Part 5/10:
Frying is the heart of the process, where Doritos gain their crisp, golden exterior. The pre-dried triangles are immersed in industrial-scale deep fryers filled with hot vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, or canola oil. The frying temperature hovers between 338°F to 374°F (170°C to 190°C), a range optimized for perfect browning and crunchiness.
During frying, chips are gently stirred using mechanical paddles to ensure even cooking. The process lasts approximately 1 to 2 minutes, after which excess oil is drained and the chips are cooled. This step is critical, as it defines the texture and flavor profile of the finished product.