How to Cook Fried Chicken in a Pressure Cooker: A Comprehensive Guide
Written By Avi Green
How to cook fried chicken in a pressure cooker might sound intimidating, but its actually a straightforward and delicious method to achieve perfectly crispy, juicy chicken every time. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also guarantees that your chicken is cooked to tender perfection.
Why Choose a Pressure Cooker?
Many home cooks are on the lookout for methods that are both time-saving and enhance the flavor and nutritional value of their ingredients. Using a pressure cooker for fried chicken offers several advantages:
- Faster Cooking Time: The pressure cooker significantly reduces the time needed to prepare classic fried chicken.
- Retained Flavors and Nutrients: Cooking under pressure helps lock in juices and nutrients, making your chicken moist and flavorful.
- Versatility: Besides frying, you can use the pressure cooker for a plethora of other dishes, making it an all-purpose kitchen tool.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step tenderizes the meat and helps the coating adhere properly during frying.
Step 2: Preparing the Coating
Mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This seasoned flour will give your chicken its crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Coating the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Prepping the Pressure Cooker
Add about a cup of water to the bottom of your pressure cooker. Place the pressure cooker basket inside but ensure it doesn't touch the water.
Step 5: Frying the Chicken in the Pressure Cooker
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in your pressure cooker until hot. Gently place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. You may have to do this in batches. Once all pieces are in, close the lid.
Cooking Process
Set your pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked thoroughly while maintaining a crispy outer texture. Once done, carefully release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.
- For extra crispy skin, place cooked chicken on a wire rack to cool instead of paper towels.
Conclusion
Cooking fried chicken in a pressure cooker is more convenient than traditional methods without sacrificing flavor or texture. With this guide on how to cook fried chicken in a pressure cooker, you're sure to impress your family and friends with deliciously crispy and juicy chicken in a fraction of the time.
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