Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Name: Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-490879H29M28S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 – 8 medium sweet potatoes, depending on size and availability; 1 cup water (1½ cups for 8-quart Instant Pot)

By:

dani

Published:

October 8, 2025

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Cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot has become a game changer for many home cooks. Instant Pot sweet potatoes come out perfectly soft, fluffy, and delicious in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or planning a fancy feast, these little orange wonders adapt beautifully to all occasions. The best part? You can whip them up in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for meal prepping or when you’re short on time. Plus, there’s something undeniably satisfying about digging into a bowl of warm, flavorful sweet potatoes at the end of a busy day. So, let’s get cooking and discover just how easy and delicious Instant Pot sweet potatoes can be!

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot is revolutionary. The pressure cooking technique locks in moisture and flavors, producing sweet potatoes that are not only soft and creamy but also packed with nutrients. Unlike traditional baking, which can take upwards of an hour, the Instant Pot gets the job done in a fraction of the time. You can confidently expect perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every single time. They retain their vibrant color and sweetness while also being very tender, making them a delightful addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot sweet potatoes are not just quick and easy; they are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing them for a simple weeknight dinner, a fancy holiday feast, or meal prep for the week ahead, these sweet potatoes can adapt to your needs. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture pair beautifully with various toppings or mix-ins. You can enjoy them as they are, or transform them into something more decadent without adding extra work. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

2 – 8 medium sweet potatoes, depending on size and availability
1 cup water (1½ cups for 8-quart Instant Pot)

Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes

Estimate Cooking Time

To ensure your sweet potatoes cook perfectly, start by estimating their width. Generally, larger sweet potatoes will require a longer cooking time, typically ranging between 20 and 45 minutes based on their size. Smaller ones can be cooked in as little as 20 minutes, while larger ones may take close to 45.

Wash and Poke

First, give your sweet potatoes a thorough wash. This step is essential to remove any dirt before cooking. Once washed, poke each potato a few times with a fork. This simple trick helps steam escape during the cooking process and prevents your sweet potatoes from bursting. It’s a small step with significant benefits.

Prepare the Instant Pot

Now, pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. If you’re using an 8-quart model, you’ll need to add 1½ cups of water instead. This liquid creates the steam needed for pressure cooking, so it’s crucial not to skip this step!

Create a Stand for Cooking

Next, place a trivet, steamer basket, or sling on top of the water. If you don’t have a trivet, household items like mason jar rings, biscuit cutters, or rolled aluminum foil can also work as makeshift stands. The goal is to keep the sweet potatoes elevated above the water to steam rather than boil them.

Arrange Sweet Potatoes

Carefully stack the sweet potatoes on the trivet. Feel free to layer them as needed—your Instant Pot can hold several potatoes as long as the lid closes securely. Don’t worry if they look a bit crowded; they’ll shrink as they cook.

Pressure Cook

Now, secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to the Sealing position. Pressure cook on High for the estimated time based on your largest sweet potato size. Keep in mind that it will take about 10-15 minutes for the pot to build pressure before the cooking timer begins.

Natural Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for around 10 minutes. After that, you can carefully perform a Quick Release for any remaining steam. This step ensures your sweet potatoes are not only cooked through but also have a nice texture.

Cool and Serve

Carefully open the lid and allow the sweet potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, remove the flesh from the skins and enjoy them in your favorite sweet potato recipes. Whether you’re serving them topped with butter, brown sugar, or a drizzle of nut butter, they are bound to be a hit!

Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. Pair them with a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth, a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess, or a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness. You can also serve them alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables to create a complete meal. They can elevate simple dishes effortlessly!

Tips for Success

Getting your sweet potatoes just right is easy with a few helpful tips:
– Ensure that all sweet potatoes are similar in size for even cooking.
– Don’t skip the poking step; it’s essential for even cooking and preventing messy kitchen disasters.
– Experiment with different toppings to keep your meals exciting and fresh.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to try different varieties of sweet potatoes. Japanese sweet potatoes offer a drier, nutty flavor while garnet or jewel types are sweeter and creamier. You can even mash the cooked sweet potatoes with spices or mix in other vegetables to create unique side dishes that surprise your taste buds.

FAQs

1. Can I cook different sizes of sweet potatoes together?
Yes, it’s possible to cook various sizes, but always base the cooking time on the largest potato to ensure it cooks through.

2. How long do I need to cook them?
Cooking times range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes. Use the width as your guide!

3. What should I do if the sweet potatoes are not fully cooked?
If they aren’t cooked through, simply seal them back up and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes for best results.

4. Can I peel and cut the sweet potatoes before cooking?
You can, but whole potatoes hold more moisture and cook better in the Instant Pot, leading to a creamier texture.

5. How can I store leftover sweet potatoes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage without losing flavor.

Instant Pot sweet potatoes are a delightful way to enjoy a versatile ingredient that can serve as the star of your meal or the perfect side dish. Their creamy texture and natural sweetness are simply irresistible, and with so many serving options and variations, you’ll never get bored. Try this easy method to elevate your sweet potato game and discover new flavors and textures you’ll come to love!