Improve your vegan buffalo wing game and use this double-fry technique to add extra crunch.
The double fry technique involves frying two times at two different temperatures.
This fry takes a bit longer, and it varies depending on what youre frying.
Chicken might fry for three minutes, while cauliflower only takes about 90 seconds.
The second fry is at a higher temperature, 350F to 375F, and is much faster.
Other foods that use this crunchy technique are those world-famous chunkyBelgian fritesandkaraage chicken thighs.
Potato starch has the ideal combination of high starch concentration and largest starch granule size.
This pairing creates the optimal crunch opportunity.
(Read herefor more details on starch with the karaage method.)
Heat a pot of oil, at least two inches deep, to 325F.
As you fry, keep an eye on the temperature and keep it between 300F to 325F.
Batter your cauliflower pieces with a recipe you like, hopefully one that uses potato or cornstarch.
Dont crowd the bites as some batters are prone to clinging if they bump into each other.
The coating should be golden brown and crisp.
Do this with all of the remaining cauliflower.
While the wings are cooling on the wire rack, bump up the oils temperature to 375F.
As you fry, do your best to keep the oil between 350F to 375F.
Fry the cauliflower bites a second time.
This fry will only take a minute or 45 seconds, depending on the size of your cauliflower chunks.
It practically rattles out onto the wire cooling rack.
Blot and drain the bites as before.
Repeat with all of the cauliflower.
Once youre finished frying, toss the cauliflower bites in your sauce of choice.
To keep them crispier for longer, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Theyre so good it might be hard to share, so make a double batch.
Put two inches of oil in a pot and heat it to 325F.
Set up a wire rack over a sheet tray nearby with a piece of paper towel on it.
They should be golden and crisp.
Blot the bites on the paper towel and move them to the wire rack to drain and cool.
Once all of the bites have had their first fry, heat the oil to 375F.
Fry all of the bites again, but this time for 45 seconds to one minute.
They should be well-browned and noticeably crunchy.
Blot and cool the wings like before.
Serve them immediately, either tossed in sauce or with the buffalo sauce on the side.
