Influence of frying parameters and optimization of deep fat frying conditions on the physicochemical and textural properties of chicken nuggets from FUNAAB-Alpha broilers

Abstract

Abstract: Influence of deep fat frying parameters on quality attributes of chicken nuggets from FUNAAB-Alpha broilers and optimization of the process using Box-Behnken experimental design of response surface methodology was investigated. Fried chicken nuggets were obtained using frying temperature (155–175 °C), frying time (3–7 min) and sample thickness (0.5–2.5 cm) as independent variables. Oil and moisture contents, texture (hardness, chewiness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and springiness) and colour (L*, a* and b*) of samples were analyzed using standard procedures. Significance of each term in polynomial regression equations was evaluated on quality attributes. The accuracy of the regression models varied between 0.727 and 0.939. The effect of frying temperature on quality attributes of fried chicken nuggets was more significant (p > 0.05). The optimum frying temperature, frying time and sample thickness are determined as 175 °C, 3 min, 2.32 cm, respectively. Absolute percent error between optimized and experimental data were within the acceptable limit. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].