Recent advances in deep-fat frying through pretreatments and edible coating to reduce oil absorption

Abstract

This review concentrates on cutting-edge pretreatments for deep-fat frying that are meant to lower energy costs and enhance product quality. Methods such as freezing, blanching, pulsed electric fields, superheated steam, and ultrasonication are investigated to improve flavor without increasing cooking time. The study focuses on techniques to reduce oil absorption, specifically using physicochemical changes and hydrocolloid coatings. When added before or after frying, functional ingredients such as proteins and non-protein hydrocolloids take advantage of cooling-phase effects and water replacement mechanisms to minimize oil absorption. Effective barrier agents that preserve the texture and moisture of fried foods like French fries include pectin, CMC, and xanthan gum. While the effectiveness of various hydrocolloids varies, carrageenan and gum Arabic are particularly effective. French fries treated with guar gum and sorbitol showed reductions in total oil between 30.6% and 50.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the initial moisture content affects physical changes that occur during frying, such as the development of porosity, which affects the absorption of oil. This thorough analysis provides insights into cutting-edge methods for making fried foods with less oil while preserving sensory qualities. Future studies will be focused on developing novel physicochemical changes and hydrocolloid coatings that use functional ingredients such as proteins and non-protein hydrocolloids to efficiently lower excessive oil absorption.