I get a lot of questions about the Instant Pot! Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions. If you can’t see the answer that you’re looking for leave me a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer it for you!
Table of Contents
- What does natural pressure release and quick pressure release mean?
- How do I clean my Instant Pot and get the smell out?
- Does the cooking time change if I double or halve an Instant Pot recipe?
- I have a 3 quart Instant Pot. How do I adapt recipes for my 3 quart pot?
- Where can I find out how long to cook foods in the Instant Pot?
- My Instant Pot is still in the box. How do I start?
- What is the water test and how do I do it?
- What does it mean when it says BURN on my Instant Pot display?
- What is the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) cooking method?
- Can I use my Instant Pot as an air fryer?
- How do I make white rice in my Instant Pot?
- Is the Instant Pot just a fad?
- How do I cook chicken breasts (frozen or fresh) in the Instant Pot?
- Can I cook my rice at the same time as my main dish?
- Should I buy an Instant Pot?
- What does a zero minute pressure cooking time mean?
- What accessories do I need to get started with my Instant Pot?
- Do you have keto Instant Pot recipes?
- How do I sign up for your emails?
- Do you have an Instant Pot cookbook?
What does natural pressure release and quick pressure release mean?
If you’re new to the Instant Pot you might be confused by the terms “quick release” and “natural pressure release.” Natural Pressure Release (also called NPR or NR) means that you let the pressure in the pot dissipate on its own. Quick pressure release (QPR or QR) is a way to let all the pressure in the Instant Pot escape as fast as possible. Learn more and exactly how to release the pressure from your Instant Pot…
How do I clean my Instant Pot and get the smell out?
You can deep clean your Instant Pot in just 3 easy steps. Plus here’s how to get rid of the smell from your silicone sealing ring…
Does the cooking time change if I double or halve an Instant Pot recipe?
Typically the answer to this question is no. Read more info on how to adapt recipes…
I have a 3 quart Instant Pot. How do I adapt recipes for my 3 quart pot?
Depending on the recipe you may need to cut the recipe in half. But make sure that you still have the minimum amount of liquid to come to pressure. Find out more by watching this video…
Where can I find out how long to cook foods in the Instant Pot?
I have an Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet that might help you out! It’s also available as a PDF to print off.
My Instant Pot is still in the box. How do I start?
You might feel intimidated by your Instant Pot. I have a printable step by step guide on how to start. It will give you the courage and confidence to use your new kitchen appliance.
What is the water test and how do I do it?
The first thing you need to do (after you take your pot out of the packaging) is perform the water test. This is just to make sure that everything is working normally. After you perform the water test you can get cooking.
What does it mean when it says BURN on my Instant Pot display?
Under pressure, the inner pot can reach temperatures well above the boiling point of water, and it’s important that things don’t get too hot. The purpose of the Overheat Protection feature (BURN message) is not only to help salvage your dinner, but also to protect the cooker itself.
What is the Pot-in-Pot (PIP) cooking method?
The Instant Pot pot-in-pot (PIP) cooking method is cooking food in a separate dish that’s placed on a trivet inside your Instant Pot liner. Steam is created from water below the trivet and builds pressure to cook the food.
Can I use my Instant Pot as an air fryer?
Want to turn your Instant Pot into an air fryer? There is a product called a CrispLid that might be right for you.
How do I make white rice in my Instant Pot?
There are lots of different ways to make rice in the Instant Pot. I did a rice experiment and share the results with you…
Is the Instant Pot just a fad?
The first Instant Pot was sold on Amazon in 2010. It’s now 2019 and the Instant Pot brand is still going strong. Will the Instant Pot fad fade? Or is the Instant Pot here to stay?
How do I cook chicken breasts (frozen or fresh) in the Instant Pot?
I have a formula for how long to cook chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. The chicken breasts can be frozen or fresh, thick or thin, to be sliced or to be shredded. This formula will help you figure it out in just a few seconds. You’ll get perfect juicy and moist chicken breasts every time.
Can I cook my rice at the same time as my main dish?
You can use the pot in pot method to cook rice. This method for cooking rice is perfect when you want to cook rice, along with your main dish, but in a separate vessel.
Should I buy an Instant Pot?
I love my Instant Pot. It’s hard for me to remember what life what like before it! Here are 5 reasons why I love it and use it…
What does a zero minute pressure cooking time mean?
If you have an electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot) you’ll come across recipes every now and then that say to cook for 0 minutes on high or low pressure. It means you use the – button to reduce the pressure cooking time to zero minutes. The food will still cook because the pot takes a while to come to pressure. Here is more info and reasons why you’d use zero minutes…
What accessories do I need to get started with my Instant Pot?
If I could only have 3 Instant Pot accessories I would choose this sling/trivet*, a pan for pot-in-pot cooking* and a steamer basket*. I have many others that I use as well.
Do you have keto Instant Pot recipes?
I have a low carb recipes section on my website. Many of these could be keto friendly…
How do I sign up for your emails?
Fill out the gray form below and then click the orange button. You’ll be added to my email list.
Do you have an Instant Pot cookbook?
I don’t. Not yet. But I will. If you’d like to be informed of upcoming Instant Pot cookbook stuff you can sign up below.
You’ll also like these other Instant Pot articles…
9 Things You Didn’t Know About the Instant Pot
3 Suggestions to Enhance Your Instant Pot Experience
5 Things Not to Do with Your Instant Pot
5 More Things Not do Do with Your Instant Pot
*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.