The Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, offering a convenient way to cook meals quickly through pressure cooking. Its versatility means it can be used for making everything from soups and stews to cakes and eggs. But can you use it to fry and crisp up chicken instead of deep frying or pan frying? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using an Instant Pot to fry chicken.
Can You Fry Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can fry chicken in an Instant Pot! While the Instant Pot is not designed specifically for frying, it is possible to crisp up chicken using a few tricks. The key is using the saute function on the Instant Pot to quickly brown the chicken on both sides, essentially “frying” it. Then the chicken can be cooked through using the pressure cooking function.
The main benefit of frying chicken in an Instant Pot is convenience – you don’t have to watch over a pot of hot oil on the stovetop. The Instant Pot does the hard work for you. It also minimizes some of the mess and splatter you would get from deep frying.
However, there are a few downsides. The chicken will not get as crispy as deep fried chicken cooked in a large amount of oil. The Instant Pot also doesn’t allow you to maintain a consistent oil temperature like you can on the stovetop.
How to Fry Chicken in an Instant Pot
Frying chicken in an Instant Pot takes just a few easy steps:
Ingredients
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour on both sides, shaking off any excess.
3. Select the saute function on the Instant Pot and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Add the oil.
4. Working in batches, add the chicken pieces to the pot in a single layer and fry for 3-5 minutes per side until browned.
5. Once all the chicken is browned, pour the chicken broth into the pot. Lock the lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
6. Select the manual/pressure cook function at high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Carefully remove the lid. The chicken should be fully cooked.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken. Enjoy hot!
Tips for the Best Results
– Pat the chicken dry before dredging in flour so it crisps up better.
– Use a mix of thigh and breast meat for the juiciest results. Thighs stay moist while breasts crisp up nicely.
– Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Cook chicken in batches for even browning.
– Let the Instant Pot come fully up to pressure before releasing. This allows the chicken to cook through.
– Broiling the chicken for 2-3 minutes after cooking will make it extra crispy.
Is Frying Chicken in an Instant Pot Safe?
Using an Instant Pot to fry chicken is generally safe, but there are a few precautions to take:
– Use caution when removing the lid after pressure cooking. Escaping steam is very hot and can cause burns.
– Don’t fill the inner pot higher than the maximum fill line. Overflow can interfere with sealing and pressurization.
– Make sure the lid is securely in the sealed position before selecting a cooking program.
– Never deep fry in the Instant Pot. The high oil amount can be dangerous. Use just enough oil to shallow “pan” fry.
– Don’t leave the Instant Pot unattended. Stay nearby during the cooking process.
As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, frying chicken in small batches in the Instant Pot is a safe cooking method. Take care when removing the lid and handling the hot inner pot.
The Pros and Cons of Frying Chicken in an Instant Pot
| Pros | Cons |
|-|-|
| Quick and hands-off cooking | Chicken is not as crispy as deep fried |
| Minimal oil splatter | Can’t maintain consistent oil temp |
| Less messy than stovetop frying | Browning takes longer than stovetop |
| Convenient one-pot meal | Need to work in batches to prevent crowding |
| Retains juices well | Finished dish not as presentation-worthy |
FAQs
Is fried chicken made in an Instant Pot healthy?
Fried chicken made in the Instant Pot can be healthier than deep fried chicken since it uses less oil. However, fried chicken is still high in fat and calories compared to other cooking methods like baking or grilling. For a healthier version, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and minimal added oil.
What oil is best for frying in an Instant Pot?
The best oils for frying in an Instant Pot have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Good options include refined avocado oil, grapeseed oil or peanut oil. Avoid oils like olive oil that have a low smoke point.
How long does it take to fry chicken in an Instant Pot?
It takes about 8-10 minutes to fry chicken in an Instant Pot. You’ll need 3-5 minutes to brown each side by sautéing, then 5 minutes under pressure to cook through. Remember to account for coming up to pressure and releasing time as well.
Can you fry frozen chicken in the Instant Pot?
It’s best not to fry frozen chicken directly in the Instant Pot. Defrost it first in the refrigerator overnight before frying for food safety. Frying from frozen can result in uneven cooking.
Conclusion
While the Instant Pot doesn’t produce crispy, crunchy deep fried chicken, it can be used to make a quick weeknight version using the sauté function to brown and the pressure cooking to finish cooking. The results are juicy, tender chicken with a lightly crisped coating. Just be mindful of the few safety concerns that come with pressure frying, and enjoy a tasty golden chicken dinner with very little active cooking time. Give this Instant Pot fried chicken a try next time a fried chicken craving strikes!