7 Best Oils for Frying Chicken Wings to Get Perfectly Crispy Results
Choosing the right oil is crucial for crispy chicken wings. Consider smoke point, flavor, and price. Top picks include peanut, canola, avocado, sunflower, corn, coconut, and extra light olive oil.
Deep-fried chicken wings are a popular dish at gatherings, parties, and restaurants. To achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness, it is essential to choose the right oil for frying.
Frying oils are edible oils used in cooking methods that involve submerging food in hot oil. The ideal frying oil should have a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and produce smoke.
A higher smoke point ensures that the oil remains stable at high temperatures, preventing the formation of harmful substances and preserving the flavor of the food. Additionally, the oil should have a neutral flavor to avoid altering the taste of the fried wings.
When choosing an oil for frying chicken wings, there are several factors to consider:
- Smoke point: Choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure the oil remains stable at high temperatures.
- Flavor: Opt for a neutral-flavored oil to prevent altering the taste of the fried wings.
- Price: Since deep-frying requires a significant amount of oil, it’s wise to consider the cost of the oil you’ll be using.
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1. Peanut Oil
Smoke Point: 450 Degrees
Peanut oil is an affordable option and has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying chicken wings. It also prevents flavor transfer, ensuring that your wings maintain their delicious taste. Moreover, peanut oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.
2. Canola Oil
Smoke Point: 400 Degrees
With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, canola oil is excellent for frying chicken wings. Canola oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a healthier option compared to other oils.
3. Avocado Oil
Smoke Point: 520 Degrees
Avocado oil has the highest smoke point among the oils listed here, making it suitable for frying at high temperatures. Although it imparts a mild avocado flavor, it works well for fried desserts and can still be used for frying chicken wings if you don’t mind the subtle taste. However, note that avocado oil is more expensive than other options.
4. Sunflower Oil
Smoke Point: 440 Degrees
Sunflower oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it a good option for frying chicken wings. It is also rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, which can benefit heart health. However, it is worth noting that sunflower oil is not as widely available as other options.
5. Corn Oil
Smoke Point: 450 Degrees
Corn oil is an affordable and readily available option for frying chicken wings. With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, it’s suitable for achieving crispy wings without altering their taste. However, corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which may contribute to inflammation if consumed in large amounts.
6. Coconut Oil
Smoke Point: 450 Degrees
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and healthy fats, making it a healthier option for deep-frying compared to other oils. It is also odorless and flavorless, ensuring that your chicken wings maintain their delicious taste. Keep in mind that coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, so you’ll need to melt it before use.
7. Olive Oil
Smoke Point: 410 Degrees (Extra Light)
Extra light olive oil has a high smoke point and mild flavor, making it suitable for frying chicken wings. It is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, contributing to its reputation as a heart-healthy oil. However, extra light olive oil can be more expensive than other options.
Preparation and Coating Tips for Making Irresistibly Crispy Wings
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect oil for frying your chicken wings, here are some tips to help you achieve optimal crispiness:
Selecting and Seasoning the Wings
Choose fresh, high-quality chicken wings and pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Season your wings generously with your preferred spices or marinade, ensuring even coverage. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Coating the Wings
For extra crispy wings, coat them in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings before frying. The cornstarch helps create a light, crispy texture while the flour adds structure. You can also use breadcrumbs or panko for a different type of crunch.
Baking or Air Frying to Achieve Optimal Crispiness
If you prefer to avoid deep-frying, you can still achieve crispy wings by baking or air frying. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and bake the wings for 45-50 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, use an air fryer to cook your wings at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which oil is best for frying chicken wings?
The best oils for frying chicken wings are those with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil.
Can you fry wings in vegetable oil?
Yes, you can fry wings in vegetable oil, as it has a high smoke point and works well for frying at temperatures between 350-375°F.
What oil does KFC use?
KFC switched to low-linolenic soybean oil in 2006. They formerly used vegetable oil for frying, including soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil, and still use some other oils for different tasks (it’s Chik-Fil-A that is a stickler to only peanut oil).
What is the best oil to fry with?
The best oil to fry with is one that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, as these oils can handle the high temperatures required for frying.
What is the best oil to use for deep frying?
The best oil for deep frying is vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, as they have high smoke points. Additionally, grapeseed oil is another option to consider.
Is it better to deep fry with oil or fat?
The question being asked is whether it is preferable to deep fry with oil or fat. When it comes to deep frying, food is immersed in hot fat, which used to be primarily lard but is now typically oil. This differs from shallow frying in a pan, where only a small amount of oil is used.
What oil has the highest smoke point?
The oil with the highest smoke point is avocado oil (refined) at a temperature range of 480-520°F, followed by safflower oil at 450-500°F, canola oil at 400-475°F, soybean oil at 450°F, refined sunflower oil at 450°F, refined peanut oil at 450°F, and refined coconut oil at 400-450°F.
What is the best oil for deep-frying without taste?
The best oil for deep-frying without taste is soybean oil. It is a neutral-flavored vegetable oil that is an excellent choice for deep frying. You can cook a variety of dishes, such as breaded shrimp or traditional funnel cakes, without introducing any conflicting flavors.
What is the best oil for crispy chicken wings?
The best oil for achieving crispy chicken wings is one that can withstand temperatures of 350-375°F. Vegetable or canola oil are both suitable options, and you can also consider using peanut oil. It is important to work in batches when frying the wings, especially if you are preparing a large quantity, to avoid rushing the cooking process.
Do chicken wings float when done?
Chicken wings will begin to float when they are done. As long as they are not overcrowded in the pot or deep fryer, the wings should start rising to the top of the oil. It is important to note that wings that remain at the bottom are not yet cooked, so ensure that the oil is at a high enough temperature to properly bubble and cook the wings.
Does frying in peanut oil taste better?
Frying in peanut oil does taste better due to its pleasant and occasionally subtle nutty flavor. Moreover, peanut oil is an excellent choice for deep-frying as it possesses a distinctive characteristic – it does not absorb the flavors of other foods cooked in it.
Is it OK to fry chicken in vegetable oil?
It is perfectly acceptable to fry chicken in vegetable oil. We suggest using vegetable oil for deep frying as it has a high smoke point and can be reused. After frying, allow the oil to cool completely, strain it, and store it for future use. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is canola oil better than vegetable oil?
Canola oil is considered better than vegetable oil because it has a higher ratio of monounsaturated fat to saturated fat, is free of trans fats, and is considered more heart-healthy. Canola oil contains only 1 gram of saturated fat per tablespoon, whereas vegetable oil has 2 grams. Additionally, vegetable oil is typically the more cost-effective option compared to canola oil.
What pan is best for frying chicken in oil?
The best pan for frying chicken in oil is a large, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. To prevent sticking, it is important to wait until the skillet is hot before adding the chicken and using medium-high heat. Allow the chicken to cook on one side without turning until it is properly browned.
What oil does Mcdonald’s use?
McDonald’s uses a canola-blend oil to cook their fries, ensuring they are crispy and hot, just the way you like them. If you’re interested in learning more about the ingredients and flavoring of our fries, we can provide you with all the details.
How many times can you use peanut oil to fry chicken?
The peanut oil can be used three or four times to fry chicken before it starts showing signs of deterioration, such as foaming, darkening, or excessive smoking. To prevent the oil from becoming rancid, it should be covered and refrigerated.
Is canola oil good for deep frying?
Canola oil is a suitable option for deep frying as it has a high smoke point of around 400˚, which is ideal for deep-frying various foods that require oil temperatures between 325˚ and 375˚. Additionally, canola oil is versatile and can be used for other cooking methods such as roasting vegetables or creating dressings.
What kind of oil do you use to fry chicken?
The oil options suitable for frying chicken include vegetable oil, canola oil, lard, and vegetable shortening (Crisco). However, it is important to note that extra virgin olive oil may not be the best choice due to its varying smoke point (ranging from 350℉ to 410℉) and its potential impact on the flavor and cost of the fried chicken.
Does frying chicken in olive oil change the flavor?
Frying chicken in olive oil can change the flavor depending on how it is cooked. If the olive oil is burned, it may result in a bitter and burnt taste, which may not be enjoyable for some individuals. However, if the chicken is fried below the smoke point of the olive oil, it can yield a delicious and flavorful taste.
Can you reuse oil after deep frying chicken wings?
Yes, oil can be reused after deep frying chicken wings. It is a fantastic method to reduce waste. Once the oil has cooled down, strain it using a fine mesh sieve that is lined with a few layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter. This will effectively remove any remaining food particles.
