Could I Fry in My Instant Pot? Tips and Tricks Revealed (2024)

I've always loved my Instant Pot as an all-rounder.

Slow cooking? No problem. Baking cookies? A piece of cake.

But could I fry in my Instant Pot? This was a more challenging prospect.

While it's fantastic for sautéing, which is a kind of frying, using my Instant Pot as a deep fryer was a completely different prospect.

Can it be done? Find the answer below!

Understanding the Instant Pot's Capabilities

The Instant Pot does everything from pressure cooking to sautéing, embodying the ultimate kitchen multitool. But frying is a different story.

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.

Can You Fry in an Instant Pot?

The short answer is no, you can't traditionally fry in an Instant Pot.

Yet, this shouldn't be a reason for dismay. As an electric pressure cooker, the Instant Pot excels at many cooking methods. However, direct frying isn't one of them due to its design and function focused on pressure and slow cooking recipes such as our famous pulled pork barbacoa.

However, for those craving the fried taste without the actual process, there are workarounds like using the sauté function for a semblance of pan-frying or exploring air fryer lids compatible with some models.

The Science of Frying

Could I fry in my Instant Pot? The science doesn't think so.

The magic of deep frying begins at an oil temperature of 350°F to 375°F, where food transforms into golden deliciousness. This can also be achieved in a shallow pan with sufficient heat—this is called shallow frying.

An Instant Pot, like most pressure cookers, doesn't reach these temperatures under normal conditions.

Alternative Methods to Achieve a "Fried" Effect in an Instant Pot

Who says you can't get that crispy, crunchy goodness from your Instant Pot?

While it's true the device isn't built for traditional frying, don't throw in the towel just yet.

To achieve that coveted crispy finish without deep-frying, consider employing gadgets such as a silicone steamer insert or an air fryer attachment tailor-made for certain Instant Pot variants. These tools let hot air circulate around the food, giving it that golden exterior without submerging it in oil.

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

Learn more with our full Instant Pot basics guides!

Safety Hazards of Attempting to Fry in an Instant Pot

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. Frying typically requires oil temperatures around 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.

Recipe Ideas for "Frying" in Your Instant Pot

Fancy some crispy chicken or crunchy veggies but don't want to deep fry? Your Instant Pot can come surprisingly close. Although it's not built for traditional frying, you can still achieve that beloved texture and flavor.

"Deep Sautéing"

For starters, try the sauté function with a bit of oil to brown meats or create a crust on potatoes. While this technique won't replicate the exact crunch of deep-frying, it lends a pleasingly crisp texture to your dishes.

"Pressure Frying"

Another trick is using the Air Fryer Lid accessory if your model supports it. This "pressure frying" technique transforms your Instant Pot into an air fryer, perfect for cooking snacks like fries or buffalo chicken wings from frozen without all the oil and making a mess of a pot, a baking sheet, a wire rack, and your entire kitchen!

Related: 15 Best Instant Pot Accessories

Comparing Instant Pot Frying to Traditional Methods

An Instant Pot is not built for traditional deep frying due to its design and functionality. However, this doesn't mean you can't get crispy results when you want to fry chicken such as our honey and lemon chicken thighs or another crowd-pleasing classic.

The sauté function allows for browning surfaces, while the air fryer lid (sold separately) can mimic the effects of deep frying without all that oil.

Traditional frying methods involve submerging food in hot oil, which the Instant Pot simply isn't designed for. This method delivers that undeniable crunch and flavor but at a cost: higher calories and more cleanup.

In an Instant Pot using an air fryer lid, hot air circulates around the food, offering a healthier alternative with easier cleanup but sometimes less satisfying texture compared to traditional deep-fried foods.

Maintenance and Cleaning After Frying Attempts

If you've used one of our "work-around" deep frying alternatives for fried chicken or another recipe, you'll still need to clean up! Follow this simple step-by-step guide for the best results.

1. Unplug the Device

First, unplug the device and let it cool down. Then, remove any excess oil or food particles with a paper towel.

2. Clean the Inner Pot

For the inner pot, use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid harsh scrubbers that can damage the surface. Rinse well and dry before reassembling.

3. Clean the Lid

The lid's silicone ring might hold onto odors; soaking it in a vinegar solution can help eliminate smells: the team at Home & Garden explains how to prepare a vinegar solution here. Remember to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for parts that are dishwasher-safe.

Can I Deep Fry in an Instapot?

While an Instant Pot excels at many cooking methods, deep frying isn't one of its built-in features.

Though not designed for submerging food in hot oil like a conventional deep fryer, creative workarounds exist to achieve similar results.

Safety first! Deep frying involves temperatures that the Instant Pot isn’t engineered to handle safely with large volumes of oil.

Could I Fry in My Instant Pot? Frequently Asked Questions

Do Instapots Deep Fry? Key Takeaways

The Instant Pot simply isn't designed for deep frying. It doesn't achieve the required temperature, and if it did, it would be unsafe.

There are alternative ways to achieve a delicious, crispy texture in battered foods. And there's so much else your Instapot can do, I certainly don't hold its lack of deep-frying prowess against it.

The takeaway? Use it for what it was made for—which is basically everything else!