Perfecting Fried Chicken with a Pressure Fryer

Introduction

Fried chicken is a classic dish loved by many, and using a pressure fryer can take it to a whole new level. With its ability to cook quickly and evenly, a pressure fryer ensures that your chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make delicious fried chicken using a pressure fryer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• One 3-pound chicken, cut into 6 pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Accent (MSG seasoning)
• 1 can lard (or one 3-pound can Crisco), enough to cover chicken in fryer

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the beaten egg and buttermilk. Soak the chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
2. Season the Flour: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with dried sage, salt, paprika, basil, marjoram, oregano, chili powder, pepper, onion salt, garlic powder, and Accent seasoning.
3. Coat the Chicken: Roll the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture until they are completely covered.
4. Prepare the Fryer: Heat the lard (or Crisco) in the pressure fryer to 365°F (185°C), following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
5. Fry the Chicken: Using a utensil, carefully lower 4 pieces of the chicken into the hot oil. Lock the lid of the pressure fryer in place to avoid splattering.
6. Cook Until Golden: Allow the chicken to fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Release Pressure and Drain: Once cooked, release the pressure from the fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the chicken from the fryer and place it on paper towels or a metal rack to drain off any excess oil.
8. Repeat Process: Repeat the frying process with the remaining 2 pieces of chicken.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature of 365°F (185°C) for optimal frying results.
• Handle with Care: Use a utensil when adding chicken to the hot oil to avoid burns.
• Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, consider using Crisco instead of lard and double-coating the chicken with the flour mixture.

Conclusion

With a pressure fryer and the right technique, making delicious fried chicken at home is easier than you might think. By following these simple steps and tips, you can achieve crispy, flavorful chicken that will impress your family and friends. So why wait? Fire up your pressure fryer and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering fried chicken.