We have been enjoying the convenience of instant pot for so many dishes. I pretty much use the instant pot daily, sometimes to make chicken, sometimes for lentils, for rice or just to steam vegetables. It is perfect to do any of these tasks, without much of my active attention. To continue with my Instant Pot Basics series, I am sharing these Instant Pot Steamed Baby Potatoes today. If you are looking to cook russet potatoes, check my post about how to boil potatoes in the instant pot.
Why cook potatoes in the Instant Pot?
Dump and go, while I take care of other chores. Perfectly cooked each time (if you know the cooking time, which is what I will share here ?)
Once you start using your Instant Pot, I am sure you will not cook potatoes any other way. They are so easy and hands-free. If you are new to the instant pot, check out my instant pot beginners guide. Check out other Instant Pot Basics recipes – Cooking Chickpeas, Cooking Beets, Pumpkin Puree, Sweet Potatoes and Steamed Carrots.
Why eat Baby Potatoes?
They are so convenient. They are perfectly sized to use in any recipe and to eat—no need to cut or peel them. Kids love them. Even kids that don’t like vegetables, usually eat their potatoes. They are cheap and easily available all year round. You can season them in so many different ways. Cooked potatoes with skin are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamin C. Perfect to serve at any occasion.
How to pressure cook Baby Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
I prefer to use a steamer basket/rack when steaming potatoes. For large potatoes, a trivet or rack could work too. However, for baby potatoes, it is easier to pick them out if they are in a basket. Add about a cup of water to the instant pot steel insert. Then, place the steamer basket with potatoes in the insert. The baby potatoes I used were 1-1.5 inches in size. I pressure-cooked them for 5 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release. Let the steam release by itself after the instant pot beeps. Then, carefully pick the steamer basket out. If the potatoes you have are larger in size (about 2-2.5 inches), then increase the cooking time to 8 minutes.
Which steamer basket to use in the Instant Pot?
How to pressure cook Russet Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
For large potatoes, I usually pressure cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the pressure (10-minute NPR). The cooking time will increase or decrease depending on the size of the potatoes. The above time worked perfectly for potatoes, about 7oz each. See here for more details – how to boil potatoes in the instant pot.
Do I have to use a Steamer Basket? Can the baby potatoes be cooked directly in the Instant Pot steel insert?
You can absolutely cook the baby potatoes in the instant pot steel insert directly. I just prefer this method as it means less cleaning effort. Do not use “Steam” mode if cooking directly in the pot, as it increases the temperature too quickly and is designed for cooking when the food is not in contact with the base of the pot. Use “pressure cook” mode (also called manual). Want to make a baby potato side dish? Try Garlic Chili Potatoes or this one-pot Spicy Bombay Potatoes recipe where I cook the baby potatoes right in the instant pot steel insert. Another great way to use these steamed baby potatoes is by making these delicious Tandoori Aloo Tikka. I hope you enjoy these baby potatoes steamed in the instant pot! Don’t forget to check out my detailed guide about how to steam (almost) any vegetable in the instant pot?
