So, how long does it take to deep fry a whole chicken? Roughly 3–4 minutes per pound, plus a thorough internal check. But the real answer is: as long as it takes for the meat thermometer to say 165°F. That’s your only truth. And yes, that means you’ll be hovering over the pot like a proud, anxious parent.
Next time you see Dave, tell him to buy a thermometer. He’ll thank me—and so will your stomach. Now go fry that bird with confidence, and maybe keep a fire extinguisher handy. Just in case.
