Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers sweet potatoes that are soft, moist, and ready to be enjoyed as a simple side or a base for your favorite toppings. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and cooks the potatoes evenly, eliminating the guesswork and long wait times. Plus, you can customize them with a variety of toppings—from butter and salt to nuts and brown sugar—making it easy to tailor to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 sweet potatoes of uniform size
• 1 cup cool water
• toppings: butter, salt, freshly ground black pepper, chopped nuts, brown sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork.
2. Pour 1 cup of cool water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
3. Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet, stacking if necessary, but avoid overcrowding.
4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
5. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. (Adjust time by 2-3 minutes if your potatoes are larger or smaller.)
6. When the cooking time is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
7. Remove the sweet potatoes from the Instant Pot. Pierce with a fork to check for tenderness.
8. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as butter, salt, freshly ground black pepper, chopped nuts, or brown sugar.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes natural pressure release)
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• For a savory twist, top with sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese.
• Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Top with toasted coconut flakes or dried cranberries for texture and flavor contrast.
• Stuff the sweet potatoes with black beans and salsa for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave them until warm or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also slice and pan-fry them lightly for a crispy exterior.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot?

It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for even cooking. Frozen sweet potatoes may cook unevenly and become mushy.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

They should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, cook for a few more minutes under pressure.

Can I cook more than 4 sweet potatoes at once?

Yes, but make sure they fit on the trivet without overcrowding, and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Is it necessary to pierce the sweet potatoes?

Piercing helps steam circulate and prevents the potatoes from bursting during cooking.

Can I use this method for regular potatoes?

Yes, but adjust cooking time to about 12 minutes for medium-sized white or red potatoes.

Can I add seasoning to the sweet potatoes before cooking?

It’s best to add toppings after cooking to avoid altering the texture during pressure cooking.

How do I clean the Instant Pot after cooking sweet potatoes?

Wash the inner pot with warm soapy water. Any residue from sweet potatoes is usually easy to clean.

Can I cook sweet potatoes without a trivet?

You can place them directly in the water, but using a trivet keeps them out of the water for better texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure the sweet potatoes fit comfortably inside the Instant Pot without overcrowding.

What if my sweet potatoes vary in size?

Try to use sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly if sizes differ significantly.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes are an effortless and reliable way to enjoy this nutritious and delicious vegetable. With a quick cooking time and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy days or meal prep. Whether served simply with butter and seasoning or loaded with your favorite toppings, these sweet potatoes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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