Master the Art of Pressure Cooker Fried Chicken with These Easy Steps!

Craving the irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness of fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying? Your pressure cooker is the secret weapon you need. Embark on a culinary adventure with this comprehensive guide on how to pressure cooker fried chicken that will leave your taste buds tantalized.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 wings). In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
2. Create the Dredge: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and discard the marinade. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, turning to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into the pressure cooker insert. Set the pressure cooker to the “Sauté” function and heat the oil until shimmering.
5. Brown the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Pressure Cook: Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to the “Pressure Cook” function on high pressure. Cook for 10 minutes.
7. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.
8. Crisp Up: Remove the chicken pieces from the pressure cooker and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Return the pressure cooker insert to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces back to the insert and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until crispy.

Perfecting Your Pressure Cooker Fried Chicken

• Use a whole chicken: This will give you a variety of cuts with different textures.
• Marinate the chicken: This helps the chicken absorb the flavors and become more tender.
• Dredge the chicken thoroughly: This ensures an even coating and crispy exterior.
• Brown the chicken before pressure cooking: This adds flavor and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pot.
• Don’t overcrowd the pressure cooker: This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
• Natural release is key: This allows the chicken to rest and retain its juices.
• Crisp up the chicken: This gives the chicken an irresistible crunch.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This reduces the fat content.
• Bake the chicken after pressure cooking: This gives the chicken a crispy exterior without additional oil.
• Serve with healthy sides: Pair your fried chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Fried Chicken Game

With this foolproof guide, you can now confidently create pressure cooker fried chicken that rivals any restaurant. Enjoy the crispy crunch, juicy tenderness, and undeniable satisfaction of this culinary masterpiece. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavors to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and embark on a delicious journey that will elevate your fried chicken game to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating and dredging.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil.
4. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pressure cooker?
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and brown it well before pressure cooking.
5. Can I cook the chicken in less time?
Yes, you can reduce the pressure cooking time to 6-8 minutes, but the chicken may not be as tender.
6. How do I store leftover fried chicken?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. How do I reheat fried chicken?
Reheat fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.