Fried chicken lovers often seek the perfect crunch that golden, crispy coating that holds flavor and texture in every bite. Many home cooks and chefs use various ingredients to achieve this result, but one that frequently comes up is cornstarch. The question arises: does cornstarch make chicken crispy? The answer lies in how cornstarch behaves when cooked, especially when combined with other ingredients like flour and seasoning. Understanding the role of cornstarch in frying chicken can help improve your cooking results and elevate your homemade fried chicken game.
What Is Cornstarch and How Does It Work?
The Basics of Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a fine, powdery starch made from the endosperm of corn kernels. It is commonly used in cooking as a thickening agent for sauces, gravies, and soups. However, cornstarch also plays an important role in frying. It forms a light, crisp crust when exposed to high heat, which is why it is used in many Asian dishes like crispy chicken, beef, or tofu.
Why Cornstarch Becomes Crispy
When cornstarch is used to coat chicken and then fried, it reacts with the hot oil to form a dry and crunchy surface. Unlike wheat flour, which contains gluten and can become soggy or dense when overused, cornstarch creates a drier coating that allows moisture to stay trapped inside the chicken while the outside becomes crunchy. This contrast is what makes fried chicken both juicy and crispy.
How to Use Cornstarch for Crispy Chicken
As a Dry Coating
One simple way to use cornstarch is as a standalone dry coating. Just dredge your seasoned chicken pieces directly in cornstarch before frying. This method is especially effective for small cuts of chicken like wings, tenders, or nuggets.
In Combination with Flour
Many cooks combine cornstarch with all-purpose flour to get the best of both worlds. While flour adds structure and body, cornstarch adds lightness and crispiness. A common ratio is 50% flour and 50% cornstarch, but some recipes use 2 parts flour to 1 part cornstarch depending on the desired crunch.
With a Wet Batter
Cornstarch can also be added to a wet batter mixture that includes water, eggs, or other liquids. This creates a light, airy coating that crisps up beautifully when fried. It’s often used in recipes like Korean fried chicken or tempura-style dishes.
Benefits of Using Cornstarch in Fried Chicken
Crispier Texture
The primary benefit of using cornstarch is the improved texture it gives to fried chicken. The coating becomes crispier and stays that way longer, even after resting for a few minutes. This is especially helpful when cooking in batches.
Lighter Crust
Cornstarch produces a thinner and lighter crust compared to flour alone. This is ideal for people who want crispy chicken without a heavy breading.
Better Color
Fried chicken made with cornstarch tends to brown more evenly and develop a golden, appetizing color. This is due to the way cornstarch reacts in hot oil, especially when paired with a touch of sugar or baking powder in the dredge.
Common Mistakes When Using Cornstarch
Using Only Cornstarch Without Seasoning
Cornstarch itself is flavorless, so it’s essential to season your chicken or dredge mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other spices. This ensures your chicken is not only crispy but also tasty.
Not Drying the Chicken First
Before coating the chicken with cornstarch, make sure it’s dry. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking well and may cause the oil to splatter during frying. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying any coating.
Frying at the Wrong Temperature
Oil that is too hot will burn the coating before the chicken cooks inside. Oil that is too cold will cause the chicken to absorb too much oil and become greasy. The ideal temperature for frying chicken with cornstarch is around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for best results.
Different Ways to Fry Cornstarch-Coated Chicken
Deep Frying
This method submerges the chicken completely in hot oil, resulting in even crispiness. It’s the most common way to get restaurant-quality fried chicken using cornstarch.
Shallow Frying
In this method, chicken pieces are fried in a smaller amount of oil, turning them halfway through. It’s great for smaller batches or boneless cuts. Cornstarch works well in shallow frying, though the coating may not be as uniform.
Air Frying
Though not identical to deep frying, air frying can still produce crispy chicken if the coating includes cornstarch. Spray the chicken lightly with oil to help the crust brown and crisp in the air fryer.
Asian-Inspired Uses of Cornstarch for Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is known for its ultra-crispy coating and thin, crackly crust. This is often achieved using a batter or dredge made with a high amount of cornstarch. Sometimes, potato starch is added for an extra crunch.
Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken
In Chinese cuisine, cornstarch is used in a technique called velveting, where chicken is marinated with cornstarch and egg white before stir-frying. This helps retain moisture and adds a light crust when seared in a hot wok.
Alternatives to Cornstarch for Crispy Chicken
If cornstarch is not available, there are a few alternatives that also create a crispy coating:
- Potato starch often used in Asian recipes, slightly more resilient to moisture than cornstarch
- Rice flour provides a light and crispy texture, common in tempura
- All-purpose flour when combined with baking powder or baking soda, it can produce a lighter crust
- Bread crumbs or panko offer a crunchy and textured crust but are heavier than starch coatings
So, does cornstarch make chicken crispy? Yes, it certainly does. Whether used on its own, mixed with flour, or as part of a batter, cornstarch plays a significant role in creating a light, crunchy, and golden coating on fried chicken. It’s a simple ingredient that can dramatically improve your frying results, giving you that satisfying crunch you crave. By understanding how to use cornstarch effectively and avoiding common mistakes, you can bring restaurant-quality fried chicken into your own kitchen. Experiment with different combinations and techniques to find the perfect crispy chicken that suits your taste.