Dynamic changes in the water and volatile compounds of chicken breast during the frying process

The influence of frying times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min) on the continuous changes in the water distribution and the concentrations of key volatile compounds in chicken breast during the frying process were studied. The fried chicken samples could be distinguished by PCA of E-nose and PLS-DA of GC-MS. A total of 40 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS, and 28 compounds were verified to be the key compounds after further screening by OAVs. The T₂₂ was increased first and then decreased, while the M₂₂ and M₂₃ in fried chicken were considerably decreased and increased with increasing frying time, respectively. The content of the water and the total peak area of LF-NMR in fried chicken samples during the frying process significantly decreased, and the water was transferred from high to low degrees of freedom. In addition, water content, T₂₁, T₂₂, M₂₂ and L* value were positively correlated with most alcohols and aldehydes, and were negatively correlated with pyrazines, while a*, b*, M₂₃ and all amino acids were positively correlated with pyrazines and were negatively correlated with most alcohols and aldehydes. The results may guide the production processes of fried chicken and help produce high-quality chicken products.