Instant Pot baked potatoes are without a doubt one of the easiest ways to whip up a side dish — even easier than oven roasted potatoes or one pan steak and potatoes! I’ll show you how to make baked potatoes in the Instant Pot with a few simple ingredients, and you can upgrade them with your favorite toppings and mains. They’ll become a regular healthy side dish in your meal prep! This recipe is specifically for the Instant Pot, but technically you could make pressure cooker baked potatoes in any other pressure cooker as well. The time should be the same if the size of the pressure cooker is similar.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for baking potatoes in an Instant Pot, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Potatoes – I used medium sized potatoes russet potatoes (about 2.5 pounds for 5 potatoes, or 8 ounces each), but any kind will work. Cook time might vary if yours are much larger or smaller than 8 ounces each.Water – You’ll need a cup of cold water on hand, as the Instant Pot always requires liquid.Salt & Pepper – For simple seasoning after the potatoes cook in the pressure cooker.

How To Make Baked Potatoes In The Instant Pot

This section shows how to cook baked potatoes in the Instant Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

How Long To Cook Baked Potato In Instant Pot?

Cook medium potatoes in the Instant Pot for 14 minutes on high pressure. Let pressure release naturally.

Variations

Add toppings – Although optional, toppings are an easy way to change the flavor after your Instant Pot potatoes are baked. For classic presentation, use butter, sour cream, chives or green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled oven baked bacon.Swap seasonings – Instead of a sprinkle of salt and pepper, try seasoning mixes like taco seasoning or ranch seasoning, or upgrade your butter with a flavorful compound butter.Use sweet potatoes – Instead of white potatoes, use medium sweet potatoes with the same pressure cooking time.Get crispy skin – After cooking, brush potatoes with oil and finish in the broiler on high heat until skins turn crispy (about 4-6 minutes).

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftovers in a covered container up to 4 days in the fridge.Reheat: For easy reheating, warm potatoes in the microwave or bake in a 400 degree F oven until warm.Freeze: Wrap tightly and store potatoes in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Potatoes work with so many dishes! Try these pairings:

Satisfying Mains – Although they make a classic side for steak (especially sirloin steak, ribeye, or filet mignon), pressure cooker baked potatoes also pair nicely with slow cooker pulled pork or pan seared chicken breast.Sauces & Dips – Try topping with queso dip, homemade salsa, guacamole, or buffalo chicken dip for a super flavorful and filling meal.Hearty Soups – Potatoes make the perfect pairing with broccoli cheese soup, pork stew, or stuffed pepper soup.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Besides cooking a perfect potato, Instant Pot recipes are great for making fast meals! Try these ones next: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!