Mastering the Art: How to Cook Fried Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Written By Avi Green
There's nothing quite like the succulent taste of fried chicken, especially when cooked to perfection. But have you ever wondered how to cook fried chicken in a pressure cooker? This method blends the traditional crispy fried chicken with the modern convenience of a pressure cooker, resulting in moist, flavorful, and hassle-free chicken. In this ultimate guide, we'll delve into the steps, tips, and tricks needed to make the most delectable fried chicken that will leave your guests craving more. Plus, we'll ensure you have all the necessary cookware and cleaners handy to make your cooking journey seamless.
The Charm of Fried Chicken
Fried chicken holds a special place in many hearts and kitchens worldwide. Why? It's the perfect comfort food, evoking fond memories of family gatherings, picnics, and Sunday dinners. The combination of a crispy exterior and juicy interior makes it an irresistible dish. However, there's often a misconception that perfect fried chicken is challenging to achieve, especially for beginners. That's where the pressure cooker comes into play. By using a pressure cooker, you can enjoy tender, evenly cooked fried chicken with a fraction of the effort and time it usually takes.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker?
The pressure cooker has revolutionized modern cooking. It's a versatile kitchen tool capable of preparing a wide range of dishes quickly and efficiently. But how does this apply to fried chicken? The answer lies in the unique cooking mechanism of the pressure cooker. When fried chicken is prepared in a pressure cooker, the high pressure steam locks in moisture, resulting in succulent, juicy chicken. At the same time, it drastically reduces cooking time without compromising flavor or texture. This is particularly beneficial for BBQ enthusiasts or those hosting large gatherings, as it allows you to serve delicious chicken swiftly, freeing up time to enjoy with your guests. For a deeper understanding of pressure cooking, you might find this external guide informative.
Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Fried Chicken
- 4-6 pieces of chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Essential Cookware
Before we delve into the cooking process, it's crucial to ensure you have the right tools on hand. Here's a list of essential cookware you'll need for this recipe:
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Fried Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken pieces. Ensure they're thoroughly cleaned and patted dry using paper towels. Next, marinate the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for at least one hour, preferably overnight for better flavor absorption. This step helps tenderize the chicken, making it more flavorful and juicy.
2. Season the Flour
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices. This seasoned flour will form the crispy coating of the fried chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring every inch is well coated. This coating will form the delectable crust that makes fried chicken so irresistible.
4. Preheat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into the pressure cooker's inner pot. Set the pressure cooker to the 'Saut' function and let the oil heat up to around 375F (190C). This high temperature is essential for achieving a golden, crispy crust. Alternatively, you can use a deep-fryer for this step.
5. Fry the Chicken
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each piece until it turns golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure even browning by turning the chicken halfway through cooking.
6. Pressure Cook for Tenderness
After frying, remove the chicken pieces and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Carefully pour chicken broth or water into the pressure cooker to deglaze the bottom. Place the fried chicken back into the pressure cooker, close the lid, and set it to 'Pressure Cook' for 10 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and tender from within.
7. Release Pressure and Serve
Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release according to your pressure cooker's manual. Remove the chicken pieces using tongs and place them on a wire rack to prevent any residual moisture from making the crust soggy. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step locks in the flavors and ensures that each bite is a perfect blend of crispy and tender.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pressure cooker fried chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Classic options include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. For a uniquely flavorful twist, you might consider pairing it with grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad. The contrast between the crispy chicken and the freshness of the sides creates a delightful culinary experience. Don't forget to have a selection of dipping sauces on handspicy honey mustard, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy ranch dressing are crowd favorites that can elevate your dining experience. You might also like to explore our grilled vegetables recipe for a wholesome side dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Chicken
Here are some additional tips to ensure your fried chicken is impeccable every time:- Always start with chicken pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking.- Don't skip the marination step; it infuses the chicken with flavor and ensures juiciness.- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, maintaining it consistently around 375F.- Avoid overcrowding the pressure cooker or frying pan. Overcrowding can reduce oil temperature, resulting in greasy, unevenly cooked chicken.- Let the chicken rest after frying and pressure cooking to lock in the juices and maintain crispiness.
Cleaning Up
After the delightful meal, it's time to tackle the cleanup. Proper maintenance of your cookware and kitchen tools will ensure they last and continue to perform well. For cleaning your pressure cooker, consider this cookware cleaner. It helps in removing stubborn stains and maintaining the shine of your appliance. For your cutting board, using cutting board oil will keep it in top condition, preventing warping and cracking.
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