Can You Make Bread In An Instant Pot
An Instant Pot doesnt have the hot, dry environment thats typically used for baking standard loaves of bread. However, there are specialty types of baked goods, like steamed buns, that can be cooked in an Instant Pot. Its also possible to bake cakes, but they will have a different exterior and texture since they will be steamed rather than baked. However, for the models of Instant Pot that can hold a precise low temperature of about 90 degrees, the Instant Pot can be used for proofing bread dough.
Do You Need To Double The Cook Time For A Double Recipe
If you would like to double an Instant Pot recipe, you may double the ingredients . You do not need to double the cook time.
However, you may need to adjust the cook time based on the size/width of meat and vegetables. For example, a small 8 ounce chicken breast will cook faster than a large 12 ounce chicken breast and a small sweet potato will cook faster than a large sweet potato. Read all recipes and directions carefully to determine how long to cook your food.
Is This Thing Safe
Instant Pots are safer than stovetop pressure cooking. Everyone has heard stories about old-time pressure cookers exploding. Your Instant Pot wont do that because the temperature and pressure inside the pot is carefully monitored and regulated through its programming.
Remember: Its your trusty cooking robot.
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Beginners Instant Pot Basic Instructions
What Is The Timer Button For
Some models have a button that reads Timer. While you may think that this is the button that sets the cooking time for your Instant Pot, it actually delays cooking time and will start the cooking when the timer counts down. You can set the cooking time with the plus/minus buttons or the dial, depending on the model.
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When Should I Use The Keep Warm Function
The Instant Pot can be kept on Keep Warm after cooking most foods. In fact, its very handy if you are finished cooking before youre ready to serve food. Some foods like rice, quinoa, or anything that has soaked up a lot of liquid should be monitored or warmed in a more moist environment to prevent dryness or burning. You can select Keep Warm cycle before you start cooking or after.
Which Tools Are Helpful When Making Instant Pot Dips
This recipe uses a 6-quart Instant Pot. Or, if you prefer another brand of electric pressure cooker, I really recommend the Cuisinart 6-quart because its so simplistic and easy to use. Keep in mind that all electric pressure cookers, no matter which brand they are, work under the same premise.
Silicone Spatula Spoons Of all the tools in my kitchen, silicone spatula spoons are what I use the most. They make stirring and sautéing a breeze and I love all the pretty silicone colors available. Silicone spatula spoons are completely heat-proof so they wont melt, even when used over high temperatures. I like to have different sizes on hand for different kitchen tasks soooo handy!
Ground meat crumbler/chopper If you cook a lot of ground meats like we do, you definitely need a meat crumbler to make it fast and easy.
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Why Use An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. And there are many accessories that will help you get more out of your Instant Pot.
If you dont have one yet, check out our guide on which one to buy. You can also check out our Instant Pot page for more information.
Inspecting Your Instant Pot Before Each Use
1. Remove the stainless steel inner pot and look inside the instant pot base. You will see the heating element. The heating element should always be free of debris and dry before you use you the Instant Pot. After washing, I always dry my stainless steel inner pot thoroughly before returning it to the base unit.
2. Check that the silicone sealing ring is fitted properly onto the lid and is clean and free of tears.
3. Remove the steam release valve from the Instant Pot lid by gently pulling it straight up. Make sure it is clean and free of debris. Some foods, such as applesauce, pasta and oatmeal may froth and foam when you cook them and can clog the steam release valve. Check the steam release valve each time you use your Instant Pot. If it is dirty clean it under running water and then put it back on the Instant Pot lid.
4. Check the float valve to ensure it is clean and free of debris. Clean it with warm water as needed. You may place the lid under running water as needed to wash it.
Making sure that all parts of your Instant Pot are clean and in good working condition can help you to have the best success with pressure cooking. My post about the Instant Pot burn message tells you both how to prevent getting this warning and what to do if you do get a burn message.
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Can You Air Fry In An Instant Pot
You sure can. Where the Ninja Foodi’s crisping lid once had a leg up is no longer Instant Pot’s blind spot. The fall 2019 collection brought the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which opened the door for a collection of other air-frying Instant Pots with Pro, Plus, or both tacked onto the end of the name. There are also multiple dedicated air frying convection ovens by Instant Brands that do not pressure cook.
For folks who already have an Instant Pot and don’t want to replace it just to buy the Duo Crisp, Instant Pot released a standalone air fryer lid that attaches to regular Instant Pots and turns them into an air fryer. This lid works on all existing models with the exception of the Instant Pot Pro Plus, the now- discontinued Duo Evo Plus, Duo SV, Smart WiFi, or Max. This lid is compatible with the Duo Nova, which is also discontinued.
Still confused about what air frying even is? Read our simplified explanation of the crisping craze and check out some of the best air fryers.
A Beginner’s Guide To Instant Pot Cooking
Welcome to the wonderful, slightly wild world of Instant Pots, the multi-tasking devices that are designed to make your life a whole lot easier. The most popular brand, simply called Instant Pot, is an electric pressure cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and a saute pan that has a whole bunch of pre-programmed settings meant for the cooks who want to set it and forget it.
Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s a little bit more complicated than all that. In fact, the biggest complaint about this popular piece of kitchen equipment is that the manual is a tough read, which is one reason loads of community forums have popped up, offering great advice about how to approach this helpful tool instead of letting it gather dust in the cupboard. Here’s what we’ve learned from poring over user’s suggestions, hints, tips, and advice.
1. Start Slowly
Because so many cooks feel right at home with a slow cooker, head in that direction as a way to become familiar with the various buttons and settings. The beauty of this high-functioning device is that it has the ability to saute, so braising is super easy. Press the saute button and wait for the display to read “hot” before adding food. Then, after the food has browned, hit the slow cooker button and set the timer, according to the recipe instructions. After cooking, the Instant Pot keeps the food warm for up to six hours.
Try testing your braising/slow cooker skills with this winner from Chef John:
2. Under Pressure
Read More:
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Release The Pressure Safely
When you release the pressure, the escaping steam will be very hothot enough to burn you. So make sure the hole on top of the steam release is facing away from you before pressing the release button. Also, the quick-release method is not suitable for soups or cereals , because quick release may cause food to splatter out with the steam.
The Benefits Of Using An Instant Pot
An instant pot is a cooking device that combines pressure cooking and multi-cooking. Instant pots are great for both regular and slow cooking. This means that an instant pot can function as a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and even a rice cooker. In addition, most instant pots have a saute function as well, which means that they can be used to make sauces and soups. The result is a versatile cooking tool that offers a wide range of functionality. Instant pots are a great value, as most models are under $200. There are also models that are sold online for up to $500, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
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Is An Instant Pot Really Worth It
Thereâs no denying an Instant Pot is a great kitchen appliance but you may be wondering if itâs really worth it? Or will it simply end up as another kitchen gadget that languishes on your countertop gathering dust?
Itâs important to remember that while Instant Pots offer a multitude of cooking methods, many of which means you no longer need to use an oven or a hob, they canât cook everything. For example, theyâre not an option if you regularly prepare pasta, noodles, or stir frys. And while some do come with lids that can air fry, we found making fries in an Instant Pot wasnât as good as using one of the best air fryers.
At the same time, you canât just pop the lid off and check the dish youâre cooking, as you would when using the hob, the oven, or a slow cooker. Youâll need to release the pressure, effectively stop cooking, and detach the lid. Then if the dish isnât ready, youâll need to start cooking again.
Similarly, an Instant Pot can certainly shave a few hours off cooking stews, ribs and other dishes that usually take the best part of a day to cook, however with dishes like rice or steaming vegetables the time saving is minimal, which may mean an Instant Pot isnât worth the investment.
Get To Know The Design
Electric pressure cookers come with an inner pot and an outer pot , as well as a lid that creates an airtight seal.
The airtight seal is what creates the pressure, which will eventually need to be released, and to do so safely, youll need to read the directions that come with your pot. But generally speaking, youll either use the quick-release method , or the natural-release method .
Test Kitchen tip: A cool, wet towel placed on the lid can help speed up the release process.
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Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to white potatoes thats gained popularity over the years. And now you can make your own baked sweet potato in your Instant Pot.
These deliciously sweet and fluffy potatoes come out just perfect and make for a great meal or side dish with your favorite toppings.
How Does Instant Pot Work
An Instant Pot is an innovative pressure cooker creating a highly pressurized environment by mixing heat and steam to cook food instantly. Even though Instant Pot is a relatively new brand, the pressure cooker has been around since the 1700s!
Instant Pots sealing ring produces an airtight environment that permits pressure and heat to build safely.
Utilizing an Instant Pot is relatively simple because its an all-in-one device for cooking several components of a meal simultaneously.
> Check out these handy pressure cooking accessories HERE!
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Want More Practice Bring It Back To Pressure
You did it! Great job. Try it all over again with the same hot water, if you like. This time, the timing on the cooker should default to 10 minutes, since that’s the last time you programmed in. Do the same steps as before but program the cooker to pressure cook for just 1 minute.
Since the water is in your cooker is already almost boiling to begin with, the cooker will come to pressure a lot faster than it did the first timewithin a minute or so.
Coco Morante
Expert Tips And Tricks
- Avoid a steamy kitchen. Using the Instant Pot near a window or door is an easy way to release the pressure outside instead of inside.
- Let it rest. Allowing meat to come to room temperature about 15 minutes before cooking will allow it to heat up sooner than with cold meat.
- Go faster. In order to pressurize even quicker add hot liquid to the pot.
- Skip takeout. Forget to defrost dinner? No problems here since pressure cookers can easily prepare frozen meat.
- Check the ring. The silicone ring is critical to getting a proper seal on the lid and can be the reason your Instant Pot isnt pressurizing.
- Add enough liquid. The official Instant Pot manual suggest at least 1 cup of liquid in the pot in order for it to properly pressurize.
- Clean out the collector. This guy can go unseen for a while, so dont forget to give him a good scrub!
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If I Already Have A Slow Cooker And A Rice Cooker Do I Really Need Another Appliance
Well, we cant dictate what you need. However, the Instant Pot is more functional than a slow cooker and a rice cooker combined because it can also pressure-cook. The word instant in the name gives it away: You can cook things astonishingly fast in a pressure cookereven notoriously slow-cooking or labor-intensive foods, such as risotto and brisket.
We think rice cooked in the Instant Pot is fine for most people, though the grains dont come out as fluffy and light as they do from a high-end rice cooker like our top pick, the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10. Rice aficionados might want to keep their rice cookers, especially for cooking sushi-grade grains.
If youre worried about clutter, you can donate your old appliances to a charity, or hand them off to someone in your life whos just starting out. Were sure theyd appreciate them.
How To Cook With The Instant Pot
How you use your Instant Pot depends on what you’re cooking. But, many recipes — especially those involving meat — tend to follow this formula:
The above steps can vary quite a bit, depending on the recipe, but most of what I cook in my Instant Pot follows that sequence.
Here, the Instant Pot’s valve is in Sealing position.
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Glass Instant Pot Lid
For when you want to turn your Instant Pot into a slow cooker! MAGIC. It also lets you see your food while it cooks which is essential for things like that homemade kettle corn above which is one of our newest obsessions.
ALSO, you can swap out the pressure cooking lid with this one after cook time to make it easier to serve up pots of chili or even homemade apple cider. #winning
LOVE YOU FOREVER, INSTANT POT. Heres where you can find the Instant Pot once more if youre feeling inspired.
And heres a collection of the best Instant Pot recipes we tried from all around the internet.
What else can it do that were missing? We need to know.
