Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are the perfect solution when you need soft, fluffy potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or quick sides, these potatoes come out perfectly cooked every time. No need to heat up the kitchen—just set it and forget it!

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

russet potatoeswateroptional: olive oilsalt and pepper for seasoningoptional toppings: butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, bacon bits

directions

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.

Poke each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Place a trivet or steaming rack inside the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water.

Arrange the potatoes on the trivet in a single layer.

Seal the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”

Pressure cook on High for 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes:

• Small: 12 minutes
• Medium: 15 minutes
• Large: 20 minutes

Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Carefully remove the potatoes. For a crispy skin, brush with olive oil and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes.

Slice open and serve with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesPressure cook time: 12-20 minutesNatural release time: 10 minutesOptional broil time: 3-5 minutesTotal time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a nutrient-rich alternative.

Stuff with chili, cheese, and sour cream for a full meal.

Add garlic butter for extra flavor.

Top with steamed broccoli and cheddar for a healthy twist.

storage/reheating

Store cooked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes or rewarm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.Freeze cooked potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I cook more than 4 potatoes at once?

Yes, as long as they fit in a single layer on the trivet and do not block the steam valve.

What size potatoes work best?

Medium russet potatoes (6-8 oz each) cook evenly and are perfect for most servings.

Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?

No, wrapping is unnecessary in the Instant Pot.

Can I use the air fryer lid for a crispy skin?

Yes, after pressure cooking, use the air fryer lid at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

What if I don’t have a trivet?

You can use a steamer basket or roll up small balls of aluminum foil to elevate the potatoes above the water.

Can I add seasoning before cooking?

Season after cooking for best results, especially if you plan to crisp the skin.

What if my potatoes aren’t soft enough?

Return them to the pot and cook on high pressure for an additional 2-5 minutes.

Can I stack potatoes in the Instant Pot?

Yes, but cooking times may need to be slightly increased.

Do I need to adjust for altitude?

Possibly—at higher altitudes, you may need to increase cooking time by 5-10%.

Are Instant Pot baked potatoes healthy?

Yes, especially when topped with healthy ingredients like yogurt, salsa, or vegetables.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute meal, these potatoes will save you time and deliver delicious results every time. Once you try this method, it might just become your go-to way to cook potatoes.

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