Instant Pot Deep Frying: Is It Possible?

Deep frying requires oil temperatures of around 350°F or higher. Instant Pots, like most pressure cookers, don't reach these temperatures under normal conditions. While you can use the Sauté function to pan-fry food, your Instant Pot cannot be used as a deep fryer. The appliance will not get hot enough to heat the oil needed for deep frying while it's uncovered. If you try to deep fry in an Instant Pot, you're more likely to burn your food or set the appliance on fire because it does not have the same protections as a deep fryer.

Instant Pots are not designed for deep frying

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and even baking cookies. However, it is not suitable for deep frying due to its design and functionality.

Deep frying requires submerging food in hot oil, which the Instant Pot is not designed to do. The appliance will not get hot enough to heat the oil needed for deep frying while uncovered. If you try to deep fry in an Instant Pot, you are more likely to burn your food or set the appliance on fire as it does not have the same protections as a deep fryer.

There are alternative ways to achieve a crispy texture in battered foods using an Instant Pot. For example, you can use the sauté function to pan-fry food or explore air fryer lids compatible with some models. However, these methods will not give you the same results as traditional deep frying.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings when using an Instant Pot. Attempting to deep fry in an Instant Pot could be dangerous and may void your warranty.

Deep frying requires high temperatures that Instant Pots can't reach

Deep frying requires high temperatures—traditionally, the oil needs to be heated to between 350°F and 375°F. However, Instant Pots are not designed to reach these temperatures.

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and even baking cookies. However, it has its limitations, and deep frying is one of them.

The Instant Pot tends to use damp warmth instead of the dry, intense heat needed for deep frying. While it can be used for shallow "pan frying" or stir-frying, it won't achieve the same crispy texture as deep frying.

If you attempt to deep fry with an Instant Pot, you risk burning your food or setting the appliance on fire. This is because the Instant Pot does not have the same safety features as a dedicated deep fryer.

Additionally, the moisture involved in pressure cooking, which is what the Instant Pot excels at, can be dangerous when combined with high temperatures. Introducing such high heat without proper ventilation could lead to overheating or even pressurized explosions within closed systems not designed for open frying.

Therefore, it is strongly advised not to use an Instant Pot as a deep fryer. If you are looking to deep fry foods, it is best to use a Dutch oven or a dedicated deep fryer.

Deep frying in an Instant Pot could lead to a fire or explosion

Deep frying traditionally requires oil at high temperatures. The Instant Pot, however, leans towards utilizing damp warmth instead of the parched fervor necessary for achieving that crispy exterior. An Instant Pot, like most pressure cookers, doesn't reach these temperatures under normal conditions. Frying typically requires oil temperatures of 350°F or higher, but introducing such high heat without proper ventilation could lead to overheating or, worse, pressurized explosions within closed systems not designed for open frying.

Safety guides for deep frying from consumer protection agencies, including the USDA, emphasize keeping any flammable materials away from your cooking area, especially when using electric cookers like the Instant Pot. Make sure your workspace is clear and safe. Moreover, moisture plays a huge role in pressure cooking—which is what an Instant Pot excels at.

If you really want crispy foods in your Instant Pot, you should get the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp & Air Fryer, or the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which will add air fryer capabilities to your Instant Pot.

You can use an Instant Pot for shallow pan frying

While an Instant Pot is not designed for deep frying, it can be used for shallow pan frying. This is because the Instant Pot does not reach the temperatures required for deep frying, which is around 350°F to 375°F.

However, the sauté function on the Instant Pot can be used to pan-fry food. This function can be used to brown meats or create a crust on potatoes, for example. Although this won't give you the exact crunch of deep-fried food, it will add a pleasingly crisp texture to your dishes.

It's important to note that you should never fill your Instant Pot with oil as if it were a deep fryer. This could be dangerous and is not recommended by manufacturers.

If you're looking to achieve a similar taste and texture to deep-fried food, there are some other methods you can try. One is to use a silicone steamer insert or an air fryer attachment, which are compatible with some Instant Pot models. These tools allow hot air to circulate around the food, giving it a golden exterior without submerging it in oil.

Another method is 'pot-in-pot' cooking, which involves placing another container inside your Instant Pot with a little bit of oil and your ingredients. This essentially bakes the food at high pressure and can give you a similar texture and taste to deep frying.

If you're specifically looking to make fried chicken, you can also use the Instant Pot to precook the chicken and then fry it in the conventional manner on the stove. This helps to drive the flavor or marinade into the meat and speeds up the cooking process.

An Instant Pot can be used to precook food before frying it

The short answer is no. While an Instant Pot can be used for sautéing, which is a form of frying, it cannot be used as a deep fryer. Deep frying requires oil to be heated to temperatures of 350°F to 375°F, and an Instant Pot cannot reach these temperatures.

Despite not being able to deep fry, there are ways to use an Instant Pot to help with the frying process. One method is to use the Instant Pot to precook food before frying it in the conventional manner on the stove. This can be done by marinating the meat, pressure cooking it, allowing it to cool, and then frying it on the stove. This process can help to drive the flavour of the marinade into the meat and speed up the overall cooking time.

Another technique is 'pot-in-pot' cooking, which involves placing another container inside the Instant Pot with a little oil and the ingredients, essentially baking them at high pressure. This won't be exactly like deep frying, but it will give a similar texture and taste.

It's important to note that some Instant Pot models have an air fryer lid accessory that can be purchased separately. This accessory transforms the Instant Pot into an air fryer, which can be used to cook snacks like fries or chicken wings without the need for large amounts of oil.

Safety Hazards

It is important to keep safety in mind when using an Instant Pot for any purpose. Deep frying involves temperatures that the Instant Pot is not engineered to handle safely with large volumes of oil. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid pressure cooking oil, as this can be extremely dangerous.

Frequently asked questions