Name: Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 5 pieces Russet Potatoes; 1 cup Water

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There’s something magical about a perfectly cooked baked potato, and when it comes to making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, the magic happens in a fraction of the time. Imagine it’s a cozy evening, and you’re craving something warm and comforting. You want that fluffy interior and crispy skin, but perhaps you don’t want to wait forever for your oven to do its thing. This is where the Instant Pot comes in, revolutionizing the way we enjoy this classic dish. I’ve had countless moments when I’ve wanted to whip up a quick side dish for dinner or a satisfying snack, and these Instant Pot Baked Potatoes have saved the day. Freshly scrubbed and strategically punctured, these potatoes come out soft and tender, waiting to be dressed up with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
130 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
0 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Instant Pot, Baking Sheet

The Magic of This Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Quick and Convenient

Using an Instant Pot to prepare baked potatoes is a game changer. The speed at which you can achieve that perfect texture is astonishing! In about 15 to 20 minutes, you have fluffy potatoes ready to be topped with all your favorites. No more preheating the oven and waiting for what seems like an eternity.

Perfect Texture Every Time

With the Instant Pot, you get consistent results. The pressure cooking method ensures that the potatoes cook evenly, producing that delightful fluffy interior we all love. It’s almost impossible to mess up, which is a bonus for busy chefs and home cooks alike.

Versatile Toppings

What I love about baked potatoes is that they’re a blank canvas for toppings. Whether you enjoy simple butter and salt, or you want to go all out with sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese, the possibilities are endless. Customize each potato to suit your taste or the preferences of your guests.

Health Benefits

Baked potatoes are not just delicious; they’re also a nutritious choice. Potatoes are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When you prepare them in the Instant Pot, you retain more of the nutrients compared to methods that involve boiling.

Minimal Cleanup

Who doesn’t appreciate a recipe that doesn’t generate a mountain of dishes? Cooking Instant Pot Baked Potatoes means you’re mainly dealing with the Instant Pot and a cutting board. Clean-up is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the post-cooking stress.

Main Ingredients for Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

When it comes to making these Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Russet Potatoes, known for their starchy goodness that results in a fluffy texture. Adding water is equally important as it generates steam for pressure cooking, leading to that ideal softness. Together, these ingredients create the perfect base for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Russet Potatoes: The best choice for making baked potatoes, their high starch content guarantees a fluffy interior and crispy skin. They hold up well during cooking and can be topped with an array of delicious ingredients.
Water: Essential for creating steam in the Instant Pot, ensuring that the potatoes cook evenly and thoroughly. This ingredient is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in the pressure cooking process.

Making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the best results. I promise, your patience will be rewarded with the fluffiest potatoes ever!

Start by washing and scrubbing the Russet Potatoes thoroughly under cool water. Use a vegetable brush to get into all the nooks and crannies, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
Next, poke each potato several times with a fork. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing any potential explosions in your Instant Pot.
Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. This will elevate the potatoes above the water, allowing them to steam rather than boil.
Pour in one cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This water will create the necessary steam for cooking the potatoes perfectly.
Carefully arrange the potatoes on top of the trivet, making sure they’re not touching the water.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure that the valve is set to sealing. This step is important to build up pressure inside the pot.
Press the “manual” button and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure. This timing works well for medium-sized potatoes; adjust based on the size of your potatoes.
Once the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 4 minutes to let the potatoes finish cooking gently.
After 4 minutes, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious and open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns.
Using tongs, gently remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot and place them on a serving platter. They should be tender and ready for your favorite toppings.
Now, serve the Instant Pot Baked Potatoes while they’re still warm, and let everyone customize theirs with toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, or fresh herbs.

Things Worth Knowing

Cook Larger Batches: You can cook up to eight medium-sized potatoes at once in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
Monitor Size: Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the size of your potatoes. Smaller ones might only need about 12 minutes, while larger ones could take up to 22 minutes.
Don’t Skip Poking: Always prick the skin of your potatoes before cooking. This prevents them from exploding as steam builds up inside.
Trivet is Key: Ensure your potatoes are elevated on the trivet. If they touch the water, they’ll become mushy instead of fluffy.

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re looking to enhance your cooking experience, here are some helpful tips to consider when making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes. These suggestions can improve your results and add a little flair to your potatoes!

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze baked potatoes, you can freeze mashed potatoes for later use. Just make sure they’re cooled and wrapped properly.
Pairing: Serve Instant Pot Baked Potatoes with grilled vegetables, salads, or a protein of your choice for a well-rounded meal.
Variations: Experiment with toppings! Try adding chili, steamed broccoli, or even salsa for a unique twist.
Make It a Meal: Turn your baked potatoes into a full meal by adding proteins like shredded chicken or beans along with your toppings.

Pairing Suggestions for Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

These Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of dishes, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas for serving:

Grilled Chicken: These potatoes make an excellent side for grilled chicken, adding a comforting element to your meal.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair them with a vibrant vegetable stir-fry for a hearty and nutritious dinner.
Salad: Serve alongside a crisp salad dressed lightly for a refreshing contrast to the warm potatoes.
Lunch Boxes: Cut them in half and fill with your favorite toppings for an easy and satisfying lunch option.
Cold Weather Treat: Enjoy Instant Pot Baked Potatoes on chilly nights as a cozy comfort food option.
Potato Bar: Set up a potato bar with various toppings and let your guests create their own unique loaded baked potatoes!

FAQ

Cooking time for Instant Pot Baked Potatoes typically takes about 15 minutes at high pressure. However, the total time may vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes. Smaller potatoes may require around 12 minutes, while larger ones could take up to 22 minutes. It’s essential to allow for natural pressure release of about 4 minutes after cooking for the best results.

Yes, definitely! Poking holes in your potatoes is a crucial step when making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process, which helps prevent the potatoes from exploding. Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato before placing them in the Instant Pot.

Absolutely! The Instant Pot is fantastic for making baked potatoes for a crowd. You can typically cook up to eight medium-sized potatoes at a time. Just make sure they are arranged properly on the trivet and ensure that you maintain the same cooking times for optimal results.

The beauty of Instant Pot Baked Potatoes is their versatility when it comes to toppings. Classic options include butter, sour cream, and shredded cheese. However, you can also get creative! Try adding steamed broccoli, chili, or even salsa for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize each potato to your liking!

Conclusion

These Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. The convenience of the Instant Pot makes this dish not only effortless but also incredibly satisfying to make and eat. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight and see for yourself how easy it is to whip up a delicious side dish that your whole family will love. You won’t regret it!