How To Make Easy & Fast Instant Pot Baked Potatoes:

Craving a Perfectly Fluffy Baked Potato in Minutes?

Forget hours in the oven! With your Instant Pot, you can have incredibly delicious, perfectly cooked baked potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and have a wonderfully tender skin in no time. This recipe is ridiculously easy, incredibly satisfying, and will change your potato game forever. Get ready to be amazed!

Why You’ll Love It

• Hands-off cooking: The Instant Pot does all the work, freeing you up for other tasks.
• Perfectly fluffy interior: Achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
• Tender skin: No more tough, leathery potato skins!
• Quick cooking time: Get dinner on the table much faster than traditional baking methods.
• Completely customizable: Load them up with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s truly yours.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Unlike oven-baked potatoes, the Instant Pot uses steam to cook potatoes. This method results in a consistently moist and fluffy interior while also tenderizing the skin, without drying it out. No need to preheat your oven for an hour! The speed and the guaranteed perfect result every time set this recipe apart. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you just need a comforting side dish in a hurry.

Ingredient List

• 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
• 1 cup water (essential for creating steam in the Instant Pot)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for rubbing on the skin before cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside.
4. Place the potatoes on top of the trivet, ensuring they are not submerged in the water.
5. Close the lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
6. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes for medium-sized potatoes, 20 minutes for large ones.
7. Allow a 10 minute natural pressure release, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot.
9. Cut the potatoes open lengthwise, fluff with a fork, and add your desired toppings.

Optional Toppings/Variations

The beauty of a baked potato is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
• Loaded: Shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
• Tex-Mex: Salsa, shredded cheese, black beans, and avocado.
• Mediterranean: Feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Veggie Lovers: Steamed broccoli, sauteed mushrooms, and melted cheese.

Expert Tips

• Use Russet potatoes for the best fluffy texture. Other potato types will work, but might have a slightly different consistency.
• Don’t skip rubbing the potatoes with oil and salt. It enhances the flavor and helps the skin get that perfect tender texture.
• For extra crispy skin, place the cooked potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking in the Instant Pot.
• Adjust cooking time based on the size of the potatoes. Larger potatoes will need more time to cook through.
• If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket or even a few aluminum foil balls to keep the potatoes out of the water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use different types of potatoes? While Russets are ideal for a fluffy texture, Yukon Gold or red potatoes will work, but they’ll be denser and creamier.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Cooked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Can I skip the natural pressure release? While you *can* do a quick release right away, a natural release will allow the potatoes to continue steaming, resulting in an even more fluffy texture.
• What if my potatoes are different sizes? Try to use potatoes that are relatively the same size for even cooking, or adjust the cooking time slightly for smaller or larger potatoes.
• Can I freeze cooked baked potatoes? Yes, baked potatoes can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as desired.

Variations and Customization Options

Ready to mix it up? Here are a few more ways to personalize your Instant Pot baked potatoes:

• Garlic & Herb Potatoes: Add minced garlic and dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the olive oil before rubbing on the potatoes.
• Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes for a sweet and savory alternative. Adjust the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes for medium-sized sweet potatoes.
• Stuffed Potatoes: Scoop out the insides after cooking, mix with your favorite toppings, and then stuff back into the potato skins before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot baked potatoes are incredibly versatile! They can be served as a side dish alongside steak, chicken, or fish. They also make a fantastic main course when loaded up with your favorite toppings. Try them with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot baked potato recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. The perfectly fluffy interior and tender skin will make you a believer! Go ahead, give it a try – and don’t forget to share your loaded creations with us! Happy cooking!