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    Home » Cooking Skills

    How to Use an Instant Pot (Instant Pot 101)

    Posted: Apr 1, 2021 · Updated: Apr 1, 2021 by Tonje

    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!

    Instant Pot turned off.
    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

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    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:

    Instant Pot vegetable beef soup in a bowl.

    Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

    This healthy Instant Pot vegetable beef soup is an easy soup you can make in only 30 minutes. Perfect for simple weeknight dinners, or make ahead meals.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot pork roast.

    Instant Pot Pork Roast

    This easy Instant Pot pork roast recipe will teach you how to cook perfect, tender pork loin in your Instant Pot. A simple, but delicious roast recipe made in your pressure cooker for convenience.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Chili Mac.

    Instant Pot Chili Mac

    This Instant Pot chili mac is a fantastic one pot dinner recipe, perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners. Ground beef, macaroni and chili ingredients are cooked together in a pressure cooker, for a tasty homemade meal in less than 30 minutes.
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot BBQ Chicken.

    Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

    This easy instant pot BBQ chicken recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner. Pulled chicken made in your pressure cooker in only 35 minutes!
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast.

    Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast

    Cook juicy, tender chicken breasts from frozen in your instant pot with this super simple recipe. Perfect for quick meals, meal prep and more!
    Get the recipe
    Instant Pot Mexican Rice.

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    This Instant Pot Mexican rice is a healthy, filling and flavorful side dish, perfect to serve with Latin or Tex Mex entrees.
    Get the recipe

    🥘 More INSTANT POT RECIPES From Hint of Healthy

    More Learn Basic Cooking Skills

    • Instant Pot Duo Plus.
      Instant Pot Burn Message
    • How To Cut Chicken Wings.
      How to Cut Chicken Wings
    • How to freeze potatoes in cubes.
      How to Freeze Potatoes
    • Banana bites in a container with banana peels on the side.
      How to Freeze Bananas

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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