4. Conclusion
Based on the residual moisture content, oil uptake, textural
crispness, and color quality, we showed that MVF is better than VF
in producing potato chips. The application of MVF significantly
reduced the oil uptake, increased the water evaporation rate,
reduced the breaking force (made the product crispier) and better
preserved the natural color in potato chips. The application of
higher microwave power density in MVF, from 12 W/g to 20 W/g,
resulted into faster water removal, lower breaking force while no
significant difference in oil content and color parameters. Higher
frying temperatures led to faster water evaporation, lower oil uptake,
faster color change while no significant difference in breaking
force. Higher vacuum degree bring about faster water evaporation,
lower oil content and less color change while no significant difference
in breaking force. A comparison of SEM micrographs of MVF and VF samples shows that the cellular structure and integrity of
cell wall of samples were better preserved by MVF than VF. This
work concludes that MVF is capable of producing crunchier (lower
breaking force), healthier (less oil content) fried products with
better color and texture.