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
Hey Kristen My husband doesn’t like mushrooms can I substitute with something else?
Hi Susan! Can you tell me what recipe? For most of my recipes, you can simply omit the mushrooms and still have delicious results, but I am not sure without knowing the exact recipe 🙂
I learned a lot from your site thank you. I have a question. I am new to this and I keep getting “food burn “ on my display. I am cooking beans, rice, salsa and using broth. Any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve! For this particular recipe, be sure to pour broth in the inner pot first, top with rice, beans, and salsa last. Don't stir the salsa into the liquid, as that can cause a burn notice. Also, be sure to use a 1:1 ratio for broth to rice (assuming your beans are cooked)
You missed a very highly functional tool: canning under pressure. I was searching for instructions (my instant pot was given to me without instructions) and we use it a lot. One 10# bag of chicken leg quarters gave me 10 cups of chicken meat and 5 pints of broth. I don't need the broth at the moment so I'm going to can it, like my friend does. Was hoping for instructions.
Hey there. Canning is not considered safe in the Instant Pot, as the temperature fluctuates during processing. That is why I don't address it. For your broth, I love storing in the freezer if you have space.
Kristen! I just had to express my thanks to you for this clarifying article regarding the numerous, useless buttons on the InstantPot. About five years previously, I had purchased an InstantPot Duo and after a number of attempts at cooking various dishes, pressing the "magic buttons", and making flops of most of the dishes, I gave the InstantPot away. Now, I've gathered the courage to try again, and have purchased the Master Chef version. But I have been hesitant to use my InstantPot very much.
Your article has given me an entirely different perspective on my new purchase and how I can start cooking in this appliance, ignoring the "overload" of buttons. For that I am feeling extremely ready to start cooking!
You are so very welcome, Linda! I am thrilled you found this helpful (and you are not alone in your experience!) Reach out with questions any time!
I recently learned the yogurt function can be used to proof yeast dough! It reduces some of the rise time.
I have several recipes that refer to the programmed buttons such as "Meat/Stew" but my Instant Pot does not have these buttons (I have the Duo Crisp). Is there a cross reference chart somewhere that converts the programed buttons into plain English so I can tell what to set my Instant on?
Cooking is not my forte, my wife was the cook and she passed away so I'm winging it on my own. I don't want to waste money ruining food trying to guess.
Hi John. I am sorry to hear about your wife. I completely understand you not wanting to waste food or money--it is a pet peeve of mine as well. You do not need the programmed buttons, like Meat, Chili, Stew, etc. Instead, use the PRESSURE COOK button. To do this, hit PRESSURE COOK, be sure under the time it reads high, not low. If your screen shows "low" hit the PRESSURE COOK button again. Then use the +/- buttons to adjust the time. Once the time is selected, hit START. I hope that helps and feel free to reach out with questions anytime.