Fried Chicken > Can you make fried chicken with almond flour
Can You Make Fried Chicken with Almond Flour?
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food for many, but traditional fried chicken batters contain wheat flour which doesn’t work for those on gluten-free, paleo, or keto diets. Luckily, there are great alternatives to traditional flours like almond flour that can be used to achieve deliciously crispy fried chicken.
Can You Make Fried Chicken with Almond Flour?
Yes, almond flour can be used to make delicious crispy fried chicken. Almond flour contains no gluten, so it works great as a fried coating for those on gluten-free, paleo, or keto diets. The key is to use a thin layer of super finely ground almond flour so it gets ultra crispy when fried. Dredge the chicken in flour, then egg wash, then back into the almond flour before frying in hot oil. The almond flour will develop a wonderfully crunchy texture.
Related post: Can you make fried chicken in the air fryer?
What is Almond Flour?
Almond flour is made from blanched, ground almonds. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is naturally gluten-free. Almond flour contains healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It has a finer texture than traditional wheat flour. Almond flour can be used for baking, and also works great as a crispy coating for fried foods like chicken.
Does Almond Flour Get Crispy When Frying?
Yes, almond flour can get very crispy when used to coat foods for frying. The key is to use a thin layer of almond flour so that the exterior gets crispy while the interior of the chicken cooks through. Almond flour is best used along with eggs and seasoning to create a fried coating that crisps up nicely in the hot oil.
How to Make Fried Chicken with Almond Flour?
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- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices like paprika or cayenne.
- Set up a dredging station with separate shallow dishes for the flour, egg wash, and almond flour coating.
- Dredge seasoned chicken pieces in almond flour first, coating all sides. Dip in egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then dredge in almond flour again, pressing to adhere.
- In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1⁄2 inch of oil to 350°F. Carefully add coated chicken pieces and fry for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate. Season again with salt if desired.
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Tips for Crispy Almond Flour Fried Chicken
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- Use blanched, super finely ground almond flour for best results.
- Allow chicken pieces to sit 5-10 minutes after breading to help the coating adhere.
- Use a thin layer of flour so it gets ultra crispy, not thick and bready.
- Let the oil come fully up to temperature before frying.
- Don’t crowd the pan so the chicken crisps up instead of steaming.
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Almond flour makes a great gluten-free alternative to crispy fried chicken. With the right techniques, you can achieve crunch and flavor that rivals traditional fried chicken. Give this easy almond flour fried chicken recipe a try for your next gluten-free meal!
FAQs
Is almond flour good to fry with?
Almond flour is an excellent flour to use for frying foods like chicken, fish, or vegetables. Because it’s made from blanched almonds, almond flour has a low moisture content which allows it to get crispy and golden brown when fried. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with many foods. The nutty taste also complements fried dishes. Using a light coating of almond flour gives just the right amount of crunch without being bready.
Does almond flour get crispy when frying?
Yes, almond flour develops a delightful crispy texture when used as a coating for fried foods. The key is to apply a thin, even layer of almond flour so that the exterior gets crispy before the inside overcooks. Almond flour contains very little gluten, which allows it to get crunchy when fried unlike flours with more gluten which get doughy. Letting the breaded item sit for 5-10 minutes helps the almond flour adhere and get maximum crispness during frying.
What flour is best for crispy fried chicken?
For gluten-free crispy fried chicken, almond flour is one of the best options. It achieves a crackling crunch without any wheat. Cornstarch also makes a great coating for extra crispy fried chicken. When using traditional flours, all-purpose has enough gluten to provide great adhesion and crispy texture on fried chicken. Avoid using cake or pastry flours which have too little gluten.
What can I use to fry chicken without flour?
If avoiding all flours, ingredients like crushed pork rinds, almond meal, corn flakes, or panko breadcrumbs make great coatings for crispy fried chicken. You can also use starch alternatives like potato, tapioca, or arrowroot starch. Just make sure to apply a very thin layer of any flour-free coating so it gets ultra crispy when frying. Letting the chicken rest before frying helps the coating stick.
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