Instant Pot & Air Fried Italian Style Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Meal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding delicious yet straightforward recipes that cater to busy schedules and limited ingredients can be a challenge. That’s precisely how this incredible Instant Pot & Air Fried Italian Style Chicken came to life. Born from the need to create something satisfying with pantry staples, this recipe quickly became a family favorite. It combines the tenderness achieved through pressure cooking with the irresistible crispness of air frying, all infused with classic Italian flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, prepare to add this fuss-free, flavor-packed dish to your regular rotation.
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The Inspiration: Pantry Staples to Culinary Innovation
Necessity is the mother of invention, and in the kitchen, this often leads to the most unexpectedly brilliant dishes. The inspiration for this Italian-style chicken recipe came from a common scenario: a well-stocked pantry, specifically with several cans of premium San Marzano tomatoes, and a desire to create something fresh and different. Instead of defaulting to a familiar Sunday sauce, the idea emerged to braise chicken in a rich, tomato-based sauce using the Instant Pot, then elevate it with a quick finish in the air fryer. The goal was simple: minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and a meal that feels both comforting and special.
This “dump and cook” method is truly as easy as it gets. Forget about lengthy sautéing or complicated prep work. You simply combine all the core ingredients in your Instant Pot, give them a gentle stir, and let the magic of pressure cooking transform them into a tender, flavorful meal. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a homemade, hearty dinner.
Why San Marzano Tomatoes Make All the Difference
The choice of San Marzano tomatoes isn’t just a preference; it’s a foundation of flavor for this dish. Hailing from the rich volcanic plains around Mount Vesuvius in Italy, these plum tomatoes are renowned for their sweet, balanced flavor, lower acidity, and dense, meaty flesh with fewer seeds. When slow-cooked or pressure-cooked, they break down beautifully into a silky, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken, imparting an authentic Italian taste that canned diced tomatoes simply can’t replicate. Their quality truly elevates this simple braised chicken from good to extraordinary.
Taking it Up a Notch: The Air Fryer Transformation
While the Instant Pot delivers incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, sometimes a dish calls for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. This is where the air fryer steps in as our secret weapon. After the chicken is perfectly braised in the tomato sauce, it’s briefly transferred to the air fryer. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese and a quick spray of oil create a golden, crispy skin that adds a delightful contrast to the succulent interior. This step isn’t just about aesthetics; it introduces a caramelized, savory crunch that makes the dish truly unforgettable.
The transformation is remarkable. What was once a humble braised chicken becomes a showstopper, reminiscent of fine dining but achieved with minimal effort. The air fryer works quickly, ensuring that the chicken retains its juiciness while developing that coveted crispy exterior. It’s a testament to how simple techniques can profoundly impact the final dish.
A Nod to Epcot’s Flavors: Serving with Ricotta
Upon tasting the finished dish, the rich tomato-braised chicken with its crispy Parmesan crust evoked memories of a dish served at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts: Pollo alla Pirandello. That unforgettable experience inspired the perfect pairing for this homemade creation: a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese. Serving the chicken over pasta with a generous spoonful of fresh ricotta adds a cool, creamy counterpoint to the robust tomato sauce and tender chicken, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying meal. While this recipe is a delicious start, it lays the groundwork for future experiments to further capture that specific Epcot magic!
Instant Pot & Air Fried Italian Style Chicken
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Equipment
- Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken, cut into pieces (approximately 3-4 lbs)
- 1 Can San Marzano Tomatoes (28oz), crushed or whole and hand-crushed
- 1 Cup Chicken Stock (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Sea Salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil (or olive oil, for air frying)
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated (for air frying)
- ½ Lb Ricotta Cheese (optional, for serving)
- 4 tablespoons Cooked Pasta (or your preferred serving base)
Instructions
- Place all the chicken pieces into your Instant Pot. Generously season the chicken on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy; ensure a nice, even coating on each piece.
- Add the can of San Marzano tomatoes, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the chicken is nestled in the sauce.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release before carefully performing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the tender chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a plate or cutting board. You can shred it or keep it in pieces. Pour the flavorful liquid into a separate bowl – this will make an excellent sauce for serving.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in your air fryer basket, skin side up if applicable. Lightly spray the chicken with vegetable oil, then sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken has a beautiful caramelized crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve your perfectly cooked Italian-style chicken over a bed of your favorite cooked pasta, drizzled with the reserved tomato sauce. For an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, add a spoonful of ricotta cheese on top. Enjoy!
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Tried this recipe?Mention @DadGotThis or tag #DadGotThis!Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot & Air Fried Italian Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about making your life easier and your meals more delicious. Here’s why this Instant Pot and air-fried Italian chicken is a must-try:
- Effortless Preparation: The Instant Pot handles most of the cooking, requiring minimal hands-on time. Simply dump the ingredients, set it, and forget it!
- Incredible Flavor: San Marzano tomatoes, combined with a robust blend of Italian herbs and garlic, create a deeply savory and aromatic sauce that permeates every bite of chicken.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: The dual cooking method ensures fall-apart tender chicken from the Instant Pot, followed by a crispy, golden skin and cheesy crust from the air fryer. It’s a textural dream!
- Versatile Serving Options: While delicious with pasta and ricotta, this chicken also pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple side salad.
- Family-Friendly: The mild yet rich Italian flavors are generally a hit with both adults and children, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
- Pantry-Friendly: Based on readily available ingredients, you likely have most of what you need already.
Tips for Success and Variations
To ensure your Italian Style Instant Pot & Air Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips and ideas for customization:
- Chicken Choice: While a whole chicken cut into pieces is recommended for maximum flavor and varied textures, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for similar results. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used but might dry out in the air fryer if not watched carefully; reduce air frying time.
- Tomato Options: If San Marzano tomatoes aren’t available, high-quality crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes that you crush by hand will also work well. Avoid pre-seasoned tomato products if you want to control the spice profile.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped and stirred in at the end, can brighten the flavor of the sauce significantly.
- Adding Vegetables: For a more complete meal, consider adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the Instant Pot along with the tomatoes and chicken. They will cook down beautifully and absorb the flavors.
- Sauce Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, after removing the chicken, you can use the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function to simmer the sauce down to your desired consistency. A cornstarch slurry can also be added for a quick thickening.
- Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with other hard Italian cheeses for the air fryer finish, such as Pecorino Romano, for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot & Air Fried Italian Style Chicken:
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can braise the chicken in a Dutch oven or a large pot on the stovetop or in the oven. For stovetop, bring the ingredients to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes until chicken is tender. For oven, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes. The air fryer step remains the same for the crispy finish.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can achieve a similar crispy finish by baking the chicken in a conventional oven. Place the seasoned, Parmesan-coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Boneless chicken pieces can be used. For boneless, skinless thighs or breasts, reduce the Instant Pot cooking time slightly, to about 8-9 minutes with a 5-minute natural release, to prevent them from becoming overcooked. The air fryer time might also need to be adjusted, likely reduced, so watch closely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate a pinch or two of red pepper flakes with the initial seasonings in the Instant Pot. You can also add a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper if you like a more pronounced spice.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
The braised chicken (without the air fryer step) can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then proceed with the air fryer step just before serving to ensure the chicken is hot and crispy.
What are some other serving suggestions besides pasta?
This versatile Italian chicken is excellent with creamy polenta, fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even simply with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Looking for another easy recipe?
Don’t stop the culinary adventure! How about trying out Dad’s Easy Meat Sauce? It’s another fantastic, no-fuss recipe that promises hearty flavors and will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for pasta night or any time you need a comforting meal with minimal effort.
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We hope you enjoy making this Instant Pot & Air Fried Italian Style Chicken as much as we do. It’s a recipe that perfectly balances convenience with incredible flavor, making it ideal for any day of the week. Happy cooking!