Fried Chicken > How long do you cook fried chicken legs
How Long Do You Cook Fried Chicken Legs?
Fried chicken legs are a delicious, juicy and crispy treat that are enjoyed by many. But knowing how long to cook them is key to getting that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. Here’s a guide to fried chicken leg cooking times and tips for ensuring they turn out just right.
How Long Do You Cook Fried Chicken Legs?
The exact frying time for bone-in chicken legs will vary slightly depending on their size. But in general:
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- Fried chicken legs at 350°F will take 15-18 minutes to cook through.
- Fried chicken legs at 375°F will take 12-15 minutes to fully cook.
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What are fried chicken legs?
Fried chicken legs are one of the most delicious and flavorful cuts of a fried chicken. They consist of the full leg portion including both the drumstick and thigh still attached to each other by the skin. This can be the whole leg or leg quarters cut from a whole chicken. Chicken legs have more fat, collagen, and flavor than chicken breasts.
When fried, the skin becomes perfectly crispy and seasoned while the dark meat of the thigh remains juicy and tender. The bones add even more flavor. Fried chicken legs are coated in flour, cornstarch, or batter before being fried in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. They make for a crunchy, juicy and comforting fried chicken meal or snack.
How long does it take to fry chicken legs at 350?
At a frying temperature of 350°F, bone-in chicken legs will take approximately 15-18 minutes to cook through fully. The exact time can vary a bit depending on the size and thickness of the legs. Smaller legs may cook faster closer to 15 minutes, while larger or meatier legs may need closer to 18 minutes.
Use a thermometer to test doneness, and adjust the frying time up or down if needed. For food safety, chicken legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before removing them from the hot oil.
How long to deep fry chicken legs at 375?
When deep frying chicken legs at a higher oil temperature of 375°F, they will cook faster and the frying time will be slightly less. At 375°F, bone-in chicken legs will take approximately 12-15 minutes to fully cook.
Legs that are on the smaller side may hit 165°F in 12 minutes at this hotter temperature. Larger or meatier legs may need the full 15 minutes for the heat to penetrate all the way through. It’s important to still verify doneness by thermometer for food safety.
Key Tips for Fried Chicken Legs
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- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and frying for crisper skin.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness – chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan which can lower the oil temperature.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after frying before serving.
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How do you know when fried chicken legs are done?
There are a few ways to test if fried chicken legs are fully cooked and ready to eat. The most reliable is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F. When pierced with a thermometer, the thickest part of the meat should show 165°F.
You can also check visually – the chicken skin should be a deep golden brown and crispy looking when done. If you cut into the meat near the bone, it should be white throughout with no traces of pink. The juices should run clear rather than red or pink when the meat is pierced or cut. If there is any doubt, continue cooking until the proper internal temperature is reached.
So, How long do fried chicken legs take to cook?
Fried chicken legs take 12-18 minutes to cook thoroughly depending on the oil temperature. At 350°F, bone-in chicken legs will be fully cooked and safe to eat after frying for 15-18 minutes. With oil at a higher 375°F temperature, they will finish cooking in 12-15 minutes.
The most accurate way to tell when fried chicken legs are done is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, the skin will be golden brown and crispy when fully cooked.
Adjust frying time slightly up or down based on the size of the legs. But allow at least 12 minutes for safety.
FAQs
How long until fried chicken is done?
It typically takes 15-18 minutes to fry bone-in chicken legs at 350°F oil temperature. At a hotter oil temp of 375°F, fried chicken legs will cook through in 12-15 minutes. The exact frying time can vary based on the size of the legs and your desired level of crispiness.
The best way to know precisely when they are done is to use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked for food safety before removing it from the hot oil. Visually, the skin will be browned and crispy when fried chicken legs are fully cooked.
How long should I marinate chicken legs before frying?
For maximum flavor and juiciness, marinate the chicken legs for 2-12 hours in buttermilk, spices, or your favorite marinade.
Can you bake fried chicken legs instead?
Yes, bake chicken legs at 425°F for 40-50 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Coat in breadcrumbs or flour before baking.
What oil is best for frying chicken legs?
For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like peanut, vegetable or canola oil. Avoid olive oil as it can burn.
What’s the best way to keep fried chicken legs crispy?
Try frying in batches to maintain oil temperature. Drain on a wire rack, and don’t cover fried chicken right away so steam doesn’t make it soggy.
So in summary, allow 15-18 minutes of frying time for bone-in chicken legs at 350°F or 12-15 minutes at 375°F. Use a thermometer to guarantee doneness and enjoy your crispy, juicy fried chicken!
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