How long to deep fry chicken legs? Delicious and Easy Recipe

Frying chicken can be a delicious way to make a meal. But preparing fried chicken the right way is critical to get it both flavorful and safe to eat. Deep-frying chicken legs gives you that traditional crispy skin but also ensures your bird is thoroughly cooked.

So today, let’s understand How long to deep fry chicken legs be left in hot oil so they come out adequately crusty on the outside while being thoroughly cooked and oh so juicy on the inside!

How long to deep fry chicken legs?

In my cooking experience, it will take about 10-15 minutes to deep fry chicken legs

The cooking time for deep frying chicken legs will vary depending on the legs’ size, the oil’s temperature, and the desired level of doneness.

Here is a table of cooking times for deep frying chicken legs:

How to deep fry chicken legs?

Deep frying chicken legs is a great way to create a delicious and crunchy meal. When deep frying, the temperature of the oil must be monitored carefully in order to ensure food safety and avoid burning or under-cooking the chicken.

Safety Precautions:

• Always use caution when frying food. The oil can be very hot and can cause serious burns if it splashes.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken legs. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken legs will not cook evenly and may be undercooked.
• Do not overcrowd the pot or fryer when frying the chicken legs. This will lower the temperature of the oil and the chicken legs will not cook evenly.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Drain the chicken legs on paper towels before serving. This will help to remove any excess oil.

Deep Fried Chicken Legs

This recipe for deep fried chicken legs is easy to follow and produces crispy, juicy chicken that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then fried in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

• 12 chicken legs drumsticks, or thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
• Dip each chicken leg in the flour mixture, then the cornstarch mixture, and then back into the flour mixture.
• Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
• Fry the chicken legs in batches for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Drain the chicken legs on paper towels before serving.

Notes

• For a crispier coating, double-dip the chicken legs in the flour mixture and cornstarch mixture.
• If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can fry the chicken legs in a large pot. Just make sure to use enough oil to cover the chicken legs by at least 1 inch.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the pot or fryer when frying the chicken legs. This will lower the temperature of the oil, and the chicken legs will not cook evenly.
• Serve the chicken legs with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Fat: 20 grams per serving
• Protein: 25 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams per serving

Keyword Deep Fried Chicken Legs, deep fry chicken legs

Related: How Long To Bake Chicken Drumsticks At 400? Easy Recipe

What type of oil should you use for frying?

The best oil for frying chicken legs is one that has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. This will help to ensure that the chicken legs cook evenly and that the oil does not impart any strong flavors to the chicken. Here are some oils that I use regularly:

• Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a very high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius), making it a good choice for frying foods that are prone to sticking, such as chicken nuggets. It also has a nutty flavor that can be delicious in certain dishes.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is also a good choice for frying. It has a high smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and a neutral flavor, which means that it will not impart any strong flavors to your food.
• Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is a versatile oil that is suitable for most frying applications. It has a high smoke point of 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (200-232 degrees Celsius).
• Corn oil: Corn oil has a high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) and a neutral flavor. It is a good choice for frying foods that are delicate, such as fish.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a very high smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit (271 degrees Celsius), making it a good choice for frying foods that require high heat, such as french fries. It also has a high monounsaturated fat content, which is considered to be a healthy fat.

Some oils, such as olive oil, have a low smoke point and should not be used for frying. When frying, it is important to use fresh, high-quality oil. This will help to ensure that your food is cooked evenly and that the oil does not become too cloudy or dark.

It is also important to discard the oil after frying a few batches of food. This is because the oil will break down over time and become less effective at frying food.

What flour should you use for deep frying?

The most commonly used flour for deep frying chicken is all-purpose flour. It has a moderate protein content that helps create a light and crunchy texture while absorbing less oil. All-purpose flour is readily available and works well for most deep-fried chicken recipes. 

However, if you want an even crispier and crunchier coating, you may consider combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Cornstarch adds extra crispness since it doesn’t absorb as much moisture as flour. A mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, usually in a 1:1 ratio, will result in a more delicate crust that stays crispy longer.

You can choose cake or self-rising flour for a lighter and airier texture. Cake flour contains less protein than all-purpose flour, producing a softer and more tender coating. On the other hand, self-rising flour has a leavening agent added, which helps create a slightly puffy and airy layer.

You can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you want a gluten-free option. Rice flour gives a delicate and light texture, while gluten-free flour blends, usually made with various gluten-free flour and starches, can mimic the texture of traditional flour.

Why is my fried chicken not crispy?

I’ve learned from my mistakes that have a few reasons why your fried chicken might not be crispy.

• The oil was not hot enough. The oil needs to be hot enough to cook the chicken quickly and evenly, without giving the moisture in the chicken a chance to escape. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb the oil and become soggy.
• The chicken was not dry enough before frying. Any moisture on the surface of the chicken will prevent the coating from forming a crispy crust. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it in flour.
• The chicken was not coated evenly. The coating needs to be applied evenly to all sides of the chicken in order to create a crispy crust. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in flour, and then dip it in egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.
• The chicken was fried for too long. If the chicken is fried for too long, the coating will start to break down and become soggy. Fry the chicken for the recommended amount of time, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Tips when making fried chicken legs

Here are some tips for making crispy fried chicken:

• Use a high-heat oil, such as peanut oil or vegetable oil. These oils have a high smoke point, which means that they can withstand high temperatures without burning.
• Preheat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and that the coating does not become soggy.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating it in flour. This will help to remove any excess moisture, which will prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
• Coat the chicken thoroughly in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.
• Fry the chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pot or fryer, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and the chicken will not cook evenly.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Drain the chicken on paper towels before serving. This will help to remove any excess oil.

How many calories are in a deep fry chicken legs?

The number of calories in a deep-fried chicken leg can vary depending on the size of the leg, the type of oil used, the cooking time…However, as a general rule, a deep-fried chicken leg typically contains around 200-300 calories.

Here is a table of approximate calorie counts for deep-fried chicken legs:

The best way to store deep fry chicken legs

The best way to store deep-fried chicken legs is to ensure they are adequately cooled before storage. After frying, let the chicken legs sit on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow excess oil to drain off. This will help prevent sogginess and maintain their crispy texture.

Once the chicken legs have cooled, storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag is important to minimize contact with air and moisture. This will help prevent the chicken legs from becoming dry or developing off-flavors. Ensure the container or bag is clean and dry before placing the chicken legs inside.

Storing cooked chicken legs in the fridge:

• Let the chicken legs cool completely before storing them. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Place the chicken legs in an airtight container or bag. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• Store the chicken legs in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Storing cooked chicken legs in the freezer:

• Let the chicken legs cool completely before freezing them. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Place the chicken legs in an airtight container or bag. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• Freeze the chicken legs for up to 3 months.

Can you eat fried chicken legs on diet?

Yes, you can eat fried chicken legs on a diet, but it is important to do so in moderation. Fried chicken legs are high in calories and fat, so it is important to make sure that you are not eating too many of them. If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to consider baking or grilling chicken legs instead of frying them.

Some tips for eating fried chicken legs on a diet:

• Eat smaller portions. A single chicken leg is typically around 200-300 calories, so it is important to eat smaller portions if you are trying to lose weight.
• Choose a healthier oil. When frying chicken legs, use a healthier oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. These oils have a higher smoke point, so they will not break down as easily and will not add as much unhealthy fat to your chicken.
• Drain the chicken on paper towels before serving. This will help to remove any excess oil.
• Pair the chicken legs with healthy sides. Serve the chicken legs with healthy sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad. This will help to balance out the calories and fat in the chicken legs.

Conclusion: How long to deep fry chicken legs?

The time it takes to fry chicken legs deep will vary depending on the size and hot your oil is before adding them. Generally, you should aim for 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. However, be sure to check the internal temperature of your chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it is cooked through before serving.

FAQ deep fry chicken legs

How do you keep chicken legs from bleeding when cooking?

To maximize the flavor of your chicken drumsticks, try a pre-frying brining process! Adding either liquid or dry rub solutions locks in moisture and gives you juicy bite with no traces of unsightly redness.

Can you overcook chicken legs?

An unwitting mistake that can be easily made, chicken legs sadly don’t stand a chance against an overly enthusiastic oven – when cooked for too long with dry heat methods like baking or roasting in the oven they are doomed to become overcooked!

How do you cook chicken legs without burning them?

If you’re grilling meat, there are a few steps to take before heating up the grill– steps that will save your meal from becoming an incinerated disaster. Before lighting it all up, give the grill surface some love with either oil or cooking spray and coat both sides of your chicken in something oily like marinade for maximum non-stick protection!

Why are my chicken legs bloody after cooking?

The purple marrow is a beautiful yet mysterious addition to meat, turning it an intense and vibrant hue. This coloring isn’t due to temperature change or any other external influence; rather, the myoglobin inside causes this reaction naturally as soon as cooked – permanently staining the bone with its inviting violet hues!

Why do chicken legs take so long to fry?

Light and juicy, or dark and rich? When it comes to chicken meat, white is the way to go if you’re in a hurry. However, for those who’d prefer something with an extra burst of flavor – try cooking up some boneless chicken thighs! These will take around 20-30 minutes at 350F; just be sure that they are devoured before their succulent goodness disappears entirely!

What causes rubbery chicken legs?

Rubbery chicken legs usually indicate the meat is overdone or was cooked with too high of a temperature – while frying, try to keep the temperature as low and constant as possible. A few steps you can take to ensure consistent cooking include using an accurate thermometer, lowering the heat once your oil reaches 375°F (190°C), and keeping a watchful eye on your bird.

What temperature should you deep fry chicken legs?

For the perfect deep-fried drumsticks, start by heating your cooking oil to between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit – an easy task with a trusty thermometer! Keep track of that temperature so you can ensure excellent results every time.

Does fried chicken legs float when done?

Make sure your oil is hot, but not smoking! For perfect frying results, take the chicken (or whatever else you’re cooking) out of the fridge about 20 minutes before heating up the pan – this will help it reach its optimal crispiness by allowing heat to spread evenly as it rises.

How do you know when fried chicken legs are done?

Give your chicken a crispy coating by leaving it to sauté until golden brown and irresistible. Take extra care when turning the pieces, making sure each side gets an equal opportunity to be cooked to perfection! When you think they’re done, make sure with a perfectly placed incision – if the juices flow clear and all is opaque within then dinner’s ready!

How long to cook chicken legs in deep fryer at 350?

Get ready for a delicious culinary adventure! Heat oil in your pan until it sizzles to 350 degrees and plop in the battered chicken legs. Turn them periodically as they fry, watching carefully as their batter crunches up into golden-brown pieces of perfection—you’ll know when 12 to 15 minutes have passed that these tasty treats are good enough for anyone’s dinner table!

Reference: Calories in Flour-coated & Fried Chicken Drumstick, with skin | CalorieKing