Effortless Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes are a revelation for anyone seeking perfectly cooked, fluffy sweet potatoes with minimal effort. This pressure cooker method delivers consistently tender results, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or preparing healthy sides for meal prep. We’ll also share a fantastic shortcut for smaller portions, perfect for children or when you just need a quick bite.

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable, beloved for their naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture. While baking them in a traditional oven can take an hour or more, the Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time, making it easier than ever to enjoy this wholesome side dish. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting, this guide will walk you through creating delicious sweet potatoes that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Serve these delectable Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes alongside hearty dishes like Instant Pot Beef Chili or The Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork. For a simpler, comforting treat, they are absolutely divine with a dollop of Honey Butter.

Contents

Why Cook Sweet Potatoes in Your Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking root vegetables, and sweet potatoes are no exception. Here’s why it’s the superior method:

Speed: Significantly reduces cooking time compared to oven baking, getting a healthy meal on the table much faster.
Consistency: Delivers perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every single time. No more guessing if the center is done!
Energy Efficiency: Uses less energy than heating a large oven, making it a more economical choice.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set it, you can walk away and attend to other tasks, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Retained Nutrients: Pressure cooking helps retain more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling, making your sweet potatoes even healthier.

As Fall approaches and the holiday season looms, sweet potatoes become a menu staple. From comforting weeknight meals to the star of your Best Sweet Potato Casserole on Thanksgiving, knowing how to quickly prepare them in your Instant Pot is an invaluable skill. These fluffy, flavorful sweet potatoes topped with butter and brown sugar are pure comfort food, and the Instant Pot makes achieving that perfect texture effortlessly.

Choosing the Perfect Sweet Potatoes

Selecting the right sweet potatoes can make a difference in your final dish. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, free of soft spots, blemishes, or sprouts. While various types exist (like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet), most grocery stores carry common varieties that work well for this recipe. For consistent cooking, try to select potatoes of similar size. This ensures they all cook evenly in the same amount of time. If you have a mix of sizes, you might need to adjust cooking times or use the “halving” shortcut for larger ones.

Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Pressure Cooking

Getting your sweet potatoes ready for the Instant Pot is simple and quick, requiring just a few basic steps:

Wash and Scrub Thoroughly: Even if you plan to peel them later, always wash your sweet potatoes well under running water, scrubbing off any dirt.
Trim Ends (Optional): If there are stringy or tough ends, you can trim them off for a cleaner presentation.
Pierce with a Fork: This crucial step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting. Pierce each potato in several places with a fork or a small knife.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Achieving perfectly tender sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot is straightforward. Follow these instructions for a delicious and hassle-free cooking experience:

Add Water and Trivet: Ensure the stainless steel inner pot is correctly placed in your Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of water into the insert. Then, place the trivet (or steamer rack) inside the pot. This keeps the sweet potatoes elevated above the water, allowing them to steam rather than boil.
Arrange Potatoes: Carefully arrange your prepared sweet potatoes on the trivet. Try not to overcrowd the pot, ensuring steam can circulate evenly around each potato.
Seal and Set: Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
Set Cooking Time: Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and adjust the cooking time based on the size of your sweet potatoes.
- For medium-sized sweet potatoes (approximately 6 inches in circumference): Set the timer to 16 to 20 minutes.
- For large sweet potatoes (approximately 8 inches in circumference or more): Set the timer to 26 to 30 minutes.
To measure circumference: Use a flexible sewing tape measure and wrap it around the thickest part of the potato. If you don’t have one, a piece of string and a ruler will do the trick!
Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep and automatically switch to “Keep Warm” mode. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 12 minutes. This is crucial for achieving fluffy, flavorful sweet potatoes and prevents them from drying out or becoming dense. After 12 minutes, you can carefully turn the sealing valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Carefully Open and Remove: Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid any lingering steam. Remove the tender sweet potatoes from the Instant Pot.
Serve: Your Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes are now ready to be enjoyed!

Top Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

To ensure your sweet potatoes come out perfectly every time, keep these best practices in mind:

Uniform Size Matters: Whenever possible, use sweet potatoes of similar size. This ensures consistent cooking and tenderness across all potatoes.
Always Pierce: Don’t skip piercing the potatoes with a fork. It’s a simple step that prevents them from bursting open during pressure cooking.
Embrace Natural Pressure Release: Letting the pressure release naturally (NPR) is key for a fluffy texture and full flavor. Rushing it with a quick release can sometimes result in tougher or less uniformly cooked potatoes.
Utilize the Shortcut: For smaller portions or faster cooking, cutting potatoes in half lengthwise is a fantastic time-saver, reducing cook time by half.

Creative Ways to Serve Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Beyond being a simple vegetable side, baked sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

Classic Toppings: A pat of butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra treat, top with mini marshmallows and briefly pop under a broiler until golden brown.
Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Use them as a base for a hearty meal! Fill with pulled pork, BBQ chicken, beef chili, black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, or even scrambled eggs for a unique breakfast.
Sweet Potato Mash: Scoop out the cooked flesh, discard the skin, and mash them with a little butter, milk (or plant-based milk), and your favorite seasonings (cinnamon, nutmeg, or a hint of cayenne for a kick). This mash is excellent in casseroles or added to soups for creaminess and depth of flavor.
Baby Food: The tender, soft texture of Instant Pot sweet potatoes makes them perfect for homemade baby food. Simply mash or puree the flesh for a nutritious first food.
Meal Prep Powerhouse: Cook a batch of sweet potatoes at the beginning of the week. They can be added to salads, grain bowls, or simply reheated for quick and healthy meals throughout the week.

The Time-Saving Shortcut: Halved Sweet Potatoes

Need sweet potatoes in a hurry? This shortcut is your best friend. When I first started cooking sweet potatoes in my Instant Pot, I would often cut them in half lengthwise. This method dramatically reduces the cooking time and creates a perfect portion size, especially for children or if you’re looking for a lighter meal.

For example, a whole sweet potato that measures 8 inches in circumference typically cooks in 28 minutes. However, if you cut that same potato in half lengthwise, it will be perfectly cooked in just 14 minutes! This simple trick offers a significant time-saver without compromising on taste or texture. Simply arrange the halved potatoes on the trivet, cut side up, and adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cooked Instant Pot sweet potatoes are excellent for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Allow cooked sweet potatoes to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can store them whole or mashed.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze cooked sweet potatoes. Mash the flesh and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Oven: For a crisper skin (if reheating whole), place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: An air fryer can also reheat them, giving them a lovely texture. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Beyond their delicious taste and ease of preparation, sweet potatoes are packed with incredible health benefits, making them a smart addition to any diet:

Rich in Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of beta-carotene, which your body converts to Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C: Boosting your immunity and acting as a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C is abundant in sweet potatoes.
Good Source of Fiber: The high fiber content aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Potassium Power: An important electrolyte, potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes contain various antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Complex Carbohydrates: They provide a steady release of energy, making them a great choice for sustained fuel.

Incorporating Instant Pot sweet potatoes into your diet is an easy and delicious way to boost your intake of essential nutrients.

More Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes to Explore

If you love the convenience of cooking side dishes in your Instant Pot, you’ll want to try these other favorites:

Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

For those new to pressure cooking, don’t forget to check out my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners, packed with all the essential information to get you started with your new appliance!

If you try this easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe, we’d love to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your delicious results and leave a comment! Happy cooking!

Baked sweet potatoes with brown sugar and melted butter.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Perfect fluffy sweet potatoes cooked in a pressure cooker. Use my shortcut to make smaller portions, perfect for children!

Author: Anna

Prep Time: 2 mins
Cook Time: 28 mins
Pressure Release Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 people
Calories: 111 kcal

Ingredients

3 to 4 sweet potatoes
1 cup water

Instructions

Prepare potatoes for cooking: wash and scrub them well to clean. Pierce each potato with a fork in several places.
Make sure the stainless steel inner pot is in your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the insert and place the trivet inside.
Arrange the pierced sweet potatoes on the trivet. Close the lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position.
Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer according to the potato size:
- 16 to 20 minutes for potatoes that are approximately 6 inches in circumference.
- 26 to 30 minutes for potatoes that are 8 inches in circumference or more (see notes below on how to measure).
The Instant Pot will beep when it’s ready and begin the cooking process. Once the timer is done, allow the pressure cooker to release the pressure naturally. This will take about 12 minutes.
Carefully open the lid away from your face and remove the cooked sweet potatoes from the Instant Pot.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

SHORTCUT: For faster cooking or smaller portions, cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and arrange them on the trivet, cut side up. Cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes, but generally, a whole potato that is 8 inches in circumference cooks in 28 minutes, while if cut in half, it will cook in just 14 minutes. This is perfect for individual servings or for children.

How to measure potatoes: Take a sewing tape measure and wrap it around the thickest part of the potato (usually in the middle) to find its circumference. If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a string and then measure the string with a ruler.

Nutrition

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