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how to make fried chicken in a pressure cooker

how to make fried chicken in a pressure cooker

3 min read 05-02-2025
how to make fried chicken in a pressure cooker

Meta Description: Discover the secret to juicy, crispy fried chicken using your pressure cooker! This guide provides a step-by-step recipe and tips for achieving perfectly golden-brown, flavorful chicken every time. Learn how to avoid soggy chicken and get that classic fried chicken crunch, all without deep-frying!

Introduction: Pressure Cooker Fried Chicken - The Unexpected Classic

Forget greasy deep frying! This recipe shows you how to achieve unbelievably crispy, juicy fried chicken using your pressure cooker. Yes, really! This method delivers all the flavor and texture of traditional fried chicken, with less oil and easier cleanup. Get ready to elevate your pressure cooking game with this surprisingly simple recipe.

Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Fried Chicken

  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Guide: Achieving Crispy Fried Chicken in Your Pressure Cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fried chicken.

Step 2: Make the Dredge

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 3: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This adds flavor and helps the chicken retain moisture.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

One by one, dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Add the oil to the pressure cooker. Heat on the sauté function until the oil is shimmering hot (about 350°F). Carefully place the chicken pieces in the pressure cooker, skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary.

Seal the pressure cooker lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Crisp Up the Skin

Carefully remove the chicken pieces and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin further. This step is key for that extra crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your pressure cooker fried chicken immediately. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Tips for Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

  • Dry Chicken is Key: Thoroughly drying the chicken is essential for a crispy crust.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Overcrowding the pressure cooker will prevent the chicken from browning properly.
  • High Heat is Important: Ensure your oil is hot before adding the chicken.
  • The Broil Finish: Broiling for a few minutes after pressure cooking creates extra crispy skin.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor.

Troubleshooting: Avoiding Soggy Chicken

  • Too Much Buttermilk: Excess buttermilk can make the chicken soggy. Ensure you shake off excess before dredging.
  • Not Enough Oil: Insufficient oil prevents proper browning and crisping.
  • Low Heat: Cooking at too low a temperature results in soggy, undercooked chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bone-in, skinless chicken?

A: While bone-in, skin-on chicken is ideal for the crispiest results, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken. The skin helps with crispiness, so the results might be slightly less crispy.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?

A: Yes, you can use other high-heat oils like canola or avocado oil.

Q: How do I store leftover fried chicken?

A: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Fried Chicken Recipe

Making crispy fried chicken in a pressure cooker might seem unconventional, but the results speak for themselves. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful, and incredibly crispy chicken with minimal effort and cleanup. Give it a try and experience the magic of pressure cooker fried chicken! Remember to share your creations using #PressureCookerFriedChicken!

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