Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly fluffy, golden-brown baked potato without spending hours in the kitchen. Say goodbye to long oven times and hello to the most incredible, foolproof potato recipe that will transform your dinner game forever! Our Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are about to become your new go-to side dish that's crispy on the outside, impossibly soft on the inside, and ready in less than an hour.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter and sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt. Pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels.
- Using a fork, poke 4-5 deep holes around each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking. This prevents the potatoes from potentially exploding.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot. Place the trivet or steamer rack inside the pot.
- Arrange the potatoes on the trivet, ensuring they are not touching each other and are positioned in a single layer.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing" position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Medium potatoes typically require 12 minutes, larger potatoes may need up to 15 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This helps the potatoes finish cooking and become tender.
- After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the valve to "Venting".
- Using tongs, carefully remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot. Place them on a cutting board and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Cut a slit lengthwise on top of each potato, gently squeeze the sides to open, and fluff the interior with a fork.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with optional toppings like butter, sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potato: Always use russet potatoes, as they have the ideal starch content for creating that dreamy, fluffy interior.
- Don't Skip the Poking: Those fork holes are crucial! They allow steam to escape and prevent potential potato explosions.
- Size Matters: Adjust cooking time based on potato size. Medium potatoes need 12 minutes, larger ones might require up to 15 minutes.
- Natural Release is Key: Let the potatoes rest with natural pressure release for 10 minutes to ensure even, tender cooking.
- Customize Your Toppings: While butter and sour cream are classics, get creative with toppings like crispy bacon, chives, cheese, or even chili.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Thoroughly drying potatoes before cooking helps achieve a slightly crisp exterior.
- Use the Trivet: Always place potatoes on the trivet to prevent them from sitting directly in water, ensuring even cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 46mg
