How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

This Instant Pot sweet potatoes method makes perfectly tender,  sweet potatoes with minimal effort.

Instant Pot sweet potatoes have become an absolute lifesaver in my kitchen, so easy and good. Just last week, a dear friend showed up at my door with a huge bag—11 kilograms!—of sweet potatoes. 

At first, I was a bit overwhelmed (that’s a lot of sweet potatoes!), but thanks to my trusty Instant Pot, I quickly found the easiest and most delicious way to prepare them. Even my 9-month-old baby is a fan!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: No more waiting for the oven to preheat or checking for doneness every 10 minutes.

Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it.

How to cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot 

Step 1

Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good wash. I always leave the skin on for extra nutrition (and less work!).

Step 2 (Don’t Skip This!)

Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato. Trust me, this step is important for letting steam escape and preventing any pressure cooker surprises!

Step 3: 

Here’s my method for pressure cooker sweet potatoes:

Add 1 cup of cold water to the Instant Pot and set the trivet inside.

Place the sweet potatoes on the trivet. If you have a lot, it’s okay to stack them, but a single layer is ideal.

Cooking times by size:

• Small sweet potatoes (under 2 inches wide): 10 minutes
• Medium (2–3 inches wide): 15 minutes
• Large (3–4 inches wide): 25minutes

Set to High Pressure, close the lid, and cook. Be sure the valve is sealed.

Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the vent and do a quick release.

How To Use Cooked Sweet Potatoes

1. Mash them up for baby’s first foods—so simple and nutritious. Tip: add a pinch of cinnamon – my little G loves it!
2. Slice and top with Parmesan cheese and glaze or with sour cream and bacon.
3. Blend into lentil soup for a creamy texture without cream.
4. Add to a burrito or a burrito bowl.
5. Serve as a simple side dish with butter, salt, and fresh black pepper.

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

• Choose potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t skip poking holes.
• Always use the trivetto to avoid soggy potatoes.

storage

Refrigerator:  Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Peel, mash, and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Microwave or bake at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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What to Serve with Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Honestly, these sweet potatoes are so versatile. I love pairing them with:

• My Italian chicken cutlet or grilled fish.
• Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
• A fresh green salad.
• Peas and meatball stews, or chili, for a complete meal.
• With roasted turkey breast for a holiday dinner.

FAQ’s

Can I stack the sweet potatoes, or do they need to be in a single layer?

Yes, you can stack the sweet potatoes if you really need to! When stacking, try to arrange them in a balanced manner to ensure that they cook evenly throughout. Avoid overcrowding.

Do I need to peel them before cooking?

No, you don’t have to peel sweet potatoes before cooking them.

Keeping the skin on is beneficial as it helps retain essential nutrients and enhances the natural flavors of the potato. Plus, it adds texture to your dish!

How do I know when they’re done?

When it is done, the fork should slide in easily without resistance.

Can I cook cut sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can cook cut sweet potatoes.

I usually cut them into cubes. Reduce the cooking time to approximately 8-10 minutes.

What if my sweet potatoes vary in size?

Cook for the time needed for the largest potato.

Do I need to add oil?

No oil needed for pressure cooking.