Feeling overwhelmed by your new Instant Pot? This beginner's Instant Pot guide will walk you through the essentials of using an electric pressure cooker and will leave you feeling confident and ready to conquer using your Instant Pot.
Once you master the basics of using the Instant Pot, check out Instant Pot Recipes. And don't miss signing up for my top Instant Pot Secrets!
If you have recently been gifted or purchased an Instant Pot, chances are you are either feeling excited or completely overwhelmed.
One look at the manual that came with the Instant Pot and you are feeling even more confused than when you first opened the box. It is lacking in information!
I have helped millions of people put aside their fears and tackle cooking in their Instant Pot and I want to help you!
How to Use an Instant Pot
Using an Instant Pot is not hard, but there is a bit of a learning curve.
First, I will walk you through the basic Instant Pot parts and jargon. Then I will show you how to set cooking time and how to release pressure. After that, you will be well on your way to becoming an Instant Pot Master!
And if you learn better through video, be sure to check out my YouTube Video!
The Parts of an Instant Pot
Before we talk about HOW an Instant Pot works, let's break down the standard pieces and parts of the Instant Pot. That way you will know which piece is which.
Inner Pot: The stainless steel pot that fits inside the Instant Pot, is called the inner pot. It is removable for washing. And essential for cooking--do NOT operate your Instant Pot without the inner pot. Some people prefer to have two inner pots or a ceramic insert. Frankly, I think one stainless steel inner pot is sufficient unless you plan to make yogurt frequently. Then an extra inner pot helps out tremendously.
Inner Ring. This is the silicone ring that fits on the lid of the Instant Pot and helps to seal in the pressure. It is removable and should be removed and washed thoroughly any time it gets dirty. I like to have a set of inner rings and use one for savory and one for sweet dishes, that way my cheesecake won't taste like chili!
The inner ring can cause the MOST issues when it comes to pressure cooking. You need to be sure it is always tightly inserted on the lid. If not, pressure will not be reached properly and you may experience a burn warning. If you notice any tears on your inner ring, or it becomes loose over time, be sure to immediately replace it.
Floating Valve and Shield. The shield prevents food from getting trapped in the pressure release valve. The float valve is designed to be pushed up once there is sufficient pressure inside the cooker. Once pushed up, the silicone band seals the instant pot and the pin of the float valve serves as a lock, preventing the lid from being opened before the pressure is released. The float valve will float back down as pressure is released, unlocking the lid from the Instant Pot. (And in case you misplace your Floating Valve, you can get an extra to fit your model on this here.)
Condensation Cup. This plastic cup collects any moisture or condensation that leaks out during the cooking process. It also collects moisture that may drip down from the lid once you open the Instant Pot. Be sure to check it every once in a while to remove it and clean it as needed.
Stainless Steel Trivet. Most Instant Pot models will come with a metal rack, often referred to as a trivet or you can purchase it on Amazon. This is used often for cooking things you do not want to be submerged in liquid, such as Instant Pot Baked Potatoes and Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes It is also used for pot-in-pot cooking.
Cook This First
Now that you know the parts of your Instant Pot, it is time to use it! I always suggest starting by doing a water test. This is a way to get comfortable using the Instant Pot without wasting any actual food. It is quick and easy to do and will have you feeling confident to cook any Instant Pot recipe.
Important Things to Remember When Using an Instant Pot
- Be sure your inner pot is secured into the base of your inner pot.
- Always use thin, cold, liquid (water, broth, beer, juice, etc) to achieve and maintain pressure.
- 3-Quart Instant Pot: ½ cup thin liquid
- 6-Quart Instant Pot: 1 cup thin liquid
- 8-Quart Instant Pot: 1-½ cups thin liquid
- 10-Quart Instant Pot: 2 cups thin liquid
- Don't overfill the Instant Pot. It is best to never fill the Instant Pot more than ⅔ of the way full when pressure cooking and no more than ½ full for starchy things like rice or beans.
- After using the saute function, be sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot to prevent a burn notice.
- Check to be sure that the sealing ring is attached securely to the lid and place the lid on the inner pot.
- Be sure the vent knob is sealed and or the lid is locked.
- Set the cooking time using the manual or pressure cook button to control the time yourself, don't rely on the other functions, many of the buttons on the Instant Pot are useless.
- Cooking Time is NOT the amount of time the recipe takes. Instead, you need to account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, plus the cooking time, plus the time for the pressure to release. Depending on how full your Instant Pot is, this could add 40 minutes to your cooking time.
- Once the cooking time has started, it will count backward.
- After the cooking time has elapsed the Instant Pot will default to holding the food warm. It will count upward showing how long since the cooking time has elapsed.
- Based on the recipe's instructions, allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release of pressure.
- Cooking at high altitude? Use my guide for Instant Pot High Altitude Cooking.
- Want to know how to convert your favorite recipes to Instant Pot recipes? I have worked at length to create a guide that will help you convert your favorite recipes into Instant Pot recipes.
- Have trouble with your Instant Pot Sealing? Check out Reasons Your Instant Pot May Not Be Sealing.
How to Release Pressure Safely on an Instant Pot
While electric pressure cookers are deemed overall much safer to use than stovetop pressure cookers, as the lid will remained locked until the pressure has been released.
But when it comes to releasing pressure you need to know if you should do a natural pressure release or a quick release of pressure.
- Natural Pressure Release (or NPR) is when the pressure is slowly released on its own. This is when you leave your Instant Pot alone and allow the float valve to float down on its own. It is best to use a natural pressure release for meats to keep them tender, recipes with high starch (like rice or grains), and recipes with a high volume of liquid.
- Quick Release (or QR) is when you manually turn the valve to "Vent" and allow the pressure that has been built up to release rapidly. This method is used for things like seafood or delicate vegetables. To do a quick release of pressure, use the long handle of a wooden spoon to manually turn the valve from seal to venting AND STAND BACK to prevent yourself from getting burned by the steam.
Must-Have Instant Pot Accessories
I am often asked what are my favorite Instant Pot Accessories, I try to keep things super simple, but these are my favorite accessories and why you may need them.
- 7 inch springform pan: Great for Instant Pot Cheesecake or Instant Pot Lasagna.
- Clear Lid: this is great for using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker or for making yogurt.
- Cake Pan: I use this for my Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole, but it also works for Instant Pot Lasagna.
- An Egg Tray: Perfect for holding eggs when making Instant Pot Eggs.
- Heat Safe Bowl: An essential for making Instant Pot Oatmeal.
Fan Favorite Instant Pot Recipes
Now you are ready to start using your Instant Pot! Be sure to browse through my Instant Pot Recipes for tested, tried, and true recipes. Below are some fan favorites.
LJS
I was gifted an Instant Pot Duo Mini, which holds 3 quarts. There is no adjust button, so it was frustrating at first to follow the yogurt recipes that said push the "adjust" button. On the mini, you hold the yogurt button a few nanoseconds to change the modes to boil, etc. I stumbled upon the method.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing how to adjust on the Duo Mini. I had to remove the chart because it is not my property to share 🙂
Delores linam
We received a duo for Christmas and having lots of trouble. Even in sealed position steam (heavy steam) is released after a few minutes. The deal seems ok. What are we doing wrong?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Delores! It is normal for heavy steam to spout out in small bursts as your Instant Pot is coming to pressure with some models. Does it stop after a few short bursts and then seal and cook properly? Happy to help you troubleshoot.
Nancy
Thank you for your email, you help me emencly. I revived the pot as a gift, and all I have been is frustrated...I will study your information and hopefully can get rid of the urge to toss the whole lot out LOL. Thank you again and Happy New Year. Nancy
Kristen Chidsey
Oh it makes me SO happy to help Nancy! Please reach out with questions--I want you to LOVE your Instant Pot.
Lacie
Hello! I just received my first instant pot for Christmas from my in-laws. I am excited about it and glad they got us a big one for our big family but I have no idea how to convert all these 6 quart recipes to 10 quart (the one I have). I haven't found any useful info anywhere on the internet for converting recipes and minimum liquid needs for the 10 quart. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Lacie
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Lacie! For the 10 quart I have found 2 cups of thin liquid in recipes/sauces is key, but when cooking something on a trivet--like baked potatoes, 2.5 cups works better. Hope that helps.
Becky Rusmisel
I just received my instant pot for Christmas and I did the water test. I also did fresh carrots that turned out great. But I did a roast with carrots tonight. I followed a recipe and had plenty of liquid. I was told to leave the vent open but got a message that my food was burned, I cancelled it and it was not completely burned it was edible. But was wondering how to correct that? Should I have closed the vent? The meat wasn't completely tough either. Sit was counting down after the burn food came on the screen does that mean it just got up to pressure? Thank you
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Becky! What a night mare and waste of food! You should never leave the vent knob open when cooking under pressure--so the recipe you followed misled you. The liquid would evaporate and a burn notice would occur. And it is not possible for it to come to pressure with the vent knob open--it probably began counting down because so much time had past. Here is my recipe for Pot Roast for you to reference in the future and here is my video about what to do if you get a burn notice. I hope that helps Becky!
Florence Raber
When do you not use the steam position?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Florence. You should only use the venting position (I assume this is what you mean when you are talking about steam position) to release pressure. You need to always use the sealed posisiton to seal in pressure for pressure cooking, unless you are using the yogurt or slow cooker function--then the valve can be pointed either way because no pressure is reached.
Michael Bourland
why would my brand new instant pot Duo Evo Plus throw a C-8 error when im using the inner pot that came with the cooker?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Michael! Be sure your inner pot is dry completely and that you inside of the Instant Pot is dry as well. If the issue still persists, I could call Instant Pot Customer Service--it may be a defective unit. So sorry!
Bonnie Saxon
I just received my Instant Pot. I'm making chicken soup right now. I guessed at what to do and set it on "slow cooker" ... I have no idea how long it should cook. I set it on high and set it for 4 hours... I've been reading your guide. Super helpful!!! Thanks! Bonnie
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you are finding my guides helpful. If you have not already, be sure to check out how to use your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker.
Connie
Thank you for this info. I wish I had read this when I first used my pot. I made a few mistakes from my mishaps! I am still learning and thank you for sharing.
Kristen Chidsey
We learn new things everyday! I am so glad you stumbled upon this now and are learning from it!
Jennifer
I am a new InstaPot user. I have only made two dishes so far with it. I am trying to learn it while using it so your tips above are super helpful. I do have a question. For something that is not quite finished after it has cooked, say sweet potatoes, that need a few more minutes. If I pressure cook, release the seal after manual pressure for a specific time and realize they need maybe 5 more minutes, do I need to reset everything and wait for the pot to repressurize and all that? Or is there another recommended method?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Jennifer! I am so glad you are finding my tips helpful. When you find a recipe is not cooked through after pressure is released, first check to be sure there is still liquid in the pot (so pressure can be re-reached--if you did a quick release you may have let out a good portion of the water and need to add in 1/4-1/2 cup more liquid) Then place lid back on and set cook time again. The Instant Pot will have to come back to pressure, but because everything is warm, this does not take as much time. Hope that helps.
Frank
Kristen,
I really have not had any problems yet. Like your web site, I have signed up for several others for recipes and so far everything has turned out great. What I have not found is how to take it apart for cleaning or how to replace or switch out the inner ring.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Frank! Personally, I use 2 inner rings. One for savory and one for things like yogurt/baked potatoes/cheesecakes. They pop on and off easily. I clean by removing from lid and place in large bowl with boiling water with 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Let soak for 30 minutes then rinse and air dry.If still smelly, storing in the freezer works too. You only need to replace your ring when it no longer seals well or cracks/breaks. They are easily found on amazon. The lid and ring are safe for the top of the dishwasher as well, but I rarely go that route. Hope that helps.
Beatrice O'Hanlon
found the tips very helpfull. I have used several of your recipes and been very happy with the results. Thank you.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear that. Thank you Beatrice.
Maria
I used my duo nova 8 quart twice and even though I followed the recipes to a T, both times I got a burn message. I think the mistake I was making was I was pushing down the sealing knob, so it vented and I lost steam, not sure. Any ideas?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Maria! If you released the vent knob and then resealed, that could definitely be the reason. Without having the recipe, it would be hard for me to know as well. Some recipes are not written for 8 quarts--only 6 quarts. you need at least 1.5 cups loose liquid for an 8 quart. Hope that helps.
Teresa Jenkins
Had it for 3 days before I had the nerve to try it am use to the old pressure cooker from years ago was always worried it would blow up after talking to my daughter and niece who have one they said once I used it would love it so finally today I gave in I love it next thing I want to try tomorrow is Roast with potatoes and carrots
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you took the plunge Teresa! I hope you enjoy the Pot Roast (here is my recipe if needed) https://amindfullmom.com/instant-pot-pot-roast/
rita
I just purchased an IP. One of the things I am concerned about is putting my IP on corian counter tops. Should I use something under it to protect the corian?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Rita! I have granite countertops, which are heat resistant. That said, I don't feel that the base gets hot at all. All the electrical is in the base, and no heat should be coming from the base. I know corian is a not heat resistant, so I would be very careful where you set the lid, which does get warm after cooking. I checked with a couple people who have placed directly on corian countertops with no issues, but because I don't have them myself, I can't say for certain. If you are worried, I would put on a glass/granite slab on top of your countertop.
Marion Dallas
I just bought a glass lid. I have been making yogurt for a couple of years in my IP and have always used the pressure cooking lid. Wouldn't the glass lid work as well?
Kristen Chidsey
It absolutely will😊
Diane
Hi. I don’t know what the “less—normal-more” mode is for. Mine is on normal but when do I know to change that?
Thanks.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Diane! The less, normal, and more are for adjusting temperature on yogurt, slow cooking, sauteing. For pressure cooking, you don't need to worry about that setting. Hope that helps clear up the confusion.