Instant Pot Baked Potatoes: Perfectly Fluffy Every Time

Say goodbye to long oven baking times and cumbersome aluminum foil! Our guide to Instant Pot Baked Potatoes reveals the secret to consistently fluffy, tender potatoes cooked effortlessly in your digital pressure cooker. This method is a game-changer for quick meals and stress-free side dishes, delivering perfect results with minimal fuss.

A perfectly baked potato, split open and ready for toppings, resting on a white plate, showcasing its fluffy interior. — Achieve bakery-style baked potatoes right in your Instant Pot.

Why the Instant Pot is Your Baked Potato Secret Weapon

For years, a classic oven-baked potato was a staple, but it often required a significant time commitment. Even slow cooker baked potatoes, while convenient, demanded hours of cooking. Enter the Instant Pot: a revolutionary appliance that transforms the art of baking potatoes, cutting cooking time dramatically while ensuring an unparalleled fluffy texture.

The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to cook under high pressure, drastically reducing the time it takes for potatoes to become tender. Where an oven might take an hour or more, your Instant Pot can have perfectly cooked, light, and airy baked potatoes ready in approximately 20 minutes (including pressure building time). This speed, coupled with the consistent results, makes it an indispensable tool for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty side dish in a hurry.

Beyond speed, the Instant Pot method also eliminates the need for aluminum foil, which some home cooks prefer to avoid. The potatoes cook in a moist, pressurized environment, steaming them to perfection from the inside out, resulting in that coveted fluffy interior without drying out the skin. It’s a cleaner, faster, and surprisingly more efficient way to enjoy one of America’s favorite comfort foods.

These Instant Pot Baked Potatoes aren’t just a side dish; they can be a meal in themselves. Imagine a quick lunch filled with leftover chili, savory pulled BBQ pork, tender shredded chicken, or a vibrant Mexican quinoa. They also serve as an excellent base for creamy cheese sauce or a rich spinach artichoke dip. For those who love efficient cooking, be sure to also check out our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – another total time-saver!

Selecting the Best Potatoes for Instant Pot Baking

The foundation of a great baked potato lies in choosing the right variety. For that classic, fluffy interior, Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) are the undisputed champions. Their high starch content and thick skin make them ideal for baking, as they absorb moisture during cooking and create a light, airy texture when fluffed. When selecting Russets, look for:

Firmness: Choose potatoes that are firm to the touch, without any soft spots or blemishes.
Size: Consistency in size is key for even cooking. Try to select potatoes that are roughly similar in size. We provide specific cooking times for small, medium, and large potatoes below.
Appearance: Avoid potatoes with green spots (indicating solanine, which can be bitter and mildly toxic), sprouts, or excessive dirt.

While Russets are recommended, other starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Golds can also work, though they might yield a slightly creamier texture rather than the ultra-fluffy consistency of a Russet. Waxy potatoes (like red or new potatoes) are generally not recommended for baking as they tend to hold their shape and have a denser texture, better suited for salads or roasting.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Cooking baked potatoes in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly tender results every time:

Prepare the Instant Pot: Ensure the stainless steel inner pot is correctly placed inside your Instant Pot. Add one cup of cold water to the inner pot. This water generates the steam needed for pressure cooking.
Wash and Pierce Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and scrub your Russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Crucially, pierce each potato several times (about 5-6 jabs) all over its surface with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring even cooking.
Arrange Potatoes: Place the wire trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) inside the inner pot, directly above the water. Carefully arrange the prepared potatoes on the trivet. Ensure they are not submerged in the water. If you’re cooking a large quantity, you can stack them vertically to maximize space, ensuring they still cook evenly.
Seal the Pot: Secure the Instant Pot lid, twisting it until it locks into place. Make sure the sealing release valve is set to the “Sealing” position, not “Venting.”
Set Cooking Time: Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time. It’s essential that your Instant Pot is set to cook on “HIGH pressure.” Refer to our detailed cooking time guide below for specific durations based on potato size.
Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, press the “Cancel/Off” button. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 12-16 minutes. Do not switch the valve to “Venting” immediately. Natural pressure release is vital for the potatoes to finish cooking gently and achieve that desired fluffy texture. The Instant Pot will gradually depressurize, and the float valve will drop when it’s safe to open.
Remove and Serve: Carefully open the lid, tilting it away from your face to avoid any residual steam. Using kitchen tongs, gently remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot and place them on a platter. They are now ready to be topped with your favorite butter, spices, shredded cheddar, sour cream, chives, or parsley.

Close-up of fluffy baked potatoes cooking inside an Instant Pot, showing the steam and trivet setup. — Witness the magic of pressure cooking as potatoes steam to perfection.

Instant Pot Baked Potato Cooking Times by Size

The cooking time for your Instant Pot baked potatoes largely depends on their size. I’ve thoroughly tested this recipe, finding optimal times to achieve a perfectly soft and fluffy interior. Remember, these times are for cooking on HIGH pressure, followed by a full natural pressure release:

For Small Potatoes (approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, or about 4-6 ounces each): Set the Instant Pot for 12 minutes of high-pressure cooking.
For Medium Potatoes (approximately 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter, or about 6-8 ounces each): Set the Instant Pot for 14 minutes of high-pressure cooking. This is the sweet spot for most standard Russet potatoes.
For Large Potatoes (approximately 2.5 inches in diameter or larger, up to 10-12 ounces each): Set the Instant Pot for 16 to 18 minutes of high-pressure cooking. If you’re unsure, err on the side of slightly longer for larger potatoes.

Important Note on Pressure Build-Up: It’s crucial to remember that the listed cooking times begin *after* your Instant Pot has come to pressure. My 6-quart Instant Pot typically takes about 8-12 minutes to build pressure, depending on the number of potatoes and the initial temperature of the water and potatoes. This “pre-cooking” time is not included in the set cooking duration.

After the cooking time, the natural pressure release (NPR) phase is equally important. This typically takes an additional 12-16 minutes. Allowing the pressure to release naturally prevents the potatoes from becoming waterlogged and helps them achieve that optimal dry, fluffy texture.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Achieving consistently perfect baked potatoes in your Instant Pot is easy with a few key considerations:

Room Temperature Potatoes: If your potatoes are stored in the refrigerator, remove them at least 30 minutes before cooking. Cold potatoes will not cook evenly; the outside may be done while the center remains firm. Bringing them closer to room temperature ensures uniform cooking.
Poke Those Holes: Never skip piercing your potatoes with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape during the high-pressure cooking process, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring they cook thoroughly without becoming mushy. This rule applies whether you’re using an Instant Pot or a traditional oven.
Natural Pressure Release is Non-Negotiable: While some Instant Pot recipes call for a quick release, natural pressure release (NPR) is vital for baked potatoes. It allows the potatoes to gently finish cooking and helps to dry out the interior, resulting in a perfectly fluffy texture. Rushing this step with a quick release can lead to dense, watery potatoes. Expect NPR to take anywhere from 12 to 16 minutes after the cooking cycle ends.
High Pressure Setting: Always ensure your Instant Pot is set to “High Pressure.” This is the standard for cooking most ingredients effectively in a pressure cooker. If you’re new to the appliance, double-check your settings before starting.
Cold Water for Consistency: Always add cold water to the Instant Pot. Using warm or hot water can alter the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure, which in turn can affect the precise cooking time and the final texture of your potatoes.
No Foil Needed: One of the many benefits of Instant Pot baked potatoes is that you don’t need aluminum foil. The moist environment of the pressure cooker ensures the potatoes steam beautifully without drying out, making foil unnecessary for moisture retention.
Check for Doneness: After the natural pressure release, carefully test a potato by squeezing it gently (use tongs or an oven mitt!). If it yields easily, it’s done. If it feels firm, you can reseal the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release.

Recipe FAQs: Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

How can I make the baked potato skin crispy?

While the Instant Pot excels at creating a fluffy interior, it doesn’t typically crisp the skin. To achieve crispy skin, after cooking in the Instant Pot, simply transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet and broil them for 3-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can pop them into an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Brush them with a little oil and sprinkle with salt before crisping for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have the metal trivet?

The trivet is crucial to elevate the potatoes above the water, allowing them to steam rather than boil. If you don’t have the original wire trivet, you have a few excellent alternatives:

Aluminum Foil Balls: Crumple several pieces of aluminum foil into golf-ball-sized spheres and place them in the bottom of the pot to create a makeshift rack.
Steamer Basket: A metal or silicone steamer basket designed for pressure cookers or saucepans works perfectly.
Upside-Down Pie Tin: An aluminum foil pie tin, inverted and placed in the pot, can also serve as a sturdy base.

Can I cook more than 5 potatoes at once?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot is quite versatile. If you’re cooking for a larger group, you can place potatoes on the trivet vertically (standing them up) to fit more. As long as they are not packed too tightly and there’s enough room for steam to circulate, they should cook well. The cooking time typically remains the same as long as the potatoes are of similar size.

If I’m cooking just two potatoes, do I need to adjust the time?

No, the cooking time for baked potatoes in the Instant Pot is determined by the size of the individual potatoes, not the quantity. Whether you’re cooking two or six medium-sized potatoes, the pressure cooking time (e.g., 14 minutes for medium) will remain the same. The Instant Pot reaches a consistent pressure, and the time required for the potatoes to cook through is constant once that pressure is achieved.

Can I cook sweet potatoes using this method?

Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes also cook beautifully in the Instant Pot. The cooking times might be slightly different depending on their size and density, but the general method (water, trivet, high pressure, natural release) remains the same. For specific guidance, check out our Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe for a detailed guide and a bonus shortcut!

A perfectly cooked baked potato, split open and generously topped with butter, chives, and sour cream, on a white plate after being cooked in an Instant Pot. — Your fluffy Instant Pot baked potato, ready for all your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions and Irresistible Toppings

A baked potato is a blank canvas for culinary creativity! Once your Instant Pot has delivered its fluffy masterpiece, the real fun begins with toppings. Here are some classic and creative ideas to elevate your baked potato experience:

Classic Toppings:

Butter & Salt: The timeless duo that enhances the potato’s natural flavor.
Sour Cream & Chives: A creamy, tangy, and fresh combination.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work wonders. Let it melt into the hot potato.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Adds a savory crunch.
Green Onions/Scallions: For a mild oniony bite and a pop of color.

Meal-Worthy Toppings:

Chili: Spoon hearty chili over your potato for a satisfying meal.
Pulled Pork or Chicken: BBQ-sauce drenched pulled meats make for an incredible loaded potato.
Steamed Vegetables & Cheese Sauce: A healthier option that’s still incredibly flavorful.
Broccoli & Cheddar: A classic pairing, often found in popular restaurant chains.
Taco Meat & Salsa: Turn your potato into a deconstructed taco bowl.
Leftover Stew or Soup: A creative way to use up leftovers and add warmth.

Gourmet & Unique Toppings:

Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese: A sophisticated brunch-inspired option.
Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a Mediterranean flair.
Guacamole & Black Beans: A fresh and zesty vegetarian choice.
Truffle Oil & Parmesan: Elevate your potato with earthy, rich flavors.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorites! The versatility of Instant Pot baked potatoes makes them a perfect base for any meal, from a simple side to a fully loaded dinner.

More Instant Pot Recipes to Explore

Once you’ve mastered Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, you’ll undoubtedly want to unlock the full potential of your electric pressure cooker. We have a treasure trove of recipes designed to make your cooking faster, easier, and more delicious:

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Instant Pot Pot Roast
Instant Pot Chicken Marsala
Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

For even more culinary inspiration using your digital pressure cooker, delve into our dedicated Instant Pot Category. If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, our comprehensive Instant Pot Guide for Beginners is packed with all the essential information you need to get started. And if you ever encounter the dreaded “BURN” message, don’t panic! Our Instant Pot Burn Message post will explain why it happens and how to troubleshoot it, saving your delicious dishes.

If you found this recipe helpful and decided to make it, please consider sharing your experience and leaving a rating in the comments below! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these delicious Instant Pot Baked Potatoes.

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe

Achieve perfectly fluffy and tender baked potatoes with minimal effort using your Instant Pot. This fast and convenient method requires no aluminum foil and delivers delicious results every time, ready for your favorite toppings.

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes in the pressure cooker.

Author: Anna

Prep Time: 1 min

Cook Time: 14 mins

Natural Release: 12 mins

Total Time: 27 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5 people

Calories: 168 kcal

Ingredients

5 medium Russet potatoes
1 cup water

Instructions

Ensure the stainless steel inner pot is inside the Instant Pot. Add one cup of cold water to the insert.
Wash and scrub the potatoes clean. Poke with a fork several times all over the surface of each potato.
Place the wire rack (trivet) inside the insert. Arrange potatoes on the rack, making sure they are not submerged.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the “Sealing” position.
Make sure your Instant Pot is set to cook on HIGH pressure. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer to 14 minutes for medium potatoes. (See notes section for specific cooking times based on potato size).
The Instant Pot will beep and begin to build pressure. Once the float valve rises, it indicates that pressure has been reached, and the cooking timer will start within a few seconds.
When the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 12-16 minutes. Do not manually vent.
Carefully open the lid, tilting it away from your face to avoid steam.
Gently remove the potatoes using kitchen tongs and place them on a platter.
Serve potatoes immediately with your favorite toppings: butter, various spices, shredded cheddar, sour cream, fresh chives, or parsley.

Video

Notes

I tested this recipe starting at 12 minutes. The potatoes were cooked but too firm for my liking. When cooked for 14 minutes, they were soft and fluffy inside. I used medium size potatoes. If using small ones (1.5-2 inches diameter), 12 minutes should be enough. If using large potatoes (2.5 inches diameter or larger), add 2-4 more minutes of cooking time (16-18 minutes total).
It’s important to poke the potatoes with a fork. This crucial step allows the steam from the potatoes to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting.
No foil is needed to cook the potatoes in your pressure cooker, as the pressurized steaming environment keeps them moist and tender.
Make sure you are adding cold water to the Instant Pot. If you use warm water, it will change the time it takes the IP to come to pressure, which can affect the overall cooking time and the final result.
For an Instant Pot MINI (3-quart model): you can cook a maximum of 2 medium Russet potatoes. Use enough water to fill the plastic cup that came with the mini. The cooking time for the potatoes remains the same as for larger models.
Always allow for a natural pressure release for baked potatoes to ensure the best texture. This crucial step helps the potatoes finish cooking gently and become perfectly fluffy.
Remember that the Instant Pot takes time to build up pressure before the actual cooking timer starts. This can take approximately 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the quantity and temperature of your ingredients, as well as the ambient temperature in your kitchen.

Nutrition