How to Use an Instant Pot
Did you decide to get an Instant Pot and find yourself wondering how to use an Instant Pot? We will give you step by step tips on how to use an Instant Pot as well as simple recipes to get started today!
How to Use an Instant Pot
I remember when I first got my Instant Pot. I got it a little bit after everyone starting raving about it. I ordered it on Amazon and it arrived. I remember sitting there staring at the box, wondering why this machine had so many buttons. I instantly felt overwhelmed!
So to help you get past the overwhelmed stage I am going to help you learn to set it and how to get started cooking some very simple and delicious Instant Pot recipes.
Before you start using your Instant Pot
Before we get started let me first welcome you to the Instant Pot family. I promise you that the Instant Pot will change your life. Seriously it has changed mine with so many recipes that have made cooking so much easier. Be sure to join our Instant Pot community to share tips and recipes that you love and also find great new recipes to try!
So let’s get your Instant Pot out of the box and get started!
Unpacking your Instant Pot
The first thing you will want to do is to take your Instant Pot out of the box. There is no reason to be nervous and keep it in the box. The longer you let it sit in the box the more likely you are to never use it.
After you have taken it out of the box you will want to remove the lid by turning it clockwise. It will unlock and you will be able to lift it off.
Once the lid is off remove all the plastic and the accessories from the inner pot.
You can put the lid back on by setting it on the pot and turning it counterclockwise. It will lock into position.
First Steps to using your Instant Pot
Before using your Instant Pot you will want to wash all the parts. This includes the lid, the steam release valve, and the inner bowl. They say these are dishwasher safe, but I always recommend handwashing.
Be sure that you wash the base unit by hand and never immerse it in water.
Instant Pot Safety Tips
If you pulled out and started reading the Instruction manual you will know that there are a lot of safety warnings. Here are the most important ones to remember!
- Never put your face or body parts near the steam release valve. The steam that will come out of this valve will be hot and will burn you. I always wear an oven mitt or flip the release valve with a kitchen utensil.
- Never attempt to open the lid prior to all the steam being releasing from the pot. Be sure to wait for the float valve to fall. Do not use an object to force the float valve down so you can open it.
Water Test
Prior to cooking your first recipe, you will want to conduct a water test. This helps you get to know your Instant Pot a bit and also ensures that it is working properly.
Must-Have Accessories for the Instant Pot
While there are so many accessories on the market for the Instant Pot I recommend 10 must-have Instant Pot accessories.
Some of my favorites on the list are:
- glass lid Consider ordering a glass lid if you don’t own one yet. It is great to use for when you use your saute setting, or you are keeping the food warm. It acts just like a regular lid for a pot, and great for lifting off and serving your food up to your guests.
- egg steamer racks ( you need this in your life! Perfect for hard boiling eggs!)
- egg bites molds (If you love egg bites this is an absolute must! Be sure to try some of our egg bite recipes below!)
- push pan (if you are planning to make fail-proof Instant Pot cheesecakes then add this to your collection!)
Natural release vs Quick Release
Depending on the recipe, it will call for a natural release or a quick release.
A natural release is when you allow the steam to release from the pot on its own. This is a slow-release of pressure.
A Quick release. Is when you release the steam out of the pot quickly. You do this by switching the steam release valve to the venting position. Steam will quickly release out of the pot. Be sure you do not have any part of your body in the way of the steam. It is very hot and will burn you.
If a recipe calls for a natural release for a set amount of time then you will naturally let it release for that amount and then switch the valve to vent to get the rest of the steam out of the pot prior to opening.
Let’s get cooking with your Instant Pot
Now that you have conducted your water test and have cleaned your Instant Pot, it is time to make your very first Instant Pot recipe!
You will want to start with some easy recipes to get the hang of using your Instant Pot. I have included a great list of easy first time recipes, Must Try Instant Pot Recipes, Egg Bite Instant Pot Recipes, & Things you never thought you could make in the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Recipes
Did you decide to get an Instant Pot and find yourself wondering how to use an Instant Pot? We will give you step by step tips on how to use an Instant Pot as well as simple recipes to get started today!
First Time Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is one of the easiest Instant Pot Recipes to date I have made. Juicy and Tex-Mex seasoned chicken that is shredded and able to be used for tacos, enchiladas or even quesadillas! A versatile Instant Pot Chicken Recipe.
A delicious 4 ingredient meal that is made in 25 minutes. An easy dump and go recipe that is a perfect 101 recipe.
Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork serve this up for dinner tonight. In under one hour, you have Instant pot pulled pork that is tender, juicy, and jam-packed with flavor. You will feel like you ordered takeout from your favorite bbq pit stop. Pile on a sandwich or top some fries, and dive headfirst into this simple Instant Pot pulled pork recipe.
Instant Pot Beer Can Chicken is the perfect way to get that summer grilled taste, without the grill. Follow my Instant Pot beer can chicken recipe to get that incredible juicy chicken that will leave you wanting more.
Must Try Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl is the most delicious Burrito you will ever eat. One pot cooking in your instant pot and it takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.
Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe needs a warning label
So I finally did it! I made this chicken recipe in the Instant Pot with Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, and cheese. All this in one dish and it’s a Keto-Friendly Recipe.
This Instant Pot Parmesan Whole Roasted Cauliflower is so delicious. Either as a meal or as a side dish. Keto friendly and delicious!
I love the artichoke and spinach dip at Applebee’s so much. It is the one thing on the menu that I just can’t resist every time we stop in for dinner. Instant Pot Artichoke and Spinach Dip Applebees Copycat is highly addictive; it is the perfect flavor combination. The garlic, spinach, and artichokes are a classic trio of flavors, and then you add in the different cheeses, and it makes this recipe dynamite.
Panera’s Copycat Broccoli and Cheddar Instant Pot Soup are probably hands down one of my favorite items to order off the menu. Whether you get it in a bread bowl or a regular bowl this soup is perfection. You have that creamy and cheesy texture with pieces of broccoli and carrots throughout that make each bite a little piece of heaven.
The Original Syracuse Salt Potatoes Instant Pot are a quintessential side dish to serve up. This New York specialty will completely transform the way you enjoy potatoes. Salt
potatoes are bursting with flavor and a creamy flavor. Serve with melted butter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an insanely easy dinner recipe that practically cooks itself. Tender, juicy chicken that is creamy and savory.
Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and downright addictive. If you are a fan of the classic crack chicken that has taken the world by storm, you will do back flips for this crack chicken pasta!
A delicious hearty Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup that will be made quicker than you can sit back down. It tastes like it was slow cooked all day. Delicious!
Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup tastes just like the restaurant version, but you can make it in your instant pot. Plus it is incredibly easy and minimal effort needed for a fool-proof winning dish to serve to your family.
Egg Bite Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Pineapple Upside Down Bites, a new and tasty luscious dessert. These bite-size cakes will melt in your mouth.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie Bites are so delicious and easy to make, no holiday is needed. You will want to make these weekly.
2 Ingredient Instant Pot Pumpkin Muffin Bites will blow your mind on how simple they are to make. These little bite-size muffins are packed full of flavor, moist, and just a five-minute prep is all it takes.
Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake Stuffed Bites are the ultimate fall dessert. You have a spiced filled carrot cake with a cheesecake center. Bite-size dessert that will win over your whole family with one bite.
Instant Pot Zucchini Pie Bites are a quick and easy zucchini pie bites, that are fluffy, and full of savory flavor. This is a recipe I created from my viral Zucchini pie recipe. You have the similar flavor but in mini muffin bite form.
Things you never thought you could make in the Instant Pot
The most delicious instant Pot Apple Dump Cake that is 3 ingredients only. Make this so easily in your instant pot.
If you are looking for the most incredible dessert ever, you just found it. Instant Pot Better Than Sex Chocolate Lava Cake will blow your mind! Tender cake with a silky smooth lava center. As you dip your spoon into the cake you are welcomed by chocolate lava that is going to make your entire week.
Now you can easily make Instant Pot yogurt without the yogurt button! You will never have to pay for expensive yogurt.
Instant Pot Creme Brulee is one of the most decadent desserts you can prepare in your instant pot! It has never been so easy to make this delicious creamy treat.
Instant Pot Apple Cider is a simple way to get rich and flavorful homemade apple cider. The Instant Pot helps lock in all the spices and flavors to give you that all day simmer flavor. 4 basic ingredients is all you need for the best apple cider you will ever have!
Instant Pot Applesauce is incredibly easy to make. Nothing beats homemade applesauce, and this Instant Pot recipe is so easy to make. If you have never made homemade applesauce, you have to try it.
This Instant pot apple butter recipe melds together fantastic cinnamon and vanilla flavors along with juicy apples to create an easy and quick way to make homemade apple butter which can easily be stored in the fridge or freezer so you can enjoy it all year long
This Instant Pot Cherry Pie Moonshine is the most delicious Moonshine.
The ultimate dump cake recipe! An Instant Pot Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is loaded with a sweet and slightly tart cherries, cream cheese and tender cake. This cheesecake inspired dump cake will steal the show.
This Instant Pot Kahlua Recipe is an easy way to make your favorite cocktail right at home. In less than 30 minutes you will have the perfect cocktail that combines your favorite coffee flavor with Everclear. Once you make your own homemade Kahlua you will never buy it at the store again.
Instant Pot Coquito is one incredible holiday drink recipe you will want to make for all your holiday entertaining. Creamy, rich, and a boozy eggnog cocktail that is loaded with flavor and a kick. Purto Rican Coquito is a must-make recipe this year.
Instant Pot Lemon Drop Moonshine is a refreshing and lemon flavored moonshine that people can’t get enough of! Lemon drop moonshine is knock you off your feet good!
Homemade Elderberry Syrup can be made right in your instant pot or in a pan on the stove. I personally like doing it in the instant pot it seemscmuch easier.
People have been making Elderberry Syrup on the stove for years. Now simplify it by making it in your instant pot and then making this delicious gummy recipe.
Instant Pot Elderberry Popsicles are the perfect way to boost your immunity in a tasty way. Whip up some homemade elderberry syrup and then transform it into ice pops!
Instant Pot lemon curd is a super sweet, lemon custard cream that is buttery smooth and will leave you reaching for one more spoonful. I will walk you through how to make this Instant Pot lemon curd recipe in no time!
The most amazingly popular and delicious Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake cooked in your instant pot. It is pure lemon perfection!
Did you know you can make Tootsie Rolls at home? Try out my Instant Pot Tootsie Roll recipe today for that classic candy you know and love.
Instant Pot Coffee Concentrate is the new crave that has taken the Instant Pot world by storm. First, it was the Crack Chicken, which is dynamite, and now you can sip on the coffee concentrate that you made right in your Instant Pot. Bold flavor, that is smooth and will give you that energy boosts your wanting.
Instant Pot pumpkin spice latte is a quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite fall coffee drink as it combines coffee, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and pumpkin pie spice to create an irresistible drink to enjoy throughout the fall.
Fall is coming so skip that coffee shop and make a homemade Instant Pot Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Concentrate at home! You get the flavors of fall in every dip.
Homemade Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree is such a delicious treat that most of us would not have thought to make before our instant pots.
This Instant Pot Pumpkin Creme Brulee is so delicious you will not believe you made it in your instant pot. This is a dessert that would be served at the fanciest restaurant.
With this how to use an Instant Pot guide and our awesome Instant Pot community group, you will be well on your way to making some truly amazing dishes! Be sure to leave any questions you have in the comments or ask in the group!
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
