How to Use the Instant Pot 101 (With Video)

Learn How to Use the Instant Pot 101: Pressure Cooking Basics for beginners!

If you’re just getting started with the Instant Pot, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. It can be tricky to know where to start!

That’s why we’ve put together this list of beginner tips for using the Instant Pot. With these basics under your belt, you’ll be ready to start cooking all sorts of delicious meals in no time!

What’s So Special about Pressure Cooking?

One of the best things about pressure cooking is that it can save you a ton of time in the kitchen.

Traditional methods of cooking can take hours, but with the Instant Pot, you can have a meal on the table in a fraction of the time!

Another great thing about pressure cooking is that it can help to preserve nutrients in food. When food is cooked at a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time, fewer nutrients are lost.

This means that pressure-cooked meals can be healthier than those that are cooked using other methods.

Also, pressure cooking can produce some amazingly tender and flavorful results!

Meats that are typically tough and dry can become fork-tender when cooked in the Instant Pot.

And since pressure cooking concentrates flavors, your food will be packed with taste!

Finally, cooking in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to prepare a meal! And not just one meal… I love using my pressure cooker to meal prep several dishes at once for the week.

Use shredded chicken to make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas!

But before you start working on that meal plan, you need to know the basics of pressure cooking and how it works. You’ll get it all here in Instant Pot 101.

Getting Started with Your Instant Pot

Now that you know a little bit about what makes pressure cooking so great, let’s talk about how to get started with your Instant Pot!

If you’re new to using the Instant Pot, the first thing you should do is read the manual.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with your appliance and how it works before you start cooking.

What is a Pressure Cooker?

Instant Pot is actually a brand of electric pressure cookers. Like how the Crock Pot is a brand of the slow cooker.

There are many brands of modern pressure cookers on the market. In order to fully appreciate pressure cooking, it’s good to know how it works.

A pressure cooker is a sealed pot with a valve that controls the steam pressure inside.

As the pot heats up, the liquid inside forms steam, which raises the pressure in the pot. This high-pressure steam has two major effects:

Raises the boiling point of the water in the pot. When cooking something wet, like a stew or steamed vegetables, the heat of your cooking is limited to the boiling point of water (212°F). But with the steam’s pressure, the boiling point can get as high as 250°F. This higher heat helps the food to cook faster.
High pressure forces liquid into the food. The pressure also helps force moisture into the food, which not only helps cook foods faster, but certain foods, like tough meat, get really tender quickly.

The extra-high heat of the pressure cooker also promotes caramelization and browning. Rarely is food caramelizing when it’s cooking in liquid.

But the flavors created in a pressure cooker can be really deep and complex — unlike regular steamed foods.

Foods cooked in a pressure cooker, especially meats, just taste better.

instructional warning label of instant pot

So, now that you know the basics of pressure cooking, let’s see how it works.

Instant Pot Basics: Key Parts of a Pressure Cooker

No Instant Pot for Beginners lesson would be complete without an up-close introduction to the different pressure cooker device parts.

Below you’ll get to know the IP from top to bottom!

The Lid

Sealing lever: A lever at the top of the Instant Pot marked “sealed” and “venting.” It controls the sealing and venting of the pressure cooker.

During pressure cooking, turn the lever to “sealed.” For quick release, move the lever to “venting.”

IMPORTANT: protect yourself when turning the lever to “venting” and ensure the steam is facing away from you and others. I use a long-handled spoon to turn the knob.

Floating valve: A metal pin, located on the top of the pressure cooker that gauges the amount of pressure within the pot. When the pin is up, then the pot is pressurized.

When it is below the lid, there is not any pressure within the pot. Never open the Instant Pot unless the floating valve has completely dropped.

pressure cooking basics: the sealing lever and floating valve

Interior Parts

Sealing ring: A silicone ring, located underneath the lid that allows the Instant Pot to seal. Check that your sealing ring is positioned correctly (see below) every time before operating your pressure cooker.

Inner liner/pot: The inner pot in the Instant Pot is a stainless steel pot that sits on a burner. If you use your Instant Pot frequently, you might want to invest in an extra inner pot.

The Pressure Cooker Front

Mode or Function buttons: The Instant Pot is a digital pressure cooker. The buttons (or knob) on the front control the function.

To go from one function to another, for example – from sauté to pressure cooking – press cancel first. An IP can have up to 15 different functions, though most of them can be performed manually as well.

An Instant Pot 101 tip is to use the present functions if the recipe calls for it, or choose whatever function is closest to the recipe type.

front function panel: basics of pressure cooking

How to Lock the Instant Pot Lid

Lid – the lid twists and locks into place. Figuring out how to properly close and lock the lid is key to understanding the basics of pressure cooking. Securing the lid allows the pressure cooker to contain the pressure.

The lid is placed on at an angle, with markings to reflect where it goes, then locks when twisted. You can see below where the arrows line up to show the lid is locked.

how to lock the instant pot lid: basics of pressure cooking — *How to lock the Instant Pot lid*

Basics of Pressure Cooking: Instant Pot Terms and Tips for Beginners

Many pressure cooker recipes use a handful of terms that are particular to the Instant Pot.

You want to be familiar with them and what they mean before you get to cooking!

this photo illustrates the supplies used for basics of pressure cooking

Instant Pot Basics: Cooking Terms 101

Natural pressure release (NPR): After the cooking cycle, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure on its own (let it sit) until the Floating Valve completely drops.

Quick pressure release (QR): After the cooking cycle finished, manually move the Venting Knob from “sealing” to “venting” to quickly release the pressure inside the pressure cooker. Wait until the Floating Valve completely drops before opening the lid.

Sauté: A function that allows for sautéing, browning, and simmering in the Instant Pot.

High pressure: High Pressure cooks at 10.2 – 11.6 psi.

Low pressure: Low Pressure cooks at 5.8 – 7.2 psi.

Pot or Pan in Pot: this method allows you to cook more than one dish separately in the same pot, at the same time. Place the ingredients in an oven-safe container on a rack inside the pressure cooker, separating it from the liquid and/or ingredients directly in the pot.

5-5-5: High Pressure 5 minutes, Natural Release 5 minutes, Ice Bath 5 minutes. This is primarily used for making hard boiled eggs.

Instant Pot Basics: Beginner Tips

Start by cooking simple recipes. Don’t try to tackle a complicated dish right off the bat! Stick to something straightforward like boiled eggs, rice, or soup.

Be sure to add enough liquid. The Instant Pot needs at least 1 cup of liquid in order to come to pressure and operate properly.

Use the right size insert. The Instant Pot comes with a 6-quart insert, but there is also an 8-quart size available. Be sure to use the insert that corresponds to the size of your Instant Pot.

Don’t overfill! The Instant Pot should never be more than 2/3 full in order to operate properly.

Be patient. It takes time for the Instant Pot to come under pressure and for the food to cook. Don’t be tempted to open the lid to check on your food before it’s finished!

For more tips, check out my Tips & Hacks for the Instant Pot.

How to Pick the Right Pressure Cooker

There are many different types of pressure cookers out there. If you are looking to purchase one, my recommendation is to go with the Instant Pot brand for these reasons:

There are more accessories, such as tempered-glass lids, silicone lids, and the availability of replacement parts for the Instant Pot.

It uses a stainless steel inner pot which promotes better searing and browning.

And, most recipes are based on the functions of the Instant Pot.

The slight price difference might not be worth the easier learning curve that comes with the Instant Pot brand.

Which Kind of Pressure Cooker is Best for You?

Another Instant Pot for beginners recommendation is to go with the basic model. The exception is if you’ll use special features like a yogurt setting.

I’ve found that I primarily use the pressure and sauté modes on my pot. So, purchasing a 12-in-one pot might not be necessary.

Choosing the right size pressure cooker is very important. I recommend the 6-quart size for general use.

However, the 3-quart size is a good option when cooking almost exclusively for 1-2 people. And, the 8 or 10-quart is good for those who are cooking for 6 or more.