The SEM analysis was performed using a low vacuum (0.00025 kPa) back scattering scanning electron microscope (Hitachi TM-1000 table top microscope) with a constant voltage of 15 kV. All the images were taken at 80X magnification (where X represents the number of times the size of the sample). Chicken nugget samples were fried and dissected by a disposable scalpel to approximately 1 cm 1 cm 0.25 cm pieces. Specifically, crust portion, the interface of crust and core, and the meat portions of samples fried for 0 s (only par fried) and 240 s at 175 C,190 Cwere scanned. The structural identity of the samples was preserved by freeze-drying the samples for 48 h in a Kinney Vacuum, KSE-2A-M evaporator. The pressure inside the vacuum chamber was 6.7 109 kPa. The complete process of sample preparation was performed at freezing temperatures without thawing the samples
to avoid artifacts.