How to Use an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker: Easy to Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve just bought one or you’re staring at yours wondering if you’ll blow up your kitchen, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many of us felt the same way at first. But learning how to use Instant Pot pressure cooker is easier than it seems, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn:

• What the Instant Pot is and how it works
• How to safely use your pressure cooker, step by step
• What to expect during cooking
• How much water you really need
• How to avoid common mistakes
• And tips for cooking meat, rice, soup, and more like a pro

Whether you’ve got the classic Duo, the Max, or another model, you’ll walk away confident enough to pressure cook your next meal without fear.

What Is an Instant Pot and How Does It Work?

At its core, the Instant Pot is a multi-functional electric pressure cooker, but it’s far more versatile than that. Think of it as a cross between a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and food warmer—all in one countertop device.

How It Differs from a Traditional Pressure Cooker

If you’ve ever seen an old-school stovetop pressure cooker with its noisy hissing and jiggling weights, you may have felt a little nervous. The Instant Pot takes away all that unpredictability with automated, electric pressure control and multiple built-in safety features.

Here’s what makes it beginner-friendly:

• Digital interface: No guessing. You select a program (like “Meat” or “Rice”) and the pot takes care of temperature and time.
• Sealed cooking chamber: Locks in steam to cook food faster and retain moisture.
• Float valve and lid sensors: Prevent the pot from opening under pressure.
• Delayed start and keep warm features: So your food is ready when you are.

Instant Pot vs Pressure Cooker for Beginners

If you’re completely new to pressure cooking, the Instant Pot is arguably the best place to start. It guides you with lights, beeps, and timers. You don’t need to monitor it like a stovetop version—just set it and let it do its thing.

Whether you’re using it to make a quick weeknight chili or a tender Sunday roast, it delivers results fast—often 70% quicker than traditional methods.

Instant Pot Models Overview – Duo, Duo Plus, and Pro

Before diving into pressure cooking, it’s important to know which Instant Pot model you have—because the buttons, cooking programs, and even the pressure release systems can vary slightly.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular models:

Model	Key Features	Best For
Instant Pot Duo	Most basic model; manual + preset functions	Beginners who want classic pressure cooking
Instant Pot Duo Plus	Adds sous vide, cake, sterilize functions	Cooks who want a bit more flexibility
Instant Pot Pro	Advanced custom programs, upgraded lid and steam release	Experienced users, batch cooks

While all models can pressure cook, sauté, and slow cook, the layout and button names may differ. For this guide, we’ll focus primarily on how to pressure cook in Instant Pot Duo, since it’s the most common model for beginners.

How to Use an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker for the First Time: Water Test Guide

If you’re just getting started, the very first thing you should do before cooking anything is the Water Test. This simple process helps you:

• Learn how to seal and operate your Instant Pot
• Confirm everything works correctly
• Build confidence before using food

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Instant Pot pressure cooker for the first time.

Set Up Your Pot

Place your Instant Pot on a flat, heat-safe surface, away from hanging cabinets. Plug it in. You’ll hear a friendly chime and see the display light up.

Insert the Inner Pot

Always double-check that the stainless-steel inner pot is inside the cooker before adding anything.

Add 1–2 Cups of Water

Pour 1 to 2 cups of cold water into the inner pot. This is just for steam generation—it won’t be consumed.

Seal the Lid

Align the lid with the base and twist it clockwise until it chimes or locks. Then, turn the steam release valve (on Duo models) to the “Sealing” position.

Select “Pressure Cook”

Press the Pressure Cook button (sometimes labeled “Manual” on older models). Set the timer to 5 minutes using the +/– keys.

Wait and Observe

It will take about 8–12 minutes to pressurize. You’ll hear slight hissing, then the float valve will pop up—indicating pressure has been reached. The countdown timer will begin.

Release the Pressure

Once the timer hits 0, do a quick release: use a long utensil to flip the valve to “Venting.” A strong jet of steam will escape. Wait until the float valve drops, then open the lid.

Congrats—you’ve just successfully completed your Instant Pot water test! Now you’re ready to cook for real.

Basic Instant Pot Setup: Parts, Safety, and Placement

Before using your pressure cooker for meals, let’s quickly get familiar with its key components. This will help you avoid common user errors.

Key Parts to Know

• Sealing Ring: The silicone ring around the underside of the lid creates the airtight seal. Make sure it’s clean, seated evenly, and not damaged.
• Float Valve: This metal pin rises when pressure builds and drops when pressure is released. It’s your visual clue.
• Pressure Release Valve (Steam Vent): Controls the release of pressure manually (quick release) or automatically in newer models.

🧠 Pro Tip: Refer to your Instant Pot pressure cooker manual to locate each part and understand model-specific quirks.

Safety and Placement Tips

• Always place the Instant Pot on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep it away from overhead cabinets, especially during pressure release—steam can cause moisture damage.
• Never cook without the inner pot in place.

Once you understand the components and placement, you’ll feel much more confident operating your Instant Pot safely.

How Much Water to Put in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker?

One of the most frequently asked questions is:

The short answer: At least 1 cup of liquid.

Pressure cooking requires steam, and steam needs water. Without it, the pot can’t build pressure—and your food will never cook properly.

General Water Guidelines:

Food Type	Minimum Liquid Required
Rice	1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio
Beans/Lentils	2.5–3 cups water per cup
Stews/Soups	1–2 cups depending on thickness
Meat (roast, ribs)	1 cup for every 2–3 lbs
Vegetables	½ to 1 cup

🔔 Always follow the recipe, but never go below 1 cup of liquid unless the recipe is specifically designed to do so (e.g., certain yogurt or cheesecake settings).

How Do You Pressure Cook on an Instant Pot?

Now comes the fun part—actual cooking! Here’s exactly how to pressure cook on an Instant Pot from start to finish.

Add Ingredients and Liquid

Place your main ingredients in the inner pot. Then add the required amount of water or cooking liquid (broth, juice, sauce, etc.).

Seal the Lid

Place the lid on top and twist it to lock. Set the vent to “Sealing.”

Set Pressure Level and Time

Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button.
Use the + / – buttons to adjust the cooking time.
Press the Pressure Level button if you need to switch between High and Low pressure (default is High).

Wait for Pressure to Build

It takes about 8–15 minutes to reach pressure, depending on the amount of food and liquid. You’ll know it’s pressurized when the float valve pops up, and the countdown timer begins.

Let It Cook, Then Release

Once the timer finishes, release pressure using Quick Release or Natural Release, depending on your recipe. Always wait for the float valve to drop before opening.

How Long Should an Instant Pot Take to Pressurize?

One of the most common questions new users ask is:
“How long should Instant Pot take to come to pressure?”

The answer? It depends—but usually, it’s somewhere between 5 to 20 minutes.

Your Instant Pot isn’t broken if it’s taking a little longer to build pressure. In fact, there are several factors that influence how quickly it seals and starts the countdown timer.

What Affects Pressurization Time?

• Food Quantity: The more food you load into your pot, the longer it will take to heat up and build pressure. A pot full of frozen stew meat will take much longer than just cooking a few eggs.
• Starting Temperature: Cold ingredients—especially straight-from-the-fridge or frozen—slow things down significantly. Warm or room-temp foods bring the pot to pressure faster.
• Liquid Amount: The pot needs liquid to create steam. Less liquid might delay the pressure build-up or fail to pressurize entirely. Stick with at least 1 cup of liquid.
• Model Differences: The newer Instant Pot Pro and Duo Plus models pressurize a bit faster than the older Duo models, thanks to upgraded inner pots and heating elements.
• Altitude: Cooking at higher elevations may require longer pressurization and adjusted cooking times.

Troubleshooting a Slow-to-Pressurize Instant Pot

If it feels like your pot is taking way too long (like 25+ minutes), something might be off:

• Is the sealing ring in place properly? Check to make sure it’s snug and not warped.
• Is the steam release valve set to “Sealing”? If left on “Venting,” the pot will never pressurize.
• Is steam escaping from the rim or valve? That may mean your float valve or sealing ring needs cleaning or replacing.

⏱ On average, your Instant Pot should take 8–12 minutes to pressurize with typical meals like rice, soup, or chicken. Heavier meals with lots of liquid or cold meat may take closer to 20 minutes.

Natural Release vs Quick Release – When and How to Use Each

Once the cooking cycle ends, your Instant Pot isn’t done just yet. You still have to release the pressure inside—and how you do that matters a lot.

Let’s break down the two main methods:

Quick Release (Manual Release)

This method is best for delicate or quick-cooking foods, like:

• Steamed veggies
• Pasta
• Eggs
• Fish

It involves manually turning the vent knob to the “Venting” position right after the timer hits 0. This rapidly releases the steam. It’s fast—but aggressive.

⚠️ Stand back and use a utensil! The steam is hot and forceful.

Natural Release

This is the slow, gentle release where the pot depressurizes on its own over time. You don’t touch anything—just wait.

It’s the preferred method for:

• Soups and stews
• Meats like roasts and pulled pork
• Dishes with lots of liquid

It can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the contents.

How to Use Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Recipes Wisely

Most Instant Pot recipes will tell you which release method to use. Follow it carefully, because:

• Using Quick Release on meat can make it tough or dry.
• Using Natural Release on pasta may overcook it into mush.

🧠 Pro Tip: If a recipe doesn’t specify, default to Natural Release for meats and stews, and Quick Release for delicate foods.

Knowing when and how to use each release method is a small detail that makes a big difference in your results.

Using the Instant Pot for Meat – Timing, Texture, and Tips

Pressure cooking meat can be intimidating, but once you understand a few basics, it becomes one of the most satisfying ways to use your Instant Pot.

Let’s talk about how to use Instant Pot pressure cooker for meat—from timing to texture.

Best Meat Cuts for Pressure Cooking

• Beef Chuck Roast: becomes fork-tender in 60–90 minutes
• Pork Shoulder (Butt): perfect for pulled pork in 60–75 minutes
• Chicken Thighs: juicy and flavorful in 10–12 minutes
• Boneless Chicken Breasts: fast and easy in 6–10 minutes

Bone-in cuts usually take a few minutes longer but are worth it for the extra flavor.

Sample Meat Cooking Chart

Meat Type	Cook Time	Release Method
Chicken Breasts	6–10 mins	Quick or Natural
Chicken Thighs	10–12 mins	Natural
Beef Roast (3–4 lbs)	60–90 mins	Natural
Pork Shoulder (3 lbs)	60–75 mins	Natural
Ground Beef (1 lb)	6–8 mins	Quick

Personal Story: My Pot Roast Disaster Turned Delicious

The first time I tried to cook pot roast in my Instant Pot, I rushed it. I used Quick Release and the result was dry, chewy meat. But the next time, I let it Natural Release for 25 minutes—and I couldn’t believe the difference. The roast was fall-apart tender, soaked in rich juices.

Moral of the story? Be patient with meat. The Instant Pot rewards it.

Beginner-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes to Try First

Feeling ready to try out your Instant Pot? Start with easy, foolproof recipes that don’t require a ton of prep or skill. Here are 5 beginner-friendly options anyone can master.

White Rice

• 1:1 ratio (1 cup rice to 1 cup water)
• Pressure cook for 4 minutes
• Natural release for 10 minutes
• Fluffy and perfect every time

Chicken Breasts

• Add 1 cup of broth + 2 chicken breasts
• Pressure cook for 8–10 minutes
• Quick release
• Great for shredding or slicing for salads and tacos

Mashed Potatoes

• Quarter 2 lbs of potatoes
• Add 1 cup of water
• Cook 10 minutes + quick release
• Mash right in the pot with butter and cream

Beef Chili

• Brown beef using sauté function
• Add canned tomatoes, beans, seasoning
• Cook 20 minutes + natural release
• Deep, hearty flavor in a fraction of the time

Basic Soup

• Use broth + chopped veggies + shredded meat or lentils
• Cook 8–12 minutes depending on contents
• Natural release preferred for best texture

Want full step-by-step versions of these? Check out our Easy Instant Pot Recipes Collection (Insert internal link)

These simple recipes will build your confidence fast, and get you hooked on how fun pressure cooking can be.

Common Mistakes When Using the Instant Pot (and How to Avoid Them)

We’ve all been there—excited to try a new gadget, but overwhelmed by buttons, steam, and recipes that feel more like science experiments. The Instant Pot pressure cooker is meant to simplify cooking, but like anything new, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Let’s break down some of the most common beginner mistakes—and how to avoid them.

Forgetting to Seal the Vent

It sounds simple, but it’s the #1 reason your Instant Pot won’t pressurize. If the steam release valve is left on “Venting” instead of “Sealing”, pressure will escape, and your meal won’t cook properly.

✅ Fix: Always double-check that the knob is turned to “Sealing” before starting any pressure-cooking program.

Overfilling the Pot

Filling your Instant Pot beyond the MAX fill line can lead to undercooked food, messy splatters, or even dangerous pressure issues.

✅ Fix: For pressure cooking, never fill the pot more than 2/3 full. For items that expand (like rice or beans), keep it under 1/2 full.

Using Too Little Liquid

Pressure cooking relies on steam—and steam needs liquid. If you skimp on water or broth, your pot may fail to build pressure and show a “burn” warning.

✅ Fix: Always add at least 1 cup of liquid unless a trusted recipe says otherwise. Thicker sauces don’t count—use water or broth.

Not Checking the Float Valve

The float valve is a tiny metal piece that rises when the pot pressurizes. If it’s stuck, dirty, or jammed, it can stop your Instant Pot from sealing.

✅ Fix: Before each use, wiggle the float valve gently to ensure it moves freely. Clean it regularly if food splatter builds up.

My Soup That Wouldn’t Cook

I once tried to make lentil soup after work—tossed everything in, hit “Pressure Cook,” and waited. And waited. And waited. Turns out I forgot to move the vent to “Sealing.” Thirty minutes of steam and no dinner later, I learned my lesson. Now, I always double-check the vent and sealing ring before hitting start.

Mistakes like this happen to everyone—so don’t beat yourself up. You’re learning, and the Instant Pot is very forgiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pressure cook with an Instant Pot Duo?

To pressure cook with the Duo, add your ingredients and liquid, close the lid, turn the valve to “Sealing,” press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button, and set the time. Once pressure is reached, it will begin the countdown.

Do you need water to pressure cook in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You must use at least 1 cup of water or thin liquid to create steam and build pressure. Without it, your Instant Pot won’t work properly and may trigger a burn warning.

What button do I press to start pressure cooking?

Most Instant Pots use either the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button to begin cooking. After setting the time, it will beep and start pressurizing automatically.

Why is my Instant Pot taking forever to pressurize?

Several factors can cause delays: cold or frozen ingredients, too much food, not enough liquid, or the steam valve being left open. Most recipes take 10–20 minutes to pressurize.

What size Instant Pot is best for beginners?

The 6-quart model is the most versatile and beginner-friendly. It’s ideal for small families or meal prepping, and fits most recipes without adjusting quantities.

Is it normal for steam to come out while heating up?

Yes! It’s totally normal for steam to escape from the valve or rim while building pressure. It should stop once the float valve pops up and sealing is complete.

Do I always need to do a water test first?

Only the first time you use your Instant Pot. It’s a simple way to ensure the lid seals, the valve works, and your unit builds pressure. After that, you can skip it.

Conclusion

Learning how to use Instant Pot pressure cooker features doesn’t have to be scary. Once you understand the basics—how much liquid to use, when to seal the lid, and how pressure builds—it becomes one of the easiest, fastest, and most rewarding tools in your kitchen.

Don’t be afraid—your Instant Pot is smarter than you think! Trust it, experiment with it, and most importantly, have fun with your cooking.