Super easy Instant Pot Steamed Carrots ready in less than 15 minutes. This is a great side to enjoy with some rice or protein.
This post is following the Amazing Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower I shared some time back. I got lots of requests for steamed carrots recipe. This is the basic recipe, where you can season to your choice.
Why steam veggies in the Instant Pot:
- Dump and go, take care of other chores.
- Perfectly cooked each time (if you know the cooking time ?)
Once you start using your instant pot, I am sure you will not cook carrots any other way. They are so easy and hands-free.
Check out other Instant Pot Basics recipes – Cooking Chickpeas, Cooking Beets, Boiling Potatoes and Pumpkin Puree.
Why Carrots and Why Steamed Carrots?
Carrots are cultivated all around the world and are easily available all year round. They are nutritious and not to forget, budget friendly. Carrots are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber. They are only about 41 calories per 4oz, with a negligible amount of fat and no cholesterol.
Carrots are also an exceptionally rich source of carotenes and vitamin-A. The traditional orange colored carrots get their bright color from beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body.
Carrots are about 10% carbs, consisting of starch, fiber and simple sugars. They rank low on the glycemic index scale.
The nutrition information for carrots is reason enough to eat them. Not to forget they are delicious too! If you like roasted carrots, you might enjoy these air fryer carrot fries.
Cooking carrots is healthier, as cooking makes the beta carotene more easily available. However prolonged cooking can lead to loss of vitamins. Hence it is recommended to quick steam or roast carrots.
Ready to enjoy some carrots ?
How to pressure cook Baby Carrots in the Instant Pot?
The best way to steam carrots in the Pressure Cooker is by using a Steamer Basket. I just found a steamer basket in my kitchen which fit perfectly in the instant pot, so I did not purchase one. However if you are looking to purchase a steamer rack, here is a recommended one on Amazon.
Add a cup of water to the instant pot insert and place the steamer basket in the insert. If you are using baby carrots, they are already cut into the perfect size, just add them in. If using whole carrots, slice them up in 2-inch chunks. 
I prefer to steam the carrots for 2 minutes at high pressure, followed by a quick release. This timing gives fork tender carrots. If you like softer carrots, increase cooking time by a minute.
If the carrots are too thin, they may fall apart. So adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the carrots.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve as a side with rice or protein.
How to pressure cook Whole Carrots in the Instant Pot?
For whole carrots, the time will depend on the thickness of the carrots. If they are thin, I would suggest 3 minutes on Steam mode. Increase cooking time depending on the thickness.
Common Questions
You can absolutely steam the carrots in the instant pot steel insert directly. I just prefer this method as it means less cleaning effort. I also find the carrots don't get overcooked in the steamer basket, which means better and more consistent results.
I would love to hear how you like these steamed carrots.
Want to make these Steamed Carrots fancy? Here is a Garlic & Herb Butter Carrots recipe.
If you are looking for more side dishes to make in the instant pot, don't forget to check out my detailed guide for Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables.
Amazing Instant Pot Steamed Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Baby Carrots or Whole Carrots sliced to 2 inch chunks
- 1 cup Water
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add water to the instant pot insert. Place the steamer basket in the instant pot insert.
- Spread the carrots on the steamer basket. Close lid with vent in sealing position.
- Start the instant pot and set it on Steam mode for 2 minutes on high pressure. (Note: if you like softer carrots, increase cooking time to 3 minutes)
- When the instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually. Remove the steamer basket carefully as it is hot.
- Season with salt, pepper and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Cooking time will remain the same, even if you double or triple the quantity.
- For whole carrots, the time will depend on the thickness of the carrots. If they are thin, I would suggest 3 minutes on Steam mode. Increase cooking time depending on the thickness.
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Natalie says
What exactly is “steam mode” in the instant pot? What button would I push? I don’t see any instant pots with a “steam” button and I’m curious what button to push.
Meeta Arora says
Hi Natalie - If your instant pot does not have the steam mode, you can use the pressure cook mode on high pressure.
Silvy says
Mine took another 10 minutes to get soft
Meeta Arora says
Hi Silvy - Were the carrots you had were too thick? If not, I wonder if the instant pot came to pressure (the pressure valve came up), as usually carrots would not take so long to cook under pressure.
Julia Z says
Cooked for 3 mins on the steam function and they turned out crunchy. Disappointing.
Meeta Arora says
Hi Julia - Typically baby carrots cook well in 2-3 minutes of high pressure cooking. Were you cooking whole carrots or were they very thick? Also do check that your instant pot was set to high pressure?
Surbhee says
Hi I have duo gourmet there is no steam function how to steam idlis or steam vegetables in that. Thanks
Meeta Arora says
Hi Surbhee - For steaming veggies, you can use the pressure cook setting too. For idli, use the pressure cook setting with the valve in venting position. Hope that helps!
Fitoru mct says
I love cooking recipes with carrots as my kids love it so much and it is very healthy too. I rarely eat it as plain steamed carrots though.
Linda Todd says
The cook time says 13 minutes not 3!
Meeta Arora says
Hey Linda - I include the time for the instant pot to come to pressure in the all my recipes. Otherwise it does not give readers the actual time it will take for the recipe.
kiara says
Hey Meeta,
Thanks so much for posting this! Quick question, if i had chopped carrots (which I want to use for a carrots and peas sabzi), would I still cook them at HP for 3 mins and then do a quick release?
Thanks,
Piping Pot Curry says
Hey Kiara - I responded to you on Insta couple of hours back. I have make aloo gajar matar subzi in the instant pot. For that, I add the oil, tempering, spices and then the chopped carrots, potatoes and peas all together along with 1/4 cup water. Pressure cook for 0 minutes at high pressure with a quick release. If any liquid is remaining, saute for 2-3 minutes to dry it up.
If you want to steam carrots separately, then I would suggest 0 minutes for chopped carrots. Hope you enjoy the subzi.
Kiara says
I just saw this message, haha. Thanks so much for getting back to me! 🙂