Instant Pot NPR refers to the natural pressure release function on Instant Pot electric pressure cookers. After pressure cooking is complete, there are two main ways to release the pressure – natural release or quick release.
What is Natural Pressure Release (NPR)?
Natural pressure release (NPR) allows the pressure to come down naturally over time. Once the Instant Pot finishes cooking, it automatically switches to the “keep warm” setting. The steam and pressure is slowly released through the pressure valve until the float valve drops down, indicating the pressure has been fully released.
This process usually takes 15-20 minutes, but can take longer depending on the volume of food and liquid inside the pot. Food continues to cook gently during the NPR time. Using natural release prevents a sudden drop in temperature and helps food retain moisture.
When to Use NPR
Natural pressure release is recommended for:
- Foods that expand or foam like rice, beans, chilis, stews
- Large cuts of meat
- Foods that need gentle cooking like cheesecakes, custards, puddings
- Recipes where you want the residual heating for extra tenderness
Allowing the natural pressure release prevents these foods from sputtering or being undercooked in the center. It gives time for carryover cooking to finish without overcooking the exterior.
Advantages of Natural Pressure Release
Some key advantages of using natural pressure release include:
- Gentler cooking – Food stays warm and continues to cook gently
- Better moisture retention – Food doesn’t lose steam rapidly
- Less sputtering – Prevents splattering from liquid boiling over
- Easier thick sauces – Sauces and stews thicken nicely
- More even cooking – Centers of food cook through without overdoing edges
When to Use Quick Release
Quick pressure release is when the pressure valve is manually turned to rapidly release the steam and drop the pressure. This is recommended for:
- Vegetables
- Seafood
- Foods where overcooking is a concern
- Recipes that don’t need additional simmering after pressure cooking
Quick release is faster, but can cause splattering. The rapid steam release is more likely to overcook delicate ingredients.
Combination Release Method
For some recipes, doing a quick release for 2-3 minutes followed by allowing the rest to naturally release gets the best results. This releases some pressure quickly so cooking stops, but still allows a gentler finish.
How to Do a Natural Pressure Release
Doing a natural pressure release is easy with your Instant Pot:
- Select pressure cook program and set time
- Once cooking completes, allow pot to sit undisturbed
- Pressure will decrease naturally over 15-20 minutes
- Float valve will drop when all pressure is fully released
- Carefully open lid, tilting it away to prevent steam burns
Never try to force open the lid before pressure has fully released. This can be dangerous and affect the locking mechanism.
Tips for Natural Pressure Release
- Don’t be tempted to quick release – let the NPR work its magic
- Don’t rapidly cool the pot, this will draw liquids back into food
- Let NPR finish releasing before opening lid
- If needed longer, use “keep warm” to hold temperature
- Add thickening at the end for perfect sauce consistency
Conclusion
Using natural pressure release with the Instant Pot improves moisture, texture, and ensures even cooking. While quick releasing is faster, natural release is best for large cuts of meat, foods that expand like rice or legumes, and delicate dishes like cheesecake. Allow 15-20 minutes NPR time, and remember never to force the lid open before pressure has fully released.