Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
Posted November 9, 2023 by: Admin
Discover the quickest and easiest way to enjoy delicious ‘baked potatoes’ with Instant Pot Baked Potatoes. Whether you’re planning to create a loaded baked potato or incorporate them into Gnocchi or Creamy Potato Salad, this method will be your new favorite.
We’re passionate about Instant Pot recipes, from the Instant Pot Whole Chicken to Instant Pot Beets. Our recipes are designed to save you time and simplify your cooking process. If you’re an Instant Pot enthusiast, you’ll adore preparing baked potatoes in your Instant Pot.
Advantages of Making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Speedy Preparation – From heating up to pressure cooking and natural pressure release, this method takes less than half the time of traditional oven-baked potatoes.
- Simplicity – No need for aluminum foil; just place the potatoes directly on the rack.
- Energy-Efficient – You won’t need to heat up the entire oven, saving energy and keeping your home cooler.
- Consistent Results – The Instant Pot ensures even cooking; follow our time chart based on your potato size for perfection.
Instant Pot Baked Potato Cooking Times
If you have a 6-quart Instant Pot, you can cook 2 to 3 pounds of Russet Potatoes at once. Refer to our time chart below, depending on your potato’s size, followed by a natural pressure release of approximately 15 minutes:
- Smaller Russet Potatoes (5 oz each) – 12 minutes on high pressure with a natural pressure release.
- Medium Russets (6-7 oz) – 14 minutes plus natural release.
- Large Russets (8 oz) – 16 minutes plus natural release.
- Extra Large Russets (10-14 oz) – 18-20 minutes plus natural release.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Potatoes
- Prevent Explosions – Safely pierce the potato skins all over with a fork to allow steam to escape and avoid bursting.
- Use a Rack – Keep the potatoes elevated on the rack without touching the water for even cooking.
- Add Cold Water – For consistent results, include 1 cup of cold water in your Instant Pot.
- Select Even-Sized Potatoes – Ensure uniform thickness and size for your potatoes to cook uniformly.
How to Prepare Baked Potatoes in Your Instant Pot
- Prepare Your Instant Pot – Place a trivet in the pot and add 1 cup of cold water.
- Scrub Your Potatoes – Thoroughly wash the potatoes.
- Pierce Your Potatoes – Poke the potatoes all over with a fork.
- Pressure Cook – Cover with the lid and set the valve to the ‘sealing’ position. Set to manual high pressure following the time chart (e.g., 16 minutes for large russets).
- Natural Pressure Release – Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally, or until the pressure indicator drops, indicating no remaining pressure. Switch the valve to the venting position to release any residual steam before removing the lid.
- Check for Doneness – Test the potatoes’ doneness by poking them with a fork, then use tongs to remove them to a plate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Isn’t My Pressure Cooker Building Pressure?
Ensure you’ve turned the pressure valve to the “sealing” position, the rubber ring is clean and secured under the lid, and you’ve added 1 cup of cold water.
Can I Use Different Potato Varieties?
Absolutely! You can use various whole potatoes in the Instant Pot and adjust the cooking time according to the potato’s size. For instance, you can cook 5 medium Yukon potatoes like you would medium russet potatoes.
How Do I Know When the Potatoes Are Done?
Potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork or knife. If they still feel a bit firm, cover the lid and pressure cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Can I Use an Air Fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is an excellent option for achieving crisp potato skins. Check out our Air Fryer Baked Potatoes tutorial for more details.
Make-Ahead Tips
- To Refrigerate: Once the potatoes have cooled to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: For a crispy skin, reheat uncovered in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or use the air fryer until heated through, as demonstrated in our Air Fryer Baked Potatoes recipe.
- Prepare Your Instant Pot – Place a trivet in the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot and add 1 cup of cold water.
- Scrub Your Potatoes – Thoroughly wash the potatoes.
- Pierce Your Potatoes – Poke the potatoes all over with a fork and arrange them on the rack.
- Pressure Cook – Cover with the lid and set the valve to the ‘sealing’ position. Set to manual high pressure for 16 minutes, or according to the time chart*.
- Natural Pressure Release – Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally (usually about 15 minutes) or until the pressure indicator drops, indicating no remaining pressure. Switch the valve to the venting position to release any residual steam before carefully removing the lid.
- Check for Doneness – Poke the potatoes to test for doneness, then remove them to a plate using tongs.
- Serve Your Potatoes – Cut the potatoes in half and serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, bacon, cheese, and chives, or let them cool and use them in a delectable Potato Salad.
*Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Time Chart:
- Smaller Russet Potatoes (5 oz each) – 12 minutes
- Medium Russet Potatoes (6-7 oz each) – 14 minutes
- Large Russet Potatoes (8 oz each) – 16 minutes
- Extra Large Russet Potatoes (10-14 oz each) – 18-20 minutes