As an Instant Pot Guru, there isn't anything I won't make in the Instant Pot and Instant Pot Baked Potato are heavenly.
Not all potatoes are created equally and potatoes come in all sizes and shapes. So, hang tight because I'm going to help you through all the questions that you have and maybe even a few more. Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot will give you a fluffy light and delicious baked potato that you will love.
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There is no need to heat up the oven or the house and bake potatoes for an hour or more, not when you have an Instant Pot or an Electric Pressure Cooker. This recipe is more to do with answering questions and getting times perfect than ingredients. It doesn't make much to let the natural flavors shine.
Do you love a crispy seasoned skin to your potatoes? You can make delicious skins which will also add to the flavor of your potato too. Imagine a restaurant quality potato at home. Your family will love the extra TLC you've added to the family meal.
Living in Idaho I have learned to love potatoes in many forms from Mashed, to fried, Baked to scalloped, and even french fries. But it wasn't always this way. I grew up enjoy rice. And guess what? I even make rice in the Instant Pot now both White Rice and Brown Rice.
My Grandma even made a mouthwatering Potato Salad. She always said it had a secret ingredient. I thought it was just love. And love had a large part to do with how delicious it is, but her secret ingredients make her potato salad incredible.
Why I use the Instant Pot over an Oven for Baked Potatoes
A true baked potato is delicious and an oven does something magical to a potatoes dense inside and turns it light and fluffy. However, it can take an hour or more to bake and can heat up a house more than I care for. Welcome to the Instant Pot or electric Pressure Cooker. Depending on the size of the potatoes will determine the time needed for pressure cooking. In a fraction of the time you will have very similar results and your home won't be hot either.
Ways to Bake a Potato
- Oven Baked
- Microwave
- Pressure Cooking
Types of Potatoes
From Russet to Red Potatoes, even Golden or White potato, did you know there are more than 200 varieties of potatoes? Some are Starchy and other more waxy. It can lead to many questions of what type of potato is best? The answer is, it depends on what you are using the potatoes for.
- Russett - Starchy. This is your traditional brown potato and the most common you will find in the store. Makes a delicious Baked potato or use in casseroles.
- Red Potato - A Waxy potato with a mild flavor. These potatoes are creamy when cooked or mashed. Ideal for roasted, boiled, steamed or simmered in recipes.
- White Potato - These are thin-skinned potatoes with a waxy texture. Often round or oblong. Also ideal for roasting, boiled, steamed or simmered.
Choosing Potatoes
There are many things that go into choosing a good potato. Sadly most potatoes are sold in weighted bags and you get what you get. When given the opportunity to choose the potatoes you purchase, choose a potato that is firm. The skin should be tight and smooth, except for the eyes of course. Avoid potatoes with bruises, cuts, or soft spots.
Storing Potatoes
Potatoes are stored in a cool dry place. It's best to store at 50 - 60 degrees for optimal storage. Free of humidity. This will ensure potatoes last for a long time. When potatoes are purchased from a farmer, oftentimes still covered in dirt is ideal. It's like a blanket of insulation keeping the potato perfectly kept until ready to enjoy.
Baking times for Potatoes
Choose potatoes that are similar in size when pressure cooking. Size matters when pressure cooking and determining length of time to pressure cook.
Often times a medium size potato might need additional time because it might seem smaller, but yet it's really fat and thick. So adjust time accordingly. It also never hurts to check and then add additional time to the pressure cooker.
| Potato Size | Width at widest point | Pressure Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small Potato | 2 - 2 ¼ inches wide | 12 Minutes |
| Medium Potato | 2 ½ inches wide | 16 Minutes |
| Large Potato | 3 inches wide | 20 Minutes |
| X-Large Potato | 3+ Inches | 24 Minutes + |
How many Potatoes will Fit in an Instant Pot?
The number of potatoes cooked at a time depends on the size of the pressure cooker and the size of the potatoes. For larger potatoes, I prefer to not stack them. Smaller potatoes I have stacked and had great success.
How to Make Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Wash your potatoes and prick them with a fork a number of times.
- Add 1 cup of cold water to the bottom of the Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker for a 6qt or 2 cups for an 8qt.
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot.
- Place your potatoes on top of the trivet.
- The cook time will depend on the size of the potatoes.
- Small potatoes (2 - 2 ¼ inches wide) will take 12 Minutes.
- Medium (2 ½ inches wide) will take 16 Minutes.
- Large 3 inches wide)will take 20 Minutes.
- Allow all sizes of potatoes to have a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release before starting a quick release.
Crispy Skins
- Rub the potato skins with some olive oil and then sprinkle them with salt or seasonings.
- Place them under the broiler for 2-5 minutes until they’ve reached the desired crisp. They can be easily burned so stay close by and keep a watchful eye on them.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Traditionally, a loaded baked potato is a favorite. When serving give options and allow everyone to choose what they most prefer. Here are my favorite ideas.
- Butter
- Sour Cream
- Chives or Green Onions
- Cheese
- Bacon Bits
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Sautéed Onions
Can you put aluminum foil in the Instant Pot?
Yes. It’s perfectly safe to use aluminum foil in the Instant Pot. There are so many different food recipes asking you to do so. Some of them ask you to make balls of foil to go to the bottom of the pan. Others ask you to use it as a loose cover.
What can I use instead of a trivet in Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot trivet then you can use foil. Roll up 3-4 balls of aluminum foil and place them in the bottom of the pot. Set your potatoes over the top to keep them out of the water. Follow the recipe as instructed.
Why use Cold Water when cooking Instant Pot Potatoes?
Cold water or room temperature water is best because it takes longer to heat up. This means it takes longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. By using cold water you are following directions and will have similar results of what has been tested.
Can I cook New Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
Yes you can! In fact, I even have a great recipe for you to follow to help make this recipe. Check out my garlic roasted potatoes for more information!
New Potatoes or Baby Potatoes as I often call them are the young small round potatoes. Their skins are paper thin, and they are creamy and delicious. One of my favorites.
How long does it take to Cook Baked Potatoes in Instant Pot?
The time to cook your potatoes varies. It all depends on the size of the potatoes. Small 2-2 ¼ in potatoes takes 12 minutes, Medium 2 ½ in potatoes takes 16 minutes and Large 3 in potatoes takes 20 minutes. All of the potatoes will need a 10-minute quick release.
Is it better to peel potatoes before cooking?
There’s no reason to peel the potatoes prior to cooking. The peel actually helps to hold in and retain moisture in the baked potatoes. This keeps them from drying out and helps them to bake properly. Not to mention, the peels slide off baked potatoes more easily.
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More Fantastic Dinner Recipes
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Frito Corn Salad
- Oven Roasted Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
- Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Bacon Herbed Potatoes and Green Beans
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots ~ Super Popular Recipe!
- Ranch Roasted Potatoes
- Cranberry Apple Green Salad
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3-4 Medium Sized Russet Potatoes
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Tbl Olive Oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash Potatoes and prick with fork a number of times.
- Add 1 Cup Cold Water to the bottom of Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker.
- Place trivet in Instant Pot. Place Potatoes on top of Trivet.
- Cook time depends on size of potatoes. Small Potatoes (2 - 2 ¼ inches wide) 12 Minutes. Medium (2 ½ inches wide) 16 Minutes. Large 3 inches wide) 20 Minutes.
- Allow all sizes of potatoes a 10 minute natural release before quick releasing.
For Crispy Skins
- Rub potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt
- Place under broiler for 2-5 minutes until desired crisp. They can be easily burned so stay close.
Notes
Loaded Baked Potato:
- Butter
- Sour Cream
- Chives or Green Onions
- Cheese
- Bacon Bits
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Sautéed Onions
Cooking Times:
| Potato Size | Width at widest point | Pressure Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small Potato | 2 – 2 ¼ inches wide | 12 Minutes |
| Medium Potato | 2 ½ inches wide | 16 Minutes |
| Large Potato | 3 inches wide | 20 Minutes |
| X-Large Potato | 3+ Inches | 24 Minutes + |
Crispy Skins:
- Rub the potato skins with some olive oil and then sprinkle them with salt or seasonings.
- Place them under the broiler for 2-5 minutes until they’ve reached the desired crisp. They can be easily burned so stay close by and keep a watchful eye on them.
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Cathi
Only way I will do a baked potato now. No more heating up the house. Makes a quick, fluffy potato. Thanks for sharing your great recipes.