How to Make Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

There’s no easier or faster way to make a perfect baked potato than in the Instant Pot. They’re done in just 25 minutes!

» Check out these Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers and Traeger Baked Potatoes.

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish to serve with your main dish, like these bacon-wrapped pork chops, easy instant pot pulled pork or my favorite marinated chicken thighs, you’ll be happy to hear that the Instant Pot is a great way to make baked potatoes in a fraction of the time.

Why “Bake” a Potato in the Instant Pot

The idea of making baked potatoes in the Instant Pot is kid of humorous, but once you realize they turn out just as good in a fraction of the time as putting them in the oven, you’ll be a true convert for sure.

I used to make baked potatoes in the oven, like everyone else. It took at least an hour to get the potato cooked all the way through. In that time, my kitchen’s temperature swelled and I lost patience. Ugh. It shouldn’t be that difficult to make a simple side dish!

When I got my Instant Pot, I decided to give it a try. It can cook everything else, why not potatoes?

I’ll never go back to baking potatoes the hard way again. If you love sweet potatoes try this recipe to make baked sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

While this recipe is pretty simple there are a few things that will help these baked potatoes come out tasty every time.

Baking potatoes – Russet potatoes are a good choice because of their high starch, low moisture content. This makes a nice fluffy texture after baking. We like to use large sized potatoes but the most import things is to choose potatoes that are the same size so that they will all be done at the same time.

Olive oil – This is to coat the outside of the potato. You could use any oil you prefer.

Salt and pepper – Coat the outside of the potato to add flavor.

How To Make Pressure Cooked Baked Potatoes

The only things you need to make these baked potatoes are an Instant Pot and the wire insert it came with.

You also need the wire insert that comes with the IP. It’s a trivet that sits a few inches off the base of the pot, so the food doesn’t burn.

If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket, or ball up some tin foil and put it in under the potatoes.

Step 1: Insert the Trivet

You just need to set the trivet into the base of the inner pot. It will keep the food raised about an inch off the bottom.

Step 2: Pour in water

You need to add one cup of water to the inner pot. You don’t want it to touch the bottom of the potatoes, so don’t add more than that. If you’re using a smaller Instant Pot, like the 3 quart version, you can add less water.

Step 3: Prepare the potatoes

Coat the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.

Step 4: Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and close the vent. Depending on the size of your potatoes, you may need more or less time. A large russet baking potato takes about 15-18 minutes, while smaller potatoes take 13-15 minutes.

If for some reason your potatoes aren’t cooked through when the time is up, just set the machine again for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Release pressure and remove the potatoes

You don’t want to do a natural pressure release for these potatoes, to keep from overcooking them. Instead, when the time is up manually release the pressure. Just be careful and stand back as the steam escapes.

Step 6: Dress up the potato with toppings of your choice

Cut a slit along the top of the potato and gently squeeze it on the ends to open up a pouch. Use a fork to fluff up the potato inside.

Make sure you salt the interior of the potato before adding extra toppings, like sour cream, butter, chives and cheese. Skipping this step leads to a bland-tasting potato. Potatoes need salt!

Try adding chili to transform this simple side dish into a hearty main dish. Another great way to transform a baked potato is to add pulled pork, avocado and sour cream to make stuffed baked potatoes.

SERVE & ENJOY

Baked potatoes in the Instant Pot are a revelation for me. They’re so quick to make and they turn out fluffy and moist.

You can use these potatoes for just about anything. They don’t have to be served as plain baked potatoes. 

Cut them in half and make twice baked potatoes, or scoop out the filling to make Loaded Baked Potato Casserole or fried potato pancakes. You can even use these potatoes to make gnocchi (and WAY faster than the traditional way!).

Why Use An Instant Pot

Frequently Asked Questions

Which potatoes are best to use for baked potatoes?

We recommend using russet potatoes because of their high starch, low moisture content. This makes a nice fluffy texture after baking. We like to use large sized potatoes but the most import things is to choose potatoes that are the same size so they will all be done at the same time.

What do I do if the potatoes aren’t fully cooked?

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of the potato. If for some reason your potatoes aren’t cooked through when the time is up, just set the machine again for an additional 5 minutes. Large potatoes may need up to 20 minutes to cook through. The pressure will build quickly if you do this right away.

Can I “bake” sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot as well?

Yes! Use the same steps listed above. Cook for 12 minutes for medium potatoes and 15 minutes for larger ones. When time is up allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then you can release the remaining pressure.

If you’re looking for something to serve these with, why not try one of these recipes:

• Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Whole Chicken
• Easy Baked Baby Back Ribs

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