Using Oil with a Low Smoke point
Extra-virgin olive oil sure is tasty, but don’t use it on your fried chicken. Not only is it a waste of money given the volume you’ll use, it’ll result in a bitter-tasting bird due to its low smoke point. Go for a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. And don’t leave things up to fate: Use a thermometer to track and maintain the temperature of the oil—you’re looking for a steady 350 degrees.