How Long To Cook Potatoes In Instant Pot (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 3-12 Minutes

Potatoes are a root vegetable that is used worldwide in different dishes, snacks, and flavorings. Potato is known by different names in different parts of the country. Potato is a nightshade in the genus solanum. They are herbaceous perennials that grow to 60 cm depending on the variety. Potatoes are found in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They bear different white, pink, red, blue, or purple flowers.

Potatoes contain a high amount of starch, water, proteins, and carbohydrates. The potato is cooked or boiled and then eaten because of the high amount of starch that gets difficult to digest. The glycemic index of potatoes can vary depending on the cultivation. Consuming reheated, pre-cooked, or called potatoes can result in low GI due to the development of resistant starch.

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How Long To Cook Potatoes In Instant Pot?

SizeTime To Cook
Diced Potatoes(1 inch)3 Minutes
Baby Potatoes5 Minutes
Medium Potatoes6 Minutes
Large Potatoes10-12 Minutes

The time taken to cook potatoes in an instant pot depends on the shape and size of the potatoes. Small/ baby potatoes can take up to 5 minutes to cook properly. Medium to large size potatoes takes approximately 6-12 minutes to cook properly. The time taken to cook potatoes is directly proportional to the size of the potato. If the potato is large, it will take longer as compared to the smaller ones.

It is advised to cut the potatoes into small pieces and then cook them in an instant pot to reduce the cooking time. For cooking the perfect potato, begin by washing and cleaning them. Add water to the instant pot and cover it with the trivet. Now, add the potatoes at a proper distance and cover the lid. Let the potatoes cook and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position. Set the instant pot to manual/ pressure cook.

After the timer has cut off, check the potato with a fork. Try to smash it, if it gets smashed down easily, then the potato is cooked properly. If not you can try and cook the potato for 1-2 minutes longer depending on the texture of the potato. Cooking the potato on trivet is advised because cooking it in direct water can change the taste and texture of the potatoes. One can also boil the dices or small potatoes directly in the water.

Boiled potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked potatoes can then be used for a variety of dishes like snacks, dosa, paranthas, stuffings, etc.

Why Does It Take This Long To Cook Potatoes In Instant Pot?

The cooking of potatoes can take up to 12 minutes to cook in an instant pot. The duration is directly proportional to the size of the potatoes. The steam from the can help the potatoes boil easily. The steam breaks the tough bonding and melts down the bonds creating a soft texture. The starch is also removed in this process, yielding a tasty boiled potato.

Having pre-boiled potatoes is a great time saver. One can also cook delicious recipes in the instant pot. Start by cutting the potato into pieces. Add oil and let the oil heat u. Then add herbs and seasoning and cook the seasoning. Now add the boiled and cut potatoes and toss it well. This is an instant dish that saves time giving a glaze on the potatoes and is perfect to be served as a side dish.

The most beneficial part of cooking potatoes in an instant pot is that they take minimal time and you don’t have to sit and wait for the water to spill or potato to cook. The potato will be steaming hot, soft, and fluffy. A russet potato is a perfect choice for cooking in the instant pot as the starch level gets decreases giving a soft potato.

Conclusion

The cooking of potatoes can take from 3- 12 minutes depending on the shape and size of the potatoes. Setting the time at pressure cook and putting the potatoes on the trivet will save you a long time. Cooking potatoes this way reduces the risk of wastage of nutrients. The potato is steamed from the water giving it a soft, fluffy texture. Potatoes contain a large amount of starch, water, carbohydrates, and proteins.

References

  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=8OxmDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT6&dq=how+long+to+cook+potatoes+in+instant+pot&ots=T5vXkD-L9w&sig=SHqrMcAcraOmVat22Q_YrYuxSIE
  2. https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2005.01119.x

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AboutNidhi

Hi! I'm Nidhi.

Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

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