Hey y’all! Darian here with another instant classic for your Instant Pot. If you know me, you know potatoes are a staple in my house. Mashed, baked, fried – you name it, we love it. But boiling potatoes on the stove takes forever and dirtys up another pot. That’s why the Instant Pot has become my go-to for cooking up potatoes in a fraction of the time. In today’s post, I’ll share my best tips for making tender, fluffy Instant Pot potatoes along with some of my favorite ways to serve them up. Get ready for some spud studs!
Speaking of the Instant Pot, it’s just one of the many kitchen gadgets that have transformed my cooking routine. If you’re interested in discovering more tools that can make your life in the kitchen easier and more efficient, check out my guide on the ‘Best Kitchen Gadgets‘. It’s packed with reviews and recommendations for all kinds of kitchen tools, from small utensils to large appliances. Click here to learn more and find the perfect gadgets to elevate your culinary adventures!
Instant Pot Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 oven
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 serving bowl
Ingredients
- 5 lb Bag of russet potatoes
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- ½ tsp Cracked black pepper
- Fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp Chopped parsley fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450F (in convection mode if you have it).
- Peel the potatoes and chop into large 2” chunks
- Pour the chicken stock into the Instant Pot and add the trivet that goes with the Instant Pot (or a rack that will fit on the bottom.
- Place the potatoes on top of that trivet and close the lid. Turn the valve to Sealing.
- Turn on select High Pressure. Put it to 2 minute timer.
- It will take about 15 minutes just to get to temp/pressure then start counting down the two minutes.
- After the alarm tells you it’s the end of the 2 minutes carefully move the valve to the Venting Position for a quick/forced vent.
- In a small mixing bowl add the salt, garlic powder, black pepper and fresh thyme and stir.
- After this place the potatoes on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and sprinkle with the seasoning.
- Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes just enough to brown and crisp up the outer skin.
- Empty potatoes into a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Tater Talk – Why Cook Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
Let’s start with why this appliance is so perfect for cooking Instant Pot potatoes:
- It’s fast! The high pressure quickly steams potatoes in just 15-20 minutes. No more waiting 45+ minutes for boiling water.
- It’s convenient. You can cook potatoes right in the Instant Pot insert pan. No need to dirty another pot!
- It’s consistent. The precise temperature ensures potatoes cook through without getting mushy.
- It’s versatile. The Instant Pot works great for small or large batches of all types of potatoes.
- It’s hands-off. Just set it and forget it! The Instant Pot frees you up to prep other parts of the meal.
Helpful Hints
Achieving tender, fluffy spuds in the Instant Pot is easy when you follow these tips:
- Cut uniform pieces so potatoes cook evenly. I like 1-inch cubes.
- Add 1 cup water to steam and prevent scorching. Broth adds even more flavor.
- Place potatoes on a trivet so they’re elevated above the liquid.
- Use natural release to allow potatoes to finish cooking in residual steam.
- Check doneness with a fork. Potatoes should be fork-tender but not falling apart.
- For mashed, drain liquid then mash potatoes right in the insert. Less clean-up!
And speaking of versatility, did you know that you can also make Homemade Beef Stock by Instant Pot? It’s a fantastic way to add depth and flavor to your dishes, including these Instant Pot potatoes.
Helpful Hints
Achieving tender, fluffy spuds in the Instant Pot is easy when you follow these tips:
Cut uniform pieces so potatoes cook evenly. I like 1-inch cubes. Add 1 cup water to steam and prevent scorching. Using your Homemade Beef Stock instead of water adds even more flavor. Place potatoes on a trivet so they’re elevated above the liquid. Use natural release to allow potatoes to finish cooking in residual steam. Check doneness with a fork. Potatoes should be fork-tender but not falling apart. For mashed, drain liquid then mash potatoes right in the insert. Less clean-up!
Sensational Ways to Serve Instant Pot Potatoes
Now for my favorite part – eating them! Beyond basic boiled potatoes, here are some tasty ways to enjoy Instant Pot potatoes:
- Mashed – Add butter, milk, garlic, herbs for creamy comfort food.
- Potato salad – Toss cubed potatoes with a tangy dressing while warm.
- Fries – Crisp up sliced potatoes in the air fryer or oven.
- Roasted – Toss cooked potatoes with oil and roast at high heat for crispy edges.
- Fritters – Combine mashed potatoes with cheese, onions, and cilantro then pan fry.
- Breakfast potatoes – Dice potatoes and sauté with peppers, onions, eggs.
- Soups and stews – Potatoes thicken and add heartiness to brothy dishes.
- Potato pancakes – Grate potatoes, mix with egg and pan fry into crispy latkes.
FAQs
Got potato questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common FAQs about Instant Pot potatoes:
What potato varieties work best?
Russets and Yukon golds are great for mashing. Fingerlings and red potatoes hold their shape nicely.
How long should I cook Instant Pot potatoes?
10-15 minutes at high pressure, 15-20 minutes for larger pieces. Check for doneness.
Can I cook potatoes from frozen?
Yes, just increase cook time by a few minutes. Add some extra liquid.
Can I cook more than one batch at once?
Yes, double stacked! Add more water and cook a minute or two longer.
Do potatoes need to be peeled?
Nope, leave the skins on for more fiber and nutrients. Just wash them well.
Should I add salt?
I typically salt after cooking as salted water can turn potatoes gray.
Thanks to the Instant Pot, I’ve got a new go-to method for cooking up perfect Instant Pot potatoes for any recipe. This handy appliance makes it so easy to whip up a side dish or full meal with tender, flavorful potatoes in minutes. I hope these tips help you enjoy more spud studs in your home kitchen! Let me know if you have any other Instant Pot potato questions. And stop by County Mama Cooking for more pressure cooking shortcuts.