Cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get perfectly tender, fluffy sweet potatoes every time. In this article, I’ll instruct you how to steam whole sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot, along with tips on adjusting the cooking time for different sizes and how to serve them up with your favorite toppings.
1. Instant Pot Steamed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup of water
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- Trivet (comes with most Instant Pots)
- Tongs
- Fork or knife (for piercing the sweet potatoes)
Instructions
Step 1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Scrub the skin with a brush or your hands, then pat them dry with a towel. There’s no need to peel them.
Optional: Use a fork or knife to poke a few holes in each sweet potato. This allows steam to escape, but it’s not strictly necessary in a pressure cooker.
Step 2. Add Water to the Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This water is essential for creating the steam that will cook the sweet potatoes.
Place the trivet (metal rack) inside the Instant Pot to keep the sweet potatoes elevated above the water.
Step 3. Place the Sweet Potatoes on the Trivet
Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet. You can stack them if necessary, but try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
Ensure that the sweet potatoes are not submerged in water—they should sit above the water on the trivet.
Step 4. Pressure Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to the Sealing position.
Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function, and set the cooking time based on the size of your sweet potatoes:
- Small sweet potatoes (4-6 ounces): 12 minutes on high pressure
- Medium sweet potatoes (6-8 ounces): 15 minutes on high pressure
- Large sweet potatoes (8-12 ounces): 18-20 minutes on high pressure
Step 5. Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This helps the sweet potatoes finish cooking and prevents them from becoming too soft.
After 10 minutes of natural release, carefully turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure manually.
Step 6. Check for Doneness
Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Use tongs to remove the sweet potatoes from the pot (they will be very hot!).
To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center of one of the sweet potatoes. It should pierce through easily, indicating that the sweet potato is fully cooked and tender.
Step 7. Serve
Slice the sweet potatoes open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and serve with your favorite toppings. Try butter, salt, and pepper for something simple, or go sweet with cinnamon and honey or maple syrup.
2. Serving Suggestions
Classic Butter & Salt: Top your sweet potatoes with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of salt, and freshly ground pepper for a simple, savory option.
Sweet Cinnamon & Honey: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet, dessert-like treat.
Savory Herb Butter: Mix some softened butter with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a flavorful topping.
Tex-Mex Style: Load up your sweet potatoes with black beans, avocado, salsa, and a little cheese for a hearty, southwestern-inspired meal.
Healthy Toppings: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and top with chopped nuts or chia seeds for a healthy twist.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook multiple sweet potatoes at once?
Yes! You can cook multiple sweet potatoes at the same time in the Instant Pot, as long as they fit on the trivet. Just make sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking. You don’t need to increase the cooking time if they’re similar in size.
What if my sweet potatoes aren’t done after the cooking time?
If your sweet potatoes are still firm after the pressure cooking time, you can simply put the lid back on the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before checking again.
Can I use this method for cubed sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! To cook cubed sweet potatoes, place them in a steamer basket (instead of directly on the trivet). Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, and cook the cubes on high pressure for 5-6 minutes, followed by a quick release.
How do I store and reheat leftover sweet potatoes?
Refrigerator: Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the sweet potatoes for 1-2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone looking to save time while still enjoying perfectly cooked, tender, and fluffy sweet potatoes. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, you can have a healthy side dish or snack ready in no time.
