The Instant Pot is one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market today. This multi-cooker allows you to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make yogurt, and more with the touch of a button. With its versatility and convenience, it’s easy to see why so many home cooks have embraced the Instant Pot.
One common question that arises for new Instant Pot owners is whether or not the device comes with its own recipe book. Having a good collection of tested recipes designed specifically for the Instant Pot can make it easier to get started using this multifunctional appliance. So does the Instant Pot ship with recipes in the box?
Does the Instant Pot Come with a Physical Recipe Book?
The short answer is no – the Instant Pot does not come with a physical recipe book included. The basic Instant Pot package contains the main housing unit with the lid, the inner pot, a condensation collector, a rice paddle, soup spoon, and measuring cup. It also includes a quick start guide with basic instructions for using the Instant Pot functions.
However, no full official recipe book is included in the standard Instant Pot box. The quick start guide contains a few simple recipes to help you get started, but not a complete cookbook by any means. So you will need to supply your own recipes or cookbook if you want step-by-step guidance for cooking different meals in the Instant Pot.
Does the Instant Pot Come with Digital Recipes?
Although the Instant Pot doesn’t ship with a physical recipe book, some models do come with access to digital recipes you can download.
When you purchase a newer Instant Pot model such as the Duo, Duo Plus, Ultra or Pro, the box includes a code you can use to download the Instant Pot app. The app provides access to over 1000+ recipes formulated specifically for Instant Pot models. So new Instant Pot owners can use the app to build up their recipe collection.
The app is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices. You can browse recipes in the app by category like breakfast, soups, meats, vegetarian meals, desserts and more. Each recipe includes cook times, ingredient lists, and step-by-step instructions customized for the Instant Pot.
The recipes in the app were created by the Instant Pot team and test chefs to make sure they work well. So it provides a convenient way to find trusted recipes optimized for your model.
However, do be aware that the app only includes a limited number of free recipes. To access the full recipe database, you need to pay a small monthly or yearly subscription fee. So make sure to factor that in if you plan to rely on the app for recipes.
Third-Party Instant Pot Cookbooks
Although the Instant Pot itself doesn’t come with a cookbook, there are plenty of great third party Instant Pot cookbooks you can buy separately. Here are some of the most popular options:
- The Instant Pot Bible by Bruce Weinstein – With over 350 recipes, this is one of the most comprehensive Instant Pot cookbooks.
- Instant Pot Obsession by Janet A. Zimmerman – This cookbook features over 120 creative recipes.
- Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Urvashi Pitre – A great choice if you love Indian food.
- The Essential Instant Pot Cookbook by Coco Morante – This book covers all the Instant Pot basics.
- Instant Loss Cookbook by Brittany Williams – Includes tasty Instant Loss recipes for the Instant Pot.
These cookbooks contain recipes that were specifically created for the Instant Pot. The recipes include pressure cooking times that are tailored for Instant Pot models. So they take out the guesswork and help ensure you get good results.
The recipes also utilize the unique functions of the Instant Pot like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more. So you can take full advantage of all your Instant Pot has to offer.
Tips for Finding Instant Pot Recipes
Here are some tips if you want to find more recipes to use with your Instant Pot:
- Search for recipes labeled “Instant Pot” to find meals designed for this appliance.
- Look for recipes that list cook times for pressure cooking or slow cooking.
- Find blogs, websites, or cookbooks dedicated to Instant Pot recipes.
- Look for recipes with steps for sautéing aromatics and pressure releasing after cooking.
- Join Instant Pot community groups on social media to find recipe ideas.
Following these tips will help you find recipes optimized for the Instant Pot. As you get more comfortable using your Instant Pot, you can also start adapting some of your favorite stovetop or slow cooker recipes.
Does Instant Pot Provide Any Free Recipes?
If you don’t want to buy a recipe book or pay for a recipe app subscription, Instant Pot does provide some free recipes you can access.
Here are a few ways to find free Instant Pot recipes:
- Check the free recipe booklet included in the box for basic recipes.
- Look for recipes on the Instant Pot website in their recipe library.
- Find recipe blogs that post Instant Pot recipes for free like PressureCookingToday.com.
- Search Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube for “Instant Pot recipes” to find recipe videos and blogs.
- Join the Official Instant Pot Community Facebook group which shares recipes.
- Look for recipes shared in Instant Pot recipe Facebook groups.
While the options may be more limited, there are plenty of free recipes out there if you search in the right places online. The Instant Pot community loves to share their favorite pressure cooker recipes.
Can You Use Any Pressure Cooker Recipe in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker, but it’s not necessarily compatible with all pressure cooker recipes. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the recipe is designed for electric pressure cookers, not stove top pressure cookers.
- Confirm the recipe works for the size of your Instant Pot (3qt, 6qt, 8qt, etc).
- Watch out for any specialty functions the recipe requires that your IP model may not have.
- Be prepared to adjust cook times – standard IP cook times often differ from other brands.
I always recommend looking for recipes created specifically for the Instant Pot whenever possible. But with some adjustments to cook times and functions, you can adapt other electric pressure cooker recipes to work in the Instant Pot.
Conclusion
While the Instant Pot doesn’t come with its own complete recipe book in the box, new owners have many options to build up a recipe collection. Digitally, you can access free recipes online or use the Instant Pot app with a paid subscription. And there are many great third-party cookbooks available to purchase with recipes tailored specifically for the Instant Pot.
With a combination of the free recipes online and a good Instant Pot cookbook, you’ll have plenty of guidance to start pressure cooking delicious meals at home. Just be cautious about adapting recipes meant for other models, as cook times and functions can vary. With some trial and error, you’ll be whipping up fantastic Instant Pot recipes in no time!