Are you a potato lover looking for a hassle-free way to cook your favorite starchy side dish? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of boiling potatoes in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Whether you’re craving a simple side dish or planning to whip up some creamy mashed potatoes or a delicious potato salad, the Instant Pot is your new best friend. With its ability to steam the potatoes to perfection, you can say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked spuds. From choosing the right type of potato to adjusting the cook time, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Boiling potatoes in an Instant Pot is an easy and convenient way to achieve perfectly cooked, fork-tender potatoes. Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare the potatoes:
Choose the type of potato
The first step in preparing boiled potatoes is to choose the right type of potato. You have various options including Russet, red, gold, baby, or white potatoes. Each type has its own unique texture and flavor. For a classic boiled potato dish, choose a variety that holds its shape well when cooked, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
Wash the potatoes thoroughly
Before you start peeling or cutting the potatoes, it’s important to give them a good wash. This will remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Place the potatoes under running water and gently scrub them using a vegetable brush or your hands. Make sure to wash each potato thoroughly to ensure they are clean.
Peel the potatoes (optional)
Peeling the potatoes is an optional step and depends on personal preference. Some people prefer the texture and taste of boiled potatoes with the skin left on, while others prefer them peeled. If you decide to peel the potatoes, use a vegetable peeler and carefully remove the skin in a downward motion. Take your time to ensure you remove all the skin without wasting too much of the potato flesh.
Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces
After washing and peeling (if desired) the potatoes, it’s time to cut them into uniform pieces. This is important to ensure all the potato pieces cook evenly. If you’re boiling smaller or baby potatoes, you can leave them whole. For larger potatoes, cut them into quarters or smaller pieces. Aim for roughly equal-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Add Water to the Instant Pot
Once you have prepared the potatoes, it’s time to move on to the next step of boiling them in the Instant Pot. Follow these instructions to add water to the Instant Pot:
Pour water into the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot requires liquid to generate steam for cooking. Start by pouring water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot. The amount of water you need will depend on how many potatoes you’re cooking and the size of the Instant Pot. As a general guideline, add enough water to fully submerge the potatoes.
Add salt to the water (optional)
Adding salt to the water is an optional step, but it can enhance the flavor of the boiled potatoes. If you prefer, sprinkle some salt into the water before adding the potatoes. The amount of salt needed will depend on personal taste preferences. Be mindful not to over-salt the water, as you can always add more salt later when seasoning the cooked potatoes.
Step 3: Place the Potatoes in the Instant Pot
After adding water and salt to the Instant Pot, it’s time to place the potatoes in the pot. Follow these steps to ensure proper placement:
Arrange the potato pieces in a single layer
For even and consistent cooking, arrange the potato pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the Instant Pot. This will allow the steam to circulate around the potatoes, resulting in evenly cooked potatoes.
Make sure the potatoes are fully submerged in the water
To ensure thorough cooking, it’s important to ensure that the potatoes are fully submerged in the water. This will help to create a steamy environment that will evenly cook the potatoes. Check that all the potato pieces are completely covered by the water. If needed, add more water to fully submerge them.
Step 4: Set the Instant Pot
Now that the potatoes are in the Instant Pot, it’s time to set the appropriate settings for cooking. Follow these steps to correctly set up the Instant Pot:
Close the lid of the Instant Pot
Securely close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that it is properly sealed. This will create a pressurized environment that is necessary for cooking the potatoes.
Set the pressure release valve to the Sealing position
Locate the pressure release valve on the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to the Sealing position. This will prevent steam from escaping during the cooking process.
Select the Manual/Pressure Cook setting
On the control panel of the Instant Pot, select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. The exact name may vary depending on the model of your Instant Pot. This setting allows you to manually set the cooking time and pressure.
Adjust the cooking time based on the potato size
The cooking time for the potatoes will vary depending on their size. As a general guideline, small baby potatoes may only require 6-8 minutes, while larger potatoes may need 15-20 minutes. Consult your Instant Pot’s manual for more specific guidelines based on the size and type of potato you are using.
