FOOD NEWS
Make Fried Chicken Even Crispier With A Sweet Secret
BY JOHN TOLLEY
There are myriad ways to boost the crunchy coating of fried chicken, including the addition of powdered sugar, a confectioner's go-to that adds depth and body to your chicken.
When added to wheat flour and other ingredients, powdered sugar brings a touch of sweetness that counteracts the salty, sour notes of the fried chicken marinade.
Since you're adding just a bit of finely ground sugar to the flour and spice mixture, the fried chicken comes out subtly sweet and irresistibly crunchy rather than candied.
The all-purpose flour is high in protein, so it burns easier at high heat. When a portion of it is replaced with sugar, it withstands the heat better, reaching maximum crispiness.
As a bonus, powdered sugar contains cornstarch as an anti-clumping agent, which further develops the texture of the fried chicken, elevating the crunchy experience.