Despite how extensively I’ve written about Instant Pot cooking, I still turn to my Instant Pot Cheat Sheet whenever I have questions about Instant Pot cooking times. It’s impossible to overstate its usefulness as a reference guide, and I’ve made it my mission to share it with as many other Instant Pot users as possible!
You’ll find my free Instant Pot Cheat Sheet, available in both PDF and mobile-friendly image formats, in this post. But before we get down to brass tacks, let’s quickly review some basics of Instant Pot cooking to help you get the most of out my Cheat Sheet.
Jillee’s Take:
Table Of Contents
Instant Pot Cooking Basics
Most Instant Pot models offer a dizzying array of preset cooking programs, and all those buttons can be intimidating! I suggest sticking to the basic Pressure Cook function (or Manual, if you have an older model) until you’ve mastered the basics.
Using the Pressure Cook function, you can adjust the cooking time and pressure level to suit the food you’re cooking. (This sets it apart from other Instant Pot functions, like Rice or Bean/Chili, that are pre-programmed and can’t be adjusted.)
How Long To Cook Foods
To cook any food to perfection in an Instant Pot, you first need to know how long to cook it. Cooking times will vary according to the volume, size, and type of food you’re cooking.
When cooking meat and poultry, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your food has reached a safe temperature before serving. (My Internal Meat Temperatures Guide is also useful here!)
How Much Water To Add
How much liquid do you need to add? Generally, you need at least 1 cup of liquid in the pot for it to generate enough steam to pressurize. If you don’t add enough liquid, your Instant Pot may never come to pressure (or it may display a “burn” error, indicating that the pot got too hot and triggered the auto-shutoff).
Any liquid can count toward the 1 cup minimum, including water, broth, salsa, sauce, and even the water content of fruits and vegetables. (If you don’t want to cook something in liquid, you can always use the included trivet to elevate the food so it steams rather than boils.)
Which Pressure Release Method To Use
The last piece of the Instant Pot pressure cooking equation is knowing which pressure release method to use. There are two ways to release pressure from the pot after cooking and choosing the right one makes a world of difference.
Quick Release is the better method for foods at risk of overcooking, while Natural Release helps produce tender meats and reduces messy splatters from beans, grains, and other foods that foam up while cooking.
Learn More About Your Instant Pot
- Learn about the differences between pressure cooking and slow cooking.
- Explore the most useful Instant Pot accessories.
- Find out how pot-in-pot cooking can make your Instant Pot even more useful.
- New to the Instant Pot? My beginner-friendly Instant Success with Jillee video course is a great resource for new users.
- Get inspired (and probably a bit hungry) by these 44 delicious Instant Pot recipes.
- Learn how to deep-clean your Instant Pot to keep it sanitary and working properly.
- Don’t miss my two Instant Pot e-books! Everything Instant Pot is a practical handbook of tips and tricks, while Instant Pot Favorites features a collection of my favorite pressure cooker recipes.
Instant Pot Cooking Times
Most Instant Pot models come in 6 quart and 8 quart varieties. A smaller pot may pressurize and seal more quickly, but cooking times are unaffected. Whether you’re cooking for two or a small army, you can use the times on my Instant Pot Cheat Sheet without adjustments.
In this section, you’ll find Instant Pot cooking times and tips for common foods.
Instant Pot Cooking Times For Eggs
- For perfect hard-boiled eggs, cook them on a trivet or rack on high pressure for 4 minutes. Use natural release for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure and remove the eggs immediately.
- Making egg or potato salad? Learn how to cook hard-boiled eggs without the shells for easy chopping.
Instant Pot Cooking Times For Meat, Seafood, And Poultry
| Type | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Beef (pot roast, rump, round, chuck; stew meat) | 13 minutes per pound |
| Beef (pot roast, rump, round, chuck; large cut) | 15 minutes per pound |
| Beef ribs | 25 minutes |
| Chicken, fresh breasts | 6 minutes |
| Chicken, frozen breasts | 8 minutes |
| Chicken, fresh thighs, bone-in | 10 minutes |
| Chicken, whole fresh | 8 minutes per pound |
| Fish, fresh fillets | 2 minutes |
| Fish, frozen fillets | 4 minutes |
| Fish, whole | 5 minutes |
| Meatballs | 8 minutes per pound |
| Pork, loin roast | 20 minutes per pound |
| Pork, butt roast | 15 minutes per pound |
| Pork ribs | 20 minutes |
| Shrimp | 2 minutes |
| Turkey, boneless breast | 8 minutes |
| Turkey, whole breast | 22 minutes |
| Turkey, drumsticks | 20 minutes |
- Use Quick Release when cooking seafood to avoid overcooking.
- Steam seafood on the trivet or in a steaming pan or rack.
- Allow at least 10 minutes of Natural Release for meat (a bit longer for large cuts and roasts), then Quick Release the remaining pressure.
- Use the Sauté function to sear meat before pressure cooking to seal in moisture and add extra flavor.
- Cooking times for chicken breasts are ideal for 3-6 breasts; decrease time by 1 minute for fewer.
Instant Pot Cooking Times For Rice And Grains
| Type of Grain | Grain to Water Ratio | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Couscous | 1 : 2 | 3 minutes |
| Millet | 1 : 2 | 10 minutes |
| Oatmeal, quick | 1 : 2 | 1 minute |
| Oatmeal, old fashioned | 1 : 2 | 10 minutes |
| Oatmeal, steel-cut | 1 : 2 | 15 minutes |
| Pasta | water to cover | 4 minutes |
| Quinoa | 1 : 1.25 | 1 minute |
| Rice; white, basmati, jasmine | 1 : 1 | 4 minutes |
| Rice, brown | 1 : 1 | 25 minutes |
| Rice, wild | 1 : 1 | 20 minutes |
- When cooking rice and other grains, use Natural Release for 10 minutes, then Quick Release the remaining pressure.
Instant Pot Cooking Times For Beans And Legumes
| Type of Bean/Legume | Cooking Time (Dry) | Cooking Time (Soaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Black beans | 25 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) | 40 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Great northern beans | 25 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Kidney beans, red | 25 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Kidney beans, white | 35 minutes | 12 minutes |
| Lentils, green or brown | 10 minutes | |
| Lentils, red, split | 6 minutes | |
| Lentils, yellow, split | 20 minutes | |
| Navy beans | 25 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Peas | 8 minutes | |
| Pinto beans | 25 minutes | 8 minutes |
- When cooking beans, allow at least 10 minutes of Natural Release, followed by a Quick Release of the remaining pressure.
- When cooking dried beans, don’t fill the pot more than halfway to allow room for expansion during cooking.
- Always use enough liquid to cover the beans.
- Pre-soaking beans isn’t necessary, but it does make them cook a bit faster.
Instant Pot Cooking Times For Fruits And Vegetables
| Type of Fruit/Veggie | Cooking Time (Fresh) | Cooking Time (Frozen) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple, pieces | 2 minutes | |
| Apple, whole | 4 minutes | |
| Artichoke, whole | 10 minutes | |
| Beans; green, yellow, wax | 1 minute | 3 minutes |
| Broccoli, florets | 1 minute | 3 minutes |
| Broccoli, stalks | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Brussel sprouts, whole | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Carrots | 6 minutes | 8 minutes |
| Corn on the cob | 4 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Mixed veggies | 3 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Pears, whole | 3 minutes | |
| Pears, sliced | 2 minutes | |
| Potatoes, cubed | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Potatoes; small, whole | 8 minutes | |
| Potatoes; large, whole | 13 minutes | |
| Sweet potato, cubed | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Sweet potato, whole | 12 minutes |
- Steaming is a great method for cooking fruits and veggies. Place the trivet or a steamer basket in the inner pot, along with at least 1 cup of water.
- Always use Quick Release after cooking fruits or veggies.
Download The Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet
Rather than attempt to memorize dozens of Instant Pot cooking times, I created a handy Instant Pot Cooking Times “Cheat Sheet” with cooking times for common foods.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to cooking times, my Cheat Sheet will tell you which pressure release method to use, how much liquid to add, and even whether to use a trivet.
More Ideas You'll Love
Get my Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet (for free!) as a printable PDF or mobile-friendly image file below (or both!)
Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet (PDF)
Download the most useful Instant Pot Cheat Sheet on the web as a printer-friendly PDF.
Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet (Mobile)
Get my Instant Pot Cheat Sheet as a mobile-friendly image file you can save to your smartphone or tablet.
How To Use The Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet
You already know this Cheat Sheet contains cooking times; here’s what else it can tell you.
Pressure Release Icons
The symbols in the upper-right corner of each box indicate the optimal pressure release method for that food.
- Stopwatch: Use the Quick Release method (i.e. open the pressure release valve on the lid to quickly release the steam inside)
- Steam: Use the Natural Release method (i.e. allow the pressure to release on its own until the float valve on the lid drops)
- No. 10: Use a combination of both methods (i.e. allow the pressure to release on its own for 10 minutes, then use Quick Release)
Sear Icon
Foods that have a fire symbol in the lower-left corner benefit from being seared before they’re pressure-cooked.
More Ideas You'll Love
The Sauté function makes searing quick and easy! Just add some oil to the pot, sear the meat on all sides until browned, then press Cancel and proceed with your desired cooking method.
Tips For Cooking From Frozen
In the upper right corner of the cheat sheet, you’ll find tips for adjusting cooking times for frozen foods. A good rule of thumb: add 1-3 minutes to the cooking time if the food is frozen.
Add 1 minute when cooking a relatively small amount of frozen food, like a couple of chicken breasts. Add 2 minutes when cooking a moderate amount of frozen food, like a small roast. Add 3 minutes when cooking large quantities.
(Wondering why frozen foods only need another minute or two of cooking time? It takes more time for the pot to pressurize when the food is frozen, so the cooking time doesn’t need much adjusting.)
Conclusion
With this Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet in hand, you’ll have no trouble making everything from Instant Pot Cheesecake to soup! Tape it up inside a cupboard or hang it on the fridge for quick and easy reference.
What do you cook most in your Instant Pot (or what would you like to make in one)?
The cheat sheet will not print properly.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What air fryer do you have?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cause it does make a difference if it’s different.
I have a non toxic air fry . Ceramic Non-Stick Air Fryer 1400-Watt 5.3-QT Digital Touchscreen Stainless Steel Oven (5.3QT).See mine is 1400 watt 5.3 quart.
You say the beans will cook faster if soaked, but no instructions or time is given? TY
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ladies (AND Gents, too)! Just a passing thought about the eccentricities of the IP times. Could the altitude have anything to do with the problems that sometimes crop up when trying out someone else’s recipe??? I can and it is done under pressure, too. Altitude is key with that. Maybe this is similar? Just a thought. BTW not my thought. A random suggestion by my partner who was half listening to my chattering this morning! I thought it might have merit and am passing it along to those who are more in tune with this stuff. I freely admit I am fairly new to the I P and canning. Both techniques are so fun!!! LOVE cooking and creating in the kitchen. Carol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ll start by saying where i’m from crock pots are not a very popular thing. So, I found, on sale, a pot with same functions as your pictured instant pot, only it’s a crockpot. but what’s in a name :) (I’d post a picture but I don’t know if I’m allowed due to advertising). So I was wondering do you use your instant pot as a crock pot/slow cooker? as it has the slow cook function. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Vanja, you can absolutely use the crock pot feature. I use mine. It’s nice when you have limited counter space. Although you can convert most recipes from a crock pot to a pressure cooker and save quite a bit of cooking time, some recipes are still better with a crock pot. On holidays, I will sometimes use both my instant pot and pull out my crock pot so I can multitask and work on a few recipes at a time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is there any way to easily print your articles? I know that the ads give you revenue but the way they are placed is a real pain when one tries to print.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Are the pork chops Cooke time per pound?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Are the pork chops time per pound?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great cheat sheet – but I can’t print it in color, even though that’s the way it comes up initially on the screen. And, no, it’s not my printer – I’ve never had this issue before. Any ideas? Useful, whether in color or black and white, but would like color better —
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for this Jillee, but I have to disagree with you about brown rice, I have cooked it three times now and it’s been perfect (for me) twice, the first time I made it, I didn’t wash the rice, it was delicious, nutty and slightly chewy. The second time, I washed the rice and it just wasn’t anywhere near as nice, in fact I threw the rest away. The third time was the same as the first. I used two cups of rice to two and a half cups of water, cooked it on high for 15 mins, 5 mins SR and then QR.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the cheat sheet. Do you have times for slow cooking as well?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Nope – I’ll have to work on slow cooking cheat sheet. Thanks for the great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi! Thanks for sharing the chart! I’m still a little confused, though. Do you cook the chicken breast without adding any additional water or liquid?? And how many chicken breast are you recommending for the 6 minute cook time?
And for hard boiling the eggs, how many eggs does that include? Is it the same time for 3 eggs or 10 eggs?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Ashli!
No, you always need 1 cup of liquid or more in the Instant Pot, or it won’t come to pressure! For the chicken breasts, I suggest chicken broth, bbq sauce, salsa, or any other flavorful liquid that will go with the rest of your meal.
The time listed for chicken breast is for anywhere from 3-6 chicken breasts. If you’re only cooking one or two chicken breasts, decrease the time by one minute. :-)
Yes, the time for hard boiled eggs will work for 3 or 10 eggs! I hope that answers all of your questions.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The cheat sheet confused me as well. Some of them had liquid amounts (oats, rice, noodles) but the others didn’t. I had read you needed 1 cup of liquid no matter what, but I’m glad someone else asked this. I didn’t know it could be bbq sauce, salsa, or any flavorful liquid though – that’s awesome! Thanks Jillee! I just got my Instant Pot and need all the help I can get!
I just got an instant pot. Haven’t used it yet but reading about it allI can. I’m wondering whay kinds of containers can be used in it. Can you use anything that can go in the oven and fits in the Instant Pot? For instance, the ramekins you use look like the ones I have and they are for the oven. I don’t see anything like this on the Instant Pot website.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for all the good information!
Welcome to the Instant Pot, Cheryl! Yes, oven safe containers can be used inside the IP! Ramekins, pyrex glass bowls/containers, silicone muffin wrappers… I talk more about PIP (pot in pot) cooking in my Instant Pot eBook, which you can find here: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/shop/
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These accessories seem to be available for the 6qt pot. How/where can all of these items be found for the 3qt size IP?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here you go, Paula! https://amzn.to/2lvHKzB
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!!! I had been looking for accessories for the 3-quart. You are an angel.
Which Instant Pot do you own? I am new to all this but have been wanting to buy one. do you have any recommendations?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have this one: https://amzn.to/2GfcvFL
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I absolutely love it! But if you’re not interested in making your own yogurt, then you can get this one and save some money: https://amzn.to/2GhSS09
I can’t get my printer to print this at all. Prints everything else and I’ve fully downloaded and saved the pdf. Any thoughts?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can you print other things? It sounds like it might be your printer. :-) Once you’ve saved a PDF, you should be able print!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I haven’t been able to print out the cheat sheet without parts being cut off. What am I doing wrong?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You just need to check a box that says “fit to page” right before printing :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you think each instant pot can cook a little different? Some of the times are way off for what works in my instant pot, ex I cooked potatoes for 10 minutes and they were way over cooked. On facebook the conciseness seems to be for beans 40 minutes is the correct time. Although I love my instant pot I find I have to change the cook time for most recipes. I end up with over or under cooked food all time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The Instant Pot is a peculiar device, and there are definitely large ranges of time that will work everyone. Find what works for you, and stick with it! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the wonderful info sheet. I love my instant pot. Actually, bought one for each of my daughter and daughter in laws as Christmas gifts.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We love our instant pot. I’ll have to see if my mom wants this chart.On the blowing up.the kitchen . One of my Aunts had that happen many years ago. Some crazy freak accident where she was making root beer when they had the old models. I can’t remember the details, but it exploded somehow.,It blew up Their kitchen and she also ended up with a broken arm as a result. That really scared my folks about using a regular pressure cooker for a long time. The instant pots now I think are much safer to use.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you! We got home from church this morning to find an Instant pot on the porch as a BD gift from my sister! I have wanted one for months.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How exciting! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you this is very helpful. I printed a copy and placed it inside a protective plastic sheet held up with a magnet on the fridge (moved a pic of my mother in law lower on the fridge ….lol). Let’s see if the hubby will notice.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Lol! ;-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do these times equate with any electric pressure cooker? I don’t have an Instant Pot brand cooker and some of the options/buttons vary.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, any electric pressure cooker should behave the same way :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks, I was wondering the same thing. I have a power cooker plus.
I’m still terrified of blowing up the kitchen with a ‘pressure cooker’ but this helps! Thanks so much!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Electric pressure cookers are much safer than the stove-top versions you are used to. I was scared at first, but have come to love mine!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Very Helpful. Thank you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jilly it is so nice of you to share this! I don’t have one (yet) but hope to soon!! I know this will be helpful!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My Daughter in law has an Instapot without pressure cooking, do you have a guide for using it??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Not yet, just the the pressure cooker guide :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What about Pork Tenderloin IP cooking times? Thanks;)
Here’s a great guide to cooking pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot: https://jillee.co/2YGp3dYf :-)