Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are perfectly fluffy potatoes cooked in a digital pressure cooker. No aluminum foil is needed!
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Why This Recipe Works
Before I got the Instant Pot digital pressure cooker, I used my slow cooker to make baked potatoes. It's a great way to cook them if you don't have a pressure cooker. However, this method is much faster and I can have baked potatoes ready in about 20 minutes, perfectly fluffy and ready for our favorite toppings.
If you need an easy lunch, make these Instant Pot Baked Potatoes and fill them with leftover chili, pulled BBQ pork, chicken, or Mexican quinoa. They are also absolutely delicious topped with cheese sauce or spinach artichoke dip. Tasty! You also need to try my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe. Total time-saver!
How to make baked potatoes in the Instant Pot?
- To cook your potatoes in the Instant Pot digital pressure cooker, use the wire trivet that came with the IP. If you don't have one, check out the helpful tips section below.
- Add one cup of water to the stainless steel insert and arrange the potatoes on the trivet.
- Close the lid and turn the valve to the "sealing" position. Set a timer. Make sure the IP is set to cook on high pressure.
- When the time is up and the Instant Pot beeps, press the "cancel/off" button and let it release the pressure naturally.
- Use kitchen tongs to remove the potatoes from the pressure cooker and set them on a platter. Done! Your potatoes are ready!
It's important to poke the potatoes with a fork. It allows the steam from the potatoes to escape during cooking.
No foil is needed to cook the potatoes in your pressure cooker.
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How long do I cook baked potatoes in the Instant Pot?
I tested this recipe starting at 12 minutes. The potatoes were cooked but too firm for my liking. When cooked for 14 minutes, they were soft and fluffy inside. I used medium size potatoes. If using small ones, 12 minutes should be enough. If using large potatoes, add 2 more minutes of cooking time.
For small potatoes (about 1.5 inches in diameter): set the timer to 12 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
For medium potatoes (about 2 inches in diameter): set the timer for 14 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
For large potatoes (about 2.5 inches in diameter and larger): set the timer to 16 (up to 18) minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
My 6-quart Instant Pot took about 8 minutes to come to pressure.
Helpful Tips!
- If you store your potatoes in the fridge, remove them at least 30 minutes before cooking. Cold potatoes will not cook evenly (the outside will be cooked and the center solid).
- Please note, baking potatoes are much larger in size than regular Russet potatoes. They will need a longer cooking time.
- Make sure that your Instant Pot is set to cooking at "high pressure". Check your settings, especially if you are new to this appliance.
- Do not forget to poke holes in the potatoes. This rule goes for baking them in the oven as well.
- Let the pressure release naturally after the cooking cycle is done. Do not switch the valve to the venting position. In my experience, the natural release takes anywhere from 12 to 16 minutes.
- Please note, that every pressure cooker takes time to build up pressure before the timer starts. In my experience, this takes about 8 to 12 minutes (depending on the temperature of your ingredients and the temperature in your home).
Recipe FAQs:
If you prefer baked potatoes with crispy skin, pop them under a broiler OR use an air fryer! It only takes a few minutes to get the skin nice and crispy.
To cook the potatoes properly, they need to be elevated and not touch the water. If you don't have the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot, use aluminum foil pie tin (placed upside down), balls of aluminum foil, or a steamer basket.
If you are cooking for a larger group, try placing the potatoes on a trivet vertically. They should fit nicely and cook well.
The time stays the same even if you are cooking just 2 potatoes.
To learn how to cook sweet potatoes, check out my Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe with a bonus shortcut!
More Instant Pot Recipes:
For more recipes using the digital pressure cooker, feel free to browse our Instant Pot Category. Also, check out my Instant Pot Guide for Beginners, filled with all the info you need to get started with your new appliance! Seeing the BURN message on your IP? Read my Instant Pot Burn Message post to learn why and how to save your dish.
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes recipe
Ingredients
- 5 medium Russet potatoes
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Make sure the stainless steel insert is inside the Instant Pot. Add one cup of cold water to insert.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes clean. Poke with fork several times all over the surface of each potato.
- Place wire rack inside the insert. Arrange potatoes on the rack.
- Place lid on Instant Pot and turn the valve to "sealing" position.
- Make sure your IP is set to cook on HIGH pressure. Press the "manual" button and set timer to 14 minutes. See notes on cooking time.
- The Instant Pot will beep and start coming to pressure. When the valve comes up, it means it came to pressure and the timer will start within seconds.
- When done, the Instant Pot will beep a few times. Let it release the pressure naturally.
- Carefuly open the lid away from your face.
- Gently remove the potatoes and place on a platter.
- Serve potatoes with your favorite toppings: butter, spices, cheddar, sour cream, chives or parsley.
Video
Notes
- I tested this recipe starting at 12 minutes. The potatoes were cooked but too firm for my liking. When cooked for 14 minutes, they were soft and fluffy inside. I used medium size potatoes. If using small ones, 12 minutes should be enough. If using large potatoes, add 2 more minutes of cooking time.
- It's important to poke the potatoes with a fork. It allows the steam from the potatoes to escape during cooking.
- No foil is needed to cook the potatoes in your pressure cooker.
- Make sure you are adding cold water to the Instant Pot. If you use warm water it will change the time it takes the IP to come to pressure, cooking time and the final result.
- For Instant Pot MINI: cook max. 2 russet potatoes and enough water that fills the plastic cup that came with the mini. Cooking time remains the same.
Desaree says
Hi, I’m just sharing in case you’re anything like me. I just lost (after a move-I prob thought I never use this round metal thing..I’m downsizing all the time) the metal piece that keeps the food out of the liquid. So I laid the potato down and fashioned 4 feet with toothPicks. Works great!
Melinda says
Love this!
David says
Timing was way off. Like others I suggest 20 minutes. Potatoe was still solid inside after 14+4mins natural release. And forked them too
Anna says
Hi David! Is your Instant Pot set to cook at HIGH pressure? The potatoes should have been done. I am sorry you had trouble!
MATILDA PADILLA says
How do I know IP is on high ?
Griff says
The IP defaults to High when you use the Manual setting.
Laura says
Hi, what if I don’t have a rack or the rivet. Can I place the potatoes in the instant pot without it?
Bethany says
Ball up aluminum foil and place in bottom! Works just as good!
Andrea Tasi says
1 c water &4 6-8 oz russetts in 6 qt instapot on high for 14 min then 5 minutes natural vent= totally hard potatoes.
Redid for 5 more minutes: done.
I’d suggest 19-20 min unless you have tiny potatoes!!
A wonderful option to not heat up the kitchen on a summer evening!
Regina Hartson says
Hi, I am going to try your recipe however in the information on here above the actual recipe it states "When the time is up and the Instant Pot beeps, press “cancel/off” button and let it release the pressure naturally for about 4 minutes. The switch the valve to “venting” position and do a quick pressure release." Just want to clarify is it a full natural release as written in the recipe or 4 mins with a quick release? Thanks so much, Geni
Anna says
Hi Regina! The instructions in the recipe box are correct. I recommend the full natural release. Hope this helps!
Diana says
Does anyone know if cooking time will differ if the pot is full of potatoes? I need to make a bulk batch.
Kim Vaughn says
Wanting to cook 7 potatoes. What did you decide about cooking a bulk batch?
Nicole says
Cook the vertically . Works great!!!
Jane says
First time trying baked potatoes in the instant pot and found your recipe. My potatoes were really large so I tried 17 minutes and they were perfect. Made for such an easy baked potato bar!
Anna says
That's fantastic, Jane! Thank you!
Junie says
I have 3 instant pots (I love them). I need to bake 25 potatoes for a party tonight. I’m going to use all 3 pots but I’m wondering if I could put all of them into the 8 qt one. Has anyone tried it?
HoopsGirl says
Hi Junie,
I had the same question and did some research on other recipes and found this: "Cooking more than 8 potatoes (if they’ll fit!) will need longer cooking times. "
I'm going to try about 20 medium potatoes (7-9oz) for 14 minutes high pressure, 10 mins natural release... I'll do them 1/2 hour before guests arrive and put them in the oven at 250 to hold. That way, if I have to bake a little higher they will still be done.
Hope this helps- good luck!!
Jenna says
How did that work for you? I’d like to do about 25 potatoes, I have a 10qt IP.
Natali says
Awesome recipe, I can't wait to try them. I'll be making them to sever with our dinner tonight(Hopefully ( - Ok so Question... What if I can't find my wife rack that came with my insta pot? Can I improvise, or just go on with the recipe with it? ?
Anna says
Hi Natali! You really should use the trivet, otherwise, the potatoes will be cooking in the water.
Cameron Weirbach says
You can use your own steamer basket
Rob says
I crumpled up tin foil to rest them on.
peggy vinyard says
you can make aluminum foil balls and lay the potatoes on top of the foil
Lori says
Oh darn, I happened upon this recipe and you Anna, too late! That is, unless you respond quickly. Mine is a pressure cooker, and I don't know how many kpa (similar to psi) to use. I believe it goes up by +10 increments. I already have my potatoes and water in the cooker, so I'm going to set it at 60 kpa, and keep my fingers crossed that they turn out as wonderful as everyone proclaims!
Anna says
Hi Lori! I do not have experience with kpa but from my quick research 100 kpa equals 14.5 psi. I don't know if that helps at all but I would love it if you shared how it went. I think it could be helpful to others. I hope the potatoes come out fluffy and delicious! Let me know!
Robin Lackey says
I am new to instant pot but enjoy potatoes. Great recipe, thanks for sharing
Corey says
I was worried the time would'nt be enough, but they did turn out great!
Casey Bacon says
Can I put more than 5 in at a time?
Kari says
2 medium potatoes and 2 medium sweet potatoes. The russets were not done after 16 minutes. Funny, the sweet potatoes that were supposed to take longer were done. They are back in for another 5.
Natalie says
These were the BEST baked potatoes I've ever made! Loving my Instant Pot even more now. Thank you for the recipe!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Awesome! I am so glad it was a hit!