan or a deep fryer really depends on the type of food you plan to cook and how often you plan to cook it. Shallow frying pans are great for smaller foods like eggs. While deep fryers are best suited for large pieces like chicken wings or french fries, which need a greater depth of oil to stay submerged throughout the cooking time, without burning the outside and leaving the inside raw or uncooked.
Again, fryers have the advantage of regulating the temperature of the oil used for cooking. This helps maintain even heat throughout cooking, ensuring that cooked food stays at the same consistent temperature, resulting in an incredibly crispy texture with minimal added oil. Using this method also minimizes the amount of fat absorbed by your food, creating healthier fried options such as vegetables and fish.
