Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
Ah, baked potatoes—one of those comforting foods that can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. For me, they hold a special place; growing up, I’d often enjoy them topped with just butter or packed with an array of toppings.
Equipment
- A large mixer, pot
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup chilled water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- First things first, wash the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. I like to scrub them gently with a brush. After washing, poke each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing any bursts.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
- Now for the fun part! I sprinkle kosher salt over the potatoes. You don’t have to go overboard; a light dusting does the trick. The salt penetrates the skin, creating a savory outer layer.
Step 3: Add Water to the Instant Pot
- Pour one cup of chilled water into the Instant Pot. This is what will build the pressure and steam the potatoes to perfection.
Step 4: Place the Potatoes in the Instant Pot
- Place the potatoes on the steamer rack, if you have one. If not, simply place them directly in the pot. The goal here is to keep them elevated, allowing even steam circulation.
Step 5: Seal and Set the Instant Pot
- Close the lid and turn the valve to the “sealing” position. Using the manual function, set the time to about 15-20 minutes on high pressure. Smaller potatoes may take less time—so keep that in mind!
Step 6: Natural Release
- Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Don’t release the pressure immediately, or your potato may end up watery!
Step 7: Check for Doneness
- After the natural release, carefully switch the valve to release any remaining pressure. Then, open the lid and check if your potatoes are cooked through. A fork should slide in effortlessly. If they need more time, you can reseal and cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 8: Add Butter and Serve
- Remove the potatoes from the pot. Slice them open and add a bit of that delicious unsalted butter on top. You can also sprinkle on more salt or your favorite toppings.
- And just like that, you have perfect baked potatoes ready to go!
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Check for doneness at 15 minutes, especially if your potatoes are on the smaller side.
- Even Sizing: When selecting potatoes, aim for ones that are similar in size. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Flavor Infusion: Want to kick it up a notch? Place fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the water for subtle infused flavors.
- Topping Variability: Experiment with your toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, or some crispy bacon bits can turn a simple potato into a masterpiece.
- Storing Leftovers: Always allow cooked potatoes to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Even Sizing: When selecting potatoes, aim for ones that are similar in size. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Flavor Infusion: Want to kick it up a notch? Place fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the water for subtle infused flavors.
- Topping Variability: Experiment with your toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, or some crispy bacon bits can turn a simple potato into a masterpiece.
- Storing Leftovers: Always allow cooked potatoes to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
Calories: 326kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 8gFat: 4.2gSaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 604mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 18mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!