.imple, convenient, and practically effortless to use, the InstaPot has skyrocketed to the top of popular kitchen gadgets. An Instant Pot allows users to cook, steam, bake, boil, and make entire meals and side dishes without fussing with multiple gadgets at once. It’s the perfect time saver for college students, stay-at-home parents, and professional chefs alike. But despite the seemingly endless functionalities, many users can’t help but wonder: can you deep fry in a pressure cooker? our Instant Pot deep fry guide answers the question.
Is it Possible to use an InstaPot as a Deep Fryer?
For cooks on a tight schedule, an instant pot deep fry seems like the perfect solution: coat some chicken in batter, throw it in the Instant Pot and turn up the heat. Countless people have tried, thinking that if an InstaPot has such a broad functionality, there’s no reason it can’t act as a deep fryer. But the truth is, an InstaPot is not a fryer. The InstaPot can’t reach temperatures high enough to make fried food. Anyone who tries to push it might find themselves with a kitchen fire on their hands.
While frying might seem like a simple task, it actually requires boiling oil to make everything from deep-fried foods to classics like fried chicken. An InstaPot simply doesn’t get hot enough to reach the boiling point. And pouring oil into the pot and turning up the temperature won’t result in a bubbling vat of grease. Instead, it’s likely to overheat the pot and start a fire. InstaPots also don’t have the safety guards that are built into deep fryers, meaning they’re more likely to scorch, catch fire, or even explode. An instant pot deep fry isn’t impossible, but it’ll require a conventional oven or deep fryer at some point during the process.
InstaPots are also built to be steamers, not fryers–meaning that your vegetables are more likely to end up limp and soggy than firm and crispy. It’s possible to lightly fry meat and vegetables using a small amount of oil, but there’s no beating the traditional method of using a large frying pan over a conventional oven. Grilling is another option that’s off-limits to InstaPot users–there’s simply no way to replicate the taste, appearance, or crispiness of cooking on a barbecue grill. As versatile as the InstaPot can be, it can’t take the place of every tool in the kitchen.
Should You Buy a Deep Fryer?
An InstaPot might not be able to cook that perfect fried chicken recipe. However, it’s still an incredibly versatile gadget that takes the place of steamers, slow cookers, and even yogurt makers. Customers looking to make entrees like soup, steamed rice, beef and chicken, beans, baked potatoes, and more should invest in an InstaPot. It typically cuts cooking times in half, while still giving the flavors and spices plenty of time to simmer. It’s also affordable, with many brands going for less than $100. The low price and functionality make it a popular choice for people looking to make meals in a short time frame.
However, for people looking to make fried food, the only option is to invest in an actual deep fryer. In addition to the frying capabilities, a deep fryer also comes with safeguards that help prevent sparks and electrical fires. Most deep fryers can be purchased for less than $50. That makes it an economical choice for both home chefs and professionals. To learn more, see our guide to the best deep fryer.
Instant Pot Deep Fry? Sorry, But No.
Contrary to popular belief, the InstaPot can’t do literally everything–it can’t fry, grill, or make deliciously crispy stir-fry. Before making a purchase, customers should research the device and decide if it truly meets their dietary needs. Ultimately, you will need an appropriate deep fryer to get the crispy deliciousness you deserve.
