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.
Not sure if pressure cook on high or low for potato salad
Hi Danielle – Pressure cook on high for potatoes.
Making mashed potato recipe. want to get the potatoes ready without putting in pot and boiling. Do I leave the skins on potatoes or peel them first?
To make mashed potatoes, I would suggest to peel the potatoes and cut them into pieces and add to the pot. Add a cup of water and salt. Then pressure cook for 8 minutes.
Can you steam peeled potatoes?
Hi Clare – You can steam peeled potatoes. However I would only suggest to do that if you are making mashed potatoes or using in a soup/dip. Starchy potatoes (eg. russet) can get mushy when boiling, so for these it might be best to leave the skin on. Hope that helps!
Can you please potatoes from the pressure cooker to ice water to cool quickly
Hi Rita – Sure, do make sure they are cooked through by inserting a fork into the potato before you transfer to ice water.
This was very helpful. The potatoes turned out perfect and I didn’t have to watch the pot! Your website is my go-to place for instant pot tips.
Hi – So good to hear that. Thank you for sharing it 🙂
What if one is 14 ounces and the other is 10 ounces?
Hi Jill – You can also cut the potatoes in half if they are too large to get almost equal sizes.
Do you have an android app as well? Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Sha – I don’t have an app. But you can search all the recipes on the website!
How do I find the app on Samsung?
Amazing timing. Turned out perfect. Thank you!
Hi Mehreen – So glad to hear that. Thank you for sharing it 🙂
This is brilliant! They were perfect consistency to mash or use in potato salad! Didn’t heat up yhe kitchen like a boiling pot does either… WIN WIN
Hi Beryl – So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you much for this great set of instructions. I did make it perfectly! Keep sharing it!
Hi Jimmy – So good to hear that. Thank you! 🙂