As a chef, I know that frying chicken can be a tedious and messy process, but with this easy pressure cooker recipe, you can make delicious, tender fried chicken without all the hassle. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
What to Expect from Deep Frying Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Deep frying chicken in a pressure cooker is an easy way and SUPER fast way to achieve a crispy, golden crust and juicy, tender meat. The pressure cooker seals in the moisture, while cooking the meat under atmospheric pressure allowing the chicken to cook evenly and more quickly than normal (which is typically around 25 minutes in a regular pot). This is definitely how KFC get their original chicken so tender with that quintessential breading on the skin- except they use a custom-built pressurized deep fryer. And this method was verified by an ex-KFC employee. You get yummy fried chicken in a jiffy without grease splattering all over your kitchen floor too, so cleanup is also easy.
Occasions Best Suited for This Recipe
This deep-fried chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special occasion or potluck. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, and it’s easy to scale up or down to fit your needs.
Why Should You Fry Chicken in a Pressure Cooker Instead of a Pan
Frying chicken in a pressure cooker is a healthier and more efficient way to achieve crispy, juicy chicken. The pressure cooker seals in the moisture, resulting in a more tender and flavorful end product. It also cooks faster than traditional deep frying, saving you time and energy.
Common Challenges or Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake when deep frying chicken in a pressure cooker is overcooking the chicken, which can result in dry, tough meat. To avoid this, be sure to follow the recommended cooking times and check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Also, it is best to fry thighs and legs together and breasts and wings in batches to minimise uneven cooking. As always it is only safe to open the pressure cooker after the pressure valve has dropped.
Equipment and Tools That Are Necessary to Make This Dish
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following. Click on the names to shop any of these in my Amazon store:
- Pressure cooker
- Thermometer
- Mittens
- Baking sheet with a cooling rack
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Glass jars for reusable oil
- Funnel
- Labels
Watch Me Demonstrate the Pressure Cooker Fried Chicken Recipe
Side Dishes That Would Pair Well with This Caribbean Style Fried Chicken
This deep-fried chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as:
- Cole slaw
- Mac and cheese
- Sweet potato fries
- Potato Salad
- Cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice n Peas
- Callaloo
- Mashed Potatoes
- Many Types of Bread (Jamaican Hardo, Jamaican Coco Bread, Brioche, Foccacia, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls)
These sides provide a nice balance of flavours and textures that complement the crispy, fatty and juicy chicken.
Recipe for Making Deep Fried Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
How to Make a Delicious, Tender, Deep Fried Chicken without Hassle
Course: Caribbean, Chicken, Dinner, Quick or Easy, RecipesDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes5
minutesIngredients
- Wet Marinade
1 tsp grated ginger
3 cloves garlic grated.
1 tsp pimento powder
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 tsp salt
1 tsp chicken bouillon
1 tsp granulated sugar
- Dry Ingredients
3 leg quarters, cut into leg and thigh pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
2 ½ tsp onion powder
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1/4 tsp scotch bonnet powder
2 tsp thyme powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 ½ tsp oregano
- Other Ingredients
1-2 liters vegetable oil for frying (depending on size of pressure cooker)
Directions
- Instructions:
- Season chicken pieces with wet seasonings, salt, and sugar and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you have the time.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, ginger, curry powder, scotch bonnet, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl.
- Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then place them on a dry plate or metal tray until ready to fry.
- Heat the vegetable oil in your pressure cooker over low-medium heat. The oil should be about 4 inches deep so the chicken is fully submerged once lowered into the oil.
- Once the oil is hot enough for frying (around 375°F), carefully add about 4-5 chicken pieces to the pressure cooker with a long tong. You don’t want to overcrowd the pot as this will lower the temperature of the oil and cause the chicken to become greasy instead of crispy.
- Immediately cover and seal the pressure cooker with the weight put on. Fry the dark pieces of chicken for about 5-7 minutes and the breast and wings for 4-5 minutes in total. Then carefully depressurize the pressure cooker by placing the put under running water in your kitchen sink. Once the pressure valve has dropped it is safe to open it and remove the cooked chicken pieces.
- Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the fried chicken hot, with your favourite dipping sauces or sides.
- Enjoy your quick and delicious homemade pressure cooker fried chicken!
Notes
- It is best to fry dark pieces (leg and thigh) separately from the light pieces (breast and wing)
Key Considerations When Deep Frying Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Is it safe to fry chicken in a pressure cooker?
PLEASE REVIEW YOUR PRESSURE COOKER MANUAL. In some cases it is not is safe to fry chicken in a pressure cooker. If you are planning to use your pressure cooker, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper safety precautions. Only open the pressure cooker only once the pressure valve has dropped indicating it’s safe to open.
Safety Measures
- Only fill up the pressure cooker to between 1/4 to 1/3 full with oil. That means unless you have a large pot, you’ll have to fry lots of chicken in stages.
- Use a temperature gauge to check your temperature before adding your chicken. Most pots can safely handle about 250 degrees farenheit. Go up to about 300 degrees because the temperature will drop after adding your chicken.
- After adding your chicken, and covering and sealing the pressure cooker, do not leave it unattended. You want to listen to the sound, and if your pot is overworking, you can turn down the heat underneath.
- Do not fry for longer than 10 minutes.
Can I Use an Instant Pot to Deep Fry
No. Do not use the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker to deep fry. Most do not have the valves like regular stove top cookers. The vent is crucial to safety.
Timing your fried chicken for the perfect results
Timing is key when it comes to frying chicken in a pressure cooker. Overcooking can result in dry, tough meat, or mushy meat that melts in your mouth and break apart everywhere. While undercooking can lead to foodborne illness if ingested. To ensure perfect results, set a timer for the recommended cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the dark pieces of chicken for about 5-7 minutes and the breast and wings for 4-5 minutes in total.
How do I know if the food is cooked properly?
The best way to know if your chicken is cooked properly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to check the internal temperature. The temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
What to do when it’s undercooked
If you check the internal temperature of the chicken after removing from the pressure cooker and it is not at the safe zone of 165°F, which is the minimum safe temperature for cooked chicken, here’s what you can do. Simply return it to the UNCOVERED pressure cooker, turn back on your heat, and continue frying for a few more minutes. You don’t need to add back to the pressure cooker as it’s likely just needed another 2-3 minutes additional.
What are some tips for making the recipe easier or faster?
To make this recipe easier and faster, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces or boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also marinate the chicken in advance to save time and add extra flavour. Additionally, you can skip the traditional breading and simply season the chicken with spices for a healthier, faster option.
What to do with leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I highly recommend using an air fryer to reheat instead of a microwave. Leftover fried chicken can also be used in salads, sandwiches, or quesadillas for a quick and easy meal.
What are some ingredient substitutions?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, you can make a few substitutions without compromising the dish’s taste. You can also use corn starch instead of flour for a gluten-free option, and vegetable oil instead of peanut oil.
Modifying the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free
To modify this recipe for dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Why I Love Making Fried Chicken in my Pressure Cooker
Overcooking your chicken may result in bursting the chicken open. So knowing the exact time in your pressure cooker may require you to try this recipe twice or thrice. This is a thing at KFC – is it soft, broken up, etc.? But don’t worry – this is not a grading system. Just remember, follow your pressure cooker manufacturer’s guidelines to know when it is safe to open your pressure cooker.
In conclusion, making fried chicken in a pressure cooker is a great option for busy home cooks who want a delicious and easy meal. With the right equipment and a little practice, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time it takes to fry it on the stovetop. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why I love making fried chicken in my pressure cooker.
My Pressure Cooker
This is the pressure cooker I have purchased in 2020 – the Presto 01370 8-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker and is still going strong. I use it for catering along with other larger pressure cookers. It is the same pressure cooker I used in the video above. Presto generally has good pressure cookers, so just hit that button below and browse their options.
