Got a new Instant Pot and not sure where to begin?
Think of this as your drivers ed.
Alison Conklin
Is your Instant Pot an intimidating mystery to you?
Alison Conklin
Maybe yours is a hand-me-down.
Whatever the case, I am psyched that you decided to use it.
I’ve been cooking with Instant Pots and teaching classes about them for over a decade.
Instant Pot Guinness Beef Stew.Coco Morante
I use mine at least a few times every week.
Life is better with an Instant Pot in your kitchen.
Since we first posted this guide in 2018, so many changes have happened in the Instant Pot world.
Pressure Cooker Egg Bites.Coco Morante
They released what felt like dozens of different models (too many, some might say).
Regardless of your model, the info below is going to help you out.
Well take you from a just-opened box to the basics.
Emma Christensen
Its not as complicated as it seems.
The TL;DR About Instant Pots
Instant Pots are multifunction, programmable electric pressure cookers.
Think of them as little cooking robots.
Alison Conklin
If youre not familiar with pressure cooking, the entire point of an Instant Pot can be confusing.
The quicker cook time helps preserve nutrients in food.
They’re super-safe and don’t ever explode, period.
Alison Conklin
you’re free to have one cooking away and leave your house with no worries.
But with an electric Instant Pot, thecookerregulates its own heat via sensors.
Thats the other win.
Alison Conklin
Instant Pots can do other things besides pressure cook, too.
With the lid off, you could saute ingredients before pressure cooking.
it’s possible for you to also use it as a slow cooker or formaking yogurt.
The display on an early-model Instant Pot Duo.Emma Christensen
Were not going to worry about doing those things here, though.
This guide is all about pressure cooking.
Everyone has heard stories about old-time pressure cookers exploding.
Alison Conklin
Remember: Its your trusty cooking robot.
The Best Foods to Cook in Your Instant Pot
Pressure cooking useswet heat.
You gotta have liquid in the cookerthe steam creates the pressure.
Emma Christensen
No liquid, no steam, no pressure.
Pressure cooking is for boiling, steaming, and braising.
For example, you couldnt cook French fries from start to finish by pressure cooking.
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili.Coco Morante
How “Instant” Is an Instant Pot?
I wouldnt lie to you.
Instant Pot is a misnomer.
Instant Pot Weeknight Paella.Coco Morante
It does not cook food in an instant.
Here’s the catch: It takes time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
Emma Christensen
What Comes in the Box?
What’s wrong with this photo? The gasket is tucked into the ring. For storage, it should be gently pulled loose form the ring to prevent mildew growth (eww, right?).Alison Conklin
Wash and dry the lid, gasket, and metal insert.Nowyoure ready.
On the back of the cooker, youll likely see a spot where the drip catcher goes.
Slide it right in.
Simply Recipes / Fran Sales
Its made to remove easily, so you’re free to empty it.
Without the catcher, youd wind up with small puddles on your counter.
(Note: Not all models have this drip catcher.)
Pop the metal insert in the cooker.
Now put the power cord into the cookers socket.
The digital display on the front should now read OFF.
Your cooker is now in standby mode.
Slide the rubbery gasket ring under the lid; there’s a bracket where it will snap into place.
The gasket helps seal the pot, allowing it to come to pressure.
On the underside of the lid is also a small metal cage.
It helps keep the valve from getting clogged with bits of food.
Look for arrows on the top of the lid and side of the cooker.
Line these up to get the lid on and off.
Itll eventually become second nature.
If the cooker is plugged in, it bleeps cheerfully when you open and close it.
On the lid, theres a little black knob sticking up.
This is the steam release valve.
This is what you use to release the pressure.
Next to the steam release is the pressure indicator.
Your Instant Pot is now all clean and fully assembled.
Time for a test drive.
Whats Up With All Those Knobs and Buttons?
I know, there are so many.
you might ignore most of them.
For now, were focusing on the buttons you need for most pressure cooking recipes.
Lets Cook Some Water!
The first time you use your Instant Pot, make waternot food.
This way, it’s possible for you to familiarize yourself with simply operating itno anxiety over ruining dinner.
Lock on the lid
Use the arrows on the lid and the cooker to guide you.
Check the steam release valve
It should be in the Sealing position.
Use the +/- buttons (or dial) to set the time to 10 minutes.
It should default to High pressure, but if not, select High pressure.
Simple Tip!
What if you messed up?!
Just press Cancel and start over again.
Wait for the pot to come to pressure
A watched pot never boils, right?
It will seem like it takesforeverfor your cooker to come to pressure.
When I timed mine with its 3 cups of water, it took 10 minutes to get there.
Eventually youll hear the cooker hissing, interspersed with some clicking.
Dont freakthis is normal.
Like a pet dog, your Instant Pot sometimes makes snorting or wheezing noises for short periods.
Then, all of a sudden, the hissing will stop.
The pressure indicator will go up, the cooker will beep, and presto!
On Keep Warm, the timer countsup.
Alternately, you’ve got the option to just unplug the cooker.
Releasing the Pressure
Now you better release the pressure.
There are two ways:
Safety Time!
Steam Is HOT
Steam is hotter than boiling water, and it can burn you badly.
Keep your hands and face clear of the steam release valve when you do a quick release.
Releasing all of the steam can take a minute or more.
The more liquid in the cooker, the longer the release will take.
Once you see the steam that comes roiling from the open cooker, youll know why!
Try it all over again with the same hot water, if you like.
Do the same steps as before but program the cooker to pressure cook for just 1 minute.
Low pressure is good to use for delicate foods like eggs and custards.
This method allows for lots of air circulation.
Its not so pretty on a countertop, I know.
Youre the boss of this thing, so have fun!
