How Vacuum Frying Works?
Vacuum frying is a process that involves frying food items in a vacuum chamber. The process is different from traditional frying methods, as it takes place under reduced pressure, usually reduced around 80-90 kPa. The lower pressure reduces the boiling point of water, which means that food items can be fried at lower temperatures, resulting in a crispy texture while retaining the original flavor and nutrients.
Advantages Of Vacuum Frying
Reduced oil absorption: Since the frying is done at lower temperatures, there is less oil absorption by the food, resulting in healthier fried snacks.
Improved quality: The reduced pressure prevents the formation of bubbles in the oil, which helps to preserve the natural texture and color of the food.
Longer shelf life: Vacuum-fried products have a longer shelf life as they are less prone to oxidation.
Disadvantages Of Vacuum Frying
High initial investment: Vacuum fryers are more expensive than traditional fryers, which can be a barrier for small-scale producers.
Complex operation: Vacuum frying requires specialized equipment and skilled operators, which can make it more complicated than traditional frying.
Types Of Vacuum Fryers
Batch vacuum fryers: These are designed for small-scale production and are suitable for testing new products or producing small batches of vacuum-fried snacks.
Continuous vacuum fryers: These are designed for large-scale production and have a higher output capacity than batch fryers.
Vacuum Frying Applications
Potato chips: Vacuum-fried potato chips are becoming increasingly popular as they are considered healthier and have a longer shelf life than traditional potato chips.
Fruits and vegetables: Vacuum frying is also used to produce dried fruit and vegetable snacks, such as banana chips and apple rings.
Meat and seafood: Vacuum frying can also be used to produce meat and seafood snacks, such as fish fillets and chicken nuggets.
Overall, vacuum frying is a valuable method for producing healthier and higher quality fried snacks with longer shelf lives.