Figuring out how long to cook food in the Instant Pot can seem tricky for beginners. The timing will vary depending on factors like the specific model of Instant Pot, the amount and type of food, and whether you’re pressure cooking, slow cooking, or using other functions. Here are some tips to help you nail the timing for great results every time.
Check the Instant Pot manual
The best place to start is by consulting your specific model’s manual. Instant Pot manuals include detailed cooking time charts for common foods like rice, beans, meat, and more when using the pressure cooking function. For example, the Instant Pot DUO60 manual states these pressure cooking times:
- White rice: 3-8 minutes
- Brown rice: 15-30 minutes
- Kidney beans (dry): 25-40 minutes
- Chicken breasts: 5-10 minutes
- Pork shoulder: 45-60 minutes
Keep in mind that cooking time varies slightly between the DUO60, DUO Plus, Ultra, and other models. Referencing the exact model you have will give you the most accurate times.
Use the Instant Pot app guides
The free Instant Pot app for iOS and Android includes hundreds of recipe guides with exact timing for ingredients. Browse breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and more to find a recipe similar to what you want to make. The app provides cooking times tailored for Instant Pot models.
For example, the app guide for how to cook chicken breasts lists these steps:
- Place 1 cup chicken broth in Instant Pot
- Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in steamer basket or on a trivet
- Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes
Following recipes designed for your Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of getting the timing right.
Use the Instant Pot website guides
The Instant Pot website includes hundreds of recipes and cooking time guides similar to the app. Browse by category and click recipes to see ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, and exact cook times tailored for Instant Pot.
For example, the website guide for making steel cut oats lists these steps with timing:
- Add 2 cups steel cut oats, 6 cups water, pinch of salt to Instant Pot
- Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes
- Stir in toppings like fruit, nuts, or spices
Following these guides takes the guesswork out of getting perfectly timed steel cut oats.
Use a third party Instant Pot cookbook
There are many cookbooks designed exclusively for Instant Pot models. These contain recipes tested and timed specifically for Instant Pots. Some popular cookbooks include:
- The Instant Pot Bible by Bruce Weinstein
- How to Instant Pot by Daniel Shumski
- Instant Pot Obsession by Janet Zimmerman
- Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Urvashi Pitre
Follow recipes from one of these cookbooks to take the guesswork out of timing.
Learn the natural release timing
Most Instant Pot recipes call for a 10-15 minute natural pressure release after cooking completes. This means leaving the vent knob in the sealing position rather than manually releasing pressure.
The natural release time is necessary for food to finish cooking as the pot depressurizes slowly. Releasing pressure immediately can lead to undercooked food. Adding a 10-15 minute natural release is essential for timing most recipes correctly.
Adjust timing for amount
Cooking time can vary based on the amount of food you’re making. As a general rule:
- Halve the time for half the amount of food
- Double the time for double the amount
So if a recipe calls for cooking 1 pound of chicken for 10 minutes, cook 2 pounds of chicken for 20 minutes. Reducing or increasing cook times proportionally to the amount of food ensures it cooks thoroughly.
Consider the thickness
For solid foods like roasts, chops, or stew meat, cook time depends on thickness. Thicker cuts generally take longer to cook through to a safe internal temperature. Add 5-10 minutes to the cook time for thicker cuts of meat or larger pieces of vegetables.
Adjust for altitude
Higher altitudes above 3000 feet can impact pressure cooking time. At higher elevations, increase cook time by 5-15% to compensate for lower atmospheric pressure. For example, add 1-2 minutes if a recipe calls for cooking 10 minutes.
Test different cook functions
Instant Pots can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. Cook times vary based on the function used.
As a general guide for the most common functions:
- Pressure Cook: Fastest option, cooks in as little as 10-30 minutes
- Slow Cook: Low heat for gradual cooking, takes 4-8 hours on low or high
- Sauté: Similar timing to stovetop cooking, ideal for browning meats
- Steam: Gentle cooking with steam, takes about 15 minutes
Test out different functions to find the right timing for each recipe.
Use a meat thermometer
A food thermometer takes the guesswork out of knowing when meat is safely cooked through. Chicken should reach 165°F, beef at least 145°F, and pork 145°F.
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of meats after pressure cooking to check the internal temperature. If it’s below the safe threshold, re-pressure cook for a few more minutes.
Check doneness of vegetables
The texture of vegetables lets you know when they’re properly cooked. Use a fork or knife tip to test after pressure cooking:
- Carrots and potatoes should be fork-tender
- Broccoli should be bright green and slightly soft
- Corn should be tender when pierced
If veggies seem crunchy or hard, they likely need a minute or two longer under pressure.
Use the sauté function
The sauté function lets you brown and crisp foods right in the Instant Pot inner pot. It’s great for simmering sauces or reducing liquids after pressure cooking.
When sautéing or simmering, stay close to monitor the process like you would on the stovetop. Adjust heat and cook times as needed based on the visual cues of the food.
Test for doneness before serving
Always check food for proper doneness and seasoning before serving. Cut into meat, taste a noodle or grain, and sample veggies to ensure great texture and flavor.
Be willing to simmer for a few more minutes on sauté or cook for 1-2 minutes longer under pressure to perfect the results.
Take notes for next time
Pay attention to cook times each time you use your Instant Pot and make notes in the cookbook margins or a cooking journal.
Note adjustments like needing 2 extra minutes for larger pieces of chicken or higher altitude. Refer back to these notes so each recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Don’t overfill the Instant Pot
Resist the urge to pack your Instant Pot too full. Overfilling can impact cook times and lead to uneven cooking results.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for max fill lines. Generally, fill the inner pot no more than 2/3 full when pressure cooking foods like grains, beans, chili, or stew.
Use a trivet or steamer basket
Cooking foods like meat or vegetables over liquid helps them cook evenly while preventing scorching on the pot bottom. A trivet, steamer basket, or rack holds food above the liquid.
Allow extra time when cooking in batches on a trivet or steamer so all the food gets exposure to the steam and heat.
Preheat the Instant Pot
For dishes that need sautéing like rice or risotto, preheat the Instant Pot before adding ingredients. Press “Sauté” and let it heat for several minutes before adding food.
Preheating ensures food cooks through evenly and absorbs flavors as it sizzles at the start of cooking.
Let pressure fully release after cooking
Don’t try opening the Instant Pot prematurely before pressure is fully released. As a safety precaution, the lid will remain locked while under pressure.
After pressure cooking completes, either use natural release by leaving the vent knob sealed, or turn vent to release pressure carefully. The float valve will drop when all internal pressure is gone.
Avoid cramming in too much food
Just because your Instant Pot is large doesn’t mean you should max out capacity. Too much food pressed together can inhibit even cooking.
Leave some room around ingredients so steam circulates properly and cooks food evenly. Use cooking time as a guide, not pot size.
Adjust liquid amounts as needed
Having the right ratio of liquid to food is key for pressure cooking. Too little liquid can lead to burning or scorching. Too much liquid can prevent food from properly steaming.
Adjust the amount of broth, water, or sauce to just cover ingredients in the pot. Increase liquid slightly for larger quantities of food as needed.
Conclusion
Mastering the ideal cook times for different foods takes some trial and error when you’re new to Instant Pot cooking. Following recipe guides carefully, taking notes, and testing for doneness along the way will help you learn the right timing. Before long, you’ll be timing Instant Pot dishes perfectly every time for delicious results.