Can Instant Pot Fry Chicken? This One Weird Trick Will Change Your Life!
What To Know
- Yes, you read it right – you can now fry chicken in your Instant Pot, resulting in a dish that rivals the taste and texture of traditional deep-frying.
- Place the trivet on top of the water and arrange the chicken pieces on the trivet.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the Instant Pot and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Are you craving the tantalizing aroma and irresistible crunch of fried chicken but want to enjoy it without the hassle and mess? Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot! Yes, you read it right – you can now fry chicken in your Instant Pot, resulting in a dish that rivals the taste and texture of traditional deep-frying.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of Instant Pot fried chicken, providing you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to achieve perfectly crispy and juicy chicken every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Instant Pot
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the buttermilk mixture. In the Instant Pot insert, add the vegetable oil.
3. Sauté the Chicken
Select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and adjust the heat to “Normal.” Place half of the chicken pieces in the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
4. Pressure Cook
Once all the chicken pieces are browned, cancel the “Sauté” function. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Place the trivet on top of the water and arrange the chicken pieces on the trivet.
Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
6. Quick Release
After 10 minutes, carefully release the remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.”
7. Crisp the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces from the Instant Pot and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Tips for Success
- For extra crispy skin, double-coat the chicken in flour.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
- Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot with chicken pieces. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Serve the Instant Pot fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Variations
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Fried Chicken: Mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy and flavorful twist.
- Lemon Herb Fried Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the flour mixture for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Ending with a Flourish
Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of Instant Pot fried chicken. Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and flavorful results of your culinary adventure. Impress your family and friends with this delicious dish that combines the convenience of a pressure cooker with the irresistible taste of fried chicken.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter. Cook them on high pressure for 4-5 minutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight. However, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Q: How do I store leftover Instant Pot fried chicken?
A: Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
