Using regular baking pans in an Instant Pot is possible, but may not always be the best option. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to use a baking pan in an Instant Pot.
The Benefits of Using Baking Pans in an Instant Pot
Here are some potential benefits of using baking pans in an Instant Pot:
- Convenience – Using pans you already own saves you from having to buy specialized Instant Pot cookware.
- Versatility – Baking pans allow you to make dishes like lasagnas, mac and cheeses, and pan desserts that you can’t make in the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Familiarity – If you’re used to baking in a particular pan, using it in the Instant Pot gives a sense of familiarity.
- Size – Some baking pans fit better in the Instant Pot than the inner pot. For example, an 8×8 baking pan fits neatly into a 6 quart Instant Pot.
For certain recipes, using a baking pan in the Instant Pot can make the process easier and give you better results than using the stainless steel inner pot.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Baking Pans
However, there are also some drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Heat distribution – Baking pans don’t conduct heat as evenly as the Instant Pot inner pot. This can lead to uneven cooking.
- Temperature regulation – The thick stainless steel of the inner pot helps regulate temperature changes. Baking pans don’t offer the same temperature control.
- Burn risk – Ingredients can more easily burn in a baking pan, especially on the bottom. The inner pot is designed to prevent this.
- Pressure – Some baking pans might not properly seal, inhibiting the pot’s ability to pressurize properly.
- Fit – If the baking pan is too small or large for the Instant Pot, it won’t work as intended and can hinder cooking.
Because of these potential issues, baking pans may not always get the best results in the Instant Pot. The inner pot is optimized for Instant Pot cooking.
Guidelines for Using Baking Pans
If you do want to use a baking pan, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Use oven-safe pans made from metal, ceramic, or glass. Avoid materials like plastic that cannot withstand pressure cooking temperatures.
- Make sure the pan fits properly in your Instant Pot insert. It should not be more than two-thirds full for proper pressure cooking.
- Only use pans with flat bottoms so they make full contact with the inner pot bottom. Warped pans can prevent pressure build up.
- For stacking pans, create a foil sling to easily remove them. Do not stack more than two pans in the Instant Pot.
- Adjust cooking time and pressure as needed. The baking pan material will affect cooking time.
- Add extra liquid to recipes, at least 1/2 cup. Liquids help conduct heat and prevent burning.
- Avoid thick, dense recipes. Meats, rice dishes, etc. are better suited to the inner pot.
Best Baking Pan Options for Instant Pot
Through trial and error, these baking pans have been found to work best in the Instant Pot:
| Baking Pan | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 7 inch round pans | Fit well in 6 quart Instant Pot; suitable for dishes like cheesecakes, pan desserts |
| 8 x 8 inch square pans | Provide more surface area than round pans; great for brownies, bars, potatoes |
| 7 inch springform pans | Ideal shape and size; easy to remove cheesecakes and dense cakes; minimize burning |
| Ceramic pans or dishes | Ceramic conducts heat well; resists burning; great for casseroles and pasta bakes |
| 6-7 cup bundt pans | Perfect for moist bundt cakes; EVEN heat distribution; fit 6 quart IP well |
For the most consistent results, opt for round or square metal baking pans no larger than 8 inches wide. Avoid warped pans and ensure a tight seal with the inner pot.
Foods Best Suited to Baking Pans
While all recipes can be tried in a baking pan, the following food types often have the most success:
- Cheesecakes
- Custard-based desserts like flan or creme brulee
- Breads like banana, pumpkin, or zucchini
- Meatloaves
- Lasagnas or baked pastas
- Casseroles
- Macaroni and cheese
- Vegetable gratins or scalloped potatoes
- Steamed desserts like puddings
Foods that are very wet or dense tend to have better results than dry dishes. Meats and rice often turn out better when cooked directly in the inner pot.
Tips for Adapting Recipes
When adapting traditional recipes for the pressure cooker, keep these tips in mind:
- Reduce baking time – Pressure cooking is much faster, so reduce oven baking time by 50-75%.
- UseInstant Pot baking times as a starting point for similar dishes.
- Adjust liquids – Add at least 1/2 cup more liquid to prevent scorching on pan bottoms.
- Allow the pot to fully pressurize before adjusting cook time.
- Use a foil sling to easily lift pans out of the inner pot.
- Let pressure release naturally to finish cooking, about 10-15 minutes.
- Check dishes early and add standing time if needed.
Be prepared to experiment with cook times, pressure levels, and amounts of liquid to get the right consistency.
Common Baking Pan Questions
What size baking pan fits in a 6-quart Instant Pot?
7-8 inch round or square baking pans fit best in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Anything larger may hinder pressure building or cause uneven cooking.
Can I use a glass baking dish in my Instant Pot?
Yes, oven-safe glass baking dishes can be used. Ensure it has a flat bottom, fits properly in the pot, and is no more than 2/3 full.
Should I grease my baking pan before pressure cooking?
Greasing is not usually necessary since pressure cooking traps steam to prevent sticking. However, you may lightly grease just to be safe.
Can I stack multiple baking pans in Instant Pot at once?
Stacking 2 layers of baking pans can work using a foil sling to separate them. More than 2 is not recommended as it may disrupt pressure.
Which Instant Pot mode works best with baking pans?
For baking pans, use Manual/Pressure Cook mode so you can fully adjust pressure, temperature, and time as needed.
Do I need to change the cooking liquid for baking pan recipes?
Because baking pans are at higher risk of scorching, add at least 1/2 cup more liquid than the recipe states.
Conclusion
Using baking pans in the Instant Pot is definitely possible and can allow you to make dishes not otherwise possible. However, for the best results it’s important to choose an appropriate size pan, account for differences in heat conduction, allow for extra liquid, adjust cook times, and use the proper Instant Pot settings.
Round metal pans between 7-8 inches wide tend produce the most consistent outcomes when baking in the Instant Pot. And dishes with a high moisture content tend to turn out better than dry ones. With some care and experimentation, baking pans can be a useful tool in adapting traditional recipes to the pressure cooker.