What Not to Make in Your Instant Pot: Avoiding Common Mistakes
If you’re among the many home cooks who have welcomed an Instant Pot into your kitchen, you likely appreciate its versatility. The latest models boast up to 10 different cooking functions, allowing for everything from pressure cooking to slow cooking, and even sautéing. This multifunctional appliance can simplify meal prep and inspire creativity in the kitchen. However, despite its many capabilities, there are specific dishes and cooking methods that should be avoided when using an Instant Pot. Knowing what not to do can help you maximize your cooking experience while ensuring safety and optimal results.
1. Avoid Deep Frying
Deep frying is a beloved cooking technique that delivers crispy, flavorful results; however, the Instant Pot is not designed for this purpose. While the Sauté function may allow for some pan-frying, the appliance does not reach the necessary temperature for deep frying oil, which typically needs to be around 350°F (175°C). When attempting to deep fry in an Instant Pot, you risk burning your food or even creating a fire hazard, as the device lacks the safety mechanisms present in traditional deep fryers.
If you crave the crunchiness associated with deep frying, consider investing in models specifically designed to incorporate air frying capabilities, such as the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer or the Instant Pot Pro Crisp & Air Fryer. These appliances allow you to achieve that desired texture without the dangers associated with traditional deep frying. They utilize hot air circulation to create a crispy exterior, mimicking the effects of deep frying but with significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative.
2. Stir-Frying Is Best Left to Woks
Stir-frying is a cooking method that thrives on high, direct heat, allowing for quick cooking while maintaining the texture and flavor of fresh ingredients. Although you can technically use an Instant Pot to steam vegetables intended for stir-frying, it simply cannot replicate the unique texture that a traditional wok provides. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature tends to result in soggy vegetables rather than the crisp, vibrant stir-fry you may desire.
If you’re keen on preparing a stir fry, it’s best to utilize a high-sided pan or wok that allows for adequate heat and proper tossing of ingredients, ensuring that your dish turns out as intended. For example, using a well-seasoned cast iron wok can enhance the flavor of your dish while providing the high temperatures needed for rapid cooking. This method allows the ingredients to sear quickly while retaining their natural juices and textures.
3. Grilling Is Out of the Question
Many home cooks rely on their grills to impart that unmistakable char and smoky flavor to their favorite foods. Unfortunately, the Instant Pot cannot replicate the grilling process or provide those coveted grill marks that elevate the dining experience. While you can use your Instant Pot to prepare burgers, hot dogs, or vegetables, they will lack the distinct flavors and textures that grilling offers. The essence of grilling comes from the Maillard reaction, which occurs at high temperatures and is essential for creating that delicious crust.
For optimal grilling results, consider employing either an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan. These methods will provide the necessary heat and cooking environment needed to achieve perfectly grilled fare. Additionally, experimenting with marinades and rubs can enhance the flavor profile of your grilled items, something that simply cannot be achieved with an Instant Pot. Whether it’s a classic burger or marinated chicken, the grilling experience is an integral part of summer and outdoor cooking traditions.
4. Cookies Should Remain in the Oven
While the Instant Pot shines in creating a variety of desserts, like cheesecakes and custards, it falls short when it comes to baking cookies. Cookies are best baked on a flat baking sheet, allowing them room to spread out as they cook. The Instant Pot cannot provide the necessary baking environment to achieve that perfect contrast of crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. In fact, the moist environment created inside an Instant Pot is not conducive to proper cookie baking, often resulting in a texture that is neither traditional nor enjoyable. To satisfy your cookie cravings, it’s advisable to stick with traditional baking methods in your oven. This ensures that your cookies develop the ideal texture and flavor profile that only conventional baking can provide. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip cookies or more adventurous flavors like oatmeal raisin, baking them in an oven allows for the right balance of heat and air circulation, leading to golden edges and soft centers.5. Canning Foods Requires Caution
Canning is a time-honored method of food preservation, and while some Instant Pot models, such as the Instant Pot Pro Plus and the Instant Pot Max, include a canning function, caution is paramount. The USDA has not officially approved any electric pressure cooker, including these models, for safe home canning. Older models do not generate the necessary heat or pressure for effective canning, which can lead to dangerous bacterial growth in improperly canned foods. Botulism, a potentially fatal illness, is a significant risk when food is not canned correctly.
If you’re considering canning, it’s essential to do thorough research and understand the risks involved. Always opt for traditional canning methods using a pressure canner that meets safety regulations, ensuring food safety and quality. Additionally, familiarize yourself with proper canning techniques, such as the water bath method for high-acid foods and pressure canning for low-acid foods, to prevent foodborne illnesses. Proper sterilization of jars and lids is also crucial in preserving your food safely.
