How to Use an Instant Pot

Instant Pot TutorialsInstant Pot

By Kristen Chidsey

Updated Dec 23, 2025

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Feeling overwhelmed by your new Instant Pot? This beginner's guide will simplify the essentials so you feel confident and ready to cook delicious recipes using your Instant Pot.

Photo of Instant Pot with text that reads Instant Pot 101 Guide to Instant Pot Success.

Instant Pot 101

If you have recently been gifted an Instant Pot or purchased one yourself, you may be feeling excited. Or maybe you are overwhelmed. Maybe you read the instruction manual that came with the instant pot and are feeling even more confused. It is really lacking in information!

Through the years, I have helped millions of people learn how to use the Instant Pot, and I want to help you too!

In this guide, I'll cover:

Stick with me, you are well on your way to mastering Instant Pot Cooking.

Happy Instant Pot Cooking! xo Kristen

Instant Pot Parts (and How to Clean Them)

Before we talk about how the Instant Pot works, let's break down the standard pieces and parts of the Instant Pot so you know which piece is which and how to clean each part.

Base of Instant Pot without inner pot.
Base Model: Contains the heating element and should never be immersed in water.
Inner pot for Instant pot.
Inner Pot: Removable insert essential for cooking. Stainless steel and dishwasher safe.
Instant Pot Lid upside down on counter.
Lid: Varies by model. Dishwasher safe, but hand-washing recommended.
Instant Pot Lid upside down on counter with arrow pointing to sealing ring.
Sealing Ring: Silicone ring on underside of lid that helps seal in pressure. Clean often and replace if stretched or torn.
Instant Pot Lid upside down on counter with green arrow pointing to shield.
Shield: The shield prevents food clogging the pressure valve. It can be carefully removed and hand washed, but only if clogged itself. It rarely, if ever, should need deep cleaned.
Instant Pot Lid upside down on counter with green arrow pointing to rubber seal on floating valve.
Floating Valve Seal: There is a rubber seal that attaches the floating valve to the lid. It can be removed and hand washed as needed. In case you misplace it, you can order an extra on Amazon.
Instant Pot Lid with arrow pointing to venting knob.
Sealing Knob/Venting Knob: Position to seal (trap pressure) or vent (release pressure). Can be removed and hand washed as needed.
Instant Pot Lid with green arrow pointing float valve that floats up once pressure reached.
Floating Valve: This metal valve will float up when pressure is reached to indicate lid is locked and float down when pressure is released and lid can be opened. Can be removed and hand washed as needed.
Instant Pot on counter with arrow pointing to condensation cup.
Condensation Cup: Collects excess moisture from the cooking process or when doing a quick release. It is removable and should be washed by hand as needed.
Metal trivet used for Instant Pot Cooking.
Trivet: Metal rack used for cooking items above liquid, like potatoes or pot-in-pot cooking. Dishwasher safe.

The Buttons (or Functions)

Spoiler alert: The majority of the buttons on the Instant Pot are useless and should not be used. (more on that in my Instant Pot Settings Guide). The following settings are your go-tos and likely the only buttons you will ever push on an Instant Pot.

  • Pressure Cook/Manual: Your go-to button for controlling cook time.
  • Sauté: Brown or simmer food directly in the inner pot.
  • Keep Warm: Automatically turns on after pressure cooking.
  • Slow Cook: Works, but times/temps aren't always accurate. See my guide on using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker.
  • Yogurt: Used to make and incubate Instant Pot yogurt.
  • Adjust/Temp-Pressure: Switch between high/low pressure or adjust temps for sauté/slow cook/yogurt.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Cooking

To get started, it is best to cook water in the Instant Pot before trying actual food. This is called a water test and will help you get familiar with your Instant Pot before you waste any ACTUAL food.

  1. Set up. Insert inner pot into the base of the Instant Pot and plug in the unit.
  2. Add water. Pour 3 cups of water into the inner pot.
  3. Secure lid. Secure inner ring tightly on lid, place lid on Instant Pot, and ensure the vent knob/steam release button is in the sealed position.
Arrow pointing to venting knob pointed to sealing on Instant Pot Duo.
Some models have a knob that turns to sealing or venting. It feels loose, but will lock once pressure reached.
Arrow pointing to venting knob pointed to seal on Instant Pot Duo Plus.
Some models have a switch to move from seal to vent.
  1. Set Cooking Time. To set the cooking time, hit the manual or pressure cook button. Ensure HIGH pressure is indicated on the screen (this is the default). If not, hit the pressure button until HIGH is lit up. Then use the plus or minus until the screen reads "3." If your screen flashes the time, you need to press start. For most models, the Instant Pot will beep and turn itself on.
Using plus or minus buttons to adjust time on Instant Pot to 3 minutes on high pressure.
  1. What to Expect. The Instant Pot screen will read On until pressure is reached. Once pressure is reached, the float valve will float up, the lid will lock, and the pressure cooking has begun. The timer will begin counting down and once the cooking time has elapsed, the Instant Pot switches to Keep Warm and begin counting up.

Note from Kristen

It is normal to hear a small amount of hissing while the Instant Pot works to come to pressure. It will stop once the lid has locked. If not, check to ensure your vent knob is in the sealed position.

The Instant Pot after showing ON after pressure has been set.
Instant Pot screen reads ON while heating and coming to pressure.
Instant Pot showing 3 minutes on cook time display.
Once pressure has been reached the cooking time will show on the screen.
  1. Release pressure. Based on the recipe's instructions, allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release of pressure (more on that below) and then remove the lid.
  2. Turn off the Instant Pot. Hit the cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Clean the, let dry and reassemble.

Safety Tips to Remember

Thanks to many built-in safety features, an Instant Pot is much safer to use than a stove-top pressure cooker. That said there are two very important things to remember.

  • Never put your face near the steam release.
  • Never force the lid open! Wait for the float valve to drop (it can take a minute or two even when doing a quick release of pressure).

Natural Pressure Release vs Quick Release

When it comes to releasing pressure you need to know if you should do a natural pressure release or a quick release of pressure--and how to do each.

  • Natural Release (NPR): This means to leave the Instant Pot alone and let the pressure drop on its own. Once the pressure drops, the float valve will float down and the lid will unlock. Best for meat, grains, or high volumes of liquid.
  • Quick Release (QR): Use a spoon handle to carefully move the valve to the venting position. Be sure to stand back and keep your hands away from the valve to prevent being burned by the steam. Best for delicate items like seafood or vegetables.
Wooden spoon knocking venting knob from sealed to venting position on Instant Pot lid.
For models with venting knob, knock to the venting position.
Wooden spoon knocking venting knob from sealed to venting position on Instant Pot lid.
For models with switches, knock from seal to vent, you may need to use a bit more pressure.

Key to Instant Pot Success

Once you know HOW to use an Instant Pot, remember the following tips, so you can have success time and time again!

  • Liquid is essential. Always use thin liquid (water, broth, beer, juice, etc.) to achieve and maintain pressure. Based on the size of your Instant Pot use at least
    • ½ cup for 3 quart
    • 1 cup for 6 quart
    • 1½ cups for 8 quart
    • 2 cups for 10 quart
  • Use cold or room temperature liquid. Don't be tempted to heat your thin liquid to try to get the Instant Pot to reach pressure faster. This will result in undercooked or unevenly cooked items.
  • Don't overfill. Keep the inner pot below ⅔ full (using the max fill line) or ½ full for starchy foods, like rice or pasta.
  • Cooking time does not equal total time. You need to factor in the time it takes to come to pressure and release pressure. This can vary from 15-60+ minutes. I include the total time needed in all of my Instant Pot recipes.
  • Always deglaze inner pot after sautéing. This just means to add a bit of liquid and scrape up any browned bits off bottom of inner pot. This prevents a burn notice.
  • Layer Smart. It is best to add tomato-based products (like spaghetti sauce or salsa) last and avoid stirring into the other ingredients to avoid burn warnings.
  • Altitude matters. Use my guide for Instant Pot High Altitude Cooking to help make the appropriate conversions.
  • Have 2 sealing rings (or more). Keep separate rings for savory and sweet dishes so your yogurt doesn't taste like last night's chili!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

I have a very detailed instructions for how to troubleshoot common Instant Pot issues, but I wanted to highlight a two of the most common issues people have.

  • Not coming to pressure? Check tha steam release valve is in the sealed position. If so, ensure the sealing ring on the bottom of the lid is intact and replace if torn or stretched out.
  • Burn/OVRHT message? Usually caused by not using enough thin liquid, using dairy, or thick sauces. Hit cancel, let pressure release, clean the inner pot and start again.

Instant Pot 101 Video

If you learn better through video, be sure to catch me teaching you how to use your Instant Pot in the video below.

Time to Start Pressure Cooking

Now you are ready to start using your Instant Pot! Whether you want to try out one of my tried-and-true Instant Pot Recipes or convert your favorite recipes into Instant Pot recipes, you can do this! Try out one of my most popular recipes to get started.

Which Instant Pot is Best?

If you have yet to choose an Instant Pot, I am happy to help you decide. Most recipes are developed for 6-quart models but if you have a larger family you may opt for an 8-quart model. Single households may prefer a 3-quart model.

As for the type of model, simple is best in my opinion. I have tested a lot of models and find that the Instant Pot 7-in1 Duo does everything I need and the least finicky model and usually one of the least expensive models to boot!

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.

I really, truly hope you LOVE your Instant Pot! But if you have any questions along the way, I am always happy to help! Drop a comment below. xo, Kristen

About Kristen Chidsey

Kristen is a wife, busy mom of two, and creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. From breakfast to dinner to dessert, it is her passion to share tried-and-true recipes that are big on flavor, made with easy-to-find ingredients, and family-approved!

Read More About Me

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207 Comments

  1. 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?

    Reply

    1. 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!

      Reply

  2. 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

    Reply

  3. 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.

    Reply

  4. 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?

    Reply

    1. 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.

      Reply

  5. 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.

    Reply

    1. 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.

      Reply

  6. found the tips very helpfull. I have used several of your recipes and been very happy with the results. Thank you.

    Reply

    2. 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?

      Reply

      1. 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.

  7. 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

    Reply