We’re always looking for ways to make life easier—especially in the kitchen. The Instant Pot does exactly that. Whether you’re an experienced user or new to pressure cooking, these tips and tricks will help you get more from your Instant Pot, save time, and improve results.
Below are 18 practical Instant Pot tips and tricks that will help you cook with confidence. From essential basics to clever hacks, this collection includes ideas you can use every day.
Useful Instant Pot Recipes Materials
KITCHEN TOOLS, UTENSILS & APPLIANCES NEEDED
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Here are some items that make Instant Pot cooking easier:
- 8 qt Instant Pot and an extra insert and sealing ring for convenience.
- 3 qt or 6 qt Instant Pot models depending on household size.
- Sturdy cutting board and a trivet for lifting dishes.
- Long tongs for safely removing hot food.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate liquid and spice measurements.
- Stackable bowls with covers for storing leftovers.
- Meat thermometer to check doneness.
- A microwave or reheating appliance for quick meals.
- Meal prep containers for planning lunches and freezing portions.
18 INSTANT POT TIPS AND TRICKS
TIP 1: ALWAYS ADD LIQUID WHEN PRESSURE COOKING.
Pressure cooking requires steam, so always add at least 1/2 cup of liquid to the Instant Pot insert. Absorbent foods like rice or pasta often need more liquid, so follow recipe guidance to prevent scorching or a burn notice.
TIP 2: THE COOK TIME IS NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
Recipe cook time is the time at pressure only. Also factor in the time the Instant Pot needs to come up to pressure and the time for pressure to release—either quick or natural release—when planning your meal.
TIP 3: GO BEYOND THE MAIN COURSE.
The Instant Pot can do more than soups and stews. Use it to make homemade yogurt, iced coffee concentrate, pizza dough, jams, and even baked goods. These nontraditional uses expand what you can prepare quickly and reliably.
TIP 4: LAYER YOUR INGREDIENTS TO AVOID THE BURN NOTICE.
Thick sauces, nut butters, and tomato-based products can scorch if they touch the bottom of the insert. Add water first, then layer ingredients—start with meat or vegetables, add denser starches on top, and avoid stirring before pressure cooking to reduce the chance of a burn notice.
P.S. Having an extra Instant Pot insert as a backup is very helpful.
TIP 5: INSTANT POT ACCESSORIES LET YOU DO MORE.
Accessories like baking pans, silicone trivets, steam baskets, long tongs, and stackable inserts expand what you can cook in the Instant Pot. A few well-chosen accessories can turn your pot into a multi-purpose tool.
TIP 6: USE THE 5-5-5 METHOD
The 5-5-5 method yields perfect hard-boiled eggs: 5 minutes at high pressure, 5 minutes natural release, then 5 minutes in an ice bath. This simple routine makes peeling easy and produces consistent results.
TIP 7: STORE THE POT WITH THE LID OPEN.
Store the lid off or in the upright position when not in use to prevent lingering odors. You can rest the lid handle inside the pot handle opening to keep it upright and ventilated.
TIP 8: JOIN INSTANT POT FORUMS AND FACEBOOK GROUPS
Online communities are a great source of recipes, troubleshooting tips, and inspiration. Connecting with other Instant Pot users helps you learn new techniques and discover reliable recipes.
TIP 9: THE INSTANT POT IS PERFECT FOR MAKING EDIBLE AND NON-EDIBLE GIFTS.
The Instant Pot is ideal for preparing homemade gifts such as infused extracts, sauces, or bath products. Small-batch vanilla or cinnamon extract made quickly in the Instant Pot makes thoughtful, homemade presents.
TIP 10: USE A SPOON HANDLE TO PERFORM QUICK PRESSURE RELEASE.
To safely perform a quick pressure release, use the handle of a spoon or the notch on the Instant Pot spoon to turn the valve to venting and keep your hand away from steam.
TIP 11: THE DISHWASHER IS YOUR BFF.
Many parts—such as the lid, stainless insert, and accessories—are dishwasher-safe. Clean them on the top rack. Never submerge or soak the electrical cooker unit; wipe it with a damp cloth if needed.
TIP 12: HOW TO CLEAN THE INSTANT POT INSERT.
For stained stainless inserts, a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend and a soft sponge restore shine. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth before storing.
TIP 13: PREVENT YOUR INNER POT FROM MOVING AROUND.
If the inner pot slides while stirring, clip a large binder clip to the rim to hold it steady. This simple fix keeps the insert in place during prep.
TIP 14: USE CHEAT SHEETS AND CONVERSION CHARTS.
Cheat sheets and conversion charts help convert stovetop recipes to pressure cook times and liquid ratios. Keep a reliable cooking times chart handy for quick reference.
TIP 15: HOW TO DEODORIZE THE SEALING RING.
The sealing ring can absorb food odors. To deodorize, soak the ring in a 1:1 mixture of water and cleaning vinegar for several hours or overnight, then wash with dish soap, rinse, and air dry.
TIP 16: PURCHASE A SECOND SEALING RING.
Keep a spare sealing ring to separate savory and sweet dishes. Rotating rings prevents flavor transfer and keeps delicate dishes tasting their best.
TIP 17: USE A SMALL BRUSH FOR HARD-TO-REACH AREAS.
Use a small, soft brush to clean crevices around the lid and the rim where food can collect. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and odor.
TIP 18: USE THE POT-IN-POT (PIP) METHOD.
Pot-in-pot cooking places food inside a separate dish or pan that sits on a trivet inside the insert. PIP reduces cleanup and lets you cook multiple components at once, such as a main and a side, or desserts like crème brûlée alongside a savory dish.
Pot-in-pot is especially useful for meal prep and for keeping flavors separate while cooking items at the same time. It’s a true time-saver for busy cooks.
TIP 19: REGISTER YOUR NEW INSTANT POT.
Register your Instant Pot to stay informed about product updates or recalls and to make warranty claims easier if an issue arises within the guarantee period.
TIP 20: USE INSTANT POT COOKBOOKS.
Cookbooks and curated recipe collections offer tested recipes and inspiration to help you get the most out of your Instant Pot. A good cookbook can expand your repertoire and teach new techniques.
INSTANT POT RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE
Ready to cook? Try these crowd-pleasing Instant Pot recipes:
- Instant Pot hummus—quick, creamy, and perfect for summer snacks.
- Mediterranean chicken and potatoes—an easy, flavorful one-pot family meal.
- Use a CrispLid to finish fries and other crispy favorites for a fried texture without a deep fryer.
EVEN MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES
- Explore seasonal Instant Pot recipes to keep meals fresh and interesting.
- Try meal prep recipes to save time during the week and simplify lunches.
- Consult cooking times and settings guides to avoid common issues like the burn notice.
Thanks for reading these Instant Pot tips and tricks. With a few straightforward habits and a couple of handy accessories, your Instant Pot can become a central tool for fast, flavorful meals that save time without sacrificing taste.
