How To Close Instant Pot Lid

How To Clean An Instant Pot

• Working Time: 30 – 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 – 2 hrs

• Skill Level: Beginner

Instant Pot, Crockpot, and other brands of similar multi-functional countertop cookers can be found in many households. The appliance combines the actions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, and warmer into one programmable, versatile unit. Ranging in size from 3 quarts to 8 quarts, some models even have inserts so you can bake cupcakes, coddle an egg, or steam fish and vegetables.

Once you’ve mastered all the settings and recipes, you’ll also need to clean the cooker properly to keep it in top shape for years of cooking.

How To Fix Instant Pot Lid Error Code

• Save

If you havent been living under the rock, you would know that Instant Pots have become the kitchen staples. The Instant Pot is designed to deliver faster cooking performance and is pretty easy to use. However, there are some Instant Pot lid error codes that users usually dont know about. In this article, we are sharing the error codes and solutions for fixing the error code!

Pressure Cooking Requires Liquid

Before we continue, we must mention the most important aspect of pressure cooking. It requires liquid. This is because the pressure is built by the steam accumulating inside the pot, which is produced from the liquid.

Whether youre cooking rice, chicken breasts, pot roast, carrots, stew or cheesecake, you will need at least a cup of liquid for the Instant Pot to do its job.

This is a total amount of liquid and can be in the form of water, stock, tomato sauce, juice, wine and liquids released from the food while cooking , or a combination of those. Amount of liquid required varies depending on the recipe and amount of food but as a rule of thumb, 1 cup is always a good starting point. Also, the food doesnt need to be completely covered or submerged in liquid to cook.

Also Check: How To Steam In An Instant Pot

How To Open & Close The Lid

First Instant Pot setup skill you need to master is opening & closing the Instant Pot Lid with ease.

As shown in photo below, the black markings on the lid & pot may not be easy to spot at first.

• Markings on lid: Close Inverted Triangle Open
• Markings on exterior housing: Locked Triangle Unlocked Triangle

• Open Lid : twist counter clockwise until Inverted Triangle is aligned with the Unlocked Triangle sign, then lift the lid.
• Close Lid : align the Inverted Triangle with the Unlocked Triangle, then twist clockwise to lock the lid.

Tips To Keep Your Instant Pot Clean Longer

• You can remove the rings and soak them overnight in white distilled vinegar to remove tough odors.
• To help prevent cross-contamination of flavors and odors, use one sealing ring for savory and spicy foods and another for sweet or baked foods.
• As an alternative, use a small foam painting brush or pastry brush to clean out all those nooks and crannies.
• Never use steel wool or an abrasive sponge to clean the inner surfaces of your Instant Pot. Those items can damage the finish or leave tiny bits of steel in the appliance.

Also Check: How Long To Cook Pre Cooked Ribs In Instant Pot

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Wings In Instant Pot

For fresh instant pot chicken wings, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.For more detailed instructions with step by step photos on how to cut chicken wings check out this resource.Frozen chicken breasts , 4 to 6 ounces:Frozen chicken drumsticks, 4 ounces:

Frozen chicken thighs, 4 to 8 ounces:Frozen chicken wings, 2 to 3 ounces:How do you cook them from frozen?How to make instant pot frozen chicken wings?

If five minutes are up and it still isnt finished releasing, go ahead and do a quick release.Instant pot chicken wings is the answer when you are looking for the easiest and best way to make wings when you are in a hurry.Instant pot frozen chicken wings.Instant pot frozen chicken wings.

Is it safe to cook frozen chicken in the instant pot?It very easy to make instant pot chicken wings while the wings are rock solid frozen.Lock the lid onto the pot.Make them from frozen with only 10 minutes cooking time!

Next set your instant pot to cook for 12 minutes.Pat the chicken wings with paper towels to dry.Place a steamer basket in instant pot, then add chicken wings and drumettes in the steamer basket.Place a steaming basket or trivet in the inner pot of the instant pot and add 1 cup of water.

Pour 1 cup of water or broth into the bottom of the instant pot.Pour half the bottle of barbecue or wing sauce into your instant pot or pressure cooker.Pour in 1 cup of water.Put the lid on and turn to the sealing position.

Whisk into sauce and cook.

Start With The Easiest Fixes First

Before we get into any fixes that involve replacing parts or pieces, there are a few common Instant Pot issues you should always check:

If you add frozen food to your pot, your pot might take an unusually long time to come to pressure. If you know youll be adding frozen food to the pot I recommend adding the water first and pressing saute to warm the water up. This helps your pot some to pressure faster.

Read Also: How To Cook Frozen Tamales In Instant Pot

An 8 Quart Instant Pot

The 8-quart models are much more prone to overheating and getting a burn notice, as it is a bit more finicky and the saute function reaches higher temperatures.

To combat this, when using the saute, adjust to medium heat instead of high heat. Also, it is best to wait 5 minutes after you turn the saute function off to let the machine cool before proceeding to cook under pressure.

Final pro-Tip: Get to know your Instant Pot. They are like people. All are unique, and some are a bit more temperamental than others, if your pressure cooker is more apt to overheat and get a burn notice you need to be a bit more cautious and follow these tips closely. If your pot seems laid-back and easy-going–you can get away with a lot more.

If these tips did not solve your issue, contact Instant Pot Customer service who will be able to direct you accordingly.

This post was originally published in 2017 but was updated in 2020 with a few more common issues that readers have shared with me.

Check The Sealing Ring

One of the things you have to check in an instant pot before cooking is the sealing ring. Open up your instant pot and push the sealing ring through the ring rack until it is seated properly. To confirm if it is in position, try turning the ring rack.

If it rotates or moves around the ring rack, then you know it is sealed. In the rare case that your sealing ring is misplaced or missing, your pot might start leaking steam by the sides, and it becomes necessary to replace the sealing ring.

Another possibility is that your sealing ring has overextended because of the heat, and it doesnt return to its natural state. Consider putting the sealing ring in a freezer or run cold water on it so it can contract and get back in shape. Check for food debris in the sealing ring that might not let it stay in position so you can remove it with soap and water.

You May Like: Cooking Ham In The Instant Pot

Filling It Over Max Level

This is very common and also a major reason an instant pot explodes. People tend to fill the pot over the max level.

If you fill it over the max level there are chances of some food which expands while they cook to get clogged or trap the steam releasing valves which might release in excess pressure and explosions.

The Lid Wont Come Off

First, make sure enough steam has been released after pressure cooking. Whether you choose a natural pressure release or quick release, give the Pot time to get rid of the steam and cool down. Remember, Instant Pots are designed to be extra-safe, so the pot wont let you open the lid with too much pressure still inside the pot. A little bit of patience can often fix this issue.

Otherwise, the lid probably wont come off because the steam release button is stuck. If youre sure all of the pressure has been released from the pot, use a spoon handle and tap the button beside the release valve.

Also Check: Ground Turkey Pressure Cooker Recipe

How To Remove A Float Valve And Replace It

This is how you remove the float valve. While you are still holding the float valve, remove the silicon cup of the float valve. At this point, the float valve will be free and will come out easily. Ensure you are careful not to misplace the silicon cap.

To put back the float valve thread it through the float valve hole. Hold in place on the outside of the lid put the silicone cap by pushing it on the float valve inside the lid.

How To Make Sure The Instant Pot Is Sealed To Build Pressure

For those who have the Instant Pot Ultra model, it automatically seals for you so you don’t have to manually do it yourself.

Read Also: Frozen Tamales In Pressure Cooker

Clean Instant Pot Lid And Components

Before cleaning your pressure cooker’s lid, the anti-block shield and silicone sealing ring should be removed and cleaned separately. The anti-block shield is a small round or oval element installed underneath the lid. To remove the anti-block shield, use your thumb to gently push the piece toward the lid rim and lift up to pop it off. Hand-wash the shield in warm, soapy water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Remove the sealing ring and inspect it carefully for cracking, warping, or other damage, which are signs you need to replace it. The sealing ring can be hand-washed in soapy water or placed in the dishwasher. Because it is heat-resistant, you can place it on either rack of your dishwasher.

With the anti-block shield and sealing ring removed, wash the Instant Pot lid in warm, soapy water or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Once clean, check the lid’s steam release valve and float valve to ensure they’re clear of food particles that could prevent the cooker from maintaining pressure. If needed, remove and hand-wash the cup that collects condensation.

Thoroughly Clean All Lid Components

There are a number of lid components that require cleaning. When everything is clean and dry, reassemble the lid.

Also Check: Which Instant Pot Has The Recall

When Do You Add Your Oil To The Instant Pot When You Saute

When the instant pot comes to temperature, you will add your oil. You will know its ready because the instant pot will set itself to Hot on the display.

Once youve added the oil, let it up come up to temperature as well. For all cooking, even stove top cooking, you know oil is hot because it will become shimmery in appearance.

I typically use olive oil when I cook, but you can use whatever you normally like to use.

When Should I Use 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.

Also Check: Tamales In Ninja Foodi

I Have Electric Pressure Cooker But Not An Instant Pot Brand

You can use any brand electric pressure cooker as long as it is an appliance and has an option for High pressure to make any recipe with Instant Pot in its title. The pressure psi is very similar for most appliances across the board. All you have to know is what to press to select high pressure and to pressure cook, an info that can be easily located in the user manual.

Above I use both Instant Pot Duo and Cosori electric pressure cookers to cook different types of beans. Same process, same results, just different buttons to push.

Common Instant Pot Problems And How To Fix Them

Here are some troubleshooting tips for when your Instant Pot is acting up.

My Instant Pot is a huge part of my kitchen. I use it all the time. It can cook dinner in a matter of minutes, make complicated recipes seem easier and makes cleaning after meals much less painful.

So when it stops working as normal, I’ll admit that chaos ensues. I figured out how to troubleshoot the most common Instant Pot problems and have found that most are easy fixes. Here’s what you need to know to keep your Instapot up and running, too.

These tips are for most Instant Pot Models, including the popular Instant Pot Duo options. Make sure to always consult the user manual for your specific model to troubleshoot.

Also Check: How To Cook Beets In Instant Pot

How To Safely Use The Pressure Valve On Your Instant Pot

So you just got an Instant Pot and can’t wait to use it to cook up some quick and easy delicious meals. There’s one problem: that pressure release valve can be a bit scary at first, and you don’t want to get hit with super hot steam as you try and get to your food! Don’t worry, we’re going to show you how to safely release the pressure from the valve in this guide.

Our Lids Form A Tight Grip To Your Inner Pot Ensuring No Spills

It’s As Easy As:

Step 1:Attach the hooked edge of the lid to one side of the lid. Press down the lid onto the inner pot.

Step 2: Using your thumbs to press down, go around the lid piece-by-piece & fold over the hooked edge of the lid onto the lip of the inner pot. Keep going until you feel the final part snap onto the pot. You’re all set!

Don’t Miss: How To Make Tamales In A Pressure Cooker