How Can I Fry Chicken Without Flour? A Guide to Crispy, Crunchy Chicken Sans Breadcrumbs

Fried chicken is a beloved dish across many cultures and cuisines. Who doesn’t love that crispy, crunchy coating enveloping juicy, flavorful meat? Traditionally, fried chicken is dredged in flour before hitting the hot oil. But what if you want to skip the flour for dietary reasons or just to try something new?

Yes, You Can Absolutely Fry Chicken Without Flour!

The good news is that you can absolutely achieve crisp, delicious fried chicken without a lick of flour. With a combination of creative coatings and proper technique, flourless fried chicken can deliver that signature crunch and become your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish.

Flourless Fried Chicken Coating Options

When frying chicken sans flour, you’ll need to leverage some other type of coating to replicate that light, crispy exterior. Several handy ingredients can step up to the plate

• Cornstarch – This fine, powdery starch becomes ultra-crisp when fried. It’s a popular alternative to flour dredging.

• Eggs – Eggs help adhere any dry coating to the chicken. Whisk eggs with a bit of water or milk for a thinner lighter layer.

• Tapioca starch – Also called tapioca flour, this starch creates an incredibly delicate, crispy crust.

• Rice flour – Rice flour offers a slightly denser, crunchier texture compared to cornstarch.

• Almond flour – Combined with Parmesan cheese and seasonings, almond flour makes a tasty baked coating.

• Panko breadcrumbs – For those who can tolerate gluten, panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispy crunch.

Tips and Techniques for Perfectly Fried Flourless Chicken

Frying chicken without a flour dredge requires a few special considerations:

• Dry the chicken well – Remove any excess moisture from the chicken before coating. This helps the coating adhere properly.

• Use enough oil – Fill your skillet or pot with 1-2 inches of high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil. This ensures even frying.

• Maintain oil temperature – Ideal frying temperature is 350-375°F. Invest in a deep fry or candy thermometer. Too low, and chicken will be greasy. Too high, and the outside will burn.

• Work in batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan, which brings down oil temperature. Fry chicken in manageable batches for best results.

• Let chicken rest – After frying, allow chicken to drain on a wire rack. This crisps the coating and prevents greasiness.

• Check internal temperature – Chicken should reach 165°F internally. Use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness.

• Consider double frying – For extra crunch, fry chicken once at a lower temp, let rest, then fry again at a higher temp.

Flourless Fried Chicken Recipes to Try

Here are some tasty recipes showcasing various flourless coatings:

• Cornstarch Chicken Bites – Toss chicken nuggets or tenders in cornstarch seasoned with salt, pepper and spices. Fry until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Rice Flour Fried Chicken – Whisk eggs with hot sauce and soy sauce for the coating. Dredge chicken pieces in a rice flour blend flavored with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne and salt. Fry in batches.

• Almond Flour Baked Chicken – Coat chicken in almond flour mixed with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

• Tapioca Crispy Chicken Wings – Toss wings in tapioca starch. Fry once at 300°F then again at 375°F for extra crispiness. Toss in your favorite sticky or spicy wing sauce.

• Cornflake Crusted Chicken – For kids and gluten-free folks, cornflakes make a fun, crunchy coating. Crush them up, then coat chicken pieces lightly dredged in egg. Pan fry or bake.

Serving Suggestions for Flourless Fried Chicken

You can’t go wrong pairing fried chicken with classic southern sides like:

• Coleslaw
• Biscuits
• Mashed potatoes
• Collard greens
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Baked beans

For lighter fare, fresh salads and roasted veggies also complement flourless fried chicken beautifully. Don’t skip the condiments – honey mustard, ranch dressing, hot sauce and barbecue sauce all beg to be drizzled over your crunchy chicken.

Answers to Common Questions About Frying Chicken Without Flour

If you’re new to flourless fried chicken, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I use all-purpose flour?

You can use all-purpose flour, but for a true flourless recipe, you’ll want to avoid flours made from wheat or other grains. Stick to starch-based coatings.

Is flourless fried chicken healthier?

It depends. Some flourless options may be lower carb, but fried chicken is still relatively high in fat and calories. Opt for healthier frying oils and enjoy in moderation.

What about breadcrumbs or panko?

Breadcrumb coatings aren’t completely flourless, but can add nice crunch. Look for gluten-free panko options if avoiding wheat.

Do I really need a thermometer for frying?

A deep fry or candy thermometer is strongly recommended to maintain optimal oil temperature. This prevents under or overcooking.

How do I get the coating to stick to the chicken?

Be sure to pat chicken very dry before coating. Use enough egg wash to evenly coat all surfaces. Press coating on firmly so it adheres.

Can I use an air fryer instead of frying?

Yes! Air fryers do a great job of creating crispy flourless chicken. Just adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed.

What oil is best for frying flourless chicken?

Opt for neutral, high smoke point oils like canola, vegetable, peanut or avocado oil. Avoid olive oil, which can burn.

Go Crispy and Crunchy with Fabulous Flourless Fried Chicken

With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can absolutely achieve mouthwatering fried chicken without dredging in flour. Explore the many coating options available, from cornstarch to almond flour and beyond. Just remember to keep the oil hot, work in batches and let the chicken rest before serving. Then dig in and enjoy your new favorite way to savor this comforting classic!