Discover the best oils for cooking chicken, with a focus on algae oil’s high smoke point and health benefits.
Fried chicken is a favorite dish for many people — it’s loved for its crispy outside and juicy, tasty meat! The type of oil you use is important for getting that perfect fry; it affects not just the taste and texture, but also how healthy the meal is.
While the best oil to fry chicken can mean different things to different cooks, ranging from smoke point to flavor, many people seek oils that offer additional advantages, such as promoting heart health or providing essential nutrients.
In this article, we’ll help you find the perfect option for your next fried chicken feast.
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people across the world. When done right, it’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. But achieving fried chicken perfection starts with choosing the right oil.
I’ve fried hundreds of chickens in my career as a chef. Through trial, error, and talking with fellow frying fanatics, I’ve learned what makes an oil ideal for frying chicken In this article, I’ll share everything I know to help you unlock the secrets to crispy, mouthwatering fried chicken.
Oil Properties to Look For
When selecting an oil for frying chicken there are a few key properties to consider
High Smoke Point: To begin to burn and smoke, an oil must reach its smoke point. You need oil with a smoke point of at least 400°F to fry. That way, the oil can get hot enough to fry chicken without getting burned.
Neutral Flavor – A neutral tasting oil allows the flavor of the chicken and any seasonings or breading to shine, Oils with strong flavors can overpower the chicken
Stability – The oil should be stable at high heats so it doesn’t break down. Look for oils high in monounsaturated and saturated fats.
Affordability – Opt for reasonably priced oils so you can use enough to submerge the chicken without breaking the bank.
The Contenders: Popular Oils for Frying Chicken
Now let’s explore some top options that check the boxes for great fried chicken oil:
Refined Peanut Oil
My personal favorite, peanut oil has a high smoke point of 450°F and a mild, nutty flavor that complements chicken beautifully. It produces the crispiest skin I’ve found, while resisting flavor transfer. Though pricier than other oils, a little goes a long way.
Canola Oil
An all-purpose, neutral oil that’s great for bringing out the flavors of spices and breading It has a 400°F smoke point and is readily available. One bad thing is that if the temperature isn’t right, it can make chicken greasy. But it’s budget-friendly and easy to find.
Vegetable Oil
Most vegetable oil is a mix of oils like canola, soybean, and corn. It has a neutral taste and a smoke point between 400 and 450°F. It’s the cheapest choice, but each brand may have different quality and taste. It gets the job done but won’t elevate your chicken.
Corn Oil
With a smoke point of 450°F, corn oil imparts a subtle sweetness that complements chicken. However, some find the flavor overpowering. It’s inexpensive but beware its high omega-6 content.
Avocado Oil
A newer player that is becoming more popular because it has a light, nutty flavor and a very high smoke point of about 520°F. It adds beneficial heart-healthy fats. The downside is it’s pricier than other oils. Worth splurging on occasionally.
Algae Oil
Algae oil is my new go-to for healthy fried chicken. Made from algae, it has a light, neutral taste. And it boasts a whopping 25% more heart-healthy oleic acid (omega-9) than olive oil. With its high smoke point and frying performance, algae oil lets me indulge in fried chicken guilt-free.
Oils to Avoid for Frying Chicken
On the flip side, some oils are poor choices for frying chicken due to low smoke points or strong flavors:
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Butter – Delicious but burns easily with its low 300°F smoke point. Better for finishing or baking.
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Olive Oil – Extra virgin has a bold flavor that overpowers chicken. Refined olive oil works better but still has a relatively low smoke point.
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Flaxseed Oil – Extremely low 225°F smoke point means it oxidizes at frying temperatures.
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Unrefined Sesame Oil – Distinctive flavor and low smoke point make it a poor frying oil. Opt for refined sesame oil.
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Coconut Oil – Although high in saturated fats, coconut oil’s strong flavor is often overbearing in fried chicken.
Fryer Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve selected your oil, proper frying technique is equally important. Here are some of my best tips:
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Maintain oil temperature between 325-375°F. Use a thermometer and adjust heat accordingly.
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Allow chicken to come to room temp before frying for even cooking.
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Pat chicken dry then coat evenly in flour, breadcrumbs, or batter.
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Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding.
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Let chicken drain on a wire rack or paper towels after frying.
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Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after frying for juicier meat.
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Strain and store oil after each use. Discard after 3-4 uses once it smells, smokes early, or looks very dark.
Get Crispy Fried Chicken Tonight
The quest for the perfect fried chicken is a noble one. Hopefully these tips help you zero in on an oil that fits your tastes and budget. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options to find your soulmate frying medium. Just follow basic oil best practices, pay close attention as you fry, and have fun! Before you know it, you’ll have mastered the art of juicy, crispy fried chicken that would make the Colonel proud. Now get crackin’ and fry up a batch tonight – your taste buds will thank you.
What’s the Best Oil for Frying Chicken?
People who like fried chicken, people who care about their health, and people who are just generally careful about what they eat should all use algae oil to cook chicken.
With its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and richness in omega-9 fatty acids (which have anti-inflammatory properties) algae oil ensures a perfectly crispy fry. It’s also a healthier alternative to many traditional frying oils since it’s low in saturated fat ❶.
Algae Cooking Clubs chef-grade algae oil is the best oil to fry chicken in. It contains 25% more healthy omega-9 monounsaturated fat than olive and avocado oil because it is made through a clean fermentation process instead of farming. Plus, it’s a low environmental impact choice.
Other Oils for Frying Chicken
Each of these oils has unique qualities that make them good for frying chicken, so the best choice depends on your tastes and cooking needs. Well look at the differences in their flavor, smoke point, and health effects to help you choose:
- Canola Oil. The smoke point is 400 to 475°F, and it doesn’t taste too strong. This makes it the best oil for frying wings. But there are some worries about how it is made because most canola oil is chemically refined and may contain trans fats, which are bad for your heart if you eat too much of them.
- Refined Peanut Oil. Refined peanut oil is great for frying chicken because it has a high smoke point of 450°F. Its nutty flavor gives it a unique taste and keeps the chicken from getting too much of the flavor. It also has a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation if you don’t balance them out with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Refined Coconut Oil. It has a smoke point between 400 and 450°F, a lot of lauric acid, and healthy fats. It has no smell and a light flavor. That being said, keep in mind that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, so use it in moderation.
Best Oils for Frying Chicken
FAQ
Which oil is best for frying chicken?
So, when frying chicken, you want to choose an oil that is considered neutral so that it doesn’t alter the flavors you’ve used to season and prep your meat. And for that reason, olive oil is out. Canola and corn oil are good examples of neutral oils that are great for frying chicken.
What oil do KFC fry their chicken in?
KFC typically uses a blend of vegetable oils for frying their chicken, with canola oil and palm oil being common components. The exact blend can vary by location and over time based on supply and cost considerations.
Is Crisco or vegetable oil better for frying chicken?
Melted shortening (ie, Crisco) really is better than cooking oil.
What is the best thing to fry chicken in?
This crispy fried chicken recipe calls for paprika (which helps with browning), salt, and pepper. You can add more spices and seasonings to taste. Vegetable oil is perfect for frying chicken because it has a high smoke point.