As a culinary expert with a passion for exploring the art of cooking, I'm delighted to share my insights on how to fry chicken in an electric skillet. The process of frying chicken to perfection involves a few critical steps, from preparing the chicken to choosing the right cooking temperature and time. Let's dive into the details.

Preparation
Before you begin frying, it's essential to prepare the chicken properly. This involves cleaning the chicken and ensuring it is free from any unwanted particles. Next, you'll want to marinate the chicken to enhance its flavor. A simple marinade can consist of ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs and spices. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your preference.

Seasoning
The next step is to season the chicken. This is where your flour mixture comes into play. Combine flour, salt, paprika, and pepper to create a seasoned coating for the chicken. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients based on your taste preferences and the size of the chicken pieces. The flour acts as a binder for the seasonings and will also help create a crispy crust when fried.

Coating
Once the chicken is marinated and the flour mixture is ready, it's time to coat the chicken. Lightly dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. You may want to shake off any excess flour to avoid a thick, heavy crust.

Heating the Oil
The success of fried chicken largely depends on the oil temperature. For an electric skillet, you'll want to heat your oil to a consistent temperature. The reference suggests heating the oil to 350°F, which is a good starting point for frying chicken. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain it.

Cooking the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in the electric skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Cook the chicken for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the thickness of the coating.

Checking for Doneness
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also cut into a piece to check for clear juices running from the meat and no pink color.

Drainage and Resting
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow any excess oil to drain off. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.

Final Touches
While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your fried chicken. Serve the chicken hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

In summary, frying chicken in an electric skillet is a process that requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and patience. By following these steps and paying close attention to the cooking temperature and time, you can achieve perfectly fried chicken every time.

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Mix flour, salt, paprika and pepper. Heat oil in Presto? Electric Skillet at 350--. Coat chicken with flour mixture. Cook chicken in oil 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown.read more >>