Quick Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food, beloved for their fluffy interiors and versatile topping possibilities. But did you know that you can make the perfect baked potato in a fraction of the time using your Instant Pot? This foolproof method not only speeds up the cooking process but also delivers deliciously fluffy potatoes every single time. Here’s how to create the best Instant Pot baked potatoes, with a few extra tips to get that irresistible crispy skin.
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Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes: 3-4 medium-sized, depending on the size of your Instant Pot.
- Water: 1 cup, for steaming.
- Olive Oil: For brushing.
- Kosher Salt: For sprinkling.
- Favorite Toppings: Sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon bits, or any of your preferred potato fixings.
Supplies
- Instant Pot: Any size that can fit 3-4 medium russet potatoes.
- Metal Trivet: To keep the potatoes out of the water and steam evenly. A steamer basket will work as well.
- Baking Sheet: For broiling the potatoes to crisp up the skin.
- Fork or Knife: For piercing the potatoes before broiling.
Detailed Instructions for Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and Dry
Begin by thoroughly washing the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris especially if the skin will be eaten. Dry each potato with a clean towel.
Pierce the Potatoes
Using a fork or a sharp knife, pierce each potato multiple times on all sides. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.

Step 2: Set Up the Instant Pot
Insert the Trivet
Place the metal trivet into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This accessory keeps the potatoes elevated, ensuring they steam properly rather than boiling in the water.
Add Water
Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot. The water is necessary to create steam, which is what builds pressure and cooks the potatoes.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Arrange the Potatoes
Place potatoes on top of the trivet. Try to keep them from touching each other for more even cooking.

Seal and Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the timer for 18 minutes at high pressure for medium potatoes. Adjust the time slightly if using smaller or larger potatoes.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Wait for Natural Release
After the cooking time ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. This means you do not do anything with the pot or the valve and let it depressurize slowly. This step is important for the potatoes to finish cooking inside from the residual heat and steam.
Quick Release Remaining Pressure
After 15 minutes, carefully turn the valve to quick release any remaining pressure. Wait until the pin drops, indicating that all pressure has been released, before opening the lid.
Step 5: Crisp the Skin
Prepare for Broiling
Preheat your oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Broil the Potatoes
Transfer the cooked potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Brush each potato with butter and sprinkle generously with kosher salt. This will help the skin get extra crispy.
Broil
Place the potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve
Slit and Fluff
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Slit each potato down the middle and use a fork to fluff the inside gently.
Add Toppings
Top each potato with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and crispy bacon bits.
Final Tips
Serving
Serve the potatoes hot from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Storage
If you have leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato
Choosing Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best potatoes for baking due to their thick skin and starchy content, which yields a fluffy interior.
Even Sizes
Try to select potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
Water Amount
Always use at least 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot to create enough steam during cooking.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
Using an Instant Pot for baking potatoes is a game changer on busy nights. It reduces the cooking time significantly compared to traditional oven baking and keeps your kitchen cooler. Plus, the pressure cooking method helps retain most of the potatoes’ nutritional value, which can be lost through boiling.
Perfect for a main course or a side dish, these Instant Pot baked potatoes are just waiting to be customized with delicious toppings. Try this method once, and you might never go back to your old ways of making baked potatoes. It’s easy, fast, and yields perfect results every time—truly the best way to make baked potatoes for your family or your next gathering.
If you’re looking for another great Instant Pot recipe try our Pork Roast recipe!

Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- 1 instant pot (or any pressure cooker)
- 1 trivet
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry your potatoes.
- Using a fork or a sharp knife, pierce each potato multiple times on all sides.
- Place the metal trivet into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot.
- Place potatoes on top of the trivet. Try to keep them from touching each other for more even cooking.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the timer for 18 minutes at high pressure for medium potatoes. Adjust the time slightly if using smaller or larger potatoes.
- After the cooking time ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully turn the valve to quick release any remaining pressure. Wait until the pin drops, indicating that all pressure has been released, before opening the lid.
- Preheat your oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Transfer the cooked potatoes to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each potato with butter and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
- Place the potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven. Slit each potato down the middle and use a fork to fluff the inside gently.
- Top each potato with your favorite toppings.