Tillie Doyle
Cooking potatoes in an Instant Pot is a convenient and simple way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Instant Pots are a great alternative to traditional stovetop pressure cookers, and can be used to cook potatoes for a variety of dishes, including potato salad, breakfast skillets, roasted potatoes, and boiled potatoes. The Instant Pot is also a handy tool for meal prepping potatoes to be used throughout the week. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook potatoes in an Instant Pot, the types of potatoes that work best, and the advantages of using an Instant Pot over other cooking methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of potatoes | Yukon Gold, red, russet potatoes, baby potatoes, sweet potatoes |
| Potato size | 1 1/2-inch chunks |
| Potato quantity | 1lb |
| Water | Cold water |
| Container | Steel insert pot |
| Trivet/steamer rack | Yes |
| Steamer basket | Yes |
| Foil balls | Yes |
| Pressure | High |
| Cooking time | 8-30 minutes |
| Manual pressure time | 5 minutes |
| Natural pressure release time | 5 minutes |
| Quick pressure release time | 5 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 425°F |
| Broiler temperature | 500°F |
| Oven reheating temperature | 350°F |
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What You'll Learn
How to steam potatoes in an InstaPot
To steam potatoes in an InstaPot, start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes. You can peel the potatoes or leave them unpeeled. Chop the potatoes into 1 1/2-inch pieces. For baby potatoes, choose ones of the same size. Place the potatoes on a trivet or steamer rack inside the pot. If you don't have a trivet, roll up balls of aluminum foil and place them in the bottom of the pot. Make sure the potatoes are not touching the water, as they will absorb too much moisture and become mushy. Add 1 cup of cold water for baked potatoes.
Close the InstaPot lid and ensure the valve is set to "sealing". For medium-sized potatoes, set the pressure cook mode and timer for 20 minutes. Baby or new potatoes will take around 8 minutes, while large potatoes can take up to 30 minutes. If you are cooking a mixture of potato sizes, place the larger potatoes at the bottom of the pot, as they are closer to the heat and will cook more evenly.
Once the timer goes off, do a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting and being careful of the steam. Allow the potatoes to cool, then serve or use in your favorite recipes. For crispy roasted potatoes, toss the steamed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425°F until browned and crispy.
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How to boil potatoes in an InstaPot
Boiling potatoes in an Instapot is a simple and convenient way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly boiled potatoes every time.
First, select your potatoes. Any kind of potato can be used, such as Yukon Gold, red, or russet potatoes. It is ideal to use potatoes of a similar size to ensure even cooking, but it is not necessary. If using a mix of large and small potatoes, consider poking holes in the larger potatoes with a fork to help them cook faster and more evenly.
Next, prepare the potatoes by washing them thoroughly and removing any sprouts or eyes. You can peel the potatoes or leave them unpeeled, depending on your preference. Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks of about 1 1/2-inch pieces.
Now, it's time to set up your Instapot. Place a trivet or steamer rack at the bottom of the inner pot. If using a steamer basket, ensure it fits properly without obstructing the lid. Add water to the inner pot, being careful not to fill it past the maximum fill line. Place the potatoes directly on the trivet or in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not submerged in the water. Close the Instapot lid securely and set the valve to the "sealed" position.
Select the pressure cook mode and adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of potatoes. For medium-sized potatoes, 20 minutes is recommended, while baby or new potatoes may only need 8 minutes, and larger potatoes can take up to 30 minutes. If using a mini Instapot, you may need to add a minute to the cooking time. Remember that the cooking time can always be adjusted to suit your preference for firmer or softer boiled potatoes.
Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 5 minutes. Then, perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to the venting position. Open the lid carefully and use tongs to remove the potatoes. Your boiled potatoes are now ready to be used in your favourite recipes!
With this guide, boiling potatoes in your Instapot is a convenient and hassle-free process, leaving you with perfectly cooked potatoes every time.
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How to bake potatoes in an InstaPot
First, scrub the potatoes clean. Prick each potato with a fork a couple of times to allow the steam to escape when pressure cooking. Place the trivet (or steamer rack) into your InstaPot and arrange the potatoes on top. Make sure the potatoes are not touching the water, or they will become mushy. Close the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to sealing. Set your InstaPot to manual/pressure cook and adjust the timer according to the size of the potatoes. Medium-sized potatoes take around 20 minutes, while baby or new potatoes can be ready in as little as 8 minutes, and big ones can take up to 30 minutes. For medium-large potatoes, 15 minutes should be enough. After the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 5 minutes. Then, do a quick pressure release and carefully open the lid.
For crispy skin, slather the potatoes in olive oil and warm them in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350°F. Broil the potatoes under high heat during the last few minutes of reheating.
You can top your InstaPot baked potatoes with kosher salt, garlic powder, chives, butter, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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How to roast potatoes in an InstaPot
Roasting potatoes in an Instapot is a convenient and quick way to cook this versatile vegetable. You can use any type of potato, such as Yukon Gold, red, or russet potatoes. The first step is to cut the potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks. For even cooking, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are all roughly the same size.
Next, wash the potatoes thoroughly and remove any sprouts or eyes. You can peel the potatoes or leave them unpeeled, depending on your preference. Place the potatoes in the Instapot, forming only one layer for the best results. You can also place a trivet or steamer basket inside the pot and put the potatoes on top to ensure they are not submerged in water. Pour water into the inner pot, ensuring the water level is below the trivet or steamer basket. Close the lid and set the valve to "sealed".
Set the Instapot to pressure cook mode and adjust the time according to the size of your potatoes. Medium-sized potatoes will take around 20 minutes, while baby or new potatoes may only need 8 minutes, and larger potatoes can take up to 30 minutes. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure and remove the potatoes from the pot.
For crispy roasted potatoes, toss the cooked potatoes with olive oil, salt, and ground pepper. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F until browned and crispy. You can also broil the potatoes in the oven at 500°F for a crispier skin.
InstaPot roasted potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that can be served with a variety of meals.
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How to make mashed potatoes in an InstaPot
Making mashed potatoes in an Instapot is easy and convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Preparation
Wash and scrub the potatoes well. You can peel the potatoes or leave them unpeeled, according to your preference. If you choose to peel them, cut them into large rounds of about 4-5 rounds per potato. If you leave the peel on, cut them into 1-inch to 2-inch cubes. Russet potatoes are a good choice for mashed potatoes as they are high-starch potatoes that will result in a creamier mash.
Cooking the Potatoes
Place a steamer rack or trivet at the bottom of the Instapot. Add water—about 1 to 1.5 cups—and place the potatoes on top in an even layer. You can also add a teaspoon of salt at this stage for added flavour. Close the lid and ensure the valve is set to seal. Set the Instapot to cook on high pressure for around 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and type of potatoes.
Mashing the Potatoes
Once the timer goes off, release the pressure and carefully open the lid. Drain the potatoes and return them to the Instapot with the power off. Add butter, milk, cream, or half-and-half, and combine. You can also add sour cream, garlic powder, and seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs such as parsley or chives for extra flavour. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher, food mill, ricer, or hand-held mixer until you achieve your desired consistency.
Serving
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can serve the mashed potatoes as they are or keep them warm in the Instapot until ready to serve. Enjoy your creamy and delicious homemade mashed potatoes!
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Frequently asked questions
Wash and scrub the potatoes, removing any sprouts or eyes. Place them on a trivet or steamer rack inside the pot, ensuring they are not submerged in water. Close the lid and set the valve to 'sealing'. Set the pressure cook mode and adjust the time according to the size of the potatoes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the potatoes. Medium-sized potatoes take around 20 minutes, while baby or new potatoes can be ready in as little as 8 minutes. Larger potatoes may need up to 30 minutes.
You can use any type of potato in an Instant Pot, such as Yukon Gold, red, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they are all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
Yes, you can cook baked potatoes in an Instant Pot. Place the potatoes on a trivet or steamer rack, ensuring they are not in the water. Set the valve to 'sealing' and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Yes, you can cook boiled potatoes in an Instant Pot. Place the potatoes on a trivet or steamer rack, close the lid, and ensure the valve is set to 'sealing'. Pressure cook for 12-14 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
