Learn How to make Perfectly Fluffy Instant Pot Potatoes

Have you ever tried baking potatoes in Instant Pot? This Instant Pot Baked Potato recipe is one of the quick and easy recipes for making perfectly cooked, fork-tender, fluffy potatoes every time in a pressure cooker.

Baking potatoes in Instant Pot is one of my go-to recipes for making perfect potatoes, is extremely efficient, and has consistent results, this recipe is always in great demand in my family.

I can make these yummy, creamy, fluffy baked potatoes in Instant Pot anytime. If you are looking for perfectly cooked, fork-tender, fluffy, creamy potatoes, then this is the only recipe you will need.

Potatoes cooked in the Instant Pot require significantly less time compared to traditional oven baking. One noticeable difference is that the outer skin of Instant Pot-baked potatoes tends to be more moist and soft rather than crispy, as achieved in oven baking.

To achieve a crispy outer skin on Instant Pot baked potatoes, simply place them under the broiler for a few minutes. However, if you plan to use the potatoes in other recipes where the outer skin is removed, the texture of the skin becomes less significant as long as the potatoes are cooked to perfection.

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a classic and versatile dish loved by many, but the traditional baking process can be time-consuming. One dish that can be effortlessly made in the Instant Pot is baked potatoes. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve perfectly cooked and fluffy potatoes in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Whether you're a busy home cook or just looking for a quick and easy meal, Instant Pot baked potatoes are a delicious and convenient option. This guide will explore how to make delicious baked potatoes using the Instant Pot, a time-saving and efficient kitchen appliance. From choosing the right potatoes to serving them with flavorful toppings, you'll learn everything you need to know to easily create perfect baked potatoes.

Benefits of using Instant Pot for Baked Potatoes

• Time-saving: The Instant Pot's pressure cooking significantly reduces the cooking time for baked potatoes compared to traditional oven baking. It cooks potatoes in a fraction of the time, thus saving valuable time in the kitchen.
• Convenience: Unlike oven-baked potatoes, you don't have to preheat your oven or monitor the potatoes as they cook. Once you put the potatoes in the Instant Pot and set the timer, you can walk away and come back to perfectly cooked potatoes.
• Even cooking: It ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, resulting in uniformly cooked potatoes. This eliminates the risk of unevenly cooked or undercooked potatoes that may occur in conventional baking methods.
• Retained nutrients: It helps retain more nutrients in the potatoes compared to methods that involve boiling or baking in the open air. The pressure cooking process minimizes nutrient loss, allowing you to enjoy the full nutritional benefits of the potatoes.
• Moisture retention: It locks in the moisture of the potatoes, resulting in a moist and tender texture. This is particularly beneficial for baked potatoes, as they can sometimes become dry when baked in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficient: The Instant Pot uses less energy compared to conventional ovens, making it an eco-friendly option for baking potatoes. It consumes less power and generates less heat, which is especially useful during hot weather or when trying to minimize energy consumption in the kitchen.

Choosing & Prepping Potatoes

• Selecting the right type of potatoes: When it comes to baked potatoes, certain varieties work best. Russet potatoes are commonly used for their high starch content, which yields fluffy and light interiors. Yukon gold potatoes are another option that offers a creamier texture. Choose potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes.
• Washing and scrubbing the potatoes: Before cooking, thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the skins gently, ensuring they are clean.
• Pricking the potatoes (optional): I never prick the potatoes when pressure cooking. If you prefer, use a fork to pierce the skins in a few places. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from bursting during cooking.

How to make Baked Potatoes in Instant Pot

By following these cooking instructions, you can achieve perfectly cooked baked potatoes using the Instant Pot's pressure cooking function. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size and desired tenderness of the potatoes for the best results.

1. Choose the right potatoes: Select the russet potatoes that are roughly the same size and shape. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
2. Pierce the potatoes (optional): Use a fork or sharp knife to poke the potatoes a few times on each side. This will help steam escape during cooking and prevent the potatoes from bursting.
3. Add liquid: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. This will create the steam needed to cook the potatoes.
4. Use the trivet: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot before adding the potatoes. This will keep the potatoes out of the water and prevent them from getting too soggy.
5. Set the timer: Set the Instant Pot to "manual" or "pressure cook" mode and set the timer for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. If the potatoes are very large, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
6. Natural release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This will help prevent the potatoes from getting too mushy.
7. Check for doneness: You can test the doneness of the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are done.
8. Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot using tongs or a fork. Cut the potatoes open and serve with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Baked potatoes offer a versatile array of various toppings and flavor combinations. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to enhance your baked potato experience:

1. Classic toppings:
   • Butter: Add a pat of butter to the split potato, allowing it to melt and enhance the flavor.
   • Sour cream: Dollop sour cream on top for a creamy and tangy element.
   • Chives: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the potato for a mild onion-like flavor.
2. Healthier options:
   • Greek yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream as a healthier and protein-packed alternative.
   • Salsa: Top the potato with your favorite salsa for a zesty and refreshing twist.
   • Steamed vegetables: Load your potato with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or other vegetables for added nutrition.
3. Loaded potato variations:
   • Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses over the potato, then melt it in the oven or under the broiler.
   • Chili: Spoon your favorite chili over the potato, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
   • Broccoli: Steam or sauté broccoli florets and place them on top of the potato, then add cheese or a cheese sauce for a broccoli and cheese combination.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings and variations based on your preferences and creativity. Baked potatoes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Tips for perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

To ensure the best results when making baked potatoes in the Instant Pot, here are some helpful tips and solutions to common troubleshooting issues:

• Choose the right potatoes: For the best results, choose potatoes that are roughly the same size and shape. Russet potatoes work well for baking potatoes in Instant Pot.
• Pierce the potatoes (optional): Before placing the potatoes in the Instant Pot, use a fork or sharp knife to pierce them a few times. This will help steam escape during cooking and prevent the potatoes from bursting.
• Add liquid: Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot before adding the potatoes. This will create the steam needed to cook the potatoes.
• Use the trivet: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot before adding the potatoes. This will keep the potatoes out of the water and prevent them from getting too soggy.
• Cook on high pressure: Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. If you're cooking a lot of potatoes at once, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
• Natural release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This will help prevent the potatoes from getting too mushy.
• Finish in the oven (optional): If you prefer a crispy skin on your baked potatoes, you can place them in a preheated oven for 5-10 minutes after cooking in the Instant Pot. Brush the skins with olive oil or butter before placing them in the oven.

How long to cook Baked Potatoes in an Instant Pot

In a 5-6 quart Instant Pot, you can cook about 2 to 3 lbs. of potatoes at a time. In an inner pot, add 1 cup of water for small to x-large potatoes and 2 cups of water for xx-large potatoes. Place the trivet and arrange potatoes on the trivet. Depending upon the size of your potatoes, pressure cook at high for xx- minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of about 15 minutes. Use the time chart below for perfectly baked potatoes in an Instant pot.

Note: I used Russet potatoes for this recipe.

• Small Potatoes (5-6 oz. each) – 12-15 min
• Medium Potatoes (7-9 oz.) – 15-20 min
• Large  Potatoes(10-12 oz.) – 20-25 min
• Extra Large Potatoes (13-15 oz.) – 25-30 min
• x-Extra Large Potatoes (16 oz. or larger) – 45 min

I have tried baking potatoes in Instant Pot by making them in halves, this reduces the cooking time to almost half. You can bake whole potatoes or cut them in half. If I am making mashed potatoes I normally cut the potatoes in half, that way it reduces the cooking time and saves some electricity too.

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