Instant Pot Hacks You’ll Want To Know
The Instant Pot has built quite a reputation for itself. It can cook meals quickly and often, will require minimal effort too. So there’s no question as to why there is such a buzz around this fascinating kitchen gadget. It’s important to note that although the Instant Pot technically is a pressure cooker, it’s nothing like your grandmother’s pressure cooker! So seriously, don’t fear it but instead embrace it’s amazing cooking abilities like the rest of us!
Today we’re sharing some of the most incredible instant pot hacks ever. Once you discover these hacks you’ll be wondering why you haven’t thought of them sooner. These hacks will range from tips to prevent the “burn” notice to how to clean the instant pot, as well as some basic 101 cooking skills you need to know. Before you know it, you’ll be using your Instant Pot like a pro! Now let’s get cookin’!
Want New Instant Pot Recipes and Content Delivered Straight To Your Inbox? Sign up for our Instant Pot Email Newsletter!
1. How to Perform A Instant Pot Water Test
Before you try any hacks or recipes for that matter, you need to perform a water test! I get it, reading manuals can be an utter bore and figuring things out for yourself is more fun. However, if you chose to skip reading the Instant Pot manual you’ll miss the very first step – perform that water test!
What the water test does is ensures that your Instant Pot is in good working order. During this test, if you have a faulty Instant Pot you’ll often get an error message right away. This hack walks you through how simple it is to do, and once you complete it and pass the test, you can be on your way to cooking delicious and exciting food!
https://spicecravings.com/instant-pot-water-test PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: SPICE CRAVINGS2. Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal
Cooking steel-cut oats on the stovetop can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes plus you have to babysit the pot and ensure it doesn’t boil over. Thankfully, the Instant Pot can seriously cut down that cooking time and can do it hands-off too.
With the Instant Pot, you’ll only need 4 minutes of cooking time! Once the oats are cooked top them with your favorite toppings such as brown sugar, cinnamon or fresh fruit.
https://lifemadesweeter.com/instant-pot-steel-cut-oatmeal/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LIFE MADE SWEETER3.Hard-Boiled Eggs
Cooking hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is not only quick but effortless too. It’s so easy that you’ll find yourself making them in the Instant Pot over and over again.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to use a steamer basket to hold the eggs in the Instant Pot. Follow our 5:5:5 method which means 5 minutes pressure cook, 5 minutes natural release and 5 minutes in cold water. Preparing a tray of deviled eggs or a bowl of egg salad has never looked so easy!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/step-by-step-how-to-hard-boil-eggs-in-an-instant-pot/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY4. How To Cook Perfect Poached Eggs
Poached eggs are a delicious addition to your breakfast and a great way to add protein without all the extra oil of a fried egg. But have you tried poaching an egg? Cooking them to the perfect doneness isn’t always easy until now that is!
We tested cooking poached eggs in the Instant Pot and the results were outstanding. Using a silicone mold and the metal trivet, the poached eggs cooked perfectly every time. In 9 minutes or less, you’ll have delicious poached eggs to dig into!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-perfect-poached-eggs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY5. Instant Pot Yogurt: Cold Start Method
Yogurt is an excellent way to start your day. It’s filled with probiotics which are great for our digestive system. Unfortunately, a lot of store-bought yogurts are filled with refined sugars and other unnecessary ingredients.
Instead, try making your own yogurt at home with your Instant Pot! Keep in mind this is a cold start method recipe. This recipe will provide you with thorough instructions on how to make your own yogurt as well as excellent recommendations on what type of ingredients to use!
https://ohsodelicioso.com/instant-pot-cold-start-yogurt/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: OH SO DELICIOSO6. Instant Pot Yogurt: Boil Method
You might be a bit confused as to why we’re including a yogurt recipe twice. You see there are two different ways to prepare yogurt in the Instant Pot. The cold start method which we shared previously and now this recipe, the boil method!
While both methods will result in delicious yogurt, the cooking steps are slightly different. Additionally, the cooking time is different too so you can decide which is best suited for you!
https://www.thekitchn.com/instant-pot-yogurt-267450?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=managed&crlt.pid=camp.h0fIGI2U9wkK PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE KITCHN7. Starbucks Hack: Copycat Instant Pot Egg Bites
Is a Starbucks trip part of your morning routine? Save yourself some money and make our delicious Starbucks copycat egg bites recipe.
These fluffy bites are made with eggs, roasted red pepper, spinach, and cheese! Along with your Instant Pot, you’ll also need a Silicone Egg Bite Mold but we promise these come together quickly. You’ll also be able to make plenty at a time so that you’ll have breakfast ready to go every morning!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/starbucks-copycat-egg-bites-fire-roasted-red-pepper-cheese/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY8. Instant Pot Granola
Make a large batch of granola using your Instant Pot and indulge all week long! This delicious granola is loaded with texture and unforgettable flavor.
This healthy recipe contains lovely ingredients such as rolled oats, roasted almonds, and dried cranberries. It’s sweetened with a dash of honey and light brown sugar. Once prepared, the granola can store at room temperature for up to 7 days. Enjoy it with yogurt, or milk – your choice!
https://aileencooks.com/instant-pot-granola/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: AILEEN COOKS9. How to Deodorize a Smelly Instant Pot Sealing Ring
The amazing thing about the Instant Pot is that it can cook a huge assortment of different dishes. These range from savory to sweet and unfortunately, because the sealing ring is made of silicone, it can and will absorb smells.
This hack will walk you through 2 ways to prevent a smelly sealing ring, 5 ways to clean a seeling ring and 2 ways to deal with it. This will help you put forward your best efforts to avoid a smelly ring and in turn, may help to prevent your dishes from absorbing any odd smells.
https://cookingwithjanica.com/how-to-deodorize-smelly-instant-pot-sealing-ring/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: COOKING WITH JANICA10. Instant Pot Hack: How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
When we first tested this hack we were seriously blown away! There are several ways to cook spaghetti squash. You can roast it in the oven, or cook it in the microwave but I can honestly tell you nothing compares to the Instant Pot method.
The Instant Pot not only cooks spaghetti squash quickly but the skin basically peels itself. Spaghetti squash is an amazing low-carb option especially if you’re looking to cut back on pasta and that is why as Instant Pot beginner, you need to try this!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY11. How to Cook Perfect Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is one of the best summer side dishes of all time! If you’re able to get your hands on freshly picked corn, you know too well how irresistibly sweet it is!
We were blown away when we tested cooking corn on the cob in the Instant Pot. Not only does it cook the corn incredibly fast but the flavor is just as perfect as other cooking methods too!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-perfect-corn-on-the-cob/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY12. Cooking Perfect Less-Mess Beets
Beets are an excellent hearty and healthy veggie! They taste wonderful on their own as a side dish or tossed in an enticing salad. However, they take a long time to cook and can be incredibly messy too!
Say no to mess and laborious cooking and try cooking your beets in the Instant Pot! The beets require just 12 minutes of pressure cooking and you’ll discover the skin quite literally peels itself.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-cooking-perfect-less-mess-beets/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY13. How to Cook Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of the most sought after veggies of the fall. It tastes wonderful diced, mashed, and even blended into soup! Much like beets, butternut squash can take what feels like an eternity to cook.
Add the Instant Pot to the equation and you’ll quickly learn that it not only cooks the squash really quickly but it too can help the skin peel off effortlessly. Once cooked you’ll be able to enjoy it however you like it!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-butternut-squash/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY14. How to Make Homemade Jam in 15 Minutes
Nothing quite compares to homemade jam. The flavor, the texture, and everything about it cannot be beaten! I used to sit in admiration watching my mother spend hours in the kitchen making homemade jam. Now as an adult, I can’t even fathom the idea of making it myself.
Once again the Instant Pot comes to the rescue and proves you can turn long and laborious recipes into ones that are quick and easy! This jam recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! I don’t know about you, but I can get behind that!
https://temeculablogs.com/pressure-cooker-jam/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE TYPICAL MOM15. How to Make Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter
You’ll never buy store-bought apple butter again once you check out this recipe! This quick and easy recipe transforms apples and flavors of cinnamon and spice and everything nice into the most enticing apple butter you’ve ever had.
The ingredients require 15 minutes of cooking time followed by a full natural release. This recipe provides you with several tips to ensure you achieve the best flavor possible. Once prepared, you’ll be free to transfer the contents to jars of your choice. To preserve the butter you can either can it or freeze it!
https://adventuresofmel.com/instant-pot-apple-butter/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ADVENTURES OF MEL16. Instant Pot Hack: Kettle Corn
Say goodbye to your air poppers because the Instant Pot seems to do it all! You can now prepare delicious kettle corn in the Instant Pot too!
This recipe proves how easy it is to do. You’ll also be provided with a few tips and tricks on how to jazz up your popcorn to enjoy different flavors other than just butter and salt
https://www.sixthbloom.com/instant-pot-kettle-corn-snack-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SIXTH BLOOM17. How to Cook Quinoa
Some would consider quinoa a superfood, and for good reason! It’s chock full of vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of protein.
You can prepare quinoa on the stovetop but it does require a bit of babysitting and if you’re not watching closely it can quickly boil over and create an annoying mess. With that in mind, we knew we had to try cooking it in the Instant Pot! To no surprise, the results were amazing. It allows you to cook as much quinoa as you want with minimal effort and time.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-quinoa/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY18. Cooking Perfect White Rice
Rice is a staple in most people’s homes, including mine! It’s filling and the perfect complement to so many dishes, from meat and veggies to curry. Let me start by acknowledging that I know cooking rice isn’t a huge endeavor, to begin with. However, it does require babysitting and like quinoa, often boils over, leaving a starchy residue all over the stove.
Prevent the mess and try cooking white rice in the Instant Pot! It will result in the most fluffy delicious rice you’ve ever had.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-cooking-perfect-white-rice/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY19. Cooking Perfect Brown Rice
Brown rice is white rice’s older more sophisticated and healthier sister! Unfortunately, brown rice takes quite a bit longer to cook than white rice.
Thankfully the Instant Pot comes to the rescue and helps to prepare the perfect brown rice in the knick of time! Prepare a batch for your dinner or use it for meal prepping – your choice!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-cooking-perfect-brown-rice/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY20.Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion, in my opinion! The Instant Pot can cook potatoes incredibly quickly too.
So long are the days where you need to peel and boil potatoes because with the Instant Pot, you can skip those steps. Simply chop the potatoes into cubes and toss them into the Instant Pot with the rest of the ingredients. Then allow all the ingredients to pressure cook for just 8 minutes followed by a quick release. Finish the dish by mashing the potatoes to perfection!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-garlic-mashed-potatoes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY21. How to Cook Sweet Potatoes
Not only can you create delicious mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot, but you can cook the perfect sweet potatoes too. I love that the Instant Pot creates hands-off cooking which makes it easy but also allows you to focus more time on other things such as the main course!
We chose to cook our sweet potatoes whole, and then enjoyed them like a baked potato but you could mash them up too instead – your choice! If you enjoy really soft sweet potatoes they require 20 minutes of cooking time, however, if you prefer them more tender, reduce the cooking time to just 16 minutes!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-sweet-potatoes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY22. How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Double Broiler
Not only can your Instant Pot be used for cooking but it can help you in the baking department too. Using your Instant pot as a double broiler will create the same results as using the stove-top but it may be a more energy-efficient method!
Plus, it’s great knowing you can get more use out of a kitchen gadget and therefore will further justify your purchase! This tutorial walks you through the steps as well as a few ideas on what you can make!
https://instantloss.com/use-instant-pot-double-boiler/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: INSTANT LOSS23. Instant Pot Egg Loaf
Do you need hard-boiled eggs but don’t want to spend the time cooking them or peeling them? If that sounds like you then you need to try this Instant Pot hack! It is seriously life-changing.
To create the egg loaf you’ll need to use the pot in pot method which essentially means you’ll cook the loaf in a springform pan inside the Instant Pot. This will simply help to prevent the burn notice. Once cooked, you can quickly chop the hard-boiled eggs and then add them to your favorite salad, or turn it into delicious egg salad sandwiches!
https://www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/instant-pot-egg-loaf/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=578212172_21223686_109845 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SIMPLY HAPPY FOODIE24. How to Convert Slow Cooker Recipes For the Instant Pot
Do you have a favorite slow cooker recipe that you just can’t pass up? It may be possible to cook it quickly in the Instant Pot without sacrificing flavor!
This blogger shares tips and tricks so that you can convert your favorite slow cooker recipe into one that can be prepared in the Instant Pot. Before you know it, you may find yourself using only the Instant Pot! Bye-bye slow cooker!
https://mealplanaddict.com/2019/03/how-to-convert-recipes-slow-cooker-to-instant-pot/ PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: MEAL PLAN ADDICT25. How to Clean an Instant Pot
Earlier we talked about how to deal with a smelly sealing ring but this tutorial will show you how to clean the kitchen gadget as a whole. Knowing what you can and can’t submerge in water can be tricky especially with new appliances. The last thing you want to do is ruin your brand new cooking toy!
This blogger shares the ins and outs of how exactly you can clean your Instant Pot and how you can do it effortlessly. Before you know it you’ll find yourself with a nice and clean pot between every meal!
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-an-instant-pot-pressure-cooker-229334 PHOTO’s BY ERIKA TRACY, TUTORIAL HERE: KITCHN26. Instant Pot Burn Guide
Every Instant Pot user knows that there is nothing worse than getting the dreaded burn notice. Not only does this mean there are burnt bits at the bottom of your pot but it also forces you to depressurize your pot, find a solution to your problem and then hopefully continue cooking. Not to mention, this also adds unnecessary cooking time which kind of defeats the whole quick and easy meal thing that the Instant Pot is supposed to offer.
This guide will walk you through exactly what the burn notice means as well as common mistakes you may be making! These are easy mistakes to make but if you get familiar with them they can help you prevent that dreaded notice in the future!
https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-burn/?utm_source=socialshare&utm_campaign=pinterest PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PRESSURE COOK RECIPES27. Proof Dough In The Instant Pot
First, it’s important to note that this Instant Pot hack will only work if your Instant Pot has a yogurt button. Unfortunately, other features will be too hot to proof the dough. Now that we have that clear, let’s get back to the hack!
Bread proofing is an important part of the process when it comes to preparing the dough. It allows the dough to develop flavor and creates the soft pillowy texture we know and love. This blogger shares how the Instant Pot does an excellent job of proofing the dough so that you’re equipped to make delicious dinner rolls or whatever you have planned!
https://jenuinehome.com/proof-dough-in-instant-pot/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: JENUINE HOME28. Utilize a Cheat Sheet
Several great cheat sheets are floating around the internet such as this one! Downloading a cheat sheet and keeping it accessible on your phone or printing it off and posting it in your kitchen will give you a quick reference point and will help make your cooking process a breeze!
This cheat sheet includes the cooking time for different types of meat, basic grains such as rice, and other sides too such as veggies, pasta, and more! The best part is that it’s FREE!
https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/updated-instant-pot-cheat-sheet/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ONE GOOD THING29. How to Freeze and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers are awesome because it means you get to dig into a delicious meal more than once! However, leftovers can go bad quickly. To prevent wasted leftovers you can simply toss them in the freezer until you’re ready to dig into them again.
Our hack will walk you through how to freeze leftovers so that reheating them in the Instant Pot is a breeze. Plus, you’ll love how quickly the Instant Pot reheats them too!
http://www.forkly.com/food-hacks/instant-pot-hack-how-to-freeze-and-reheat-leftovers/ PHOTOS AND TUTORIAL HERE: FORKLY30. Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad
Potato salad is one of the best summer side dishes. It’s great for parties, potlucks or to simply enjoy with your favorite barbecued meal. Unfortunately, the traditional method does require a bit of work but not anymore!
I’m including this recipe in our hack list because this awesome kitchen gadget transforms this salad into a one-pot recipe! This means you can cook the potatoes and eggs together, simultaneously. If that isn’t life-changing, I don’t know what is!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/the-absolute-best-instant-pot-potato-salad/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY31. Easy 90-Minute Bone Broth
Bone broth is all the rage and for good reason! This nutrient-rich broth can do wonders for our bodies such as help to protect bones and joints as well as can provide a natural source of energy.
The great thing about bone broth is that you can drink a mug of it on its own or incorporate it into your cooking. The traditional stove-top or slow cooker method can take anywhere from 24-48 hours but using the Instant Pot and our recipe you can have it ready in just 1-2 hours – WOAH!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/easy-90-minute-instant-pot-bone-broth/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY32. Cooking Chicken From Frozen
Driving home from a long day at work and realizing you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer before you left in the morning is one of the worst feelings ever. Thankfully, gadgets like the Instant Pot come to the rescue and help solves problems like this!
The Instant Pot can cook chicken from frozen and it can do it very well. It requires little to no effort and can be ready to eat in no time!
http://www.forkly.com/food-hacks/instant-pot-hack-cooking-chicken-from-frozen/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY33. How to Thaw and Cook Frozen Ground Beef
Perhaps it was the ground beef you forgot to take out and not the chicken. If that’s the case we’ve got you covered too! This recipe shows how it’s just as easy to cook frozen ground beef in the Instant Pot as it is chicken.
The best part is that the Instant Pot can thaw the ground beef in and around 20 minutes. That is a heck of a lot better than having to wait overnight or all day!
https://temeculablogs.com/instant-pot-frozen-ground-beef/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE TYPICAL MOM34. Instant Pot Ribs
If you love tender rib buts don’t enjoy waiting hours for them to cook, then you need to try this recipe! Ribs can cook in your Instant Pot in about 30 minutes. You no longer need to save this savory food for special occasions!
Place the wire trivet in the base of the Instant Pot so the ribs can sit on top. Before pressure cooking, pour a can of beer into the Instant Pot. Also, you’ll make a homemade citrus BBQ sauce that is irresistibly delicious.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-citrus-beer-ribs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY35. Instant Pot Whole “Rotisserie” Chicken
You could head to the store and pick up a rotisserie chicken or you could try this Instant Pot recipe. This recipe is perfect for beginners because it is so easy!
To provide the crispy outer layer you’ll first want to rub seasonings on the chicken followed by sauteeing it in the Instant Pot. Once the skin is nice and crispy you’ll pressure cook the chicken with broth for 25 minutes. It’s important to allow a natural release so that the chicken can achieve a tender texture.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-whole-faux-rotisserie-chicken/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
