Oil Quantity

Deep-frying chicken legs requires at least 3 inches of vegetable oil in a pan or pot so the legs are completely covered in oil. Depending on the width of your pot, the exact quantity of oil can range greatly, from 2 cups to 6 cups. Whatever the width, you should never fill your pot or pan more than one-third of the way with oil. Once you put the chicken in, the oil's level will rise considerably, and to prevent a fire, you do not want the oil to spill out of the pot or pan.

Picking a Pot

If you have a deep-fryer, by all means use it. But don't skip deep-frying for lack of specialized equipment. Any pot of substantial size can be used for frying. While skillets are most appropriate for pan-frying, for deep-frying, you need a deep pot, Dutch oven or stock pot. Choose a thick-bottomed pot, as it will provide more even heat throughout the oil. Whatever pot you decide on, make sure you do not crowd the chicken legs when you add them, as they will not heat evenly. If you are frying a lot of chicken for a crowd, you may be better off using two pots.

Heating Things Up

Heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit when deep-frying chicken legs. Use an instant-read kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil throughout cooking to ensure all the legs cook evenly and develop a golden crust. Do not let the temperature of your oil exceed 350 F, as this will lead to the premature rancidity of the oil if you plan on reusing the oil. To prevent fire or injury, never leave an unattended heated pot of frying oil in the kitchen.

Recycling Oil

Deep-frying is a costly procedure if you do not reuse your vegetable oil. Reusing oil saves you money and the seasoned frying oil also helps the chicken develop a golden-brown coating easily and adds flavor. To best preserve oil for reuse, turn off the heat as soon as you've finished cooking, then allow the oil to cool completely. Pour the cooled oil through a wire mesh strainer and store in a cool, dark spot in a tightly capped container. When your oil smokes before reaching 350 F, can no longer maintain temperature while frying or develops off odors, it is time for some new oil.