6 Best Pressure Cookers for Fried Chicken of 2025

Achieving that perfectly crispy exterior and incredibly juicy interior is the hallmark of great fried chicken, and the INTSUPERMAI 16L Commercial Countertop Pressure Fryer is built specifically for that pursuit. This unit leverages the power of pressure frying, a technique favored by many restaurants, using a robust thickened #304 stainless steel structure for durability. Its 16L capacity and large round basket are designed to handle significant batches, directly addressing the pain point of cooking for crowds or preparing multiple servings efficiently.

Performance is where this INTSUPERMAI fryer truly shines, replicating the results of larger, more expensive commercial machines in a countertop form factor. The 2400W heating element ensures rapid temperature recovery, crucial for consistent frying results across batches, while precision temperature control (50-200℃) allows fine-tuning for various recipes. Operating at 8PSI pressure, it cooks chicken faster than open frying, locking in moisture while developing a desirable crust. Handling large pieces or multiple chicken parts is straightforward with the lift-out basket, though managing the oil and pressure release requires careful attention.

Compared to a multi-cooker like the Instant Pot RIO, this INTSUPERMAI fryer is a highly specialized tool focused solely on deep pressure frying, whereas the Instant Pot offers versatility across many cooking methods. The trade-off is clear: the INTSUPERMAI provides authentic pressure-fried texture and speed for high volumes, while the Instant Pot is a generalist for home kitchens. For those prioritizing restaurant-quality fried chicken and needing the capacity for larger batches, the performance and build quality of this machine offer significant value over multi-function alternatives.

While not a traditional deep fryer, the Instant Pot RIO offers a versatile approach for preparing chicken that can serve as a foundation for “fried” results. This 7-in-1 multi-cooker excels at pressure cooking chicken quickly, rendering it incredibly tender and moist before any crisping step. Its 6-quart capacity is well-suited for preparing meals for up to six people, making it a practical choice for everyday home cooking. The updated design with an anti-spin pot and intuitive control panel enhances the user experience for various tasks.

In practice, using the Instant Pot RIO for chicken typically involves pressure cooking it with liquid using one of the 13 customizable Smart Programs. This dramatically reduces cooking time compared to conventional methods, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tenderized rapidly. While it handles this stage with ease, achieving a crispy exterior requires transferring the chicken to another appliance like an air fryer, broiler, or pan for finishing. The food-grade stainless-steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom promotes even heating during sautéing or pressure cooking, contributing to consistent results before crisping.

Unlike the dedicated commercial pressure fryers such as the PreAsion 16L, the Instant Pot RIO does not perform the deep pressure frying process itself; it’s a pressure cooker first. The Instant Pot RIO is ideal for home cooks seeking a multi-functional appliance that can quickly tenderize chicken (among many other foods) as a step towards a “fried” dish, rather than a single-purpose fryer. Its broad utility and ease of cleaning offer a different kind of value compared to the specialized, high-capacity frying machines.

For those chasing the legendary crisp and juice of authentic pressure-fried chicken, the PreAsion 16L High Pressure Fried Chicken Machine stands out as a top contender. Designed with a focus on safety and efficiency, this unit is built from high-grade 304 stainless steel and features multiple non-explosive safety devices, including an innovative elastic beam support system. The large round 16L basket is capable of handling substantial quantities, advertised to fit 3-5 chickens, making it exceptionally efficient for events or small commercial settings.

Performance-wise, the PreAsion 16L delivers results comparable to professional fryers. It operates at 110V with a 2.4KW heating element, ensuring rapid heating and recovery for consistent frying temperatures. The presence of a timer and variable thermostat allows for precise control over the cooking process, while the 8PSI pressure gauge provides real-time monitoring. Its design promotes maximum oil turbulence for even cooking and enhanced flavor penetration, a key factor in achieving that signature fried chicken taste and texture. Draining oil is facilitated by a specific valve, though it’s recommended to wait until cool.

Positioned as a commercial-grade machine in a countertop form, this PreAsion fryer offers a different value proposition than multi-cookers like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. While the Duo Crisp provides versatility with pressure cooking and air frying (using significantly less oil), the PreAsion is dedicated to high-volume, traditional deep pressure frying. It’s the ideal choice for users who need the capacity and performance to replicate classic fried chicken recipes at scale, prioritizing authentic texture over multi-functionality or oil-free methods.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a true kitchen workhorse, uniquely combining the speed of pressure cooking with the crisping power of air frying, offering a compelling alternative for achieving “fried” chicken results without deep oil immersion. This 11-in-1 appliance features two interchangeable lids: one for pressure cooking and one for air frying, allowing users to quickly tenderize chicken under pressure and then crisp it to perfection using EvenCrisp technology with up to 95% less oil. Its 6-quart capacity is suitable for families, offering versatility beyond just chicken.

Using the Duo Crisp for chicken is a multi-step process that leverages its dual functionality. First, the pressure cooking lid is used to cook the chicken quickly and deeply, locking in moisture. Then, the lid is swapped for the air fryer lid to create a crispy, golden exterior. This process is significantly faster than traditional methods and results in chicken that is tender inside and crispy outside, mimicking fried textures effectively. The food-grade stainless-steel pot with a tri-ply bottom ensures even cooking during the pressure phase, while the air fryer function provides a healthier crisping option.

Unlike dedicated pressure fryers such as the TECHTONGDA 16L, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp does not perform traditional deep pressure frying in oil; instead, it offers a healthier, multi-functional alternative. It’s less about high-volume commercial-style frying and more about versatile home cooking with the ability to achieve crispy results across a wide range of foods. For users who want the speed of pressure cooking for various dishes and the ability to create crispy chicken without large amounts of oil, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp offers superior flexibility and a different kind of value compared to single-function fryers.

For individuals or smaller households wanting the convenience of pressure cooking chicken quickly, the Instant Pot Duo Mini offers a compact and versatile solution. As a 7-in-1 multi-cooker, its primary strength lies in pressure cooking, which can tenderize chicken rapidly and efficiently before any crisping step. The 3-quart capacity is perfectly sized for cooking for up to three people, making it an excellent choice for singles, couples, or small families with limited kitchen space.

In operation, the Instant Pot Duo Mini utilizes its pressure cooking function to cook chicken much faster than traditional methods, ensuring it’s moist and cooked through. Like other Instant Pot models without an air fryer lid, achieving a crispy exterior requires a secondary step using a different appliance or method, such as pan-frying or broiling. The 13 customizable Smart Programs simplify the pressure cooking process, allowing users to select settings optimized for poultry or other ingredients. Its stainless steel inner pot is durable and easy to clean after use.

Compared to larger units like the INTSUPERMAI 16L pressure fryer, the Instant Pot Duo Mini serves a fundamentally different purpose. While the INTSUPERMAI is a specialized machine for high-volume deep pressure frying, the Duo Mini is a multi-functional appliance designed for small-scale home use. It’s the ideal choice for users who need a compact device for quickly cooking small batches of chicken (among many other dishes) and are comfortable crisping it separately. Its smaller size and lower capacity offer a different value proposition focused on convenience and space-saving for smaller living situations.

The TECHTONGDA 16L Countertop Pressure Fryer is engineered for those who demand commercial-level performance and capacity for creating authentic pressure-fried chicken. Constructed from thickened and reinforced #304 stainless steel, this machine is built for durability and heavy use. Its generous 16L capacity and large lift-out basket are specifically designed to handle significant volumes of chicken, making it an excellent fit for small businesses or serious home cooks entertaining large groups.

Performance is robust, with a 3KW heating element ensuring fast heat-up and recovery times, essential for consistent results when frying multiple batches. The temperature range of 50-200℃ allows for precise control, while the integrated pressure gauge provides real-time monitoring for safe operation at pressure. The design focuses on efficient frying, producing chicken that is tender and moist inside with a perfectly crispy exterior, characteristic of pressure frying. The lift-out basket simplifies handling, though managing the oil and pressure requires careful operation.

Directly comparable to the PreAsion 16L fryer, the TECHTONGDA offers similar high capacity and dedicated pressure frying capability, distinguishing itself from multi-cookers like the Instant Pot Duo. While an Instant Pot provides broad versatility for many cooking methods, the TECHTONGDA is a specialized machine for producing high volumes of authentic pressure-fried chicken. Its focus on durable construction and powerful performance makes it a strong value proposition for users prioritizing commercial-style fried chicken results and needing the capacity that standard home appliances cannot match.