A significant part of the food we consume is fried- from chicken to fries, and even some forms of dough. Most people are of the opinion that frying food guarantees that it will be tasty, no doubt, but it has been proven unhealthy, especially when it’s done often. This is why we’ve decided to bring you five healthier ways to enjoy fried food.

Use an Air Fryer

Air fryers are just as effective in frying food as deep or pan-frying. It requires a little amount of oil, which means less cholesterol. 

Image from Home Depot

Use Olive Oil 

Olive oil contains antioxidants and nutrients that make it one of the healthiest options in cooking and frying food. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, can help prevent heart disease and may also help to prevent strokes. Along with other vegetable oils like groundnut oil, it is also good for vegan/vegetarian diets. Other options are Canola oil, Coconut oil, Corn oil.

Extra Olive Oil is best.

Use Clean Oil

If you must reuse oil, it is important to filter your oil when frying food- especially breaded food. Otherwise, it is healthier to use new oil each time because clean oil not only ensures that your food tastes good, it also helps to regulate the fatty properties of the food you fry.

Regulate the Temperature while Frying

Temperature regulation is important in frying food because the oil that is not hot enough will cause the (breaded)food to soak up more oil than it should. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the food doesn’t cook properly and burns fast. The oil also loses its healthy properties and starts to break down. You can regulate the oil temperature by using a thermometer. It also helps to know the smoke point of any oil you use, to prevent break down. 

Crumb Up!

Image from Eat This, Not That

Breading is a great way to add flavour and texture to food while frying, but it can also help in reducing the amount of oil that your food soaks up while in the fryer/pan. This is more effective with gluten-free crumbs, so try breading today! It is important to dust off additional crumbs, to keep your oil clean during frying.

While these are ways to keep food healthy while frying, there are alternative ways of cooking food that will guarantee healthy, moist and flavour-packed meals. Alternate frying with other methods like grilling, steaming and baking.

That being said, what are your favourite methods of frying that keeps your food (somewhat) healthy? Share with us!

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