Are you looking for a versatile and healthy alternative to traditional frying ingredients?
Look no further than arrowroot powder!
This natural thickener is not only great for thickening soups and sauces, but it can also be used to create crispy and crunchy fried foods.
From sweet potato fries to fried chicken, arrowroot powder can take your frying game to the next level.
In this article, we’ll explore the many ways you can use arrowroot powder for frying, including tips and tricks for getting the perfect crispy coating every time.
So grab your apron and let’s get frying with arrowroot powder!
How To Use Arrowroot Powder For Frying?
Arrowroot powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to create crispy and crunchy fried foods. Here are some tips on how to use arrowroot powder for frying:
1. Use it as a coating: Arrowroot powder can be used as a coating for fried and baked items. Adding arrowroot powder to other breading ingredients or using it on its own can make the final result crisper. Blend it with tapioca flour, potato starch or almond flour. Use it in the breading for fried meats, including chicken and pork chops, as well as to coat tofu. It works well as a cornstarch alternative in the coating for deep-fried American Chinese specialties like General Tso’s chicken.
2. Dust your fries: You can also dust your French fries with arrowroot powder before deep-frying or air-frying to make them super crispy. This is a great way to get that perfect crunch without having to use traditional frying ingredients like flour or cornstarch.
3. Make a slurry: Arrowroot powder can also be used as a way to thicken soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. You do this by making a “slurry.” Mix the arrowroot into a cold liquid such as water or non-dairy milk and whisk until smooth. Then you pour the slurry into the hot sauce or gravy to thicken it and make it glossy.
4. Use it with other flours: In baking, you can use arrowroot powder as a blend with other flours, such as almond flour, coconut flour and tapioca flour for bread and dessert recipes. But I find that it can definitely stand on its own as well, in small quantities.
What Is Arrowroot Powder And Why Is It A Healthy Alternative For Frying?
Arrowroot powder is a natural starch that is extracted from the root of the tropical plant Maranta arundinacea. It is a gluten-free, grain-free, vegan and paleo-friendly ingredient that has gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits and versatility in cooking. Arrowroot powder is a healthy alternative for frying because it contains more fiber than other starches, which helps to keep things “moving” and stave off hunger. Additionally, it contains a good amount of potassium, iron and B vitamins, which are great for metabolism, circulation and heart health.
Unlike traditional frying ingredients like flour or cornstarch, arrowroot powder is tasteless and odorless, making it ideal for use in a variety of dishes without altering the flavor or texture. It can be used as a coating for fried and baked items like chicken, pork chops, and tofu to make them crisper. It can also be dusted on French fries before frying to achieve that perfect crunch without adding unnecessary calories or carbohydrates.
Moreover, arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent for soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. When mixed with a cold liquid and whisked until smooth, it creates a slurry that can be poured into hot sauces or gravies to thicken them and give them a glossy appearance. In baking, arrowroot powder can be blended with other flours like almond flour, coconut flour and tapioca flour to create bread and dessert recipes.
Tips And Tricks For Getting The Perfect Crispy Coating With Arrowroot Powder
If you want to achieve the perfect crispy coating with arrowroot powder, here are some tips and tricks to follow:
1. Pat dry: Make sure the ingredient you’re going to fry is patted dry before coating it with arrowroot powder. Any excess moisture will prevent the arrowroot powder from sticking and you won’t get that crispiness you’re looking for.
2. Use fresh baking powder: If you’re using baking powder in your recipe, make sure it’s fresh. To test it, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/2 cup of boiling water. If it bubbles up vigorously, it’s good to use. If not, it’s time to toss it out.
3. Rest between frying: If you’re going to fry your food twice (which is recommended for achieving maximum crispiness), let it cool down for at least 10 minutes between the first and second frying. This will allow the batter to set and create a stronger structure that can withstand the second round of frying.
4. Mix with other flours: Arrowroot powder can be mixed with other flours like tapioca flour, potato starch or almond flour to create a more complex coating that adds flavor and texture.
5. Use slurry: If you’re using arrowroot powder as a thickening agent in a sauce or gravy, make sure to create a slurry first by mixing it with a cold liquid like water or non-dairy milk. This will ensure that the arrowroot powder is evenly distributed and won’t clump up.
6. Don’t overcrowd: When frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. This will prevent the food from getting crispy as the steam will have nowhere to escape.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect crispy coating with arrowroot powder every time!
Delicious Recipes To Try With Arrowroot Powder For Frying
If you’re looking for some delicious recipes to try with arrowroot powder for frying, here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Crispy Tofu: For a vegan and gluten-free option, try making crispy tofu. Cut extra-firm tofu into cubes and pat them dry. Mix arrowroot powder with your favorite seasonings and coat the tofu cubes. Fry them in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
2. Paleo Fried Chicken Tenders: These chicken tenders are gluten-free, Whole30-approved, and easy to make. Dip the chicken in a mixture of arrowroot powder and spices before frying in coconut oil until crispy.
3. Gluten-Free Fried Fish: This recipe replaces the typical flour with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free breading. Dip your fish in the arrowroot mixture and fry them up in healthy coconut oil until crispy and delicious.
4. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Dust your sweet potato fries with arrowroot powder before baking or air-frying to make them extra crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty snack or side dish.
5. Easy Crepes: These simple crepes use just arrowroot powder, eggs, coconut oil, and water or milk of choice. Use them for sweet or savory fillings for a delicious meal any time of day.
Other Uses Of Arrowroot Powder In Cooking And Baking
Aside from its use as a thickening agent and coating for fried foods, arrowroot powder has many other culinary uses. Here are some other ways to incorporate arrowroot powder into your cooking and baking:
1. Ice cream making: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch in homemade ice cream recipes. It helps to prevent ice crystals from forming and creates a smoother texture.
2. Desserts: Arrowroot powder can be used as a binder in gluten-free desserts, such as cookies and cakes. It can also be used as a substitute for cornstarch in fruit pies and tarts.
3. Homemade staples: Arrowroot powder can be used to make homemade staples such as pasta, crackers, and tortillas. It can be used to create a gluten-free flour blend for these recipes.
4. Egg replacement: Arrowroot powder can be used as an egg replacement in vegan baking recipes. Mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
5. Cornstarch replacement: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch in many recipes. It has a similar thickening power but is easier to digest and less likely to clump.
