Flour Substitutes for Frying: Crispy Results Guide
Discover the best flour substitutes for frying including cornstarch, rice flour, and other alternatives for crispy, golden fried foods.
Quick Answer
The best flour substitutes for frying are cornstarch (1:1 ratio), rice flour (1:1 ratio), tapioca flour (1:1 ratio), potato starch (1:1 ratio), or almond flour (1:1 ratio). These create crispy, golden coatings perfect for fried chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Best Substitutes
Cornstarch
1:1Starch from corn, excellent for crispy coatings
Best for:
Creates very crispy, golden coating, most widely available
Rice Flour
1:1Ground rice with neutral flavor and good binding
Best for:
Creates light, crispy coating, naturally gluten-free
Tapioca Flour
1:1Starch from cassava root, great for binding and crispiness
Best for:
Creates chewy, crispy coating, naturally gluten-free
Potato Starch
1:1Starch from potatoes, good for crispy coatings
Best for:
Creates light, crispy coating, naturally gluten-free
Almond Flour
1:1Ground almonds with high protein and healthy fats
Best for:
High in protein and healthy fats, naturally gluten-free
Cooking Tips
- 💡For the crispiest results, use cornstarch or rice flour
- 💡For gluten-free frying, rice flour or tapioca flour work best
- 💡For keto frying, almond flour is the best option
- 💡Mix flour substitute with seasonings before coating food
- 💡For extra crispiness, double-coat by dipping in egg then flour again
- 💡Let coated food rest for 10-15 minutes before frying for better adhesion
- 💡Fry at the right temperature (350-375°F) for golden, crispy results
- 💡Drain fried food on paper towels to remove excess oil
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best flour substitute for frying?
The best substitute is cornstarch (1:1 ratio) for the crispiest results. Rice flour (1:1 ratio) is also excellent and naturally gluten-free.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour for frying?
Yes, cornstarch is excellent for frying and creates a very crispy, golden coating. Use in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for flour.
What can I use instead of flour for gluten-free frying?
Use rice flour, tapioca flour, or potato starch in a 1:1 ratio. All are naturally gluten-free and create crispy, golden coatings.
Is there a keto flour substitute for frying?
Yes, almond flour (1:1 ratio) is the best keto flour substitute for frying. It's low-carb and creates a crispy, golden coating.
What's the difference between flour and cornstarch for frying?
Cornstarch creates a crispier, more golden coating than flour. It's also naturally gluten-free and works well for most frying applications.
Summary
Discover the best flour substitutes for frying including cornstarch, rice flour, and almond flour. Perfect for crispy, golden fried foods with proper ratios.