Instant Pot Button Guide
- Pressure Cook (or Manual): The most used button. Cooks food at High or Low pressure for a set time.
- Sauté: Acts like a skillet. Used to brown meats, sauté vegetables before pressure cooking, or simmer/thicken sauces after cooking.
- Keep Warm / Cancel: Press once to cancel any current program. The Keep Warm function automatically turns on after pressure cooking ends.
- Slow Cook: Replicates a traditional slow cooker. Usually requires adjusting settings (Less, Normal, More) to match Low or High slow cooker settings.
- Yogurt: A low-heat function to pasteurize milk and ferment yogurt. Does not use pressure.
Slow Cooker to Pressure Cooker Conversion Chart
| Slow Cooker Time (Low) | Slow Cooker Time (High) | Instant Pot Time (High Pressure) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 hours | 4 hours | 25-30 minutes |
| 6 hours | 3 hours | 15-20 minutes |
| 4 hours | 2 hours | 10-15 minutes |
Note: Add 10-15 minutes to Instant Pot times to account for the time it takes to build pressure. Always use at least 1 cup of liquid when pressure cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Quick Release and Natural Release?
Quick Release means manually turning the valve to release steam immediately after cooking, which stops the cooking process quickly. Natural Release means leaving the valve alone and letting the pressure drop on its own over 10-20 minutes, allowing food to finish cooking gently and retain moisture.
Can I put frozen meat in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can safely cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot because it heats up quickly enough to pass through the danger zone. You will need to increase the cooking time by about 50% compared to fresh meat.
Why is my Instant Pot saying 'BURN'?
The BURN notice usually means there isn't enough thin liquid in the pot, or food (especially tomatoes or thick sauces) has stuck to the bottom. To fix it, carefully release pressure, scrape the bottom of the inner pot, and add more water or broth.
How much liquid do I need in an Instant Pot?
You generally need at least 1 cup of thin liquid (like water or broth) for an 6-quart Instant Pot, and 1.5 to 2 cups for an 8-quart model, to create enough steam to build pressure.
Do I need to adjust cooking times for high altitude?
Yes. At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature. A general rule is to increase the cooking time by 5% for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation.