Corn Starch Or Flour For Fried Chicken
If you love fried chicken, you may have wondered if you should use corn starch or flour to coat your chicken. Both can be used to create a crispy coating, but which one is better? In this article, we'll explore the differences between corn starch and flour and help you decide which one to use for your next batch of fried chicken.
Corn Starch Vs. Flour: What's The Difference?
Corn starch and flour are both used as thickeners, but they have different properties when it comes to frying. Corn starch is a fine, powdery substance made from the endosperm of the corn kernel. It's flavorless and has a neutral color, which makes it a great choice for coating foods without altering their taste or appearance.
Flour, on the other hand, is made from wheat and has a more distinct flavor and color. When used as a coating for fried foods, it can give them a slightly nutty taste and a golden brown color.
Texture
One of the biggest differences between corn starch and flour is the texture of the final product. Corn starch creates a very crispy coating that tends to be lighter and less dense than a flour coating. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on your personal preference.
Flour creates a denser, crunchier coating that some people prefer. It also tends to stick to the chicken better than corn starch, which can make for a more even coating.
Health Benefits
When it comes to health benefits, corn starch is the better choice. It has fewer calories and is lower in carbohydrates than flour. It's also gluten-free, which makes it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Flour, on the other hand, is higher in calories and carbohydrates. It's also not gluten-free, which can be a problem for some people.
Cooking Temperature
Corn starch and flour have different cooking temperatures, which can affect the final product. Corn starch tends to cook faster than flour, which can make it easier to overcook your chicken. It also has a lower smoking point, which means it can burn more quickly when frying at high temperatures.
Flour has a higher smoking point, which makes it better suited for high-temperature frying. It also tends to cook more slowly than corn starch, which can give you more control over the final product.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Use?
So, which one should you use for your fried chicken? It ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you want a light, crispy coating, go with corn starch. If you prefer a denser crunch and a slightly nutty taste, go with flour.
Regardless of which one you choose, make sure to season your coating well with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. And don't be afraid to experiment with different coatings until you find the one that you love.