Craving fried chicken but wish you could make it faster and without the mess of traditional deep-frying? Enter the Instant Pot! With this wonderful appliance, you can achieve juicy, flavorful, and crispy fried chicken with less fuss and time. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who loves cooking hacks, this Instant Pot Fried Chicken recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Equipments
- Instant Pot
- Trivet
- Tongs
- Bowl for dredging
- Wire rack
How to Make Instant Pot Fried Chicken – Step By Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To kick things off, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, and pour in the buttermilk. Ensure all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a tangy flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will create the perfect crust on the chicken. Thoroughly coat each piece of chicken in the dry mix right before cooking. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to ensure a crispy coating.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add a sufficient amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, use tongs to place chicken pieces in the Instant Pot. Sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Turn off the sauté function and place a trivet inside the Instant Pot. Pour half a cup of water and layer the seared chicken pieces on the trivet. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and remains juicy.
Step 5: Crispy Finish
Next, carefully release the pressure and transfer the chicken pieces to a wire rack. Preheat your oven or a deep fryer, and finish the chicken for about 5 minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved. Watching closely will prevent burning, and ensures the chicken is crispy to perfection!
How to Serve Instant Pot Fried Chicken
Instant Pot Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. Serve the chicken hot with a selection of dips and sauces to satisfy different tastes. For a twist, try it with honey mustard, spicy ranch, or classic barbecue sauce.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To make sure your Instant Pot Fried Chicken is always a hit, follow these tips: avoid overcrowding when searing to prevent steaming, ensure your pressure valve is set correctly to reach proper pressure quickly, and adjust seasoning as needed based on personal preference. Remember that letting the chicken marinate overnight gives the best flavor.
Packed with Protein: Instant Pot Fried Chicken
Turn up the nutrition of your fried chicken by opting for a high-protein version. Substitute whole wheat flour and incorporate oat flour in your dredging mix. Not only does this give an extra boost of protein, but it also adds a delightful earthiness to the chicken crust, maintaining that wonderful crunch.
Pairing this version with a protein-rich side, such as lentil or chickpea salad, makes this a powerhouse meal, filling your plate with energy-sustaining proteins and fibers. You’ll be left feeling not only satisfied but nutritious as well.
Low Carb Delight: Crispy Instant Pot Fried Chicken
If you’re watching your carb intake, switching up the ingredients can make a meal difference. Replace traditional flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the coating. These low-carb alternatives do wonders in providing that necessary crunch while keeping carbs in check.
Pair your low-carb fried chicken with a side of fresh vegetables, or a creamy cauliflower mash – guilt-free comfort food at its best! This low-carb option is maintainable while retaining all of that finger-licking deliciousness you desire in fried chicken.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Instant Pot Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use an oven to maintain crispiness, placing it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid using microwaves as they may leave the chicken rubbery instead of crispy.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating for the best results.
- How do I prevent my chicken from getting soggy?
Ensure that you pat the chicken dry before dredging and avoid overcrowding during the frying process.
- Is it possible to make this recipe without a trivet?
While a trivet is recommended for even cooking, a makeshift bed of rolled-up aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- What dipping sauces work well with fried chicken?
Consider options like honey mustard, ranch, barbecue, or even spicy buffalo sauce.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free alternative that suits your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Your Instant Pot Fried Chicken recipe is an innovative take on a comfort food classic, giving you crispy, delicious results with less fuss. We hope this recipe helps you feel like a culinary rockstar in your kitchen! If you enjoyed it as much as we do, please share it with family and friends, and leave us a comment with your thoughts and tips!
Instant Pot Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- whole chicken
- buttermilk
- all-purpose flour
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- Oil
Instructions
Steps
- Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté, sear chicken pieces for 3 minutes per side.
- Place a trivet in the Instant Pot, add water, and layer chicken. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a wire rack, finish in the oven or fryer for crispiness.