Here’s the part everyone hates: resting. You just fried it. You want to eat it immediately. I feel you.
But if you skip the 5-10 minute rest on a wire rack, the steam inside will turn your crunchy paradise into a soggy mess. The oil also continues cooking it internally. So yes, patience is a passive-aggressive virtue.
When It Goes Wrong
Overcooked chicken is dry and sad. Undercooked chicken is a health hazard. You have about a 2-minute window of perfection. It’s like trying to park a boat in a bathtub.
If you see the oil bubbling like it’s trying to escape, you’re in trouble. If the chicken floats like a happy dolphin, that’s a good sign—usually means it’s done. Usually.
