Learn how to Boil or Steam Potatoes in the Instant Pot. This is part of the Instant Pot Cooking Basics series. Potatoes are perfect for steaming in a pressure cooker, and it takes less than 30 minutes to get perfectly cooked potatoes. I use these potatoes in many dishes, such as potato curry and spiced mashed potatoes.
I had always cooked potatoes in my stovetop pressure cooker or in the oven to make baked potatoes. However, it did need some monitoring and a lot of time. With the Instant Pot, just set the time and do a natural pressure release, while I can do other chores.
With just a cup of water and minimal effort, you can have perfectly fork-tender potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop or in the oven. Over the last 8 years, I have tested this recipe with all kinds and sizes of potatoes. Be sure to follow the time chart below so you can cook them perfectly based on their size.
Having pre-boiled potatoes at hand is great for meal planning. I can then use them as needed to make quick sides such as potato salad, mashed potatoes, loaded baked potatoes, and potato curry.
Table of Contents
Watch How to Make Boil Potatoes in the Instant Pot
How to Cook Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
It is as easy as it gets, and it really is the quickest and most foolproof way to cook potatoes. This method gives us perfectly steamed potatoes, as we use a trivet and the potatoes are cooked by the steam without direct contact with the water.
These potatoes are perfect for potato salad, roasting, or any recipes where you want them to hold their shape.
- Scrub and clean the potatoes. Many people pierce them with a fork, but that is not required when cooking potatoes in a pressure cooker.
- Add a cup of water and place a trivet in the Instant Pot steel insert. You can use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot, or buy a trivet. Here is my recommendation for a trivet that also works for eggs.
- Place the potatoes on top of the trivet. If needed, it is totally fine to stack potatoes on top of each other.
- Press the pressure cook button and set it on high pressure. Adjust the time based on the size of the potatoes. It usually takes between 8 and 18 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Use the time chart below for the cooking time.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10. minutes. Then, quick release any remaining pressure and carefully open the lid.
How Long to Cook Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
| Size | Weight | Cook Time on High Pressure |
| Baby Potatoes | 1-3 oz each | 5 minutes |
| Smaller Potatoes | 4-5 oz each | 10 minutes |
| Medium Potatoes | 6-7 oz each | 12 minutes |
| Large Potatoes | 8-10 oz each | 15 minutes |
| Extra Large Russets | 11-14 oz each | 18 minutes |
Pro-Tips
Even-Sized Potatoes: Using even-sized potatoes when pressure cooking will give the best results. So they all cook perfectly, fork-tender in the same cooking time.
Checking Doneness: Insert a fork or knife into the center of the potato — if it slides in easily with little resistance, it’s done. If the center still feels firm, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
Storage: Let the potatoes cool down to room temperature. They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Can I Cook Potatoes Without a Trivet?
The short answer is, YES!
Let me explain, you can always place the potatoes directly into the Instant Pot steel insert. They can be submerged in water halfway or fully. This will give you perfectly boiled potatoes.
The potatoes absorb some of the water as they cook, which makes them softer and sometimes a little more watery. This is perfect for making mashed potatoes, but not ideal if you want crisp edges later, such as in baked potatoes or roasted potatoes.
Check my detailed post on cooking baby potatoes in the Instant Pot, and if you want to make seasoned potatoes directly, check out these spicy Bombay Potatoes. Yum!
Does this Recipe Work for Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, this Instant Pot method works beautifully for almost all types of potatoes. Whether you’re using russet potatoes for fluffy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold for their naturally creamy texture, or red potatoes that hold their shape well for salads, the pressure cooking method delivers fork-tender results every time.
The key difference isn’t the type — it’s the size — so simply adjust the cook time based on how large the potatoes are.
How to Cook Diced Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
For diced russet potatoes about 1 inch in size, pressure cook for 3 minutes when using a steamer basket. If you are cooking them in the main pot, just 1 minute on pressure cook mode will be enough.
Try these easy steamed potatoes and don’t forget to share how you used them!
More Instant Pot Basics Recipes
Instant Pot Beets / How to cook beets in Pressure Cooker
Amazing Steamed Broccoli – Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Amazing Instant Pot Steamed Carrots
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in Instant Pot?
How to Boil Potatoes in Instant Pot?
Video
Equipment
Instructions
- Clean potatoes with water. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot steel insert. Place the trivet, then place potatoes on top of it. Close the lid with the vent in sealing position.
- Press the pressure cook button and set it on high pressure. Adjust the time based on the size of the potatoes.Smaller Potatoes (4-5 oz each): 10 minutesMedium Potatoes (6-7 oz each): 12 minutesLarge Potatoes (8-10 oz each): 15 minutesExtra Large Potatoes (11-14 oz each): 18 minutes
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, quick release any remaining pressure and carefully open the lid.
- Remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot to stop additional cooking.
I have a trivet but prefer to use my stainless collapsible steamer rack.
Potatoes taste great cooked in the pressure cooker. They taste so much sweeter and are so easy to peel! I just made a potato salad with mustard seed oil and it was delicious!
Thanks so much!
Hi – So happy to hear that. Thank you for sharing it back 🙂
ypu can make logs out of aluminum foil to work like a trivet also.
Can you do 8 potatoes at once?
Hi Joe – Yes, you can boil 8-10 potatoes at a time too. The pressure cooking time remains the same.
I don’t have a steam selection on my instant pot. What would you suggest?
Hi Teresa – You can use the pressure cook setting to cook on high pressure.
Sorry I meant to say wide mouth rings not lids. Does maje more sense huh?
Hi Pam – That is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing back!
I didn’t have a trivet, so I used 3 wide mouth canning lids & put my potatoes on top of them. Worked like a charm! Here’s to thinking outside the box. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi, I live in Spain and the electricity price has gone through the roof, so I thought get out that Instant Pot from the back of the cupboard, then I found your web site, Oh my! you have open a whole new world of cooking so much so I bought an 12L Air fryer, the one with racks like a mini oven and cooked some of your recipes. I’m so impressed with them I am now waiting for another 18L Air fryer to be delivered so now with the 2, I can cook for my friends. A big big thank you Meeta and keep the recipes coming. Tonight we are having the Healthy Chickpea Salad.
A regretful fan,
Jennifer.
Ps I also look forward to your e mails.
Hi Jennifer – So glad to hear that you have been enjoying the recipes and the emails. Thank you so much! Your lovely message makes me so happy 😀
Thanks. I’m new to the InstaPot feature on my multi use crock pot. Kitchen renovations rendered my Kitchen Aid stove top unusable, and after buying all the ingreadients for a chowder with time constraints…The pressure cooker to steam the veges helped tremendously….I then used the Crock Pot to add the clams/bacon/clam broth /parsley to make a delicious RI (clear) chowder and never panicked because of your clear instructions!
Hi Kathy – So glad that the instant pot and slow cooker helped you to make a complete meal even during kitchen renovations. Thank you for sharing back!
Thank you, I am memory impaired. And every time I cook even if it’s something I cook often I have to look up the recipe to remind me how so your recipes and basic cooking tutorials with the Insta pot help me feel useful around the house and greatly improves my quality of life. 😉
This makes me so happy. I feel blessed that the blog has helped you in everyday life. Thank you for sharing back ❤️
I don’t have one of those racks for the instapot can I still do my potatoes like this?
Hi Eric – Sure, you can cook the potatoes without the rack. Some potatoes will be in the water, but that should be okay.
I didn’t have a trivet, so I used 3 wide mouth canning lids & put my potatoes on top of them. Worked like a charm! Here’s to thinking outside tge box. Thanks for the recipe.