• Home
  • Email List
  • Cookbooks
  • FAQs
  • Instant Pot Secrets
  • Sponsor Me

365 Days of Slow Cooking and Pressure Cooking

Easy slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes for each day of the year

  • Filter Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Meatless
  • healthy
  • Soups

February 13, 2020

Instant Pot Cooking Times

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Need a quick cheat sheet to find out how long to cook certain foods in the Instant Pot? I’ve got you covered! Here is a Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet for several common foods.

Pin this for later!

Need a quick cheat sheet to find out how long to cook certain foods in the Instant Pot? I've got you covered! Here are Instant Pot cooking times for several common foods.

Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet

Are you just getting started with your Instant Pot? Or maybe you’re an old pro but you can never remember certain cooking times for certain foods. Whatever the case I intend to make this article helpful to you. I have created a chart for you to use as a quick reference when you’re cooking. I’ve also created a printable chart so that you can keep it in your kitchen. I have mine laminated and put it next to my cookbooks.

Related: How to Double Instant Pot Recipes and How to Halve Instant Pot Recipes

Pin this for later!

The chart lists the cooking times that I use when I make these foods. Everyone has different preferences on how well done they like foods. You may need to adjust the times to your personal preference. These times are what I use in my 6 quart Instant Pot. If you’re using a 3 quart pot or an 8 quart pot the times might slightly vary.

Everything in my chart is meant to be cooked on high pressure. I always use my Manual/Pressure Cook button.

NPR stands for Natural Pressure Release and QR stands for Quick Release. If you don’t know what this means please read my article called “What is Natural Pressure Release?” When I say 10 minute or 5 minute NPR it just means that you let the pot sit for 5-10 minutes and then move the valve to venting. It is a combination of the natural pressure release and the quick release. If you’re looking for a particular food and it is not on my list just leave a comment and I will add it to my chart. This resource will be added to and clarified as needed! So bookmark this page (or pin it) for future reference.

Print the chart

If you’d like a PRINTABLE VERSION of this chart you can download it by clicking the black Download button here:

Instant-Pot-Cooking-Times_Download

Pin this for later!

Food Cooking Time Pressure Release Method Notes

Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for slicing)

1 minute per ounce of the average chicken breast and then subtract 2-3 minutes of total cooking time 5-10 minute NPR ย 

Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for shredding)

1 minute per ounce of the average chicken breast 5-10 minute NPR ย 
Frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for slicing) 1 minute per ounce of the average chicken breast 5-10 minute NPR ย 
Frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for shredding) 1 minute per ounce of the average chicken breast + 3 minutes extraย  5-10 minute NPR ย 
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs 12 minute for fresh and 15 minutes for frozen 5-10 minute NPR ย 
Bone-in chicken pieces 15 minutes for fresh and 18 minutes for frozen 5-10 minute NPR ย 
Whole Chicken 6 minutes per pound NPR ย 
Chicken, cut into bite-size pieces 4 minutes 5-10 minute NPR ย 
Chuck Roast 20 minutes per 1 inch of thickness (so 3 inch roast would be 60 minutes) NPR Thickness is more important than weight in determining pressure cook time
Pork Shoulder 15-20 minutes per 1 inch of thickness NPR ”ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย “
Black or Kidney Beans, dried 25 minutes or 8 minutes for soaked NPR 1 pound of dried beans (about 2 cups): 3.5 cups water ratio
Pinto Beans 30 minutes or 10 minutes for soakedย  NPR 1 pound of dried beans (about 2 cups): 3.5 cups water ratio
Green Lentils 6-8 minutes (no soaking necessary) NPR 1 cup lentils: 2 cups water ratio
Quinoa 1 minute 10 minute NPR 1 cup quinoa: 1.5 cups water ratio
Long Grain Brown Rice 22 minutes 10 minute NPR 1 cup rice: 1.25 cups water ratio
Long Grain white Rice 4 minutes 10 minute NPR 1 cup rice: 1.5 cups water ratio (use less water for less soft rice)
Steel Cut Oats 5 minutes 15 minute NPR 1 cup oats: 1.5-3 cups water (depending on the texture you like)
Pasta About 4 minutes, look at the back of the box divide number by 2 and subtract 1 minute 5 minute NPR 1.75 cups – 2 cups water per 8 ounces of pasta
Hard Boiled Eggs 2 minutes 10 minute NPR 1 cup water in bottom and use trivet or steamer basket
Yogurt See instructions here ย  ย 
Potatoes

Large whole: 25-30 minutes

Small whole: 20-25 minutes

Cubed: 3-4 minutes

5-10 minute NPR

1.5 cups water in bottom and use steamer basket

Larger potatoes on bottom, smaller on top

Sweet Potatoes

Whole: 15-20 minutesย 

Cubed: 2-4 minutes

5-10 minute NPR Larger potatoes on bottom, smaller on top
Carrots Whole or large chunks: 6 minutes QR Use steamer basket with 1.5 cups water in bottom
Broccoli Whole crown: 0-1 minutes QR Use steamer basket with 1.5 cups water in bottom
Cauliflower Florets: 2-3 minutes QR Use steamer basket with 1.5 cups water in bottom
Green Beans 1-2 minutes QR Use steamer basket with 1.5 cups water in bottom
Corn on the cob 2 minutes (barely steamed) or 4 minutes (softer) QR Use steamer basket with 1.5 cups water in bottom

Other helpful resources…

Printable Instant Pot Guide for Beginners

How to Deep Clean Your Instant Pot

5 Things Not to Do with Your Instant Pot

Get all my INSTANT POT recipes here

*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

78 Comments Filed Under: All Recipes, Collections, Instant Pot, Tips

Recommendations

Comments

  1. Sandra says

    September 16, 2021 at 5:56 am

    Hi Karen- thank you for this fantastic resource! I have been following you for almost 2yrs, and almost exclusively use your recipes for the IP. My question for you is about adapting a recipe I traditionally do in the oven. It is a layered chicken breasts made in a parchment lined loaf pan, including prosciutto, fresh basil, artichokes & parm, which is then weighted with a foil wrapped brick, all placed in a bain marie. The loaf is baked @ 350ยฐ for 1hr 20min. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance- you’re the BEST!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 16, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      Sounds tasty! I would use the pot in pot method. I would pour 1.5 cups water into bottom of pot. Use a pan that fits inside your IP to layer the dish as you usually make it. Then use a sling/trivet to lower the dish into the IP. Not sure if a brick would be wise to put in a pressure cooker though…do you put it in the oven? I would pressure cook for 25 minutes with a natural pressure release.

      Reply
  2. Jessica Ford says

    February 6, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    This is a fantastic resource! Thanks so much, Karen! I love your recipes. :o)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 8, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      You are welcome!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      February 8, 2021 at 2:15 pm

      Thanks Jessica! I’m so glad it is helpful to you. ๐Ÿ˜Š

      Reply
  3. Kathleen C Kendler says

    February 6, 2021 at 8:29 am

    Thanks

    Reply
  4. Sherry Medeiros says

    February 5, 2021 at 10:57 am

    Karen, is there a pdf for the second chart that includes the veggies (or did I miss it? I printed the first chart. Also, is there a formula that allows me to change a recipe from stove or crockpot to be able to do in the instant pot?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 8, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      It’s just one chart. the veggies are listed on the second page of the pdf.
      Here’s a good article that will help you: https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/how-to-convert-a-recipe-into-a-pressure-cooker-recipe/

      Reply
  5. Joanne Leroux says

    February 5, 2021 at 10:51 am

    I have an 8-quart Instant Pot and I find that I simply don’t use it very much because most of the recipes I see are for the 6-quart size. I do see comments such as ‘times may have to be adjusted for the 8-quart pot,’ but by how much? Because the pot is larger, I will make a larger-sized recipe. Could there be some kind of chart that explains precisely how to make adjustments for the larger pot and adding more ingredients? The hassle of this is basically what is preventing me from using my Instant Pot more often.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Sam says

      February 6, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      Joanne; No adjustments are necessary all that is going to happen to your recipe is that it is going to take a little longer to build up the pressure cooking times remain the same

      Reply
    • Karen says

      February 8, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      You can pretty much make the recipes as stated. The only difference is the 8 quart will need more liquid to come to pressure than a 3 or 6 quart. So if itโ€™s a soup recipe with lots of liquid in it you can keep the recipe exactly the same. But if itโ€™s a recipe that has less than 1 cup of liquid in it youโ€™ll need to increase that amount so that your 8 quart pot can come to pressure. Youโ€™ll need between 1 and 1 1/2 cups to bring your pot to pressure.

      Reply
  6. Sharen Buchan says

    August 2, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    This is a question about tenderness, so if my meat when cooked at the recommended times comes out kinda tough would increasing the time make it better or worst?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 3, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      What kind of cut of meat is it?

      Reply
    • Sharon says

      February 5, 2021 at 11:41 am

      I have this same problem especially with chuck roast!

      Reply
  7. Car says

    July 26, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    What altitude are you cooking at? thank you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 27, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      I cook at 4200 but this chart is just basic times for anyone up to 3000 feet.

      Reply
      • Car says

        August 2, 2020 at 3:18 pm

        Since I’m cooking at 4700 ft, do I need to adjust the cooking times on this chart? And do i need to adjust the cooking times for your other pressure cooker recipes on your website? Thanks for your help!

        Reply
        • Karen says

          August 3, 2020 at 2:24 pm

          You should be okay! If you were at 8000 I would change things but 4700 should be fine.

          Reply
          • Sylvia says

            February 5, 2021 at 2:47 pm

            I am at 7500. Do I add time to the recipes? Or subtract time?

          • Karen says

            February 8, 2021 at 2:29 pm

            you’d add 10% time

  8. Joyce says

    May 10, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    Hi Karen. Do u think it is safe to cook a full 2 lb bag of black beans at a time?? I Have an 8 qt IP Duo.

    Thanks
    Joyce

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 11, 2020 at 2:42 pm

      Yes I think it would be fine. Make sure there is plenty of water and that the pot is only filled 2/3 full.

      Reply
  9. Pat Rose says

    May 2, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    Thanks for the Cheat Sheet. I searched forever a few days ago for a time I couldn’t find and this sheet answered my questions and more!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 5, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      Good!

      Reply
  10. Helen says

    April 30, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Your fit note says times may vary for a mini or a quart pot. Would you be able to tell me please how to change the time for each of them? I have both. Again thanks so much for all your help and advice. Your side is always my go to place!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 1, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      It really depends on what you’re making. The 8 quart pot should be very similar to the 6 quart pot. The 3 quart mini will take more time for the recipes that have a long cooking time like roast and dried beans. You’ll have to experiment and see what works best for you!

      Reply
  11. Margaret says

    March 16, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    Yes, please, since you included frozen chicken in the chart, other frozen meats would be helpful, too. The chart is great. Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Lynne says

    February 14, 2020 at 12:21 pm

    Thank you, Karen, for the cheat sheet! It will come in very handy.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15, 2020 at 7:47 pm

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
  13. Louise Cannady says

    February 14, 2020 at 11:06 am

    Karen,

    I am a beginner instant pot user, the only difference is that I have what is called the “Green Pot” I’m hoping all the wonderful recipes you present will work the same for me. Thanks for the for chart!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15, 2020 at 7:49 pm

      Never hear of the green pot! If it’s an electric pressure cooker it should work about the same!

      Reply
  14. Sharon says

    February 14, 2020 at 9:28 am

    HELP!! I did the biggest no no and poured water into the base of my hot pot! Any suggestions? I canโ€™t lose this baby…….I love my instant pot! Crying my eyes out in Texas! Sharon

    Reply
    • Sharon says

      February 14, 2020 at 9:58 am

      I looked online and found some help….then found a neighbor who had the correct torque thing to get the bottom off….now to wait ….and wait Til Iโ€™m positive it is dry before I dare plug it in…… not sure how Iโ€™ll eat during the drying time! lol

      Reply
      • Karen says

        February 15, 2020 at 7:49 pm

        Oh I hope it works!

        Reply
        • Sharon says

          February 22, 2020 at 12:47 pm

          Yep…I dodged a bullet!! It works fine…I waited a whole week before I put it back together and fired it up. Love my instant pot!!โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

          Reply
          • Sharon says

            February 22, 2020 at 12:51 pm

            And I love your site and this printable heat sheet, and your recipes, and your ….well everything!!

          • Karen says

            February 24, 2020 at 8:46 pm

            !!!!!
            you’re so nice ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. Sara Esquinca says

    February 13, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    Thank you for this chart, definitely a printable keeper.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15, 2020 at 7:56 pm

      You’re welcome Sara!

      Reply
  16. Sarie says

    February 13, 2020 at 11:20 am

    Yes you can

    Reply
    • Sam says

      February 13, 2020 at 12:13 pm

      If your message was for me thank you so much!!

      Reply
  17. Sam says

    February 13, 2020 at 11:12 am

    I just received a Ninja Foodie 8qt. for a retirement present. Can i use your Instant Pot times and recipes with my foodie will they work out okay??

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 13, 2020 at 11:23 am

      yes should work just fine!

      Reply
      • Sam says

        February 14, 2020 at 1:13 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
  18. Cindy Stark says

    September 5, 2019 at 8:20 am

    Thank you Thank you!!! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love your site. I have shared many of recipes with my friends. This chart is brilliant. I have a three ring binder and use plastic sleeves to protect your recipes. This chart will go right in the front. Keep up the excellent work.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 5, 2019 at 4:12 pm

      Yes! So glad to hear that this is helpful to you Cindy ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  19. Julie says

    September 3, 2019 at 11:14 am

    Beets, thanks! My sister in law cooked small to medium size fresh beets in the instapot with 1 cup liquid for 22 minutes and they turned out great with I believe quick pressure release. Was wondering about large older beets and the time needed?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 3, 2019 at 1:06 pm

      Here is a great post on beets! I bet it will answer your questions: https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-beets/

      Reply
      • Julie Hunt says

        September 5, 2019 at 10:21 am

        Thanks! Answered my questions well! Thank you very much!

        Reply
  20. GingerF says

    September 2, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    I thought you always needed liquid in the Instant Pot when you are pressure cooking. For the meats in the list, do you not need to add water or broth?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 3, 2019 at 1:10 pm

      yes you always need at least 1 cup of liquid to bring the pot to pressure. I didn’t list that in the chart but perhaps I should add it in.

      Reply
      • GingerF says

        September 4, 2019 at 7:47 am

        I’d recommend you include that just because people who are new to the Instant Pot might not know that liquid needs to go in. Also, I’m finding some recipes don’t tell you to put in liquid because the ingredients have enough moisture in them. But it’s hard to know that if you’re not following a recipe….

        Reply
        • Karen says

          September 4, 2019 at 1:53 pm

          gotcha! will do.

          Reply
          • GingerF says

            September 4, 2019 at 4:08 pm

            Thanks!

  21. Judi Trimble says

    September 2, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    Pork chops-boneless, bone in, frozen and thawed, please.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 3, 2019 at 1:10 pm

      Good idea. Will do.

      Reply
      • Margaret says

        March 16, 2020 at 5:18 pm

        Yes, please, since you included frozen chicken in the chart, other frozen meats would be helpful, too. The chart is great. Thank you!

        Reply
  22. Mary says

    August 31, 2019 at 4:17 pm

    After I downloaded the pdf, I had trouble printing the document, too. Only a portion of page 2 prints. Perhaps it’s my printer. Does anyone else have that problem? The concept is great and really handy but I wanted a hard copy to file with my recipes.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 3, 2019 at 1:27 pm

      Can you adjust the settings that allow you to preview the document before printing and reduce the size of the document so it all fits on one page?

      Reply
  23. Jane Allen says

    August 31, 2019 at 10:44 am

    Stew meat, frozen & thawed
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 3, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      Okay will do

      Reply
  24. Bonnie Brantley says

    August 30, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    Hi Karen thanks for all your wonderful help and recipes. I am 6500 feet high in the mountains. How will that affect cooking time for an instant pot? Thanks!! Bonnie

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 30, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      Hi Bonnie, multiply the time by 1.2 (increase it by 20%). Good luck!

      Reply
  25. Linore says

    August 28, 2019 at 8:03 pm

    Thank you. I was just thinking I need to make myself one of these! Awesome.
    Blessings,
    Linore

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 29, 2019 at 9:40 am

      You’re welcome Linore!

      Reply
      • Nancy M Gordon says

        August 30, 2019 at 6:34 am

        Was wondering if you by any chance new times for Rutabaga/Turnips?

        Reply
        • Karen says

          August 30, 2019 at 12:55 pm

          I personally haven’t tried them but from what I see online it looks like 3-4 minutes.

          Reply
  26. Kimberly says

    August 28, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    Can you add Eggs to you list? I don’t make them often enough to remember every time.
    Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 29, 2019 at 9:39 am

      I have hard boiled eggs on there. Did you miss it?

      Reply
      • Susan N says

        August 31, 2019 at 3:26 pm

        Do you really do hard boiled eggs for just 2 minutes? Are the yolks solid after two minutes? All the other instructions Iโ€™ve seen use 5 minutes . .

        Reply
        • Karen says

          September 3, 2019 at 1:29 pm

          I use 2 minutes every single time. But the important part is that you leave them in there for 10-15 minutes with a NPR.

          Reply
  27. William D Gustafson says

    August 27, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    The print version comes out as light-gray on white. It appears to have been pre-rendered and PDF’ed as pictures. You should do like the beginner’s guide and get the tables into Adobe as text.

    Reply
    • James Goacher says

      August 28, 2019 at 2:45 am

      I agree. One of the advantages of a PDF is that they are scaleable.
      The Chart is useful but a clearer version would be nice.

      Reply
    • Karen says

      August 28, 2019 at 9:47 am

      Okay I will work on it today and hopefully be able to get it clearer!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      August 28, 2019 at 10:18 am

      Okay I fixed it! hopefully it looks clearer to you now!

      Reply
    • Rowan says

      January 2, 2020 at 7:54 am

      Mine prints black on white with just the heading in grey.

      Reply
  28. Jennie says

    August 27, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    Karen, this cooking time “cheat sheet” is brilliant! Thanks so much. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 28, 2019 at 9:48 am

      You’re welcome Jennie!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

Karen photo

Hi, I’m Karen. I know that dinner time can be less than relaxing. Busy schedules and cranky kids and a hundred other things can lead to weariness when it comes to putting dinner on the table. I can help! I make homemade, family-friendly slow cooker and Instant Pot dinners and share the recipes with you.

Stay In Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

365 Days of Slow Cooking © 2023 ยท Privacy Policy

MENU
  • Home
  • Filter
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Meatless
  • Healthy
  • Soups
  • Email List
  • Cookbooks
  • FAQs
  • Instant Pot Secrets