The influence of microwave pretreatment on moisture loss and
oil uptake in the coating and core layers of coated chicken nuggets
was studied. Pretreatment with microwave could decrease the
initial moisture content in the product and make less amount of
free moisture available for removal during frying. The ANOVA and
DMRT results showed that pretreatment with microwave had
a significant influence on moisture loss and oil uptake in the nuggets
during deep-fat frying. In general, the longer the time of pretreatment
with microwave, the lower the average moisture and oil
content in the product.