Are you looking for a healthier and gluten-free alternative to traditional flour when making fried chicken? Look no further than arrowroot powder!
This versatile ingredient has been gaining popularity as a substitute for cornstarch and flour in cooking and baking. Not only is it a great thickener, but it also leaves food glossy and clear, unlike the cloudy and opaque finish of cornstarch.
In this article, we’ll explore how arrowroot powder can be used to create a crispy and delicious coating for fried chicken. Whether you prefer deep-frying, air-frying, or baking your chicken, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow recipes.
So, let’s get started on this culinary adventure with arrowroot powder!
Can Arrowroot Powder Replace Flour In Fried Chicken?
The short answer is yes, arrowroot powder can replace flour in fried chicken. In fact, it can be a healthier and gluten-free alternative to traditional flour.
Arrowroot powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a thickener and a coating for fried foods. It has a neutral taste and leaves a glossy finish on food, making it an excellent substitute for cornstarch and flour.
When it comes to fried chicken, arrowroot powder can be used in place of flour to create a crispy and delicious coating. You can use it alone or mix it with other flours like almond flour, tapioca flour, or potato starch to achieve the desired texture.
To use arrowroot powder as a coating for fried chicken, start by brining the chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and spices. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Next, dredge the chicken in a mixture of arrowroot powder and spices. Arrowroot powder is silky smooth and won’t burn as easily as almond-based flour, making it an excellent choice for frying.
You can deep-fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown or use an air fryer or oven to achieve a crispy exterior without the added oil. We’ve included recipes for all three methods so you can choose which one works best for you.
What Is Arrowroot Powder And How Does It Work In Cooking?
Arrowroot powder is a grain-free starch that is extracted from the root of the arrowroot plant, Maranta arundinacea. It is commonly used as a thickener in cooking and baking applications due to its ability to add structure and texture to recipes. Additionally, arrowroot powder is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly, making it an excellent substitute for traditional flours.
When combined with a liquid, arrowroot powder turns into a thick and flavorless mixture that can boost the structure of any recipe in just seconds. It is an excellent alternative to cornstarch and leaves food glossy and clear, unlike cornstarch, which has a slight taste and leaves food cloudy and opaque.
In fried chicken recipes, arrowroot powder can replace flour to create a crispy coating. When mixed with other flours like almond flour, tapioca flour, or potato starch, it can achieve the desired texture while remaining gluten-free. Arrowroot powder is silky smooth and won’t burn as easily as almond-based flour, making it an excellent choice for frying.
The Benefits Of Using Arrowroot Powder Instead Of Flour In Fried Chicken
Using arrowroot powder instead of flour in fried chicken has several benefits. Firstly, arrowroot powder is a gluten-free and grain-free alternative to flour, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or on a paleo diet. It is also vegan-friendly and paleo-friendly.
Arrowroot powder is known for its neutral taste, which means it won’t overpower the flavors of the chicken or other spices you use. This makes it an ideal choice for coating fried chicken, as it allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine through.
Another benefit of using arrowroot powder is that it creates a crispy and crunchy coating on the chicken without being greasy or heavy. Arrowroot powder is also a healthier alternative to traditional flour as it contains more fiber, potassium, iron and B vitamins, which can help with digestion, metabolism, circulation and heart health.
Finally, arrowroot powder is easy to work with and can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. It can be mixed with other flours or used alone to create a crispy coating on fried chicken or other fried foods. It can also be used as a thickener in soups, sauces and desserts, making it a versatile ingredient to have on hand in your pantry.
How To Use Arrowroot Powder To Coat Fried Chicken
If you’re looking to use arrowroot powder to coat your fried chicken, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure that your chicken turns out crispy and delicious.
First, prepare your chicken by marinating it in a mixture of salt, spices, and beaten eggs. This will help the arrowroot powder stick to the chicken and create a crispy coating.
Next, prepare your arrowroot powder mixture by combining it with your desired spices in a shallow dish or bowl. You can also mix the arrowroot powder with other flours like almond flour or potato starch for added texture and flavor.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the arrowroot mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour before frying the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
If you prefer a healthier option, you can also use an air fryer or oven to cook your chicken with the arrowroot coating. Simply place the coated chicken on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket and cook until crispy and cooked through.
Recipe 1: Crispy Deep-Fried Arrowroot Powder Chicken
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the arrowroot powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
4. Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note: If you prefer to use an air fryer or oven, preheat the oven to 400°F or the air fryer to 375°F. Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Recipe 2: Healthy Air-Fried Arrowroot Powder Chicken
If you’re looking for a healthier option for fried chicken, try this recipe for air-fried arrowroot powder chicken. The arrowroot powder creates a crispy coating without the need for excess oil or flour.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken drumsticks or wings
– 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the arrowroot powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and then coat each piece in the arrowroot mixture.
4. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.
6. Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This recipe is easy to customize by adding your favorite spices or dipping sauces. You can also use different cuts of chicken or even try it with other meats like shrimp or tofu. With this recipe, you can enjoy delicious and crispy fried chicken without sacrificing your health goals.
Recipe 3: Gluten-Free Baked Arrowroot Powder Chicken
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, this gluten-free baked arrowroot powder chicken recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make and uses arrowroot powder as the coating instead of flour.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of arrowroot powder
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the arrowroot powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs and then coat it in the arrowroot powder mixture.
4. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
This baked arrowroot powder chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s also gluten-free and a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. You can experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
