This Instant Pot sweet potato recipe is for medium-sized potatoes, but you can add five to ten minutes for large potatoes or reduce the time for small potatoes.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Cooking sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot is a game-changer, especially if you’re short on time but still want a perfectly cooked, fluffy potato. You can cook nearly any vegetable in the Instant Pot and for good reason. These pressure-cooked sweet potatoes come out tender every time. Enjoy them plain, with salt and pepper or decadently topped with marshmallows or sour cream. Whether using them as a side dish or a meal prep or the base for glazed sweet potatoes, this method makes the process a breeze.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and nutritious. They are packed with fiber, vitamins A and C and antioxidants. When pressure-cooked they become tender and flavorful bases for various toppings.
- Water: Water is essential for creating the steam that’s needed to pressure cook the sweet potatoes. The water sits at the bottom of the Instant Pot, allowing the sweet potatoes to cook evenly while staying moist.
- Optional toppings: Butter, salt and pepper are classic toppings that enhance sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and flavor. You can also get creative by adding cinnamon and brown sugar or savory toppings, like cheese or sour cream.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times. This step helps release steam during cooking and prevents the sweet potatoes from bursting.
Step 2: Pressure cook the potatoes
Place the metal trivet in the bottom of a 6 quart Instant Pot. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the pierced sweet potatoes on top of the trivet in a single layer. Seal the lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the time to 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Medium-sized sweet potatoes generally take about 15 minutes, while larger ones might need 20 minutes.
Step 3: Release the pressure
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “venting.”
Step 4: Serve
Remove the sweet potatoes from the Instant Pot and let them cool for five minutes. Serve plain or with butter, salt and pepper.
Sweet Potato Instant Pot Variations
- Make loaded sweet potatoes: After cooking, slice the sweet potatoes open and load them up with toppings like black beans, avocado, salsa and cheese.
- Mash your sweet potatoes: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter, a splash of milk and some brown sugar for a creamy side dish.
- Go for a sweet potato breakfast bowl: Top your sweet potatoes with almond butter, granola and a drizzle of honey for a nutritious breakfast.
How to Store Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They’re great for meal prep and can be reheated easily.
Can you freeze sweet potatoes?
You can freeze cooked sweet potatoes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
How do you reheat sweet potatoes?
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven until warmed through or in the microwave for one to two minutes.
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tips
Can I cook more than four sweet potatoes at a time?
Yes, you can cook more than four sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot if it’s not overcrowded. Make sure they aren’t stacked too tightly to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
You don’t need to peel the sweet potatoes before cooking. The skin softens during cooking and is easy to remove afterward or you can eat them with the skin on for added nutrients.
How long should I cook small sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot?
For smaller sweet potatoes, reduce the cooking time to about 10 to 12 minutes, as they cook faster than larger ones.
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup water
- Optional: Butter, salt and pepper
Directions
- Place trivet in the bottom of a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork; place on top of trivet. Pour water in the bottom.
- Close the lid; set toggle to seal. Set to manual high pressure for 17 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully vent to release remaining pressure; open lid.
- Remove sweet potatoes with tongs or slotted spoon. Let cool 5 minutes. If desired, serve with butter, salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
1 potato: 193 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.