The thought of juicy and fried chicken sounds almost too good to resist. With the Instant Pot being a versatile kitchen appliance, it makes it easy to cook a variety of dishes in it. But the question remains, can you make fried chicken in an Instant Pot? Read on to find out.
The benefits of using an Instant Pot for fried chicken
First and foremost, with an Instant Pot, you can cook faster and with greater convenience. The Instant Pot will give you the same result as frying in a pan or deep fryer, but without the added calories from the oil used to fry the chicken.
Another benefit of using an Instant Pot for fried chicken is that it is a healthier cooking method. The pressure cooking process helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the chicken, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods.
Additionally, using an Instant Pot for fried chicken is a safer option as there is no risk of hot oil splattering or accidental burns. This makes it a great option for families with young children or for those who are not comfortable with traditional frying methods.
The key ingredients you need for perfect fried chicken in an Instant Pot
Before you start cooking, it's essential to have all the necessary ingredients ready to go. You'll need boneless chicken thighs, buttermilk, flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to season the chicken.
Aside from the ingredients mentioned above, you can also add some cayenne pepper to give your fried chicken a spicy kick. Additionally, you can use cornstarch instead of flour to make the chicken extra crispy.
It's also important to note that the quality of the chicken you use can greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure that your fried chicken is juicy and flavorful.
Step-by-step instructions for making fried chicken in an Instant Pot
Here are the steps to follow:
- After cleaning the chicken thighs, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- To prepare the chicken, place it in a shallow dish and cover it completely with buttermilk. Then, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least an hour — overnight is better.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper together to make the breading for the chicken.
- After removing the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, coat each piece with the flour breading, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
- Place the chicken pieces in the Instant Pot, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- After the time is up, let the pressure release naturally, and then use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the skin becomes crispy.
One important thing to note is that the size of the chicken thighs can affect the cooking time. If the thighs are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Additionally, you can add your own seasonings to the flour breading mixture to customize the flavor of the fried chicken to your liking.
Tips and tricks for getting crispy skin on your Instant Pot fried chicken
The key to getting crispy skin on your Instant Pot fried chicken is to broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after removing it from the Instant Pot. Another tip is to mix a small amount of cornstarch in the flour mixture. It will create a light and crunchy crust on the chicken, even after cooking in the Instant Pot. Lastly, make sure to dry the chicken completely before placing it in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
Additionally, using a high smoke point oil such as canola or peanut oil can help achieve crispy skin on your Instant Pot fried chicken. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture. Another tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious and crispy fried chicken straight from your Instant Pot.
How to season your Instant Pot fried chicken for maximum flavor
The seasoning is an essential component of any recipe, and it's no exception with fried chicken. To maximize the flavor of your Instant Pot fried chicken, you can add some additional herbs and spices to the flour, such as chili powder, cumin, or oregano. You can also add some garlic or onion powder to the buttermilk marinade.
Another way to enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot fried chicken is to use a dry rub. Mix together some paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper, and rub it onto the chicken before cooking. This will add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of hot sauce or BBQ sauce to add a tangy kick to your fried chicken.
The best sides to pair with your Instant Pot fried chicken meal
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food dish that needs a good side dish. Some perfect side dishes to pair with your Instant Pot fried chicken include mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and collard greens.
Another great side dish to pair with your Instant Pot fried chicken is baked beans. The sweetness of the beans complements the savory flavor of the chicken. You can also add some bacon bits or diced onions to the beans for an extra burst of flavor.
If you're looking for a healthier option, roasted vegetables are a great choice. You can roast some carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower in the oven with some olive oil and seasoning. The roasted vegetables add a nice crunch and texture to your meal, while also providing some essential vitamins and nutrients.
How long does it take to make fried chicken in an Instant Pot?
It takes ten minutes to cook the chicken in the Instant Pot, but the preparation for the chicken can take one hour or overnight if you allow the chicken to soak in the buttermilk marinade.
One advantage of using an Instant Pot to make fried chicken is that it is a healthier option than traditional deep-frying. The Instant Pot uses less oil, which means less fat and fewer calories in the finished product.
Another tip for making delicious fried chicken in an Instant Pot is to use a combination of spices and herbs to season the chicken. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite flavor combination.
Comparing the taste and texture of traditional fried chicken vs. Instant Pot fried chicken
The flavor of the Instant Pot fried chicken is similar, if not identical, to the traditional fried chicken. However, the texture may vary slightly. Traditional fried chicken gets crisp from the frying process, while the Instant Pot fried chicken gets the crisp texture from the broiling in the oven.
Another difference between traditional fried chicken and Instant Pot fried chicken is the cooking time. Traditional fried chicken can take up to 30 minutes to cook, while Instant Pot fried chicken can be ready in as little as 10 minutes. This makes Instant Pot fried chicken a great option for those who are short on time but still want a delicious meal.
Additionally, the nutritional value of the two types of fried chicken can vary. Traditional fried chicken is often high in calories and fat due to the frying process, while Instant Pot fried chicken can be made with less oil and therefore have fewer calories and less fat. This makes Instant Pot fried chicken a healthier option for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Healthier options for making fried chicken in an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot fried chicken is already a healthier option than traditional fried chicken. To make it even healthier, you can use whole-wheat flour instead of regular flour. You can also swap boneless, skinless chicken breast for chicken thighs to lower the fat content. Lastly, try baking instead of broiling the chicken in the oven to reduce the calories from the fried chicken's additional broil step.
Overall, the Instant Pot is a perfect appliance for making fried chicken. It's hassle-free, faster, and makes the cooking process a breeze. So, go ahead and try it for yourself and see how delicious and straightforward it is to make Instant Pot fried chicken.
Another way to make Instant Pot fried chicken healthier is to use a marinade instead of a batter. A marinade can add flavor to the chicken without adding extra calories. You can use a mixture of herbs, spices, and low-fat yogurt or buttermilk to marinate the chicken before cooking it in the Instant Pot. This will result in a juicy and flavorful chicken that is also healthier than traditional fried chicken.
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