Steaming small potatoes in the Instant Pot is a fast, convenient way to get perfectly tender, flavorful potatoes for side dishes, salads, or meal prep. The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot means you can cook baby potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerlings in just a fraction of the time it would take to boil or roast them, and without the need to watch a pot. This guide will walk you through exactly how to steam small potatoes in the Instant Pot, what you’ll need, common pitfalls to avoid, troubleshooting advice, and answers to frequently asked questions so you can achieve perfect results every time.
What You’ll Need
- Instant Pot (any size will work, but 6-quart is most common)
- Small potatoes (baby potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerlings; up to 2 pounds)
- Water (at least 1 cup for a 6-quart Instant Pot, 1.5 cups for 8-quart)
- Steamer basket or trivet (to keep potatoes out of the water, optional but recommended)
- Tongs or spoon (for removing hot potatoes safely)
- Salt, pepper, and optional seasonings (for serving)
Step-by-Step
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Leave the skins on, as they help the potatoes hold their shape and add flavor and nutrition.
- Add water to the Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of cold water into the inner pot if using a 6-quart Instant Pot. If you have an 8-quart model, use 1.5 cups of water. This is essential for the pressure cooker to build steam.
- Place the steamer basket or trivet inside. Set a steamer basket or the metal trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the inner pot. This keeps the potatoes above the water so they steam rather than boil.
- Add the small potatoes. Place the washed potatoes in a single layer in the basket or on the trivet. If you are cooking more than 1 pound, it’s fine to stack them, but a single layer will cook most evenly.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Make sure the Instant Pot lid is locked in place and the pressure release valve is set to Sealing.
- Pressure cook on high. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode, High pressure. The cooking time depends on the size of your potatoes:
- For very small potatoes (1-inch diameter): 4 minutes
- For small potatoes (1.5-inch diameter): 6 minutes
- For medium potatoes (2-inch diameter): 8 minutes
If you’re unsure, start with the lower time; you can always cook for another minute if needed.
- Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release. When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Check for doneness. Open the lid away from you to avoid steam burns. Test a potato with a fork or knife; it should slide in easily. If not, re-secure the lid and cook for 1-2 more minutes on high pressure with a quick release.
- Serve or use as desired. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, butter, herbs, or your favorite toppings. Use immediately, or store for later use in salads or meal prep.
Common Mistakes
- Adding too little water: The Instant Pot needs at least 1 cup of water to build pressure. Less than that may trigger a burn warning or prevent pressure from building.
- Overcrowding the pot: Stacking too many potatoes can result in uneven cooking. If cooking more than 2 pounds, consider cooking in batches.
- Skipping the steamer basket or trivet: Potatoes sitting directly in water will boil and may become waterlogged or mushy, rather than steamed and fluffy.
- Not adjusting time for potato size: Larger or denser potatoes require a bit more time. Undercooking or overcooking can lead to hard centers or mushy outsides.
- Releasing pressure too soon: Immediately releasing pressure can cause potatoes to break apart or burst. The 5-minute natural release helps them finish cooking gently.
- Not checking doneness before serving: Always test a potato before serving. If it’s not tender, it’s easy to cook for another minute.
Tips
- Uniform size: Try to use potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. If some are much larger, cut them in half.
- Season after cooking: Seasoning the potatoes after steaming gives the best flavor. Toss with olive oil, butter, fresh herbs, or your favorite spice blend.
- Meal prep: Steamed small potatoes keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use them in salads, hash, or as a quick side dish all week.
- Peeling: There’s no need to peel small potatoes. The skins are thin, nutritious, and help the potatoes hold together.
- Serving ideas: Try tossing hot steamed potatoes with garlic butter, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Leftovers: Leftover steamed potatoes can be crisped up in a skillet or air fryer for delicious home fries.
Troubleshooting
- Potatoes are undercooked: If your potatoes aren’t tender after cooking, simply return them to the Instant Pot, add 1/4 cup more water if needed, and cook for 1-2 more minutes at high pressure. Use a quick release.
- Potatoes are overcooked/mushy: Next time, reduce the pressure cooking time by 1-2 minutes and be sure to use the natural release for only 5 minutes before quick releasing the rest of the pressure.
- Burn warning: This usually means not enough water was added or the water evaporated before pressure built. Always use at least 1 cup of water for a 6-quart Instant Pot, and ensure the sealing ring is properly in place.
- Potatoes have uneven texture: This can result from mixing sizes or overcrowding. Cut larger potatoes in half for more uniform results, and avoid filling past the “max” line.
- Instant Pot won’t come to pressure: Check that the lid is properly sealed, the steam release is set to Sealing, and there’s enough water in the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I steam potatoes without a steamer basket?
- Yes, you can place the potatoes on the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot. If you have neither, place potatoes directly in the water, but note they will be more boiled than steamed.
- Should I cut larger small potatoes in half?
- If some potatoes are noticeably larger than others, it’s best to cut them in half. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Do I need to pierce small potatoes before steaming?
- No, it’s not necessary to pierce baby potatoes. They rarely burst during steaming, and leaving them whole helps keep them moist and flavorful.
- How do I store leftover steamed potatoes?
- Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer.
- Can I steam other vegetables with the potatoes?
- Yes, but keep in mind that many vegetables cook faster than potatoes. Add delicate vegetables (like green beans or broccoli) after pressure cooking, using the sauté or steam function for a few minutes.
- What are the best potatoes to use?
- Any small, waxy potato works well: baby Yukon golds, red potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerlings. Starchy potatoes like russets are better for baking or mashing.
Steaming small potatoes in the Instant Pot is a simple, hands-off way to prepare a healthy and versatile ingredient. With just a few minutes of prep and the right settings, you can enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes as an easy side or in your favorite recipes. Experiment with seasoning and serving ideas to make the most of this quick technique!
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Instant Pot Small Potatoes: Easy Steaming Guide and Tips