Instant Pot Settings
Updated Dec 24, 2024
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Do you feel overwhelmed by all the buttons on your Instant Pot? You are not alone! Regardless of your Instant Pot model or make, learn EVERYTHING you need to know about the settings different cook modes on and Instant Pot.
Once you learn how to use an Instant Pot, you may wonder which settings are actually useful. This guide breaks down each function and explains when, and IF, you should use them for making successful Instant Pot recipes.
In this Explanation of Instant Pot Settings
Are the Extra Functions Worth it?
At first glance of many Instant Pot models, it may seem like you can cook anything with the press of a button. But using pre-set functions, like "poultry," "stew," or "rice," can lead to overcooked chicken, undercooked rice, or dried-out beef. These pre-set buttons use generalized cooking times that don't account for what you're actually preparing.
Spoiler Alert: Most Instant Pot Settings Are USELESS!
What Instant Pot Functions You Need
While many Instant Pot models boast a variety of cooking modes, only a few are truly necessary. Prioritize models with Manual, Sauté, and Yogurt functions for the most versatility.
- Manual/Pressure Cook: For full control over cooking time and pressure settings.
- Sauté: For browning meat, sautéing vegetables, or thickening sauces.
- Yogurt (optional): If you want to make homemade yogurt or proof dough.
Below, you'll find detailed explanations of these and other potentially helpful settings.
Manual/Pressure Cook Function
This is the most important and versatile setting, allowing you to control both cooking time and pressure level.
How to Use:
- Press "Manual" or "Pressure Cook."
- Adjust pressure (if needed) by pressing "Pressure" or "Temp/Pressure" until "High" or "Low" is selected. Note: The Instant Pot Lux only cooks on high pressure.
- Use the +/- buttons to set your desired cooking time.
Sauté Function
Perfect for browning meat for Instant Pot Chili, sautéing vegetables, or thickening sauces at the end of pressure cooking, like Instant Pot Butter Chicken.
How to Use:
- Press "Sauté."
- Adjust temperature (less, normal, or more) using the "Sauté" or "Adjust" button. Normal = medium heat, More = high heat, Less = low heat.
- Once heated, some models display "Hot," signaling readiness.
Yogurt Setting
This setting is essential for making homemade yogurt and can also be used to proof dough.
How to Use:
- Press "Yogurt."
- The yogurt button can be adjusted by hitting the "adjust" button until it says "boil" or 8:00 or 10:00. These functions are unique to yogurt recipes.
Potentially Helpful Settings
- Adjust/Temp: Labeled as adjust on some models and temp on others, this button changes the temperature for functions like Sauté, Yogurt, or Slow Cooking. Simply press the button to toggle between less, normal, and more.
- Pressure: This rarely-used button adjusts the pressure level (for high low). Most recipes require high pressure, so you won't use this often.
- Timer/Delay Start: The timer delays when cooking begins, making it great for recipes like oatmeal or rice. However, avoid using it for raw ingredients that could spoil, like meat or dairy. To use, first set your cooking time THEN press "Timer" or "Delay Start" within 10 seconds and use +/- to set the desired delay time.
- Slow Cook: This function does not work like a traditional slow cooker. For best results, refer to my guide on using your Instant Pot as a slow cooker.
Video Explaining Settings on Instant Pot
If you learn better through video, be sure to watch the video below, showing you how to use each cooking mode/setting on the Instant pot.
More Helpful Instant Pot Guides
- Instant Pot Troubleshooting
- How to Convert Recipes for an Instant Pot
- Instant Pot High Altitude Conversion
- Instant Pot Water Test
I really, truly hope this helps!! -Kristen
Hi Kristen
I am new to instant pot and the one question I have.... I am following the Instant pot app recipe for pot roast end it gives you the steps and after the steps says start timer so when I get to the end and everything is in and I press the timer.... is that the total time or am I not supposed to press the timer until after the pressure is built. I really do like this thing but wow directions are tough
I hope you can help!
Cindy
Hi Cindy! The directions are very unclear. To cook under pressure, hit manual or any function and then put in the cooking time. It won't begin to count down the time until after pressure is reached which can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on what you are cooking.
Hi Kristen
I, m new to IP n have the duo 6qt.
My question is about the saute function..
1.how long after pressing the saute button does the HOT display come on?
2.Can u pour in oil before pressing the saute key or after?
Its a bit confusing, and appreciate your explanation on using the saute as it should..thanks
Hi! It can take 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to read hot. I suggest hitting saute and letting heat for 2-3 minutes, then add in the oil. You can certainly add before you press saute, but it may overheat slightly.
this may sound dumb but when I set time for saute pressure cooker what do I push
No dumb question. You shouldn't set a time for the saute function. It should turn the Instant pot on and heat. Then saute as needed and turn the IP off once done. Some models will turn off after for 30 minutes. I hope that helps.
How do you release steam/pressure "naturally"?
Chrissy 😊
Hi Krissy! It means to NOT moving the vent knob to the venting position after cook time, which releases steam and causes the pressure to be released. Instead, let the float valve float down on its own. This video on pressure release may help.
Just an FYI-when using the Slow Cooker mode, "Low"=Warm, "Normal"=Low, and "High"=Medium to High on a conventional slow cooker/crockpot.
Thanks Marilyn! I cover that in detail in how to use an Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker as well 🙂
I just bought the duo nova 6 qt instant pot for my Birthday last weekend. What button is the manual? I tried making lasagna tonight and it was a disaster! Bought a springform pan and made the lasagna. Maybe shouldve parcooked the noodles. Not sure how figure how long to cook lasagna? The other day made a roast with potatoes and carrots and it all turned out ok but the roast wasnt like it is when making in crock pot. Help me understand what the buttons functions mean and how do I know how long to cook foods?
Hi Judy! For your model, the button you need to use is "pressure cook" in place of manual. Here is my instant pot lasagna recipe and instant pot pot roast recipe that may help in the future. You may also want to sign up for my email Instant Pot tips that will help walk you through the basics.
Simple question but I’m confused so please answer specifically. Cooking tortilla soup in instant pot. Directions say pressure cook on high, normal for 9 minutes. Does the 9 minutes start once it’s reached pressure? I’m assuming so. When 9 minutes is up it says natural release for 10 then instant release after. If I walk away and it releases on its own naturally what happens then? Does it go into keep warm mode? How long will it keep warm and safe?
Hi Jillian! Yes, cook time starts AFTER pressure is reached. You can let the instant pot release pressure on it's own and it will keep it warm for up to 10 hours. In fact, I really recommend that you allow natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes for most soups--to prevent hot liquid from spewing out vent knob. But some recipes do require a shorter release (without seeing the actual recipe, I can't be positive, but I think for tortilla soup it should be just fine.) Hope that helps
If you are not following a specific recipe, how can you determine an exact cook time using the manual method you just discussed. Is there a chart or formula to calculate cook times for various foods?
Hi Claire! While not an exact science, this tips for how to convert recipes for your Instant Pot may help.
My son gave me the $99.99 IAIQ instant pot for Christmas. I am trying to make yogurt now. There are no directions for setting the pot to boil. I press yogurt twice but all the display says is 8:00. The directions show a milk container contents being poured into the inner pot saying pour in warm milk. It does not have an adjust button but everything else including a multigrain button (?). I heated my milk in a pot on the stove and am now waiting for it to cool on the countertop. Do you have any directions for this make instant pot. I don’t know how to communicate with the manufacturer. Thanks for any help you can give.
Hi Shirley! This is one model I am not familiar with and I can not find the user manual anywhere online, so I unfortunately I am not sure how to troubleshoot for you. I think since it says add warm yogurt right to the instant pot, this model does not boil for you. Sorry about that!