What is the hold time for fried items generally?

The hold time for fried items is typically set at 20 minutes to ensure that food remains at the appropriate quality and safety standards for customers. This timeframe allows the fried items to maintain their textures and temperatures while ensuring they are not left out for too long, which could compromise their quality. Keeping fried foods within this hold time helps in preventing issues like sogginess or loss of flavor that may occur if items are held for too long, while also ensuring food safety guidelines are met. A shorter hold time might not sufficiently balance freshness and safety, making 20 minutes a well-established standard in fast food operations.