The Instant Pot has quickly become a kitchen essential for many people, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a game-changer, transforming meal prep into a breeze and significantly reducing cooking times. From slow-cooked stews to quick sautéed dishes, the Instant Pot can handle just about anything, making it a must-have appliance for busy individuals. But what truly stands out is its ability to cook baked potatoes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. If you’ve ever spent an hour or more waiting for potatoes to bake in the oven, you’ll appreciate how the Instant Pot can get the job done in just 15 minutes.

Yes, you read that correctly. Fifteen minutes.

If you’re wondering how this miracle of kitchen technology works, let me explain. Baking potatoes in the Instant Pot is simple, fast, and yields perfect results—fluffy, tender, and creamy on the inside with a crispy, golden skin on the outside. There’s no need for constant monitoring, rotating, or checking to see if the potatoes are done. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, and all you have to do is prep the potatoes, set the timer, and let it work its magic.

The best part? This method of baking potatoes saves you so much time compared to conventional baking. Traditional oven-baked potatoes can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of the oven. But with the Instant Pot, you can have baked potatoes ready in just 15 minutes! The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function works quickly to cook the potatoes evenly and thoroughly, cutting down cooking time by over half. And once you get the hang of it, this method becomes the easiest way to cook baked potatoes.

The Basics of Cooking Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand why this method works so well. The Instant Pot uses high-pressure cooking, which helps the potatoes cook much faster than conventional methods. By using a metal trivet (the little stand that comes with the Instant Pot) and placing the potatoes on top of it, you allow the potatoes to cook evenly while still being exposed to steam. This setup also prevents the potatoes from sitting in the water, so they don’t become soggy.

The pressure cooking process speeds up cooking by raising the boiling point of water, which means food cooks faster and retains moisture. In just 14 minutes of high-pressure cooking, your potatoes will be perfectly baked with no need to rotate or check them. It’s a foolproof method that anyone can follow, whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that we know the magic behind the Instant Pot, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for making Instant Pot baked potatoes:Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 5 medium russet potatoes*
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings (to take your baked potatoes to the next level!):

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic topping for baked potatoes, but feel free to get creative with other types of cheese.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits or crumbled bacon strips can add a delicious, savory crunch.
• Chives: Fresh chives or green onions can bring a refreshing and slightly sharp contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream is another traditional topping that adds a nice creamy richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making baked potatoes in the Instant Pot. It’s simple, fast, and requires very little effort.

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Since you’re cooking the potatoes with their skins on, it’s important to scrub them clean. Then, use a fork to pierce each potato 5-7 times. This helps prevent the potatoes from bursting during the cooking process as the steam builds up inside.

2. Add Water to the Instant Pot

Next, pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This water is necessary to generate steam and create the pressure needed for cooking.

Place the metal trivet into the Instant Pot. The trivet will help keep the potatoes elevated, preventing them from sitting directly in the water. This method ensures the potatoes cook evenly and don’t become soggy.

3. Add the Potatoes

Place the prepared potatoes on top of the trivet. You can arrange them in a single layer, but if they’re stacked a little bit, that’s perfectly fine. The Instant Pot has enough power to cook them through, even if they’re stacked.

4. Set the Instant Pot

Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing” (not “Venting”). Select the “Manual” setting and adjust the pressure to “High.” Set the cooking time for 14 minutes. If you’re cooking larger potatoes, you might want to add an additional minute or two, but for medium-sized russets, 14 minutes is usually perfect.

5. Pressure Cooking

The Instant Pot will start building pressure, and after a few minutes, the cooking timer will begin counting down. Once the 14-minute cook time is complete, the Instant Pot will beep, and the cooking process is done. At this point, you don’t need to rush. Allow the pressure to release naturally, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Avoid quick-releasing the pressure since this can result in uneven cooking. Letting the pressure release naturally ensures that the potatoes are cooked through perfectly.

6. Finish the Potatoes

Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot. Use tongs or a spoon to lift the potatoes out of the pot, and place them on a plate or cutting board. Be careful, as the potatoes will be hot.

At this point, you can slice the potatoes open lengthwise. Add the butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. You can also load them up with your favorite toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile, and you can make your baked potatoes exactly the way you like them.

Why the Instant Pot Is a Game-Changer for Baking Potatoes

If you’ve ever baked potatoes the traditional way, you know how long it can take, especially if you’re preparing multiple servings. You have to preheat the oven, bake the potatoes for an hour, and then hope they come out perfectly. With the Instant Pot, all of this is done in a fraction of the time, and with no babysitting required.

The Instant Pot method also locks in moisture, ensuring that your potatoes remain tender and moist inside, with a crispy, golden skin on the outside. Plus, you don’t have to worry about checking them or rotating them halfway through cooking. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it method that makes baking potatoes as easy as possible.

Lastly

Whether you’re making baked potatoes for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving them as a side dish at a gathering, the Instant Pot will make your life so much easier. You can have perfectly baked potatoes in just 15 minutes, with minimal effort and without sacrificing flavor. So, if you’ve been hesitant about using your Instant Pot for baked potatoes, give it a try—you won’t regret it!