Instant Pot cooking is all the rage these days. But do you ever feel unsure about what can be safely cooked in the Instant Pot? This FREE printable chart will give you some guidelines on Instant Pot cook times for many of your favorite foods.
Some Instant Pot models cook differently so this chart is a general recommendation. Your Instant Pot may need more or less time than those listed.
Benefits of Pressure Cooking in the Instant Pot
An Instant Pot or pressure cooker can cook things faster and more efficiently than traditional cooking methods. This is one of the big advantages of using an Instant Pot.
- Inner pot is fully insulated so the Instant Pot heats up quicker than cooking on the stovetop.
- Pressure cooking requires fewer liquids than traditional cooking so liquids will come to a boil faster.
- Food retains vitamins and minerals because the pressure cooker reduces oxygen from reaching the food while cooking. Food retains its beautiful color and flavors.
- Liquids boil at a higher temperature since they are under pressure. This kills off more harmful bacteria than traditional cooking. This is why pressure cookers have been used for generations to sterilize bottles and jars for canning.
- Multiple safety mechanisms in every Instant Pot model make it a safe form of cooking at home.
Things to Make in the Instant Pot
You can cook many different types of meat in the Instant Pot, from pulled pork to chicken breasts to beef roast or even baby back ribs.
Yes! You can make delicious baby back ribs in the Instant Pot. These baby back ribs get rave reviews on Pinterest where people leave comments saying how delicious and easy they were to make.
You can also steam vegetables, make rice, or cook pasta in the Instant Pot. With the Instant Pot, it’s easy to make many of our favorite dishes much faster, like traditional Chicken and Dumplings and Chicken Spaghetti.
Many soups and stews are perfect for the Instant Pot as well. They cook in less time and the ingredients are always perfectly tender.
And don’t forget about the desserts.
You’ve probably heard about people making cheesecakes in the Instant Pot, but did you know that you can also make traditional cakes, brownies, rice pudding, and more?
One of our favorite sweet treats to make in the Instant Pot is caramel sauce. You make it by pressure cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk! It’s great on ice cream, cobblers, or in a Magic Caramel Pie.
So many uses for a simple can of sweetened condensed milk. Who knew it was possible?
Looking for a specific Instant Pot recipe? We have it!
What other Instant Pot recipes would you like us to provide? Let us know in the comments and we’ll put them on our editorial calendar.
Instant Pot Cook Times Chart
Download a Free Printable of the Instant Pot Cook Times chart. (PDF format.)
Got an Air Fryer? We also have a printable Air Fryer Time and Temp chart.