How to Use an Instant Pot (Instant Pot 101)

Learn how to use an Instant Pot with this easy guide, before you head over to our Instant Pot Recipes to start cooking. The Instant Pot is a really popular kitchen appliance. Use it to make easy, healthy meals in no time!

Jump to:

• Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker
• How does an Instant Pot work?
• How to use a pressure cooker
• What can you cook in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
• Instant Pot Pork Roast
• Instant Pot Chili Mac
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
• Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast
• Instant Pot Mexican Rice

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Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker

You will often find that people use the terms Instant Pot and pressure cooker when they are really talking about the same thing. This is because, well, they are the same thing!

A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that creates pressure by trapping steam inside the container. The Instant Pot is one of the most well-known brands of pressure cookers.

🥘 More INSTANT POT RECIPES From Hint of Healthy

How does an Instant Pot work?

The Instant Pot has multiple settings that all work differently. The main setting, and the most important one, is the pressure cook setting. Depending on which model you have, this is the button called MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK.

When using the pressure cook setting, the steam is trapped in the container, which means that the temperature will rise to a really high point.

As the food cooks at a very high temperature, it will typically cook much faster compared to more traditional methods. As the flavor is trapped in the pot, many people also find that the food tastes much better after being pressure cooked.

How to use a pressure cooker

If you're new to pressure cooking, I definitely recommend using a recipe to get you started. The method is quite different to other types of cooking, and it can take a while to get a hang of it.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make basically anything in the Instant Pot:

1. Add the ingredients: It's important to follow instructions and recipes accurately. You always have to add thin liquid to the Instant Pot, and layer ingredients correctly, or the pressure cooker will overheat and display the Instant Pot burn message.
2. Seal the lid: Different models of pressure cookers have different instructions, but in general you will seal the lid tight on the pot by placing it on top and twisting it into place.
3. Seal the valve: Again, the exact instructions can vary depending on which model you have. Some models of the Instant Pot has a valve on the lid that you can turn to "seal". Other models are self sealing.
4. Set the timer: Every recipe will have very precise timer instructions. After sealing the lid and setting the time, the Instant Pot will spend 5-10 minutes building the pressure in the pot before the timer starts counting down.
5. Release the pressure: After the timer is up, and the dish has finished cooking, you will have to release the pressure in the pot. Depending on the model, this will either include turning the valve to the venting position, or by pressing the valve down. Be careful, as releasing the pressure will release a large amount of steam. I recommend using tongs, a wooden spoon or another utensil to press or turn the valve, or prevent hot steam from coming close to your hands. Some recipes call for a "slow release" or "natural release", which means that you allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally instead of turning the valve.
6. Open the lid: Once the pressure is completely released, you can turn the lid to open the pot. You can then serve the dish, or follow the remaining recipe instructions.

What can you cook in the Instant Pot

As the Instant Pot has a wide range of functionalities and settings, you can cook almost anything! From oatmeal and soups to roasts, yogurt, and even frozen meat. Here are some of our most popular Instant Pot recipes to help you get started:

🥘 More INSTANT POT RECIPES From Hint of Healthy