Nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of a perfectly baked potato. But traditional oven-baking can take up to an hour, leaving you waiting while your meal comes together.
Enter the Instant Pot—your shortcut to fluffy, tender baked potatoes in a fraction of the time. This method not only saves time but also ensures evenly cooked potatoes every single time, making it a game-changer for busy home cooks.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a staple in modern kitchens, especially for those who love quick, easy, and foolproof recipes. Unlike conventional oven baking, which can dry out potatoes, pressure cooking locks in moisture while speeding up the cooking process.
Here’s why this method is a winner:
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- Speed: The pressure cooker drastically cuts down cooking time.
- Even Cooking: No hot spots or uneven baking—every potato comes out perfect.
- No Oven Needed: Keep your kitchen cool, especially in warmer months.
- Hands-Off Cooking: No need to check or rotate potatoes—just set it and forget it.
If you love using your Instant Pot for meal prep, this recipe is a must-add to your collection.
Choosing the Best Potatoes
For the best results, go with Russet or Idaho potatoes. These varieties have a high starch content, yielding a fluffy, tender texture when cooked. Look for medium to large potatoes, about ¾ to 1 pound each, with smooth, unblemished skin.
If you want to experiment, try Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. While they won’t be as light and fluffy as Russets, they add a rich, buttery flavor.
Customizing Your Baked Potatoes
One of the best things about baked potatoes is how versatile they are. Whether you’re serving them as a simple side or turning them into a full meal, there are endless ways to dress them up.
Classic Toppings:
- Butter, sour cream, and chives
- Shredded cheese and crumbled bacon
- Salsa and guacamole for a Tex-Mex twist
Healthier Options:
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Steamed broccoli and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
- A drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs
For a heartier meal, top your potato with chili, shredded chicken, or even a fried egg. The possibilities are endless!
Perfecting Texture & Doneness
The key to great baked potatoes is getting the texture just right. The Instant Pot does a fantastic job of steaming the potatoes, but if you like a crispier skin, there’s an easy fix.
- For soft, tender potatoes: Serve immediately after cooking.
- For crispy skins: Transfer the potatoes to a hot oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 400°F.
If you like extra-soft potatoes, increasing the cooking time to 20-25 minutes ensures an ultra-fluffy interior.
Serving Ideas
Baked potatoes are a perfect addition to almost any meal. Pair them with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. They also work great as a base for meal prep—just cook a batch and store them in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.
Instant Pot Success Tips
To get the best results every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Pierce the potatoes: This allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.
- Use a trivet: Keeping the potatoes off the bottom of the pot ensures even cooking.
- Don’t skip the natural release: A quick release can make the potatoes too firm—allowing the pressure to come down naturally for 10 minutes results in a softer texture.
With just a few simple steps, your Instant Pot can deliver perfect baked potatoes every time.
Instant Pot Baked Potato Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot with trivet
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 4–6 medium Russet or Idaho potatoes ¾ to 1 pound each, washed, scrubbed, and pierced with a fork
- Optional toppings: butter sour cream, chives, bacon, or any preferred toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Insert the trivet into the Instant Pot’s inner pot and pour in one cup of water. Arrange the washed and pierced potatoes on top of the trivet, ensuring they are evenly placed. It’s fine if they slightly overlap or rest on top of each other.
- Start Pressure Cooking: Secure the Instant Pot lid and adjust the valve to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function, set it to High Pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then switch to a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve the Potatoes: Using tongs, carefully remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a plate. Slice each one open and add toppings of your choice before serving.
Notes
- For softer potatoes, extend the pressure cooking time to 20–25 minutes.
- For smaller potatoes (around ½ pound each), reduce the cooking time to 12 minutes.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.