If you live at a higher elevation, you may need to increase the cooking time when using your Instant Pot. But you don't need to change the pressure setting or completely rethink your favorite Instant Pot recipes.

I'll walk you through when to adjust, which foods are most affected, and how to use a simple conversion chart for the best results.

How to use this chart: Find your elevation in the first column, then increase the pressure-cooking time by the listed percentage. For example, if you live at 5,000 feet and a recipe calls for 20 minutes of pressure cooking, increase the time by 15%, or 3 minutes, for a total of 23 minutes.

Prefer a printable version? Print this chart to keep handy whenever you're using your Instant Pot.

How to Adjust Pressure-Cooking Time at Higher Elevations

If your recipe's cooking time isn't listed in the chart, you can easily calculate the adjustment yourself.

1. Find your elevation and the corresponding percentage increase.
2. Multiply the original pressure-cooking time by that percentage.
3. Add the additional minutes to the original cooking time, rounding to the nearest whole minute.

For example: If you're cooking dried beans for 40 minutes at 6,000 feet, you'll need to increase the time by 20%.

40 × 0.20 = 8 additional minutes.

That means setting your Instant Pot to cook for 48 minutes instead of 40 minutes.

What Foods Need Adjusting at High Altitudes?

Colorado State University Extension tested electric pressure cookers at 3,000 to 10,000 feet and found that some recipes didn't need adjustment. Dried beans, rice, and heating milk for yogurt needed it most often, which matches what I've seen over the past 10 years.

Use the chart and the tips below as your starting point, then adjust as needed.

• Dried Beans: When following my Instant Pot Dried Beans recipe, increase the cooking time using the conversion chart, and I've also found it helps to increase the natural pressure release time from 10 minutes to 20 minutes.
• Rice: I've found that rice needs both a longer cook time and 1-2 extra tablespoons of liquid per cup to cook properly.
• Meat and Poultry: I've found I need to add time as the conversion chart suggests to cook chicken, pork, and beef to temperature. I also find it best to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the suggested natural pressure release time. Regardless, always check that meat and poultry reach a safe internal temperature before serving.
• Pasta and Vegetables: These can overcook quickly, so I wouldn't automatically increase the time without testing the recipe first. Instead, I would allow for 2-3 minutes longer natural pressure release. For example, for my Instant Pot pasta recipe, I would keep the cook time the same, but increase the natural pressure release from 5 minutes to 7 or 8 minutes. And adjust from there as needed.
• Yogurt: When making Instant Pot yogurt, plan for the milk to take longer to reach 180°F. You may need to repeat the boil cycle or use the Sauté function (with a careful eye) to properly heat the milk before moving on to the incubation period.

Tips for Pressure Cooking at Higher Elevations

• Watch the liquid. Pressure cooking prevents most evaporation, so you generally won't need to change the amount of liquid. However, rice may benefit from an additional 1-2 tablespoons of liquid per cup of rice.
• Check for doneness. If your beans are still firm or your rice isn't quite tender, you may need to adjust the cooking time the next time you prepare the recipe. If your meat isn't fully cooked, put the lid back on the Instant Pot and cook for a few more minutes.
• Pay attention when sautéing. If you're simmering a sauce or thickening a stew after pressure cooking (like my Instant Pot Beef Stew), it may take longer at higher elevations. Keep an eye on the liquid and add a small splash of broth or water only if needed.

If you still feel overwhelmed, check out my guide on how to use your Instant Pot or reach out with questions. Always happy to help! xo, Kristen