Fried chicken is one of the most popular dishes of all time. It is hearty and comforting. Fried chicken is also relatively easy to prepare and can be ready within a few minutes. However, you must know how to fry chicken at the right temperature and for the right amount of time to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.
Deep-frying chicken thighs can make the meat very juicy and give the outside a crunchy, flavorful crust that you can’t resist. To get the best balance of cooked inside and crispy outside, you need to pay close attention to things like oil temperature, preparation, cook times, and more.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about deep-frying chicken thighs, including how long you should fry them for to get them just right.
What is the Ideal Deep Frying Time for Chicken Thighs?
For boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, the best time to deep fry them is between 8 and 12 minutes at 350°F to 375°F. Bone-in chicken thighs take about 10 to 14 minutes longer to cook because the bone partially covers the meat and slows down the cooking process.
Thicker, meatier thighs may need closer to 14 minutes, while smaller or thinner ones will be done faster. The key is maintaining the oil at the proper temperature to crisp the exterior without overcooking.
Why Temperature Control Matters
The oil temperature plays a critical role in achieving the right texture when deep frying. If the temperature is too low, around 300°F or less, the chicken will absorb excess oil and end up greasy. The coating may also fail to get crisp.
If, on the other hand, the oil is too hot (above 375°F), the outside will burn before the inside is done. When you fry something at the right temperature, the crust stays crispy and the inside cooks to a safe level without drying out. Get a deep fry thermometer and keep a close eye on the temperature.
Properly Preparing Chicken Thighs for Deep Frying
To ensure the chicken fries up with a light, crispy crust, it helps to prep the thighs properly before cooking:
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Pat the thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture that can prevent crisping.
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Season generously with salt, pepper, spices, or a marinade for flavor.
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Coat lightly in flour or cornstarch for added crunch.
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Let sit at least 15 to 30 minutes after seasoning/coating to allow flavors to penetrate.
Proper prepping creates the foundation for delicious deep fried chicken thighs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Deep frying chicken thighs is simple, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid:
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Overcrowding the fryer, which lowers oil temp and prevents even cooking.
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Reusing old, oxidized oil, which impacts flavor.
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Not checking internal temp, resulting in under or overcooked meat.
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Frying on too high heat, so exterior burns before interior cooks.
With care and attention, you can avoid these issues.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done Frying
The best way to test doneness is by using an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, taking care to avoid bone. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F to 170°F to be safe to eat.
Visually, the meat will appear opaque throughout with no pink, and juices should run clear when poked with a fork or knife tip. The exterior will be golden brown and crispy.
If unsure, cut into a thigh to check the interior color and temp before removing the rest.
Tips for Extra Crispy, Crunchy Fried Chicken Thighs
If you want an ultra shatteringly crispy crust, these tips can help:
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Double fry the thighs, partially cooking then allowing to rest before a second final fry.
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Use breading like flavored breadcrumbs or panko for added crunch.
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Refrigerate breaded thighs before frying so coating adheres better.
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Fry in peanut oil for an extra crispy crust.
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Ensure oil is at correct temp before adding chicken so crust sets immediately.
With the right prep and fry time, you can achieve incredibly crispy, juicy deep fried chicken thighs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best oil to use for frying chicken thighs?
I recommend peanut, vegetable, canola, or corn oil for deep frying. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Do not use olive oil, as it can burn.
Should I brine or marinate thighs before frying?
Brining or marinating is optional, but can make the meat juicier and more flavorful. I’d recommend soaking for 30 mins to 4 hours. Pat dry before frying.
Is it ok to fry frozen chicken thighs?
No, always fully thaw thighs in the fridge before frying. Frozen chicken lowers the oil temp too much.
How can I get the crust extra crispy?
Use a breading, double fry, allow chicken to rest between fries, and fry at the proper oil temp for an ultra crispy crust.
How do I store leftover fried chicken thighs?
Place cooled fried thighs in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to restore crispness.
The Takeaway on Deep Frying Chicken Thighs
Perfectly deep fried chicken thighs have a crispy, flavorful crust and juicy, fully-cooked interior. Carefully control oil temperature, allow 8-14 minutes fry time depending on thickness, and use a thermometer to test doneness. With the proper technique, you can achieve restaurant-worthy deep fried chicken thighs easily at home.
How Long Do You Fry Chicken at 350 F?
There are two elements that you must take care of when cooking fried chicken thighs: cooking time and temperature. The ideal cooking temperature for frying chicken thighs is 350 degrees F. The length of time it takes to cook various chicken parts will vary based on the size of the cut.
The chart below can help you figure out how long and at what temperature to fry chicken thighs.
| Chicken Part | Cooking Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thigh | 350 F | 20 minutes |
| Chicken Wings | 375 F | 8-10 minutes |
| Chicken Strips | 350 F | 3-5 minutes |
| Chicken Drumstick | 375 F | 12-15 minutes |
Using this guideline, you will be able to estimate the amount of time it takes to cook chicken thighs and make sure that they are safe to consume.
How do You Tell if the Fried Chicken Thighs are Properly Cooked?
Frying is one of the best ways to cook chicken thighs. However, it is also possible to undercook the chicken using this method.
If the oil is too hot or the heat is too high, the chicken thigh might not be cooked all the way through. You can overcook the outside, but the inside of the meat might still be raw or slightly undercooked.
The best way to ensure that the fried chicken thighs are cooked fully is to use a digital thermometer. Insert the probe into the center part of the chicken. The temperature reading should be 165 degrees F. At this internal temperature, the chicken is cooked, and it is safe to eat.
Make sure to heat the oil up to 350 degrees F. Add the chicken thighs in small batches. If there are too many people in the pan, the oil temperature will drop, which will make the food cook unevenly. Make sure to cook a few pieces at a time.
You can tell if the fried chicken thigh is done based on the color of the exterior. When it is golden brown on the outside (after approximately 20 minutes of cooking), then it is ready.