If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, I’ve got a great cooking tip for you: cook them in the Instant Pot! In this post, I’ll show you the recommended pressure cooking settings and give you some tips on some of my favorite steamer baskets.

I know some of you only eat sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving time, all sweetened up and buttery. (Yum, yum)! However, another way to eat them is baked or better yet, steamed.

Did you know that these bright orange gems are not actually potatoes? They are actually a root of the morning glory family. There are hundreds of types of sweet potatoes, and they come in a variety of colors.

You’ll find them cream colored, yellow, red, and even purple. But the variety you’re probably familiar with and see in the store, is the “Covington.” It has pale orange/pink skin and a bright orange pulp.

This root veggie is chock full of nutrition. If you’re not a big fan, I suggest you give them a whirl.

Here is some sweet potato nutritional information

Just one sweet potato gives you 400% of the vitamin A you need each day. Vitamin A helps keep your eyes healthy as well as your immune system. It’s also good for your reproductive system and organs like your kidneys and heart.

Sweet potatoes are rich in:

B vitamins
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Thiamin
Zinc

Carotenoids give sweet potatoes their rich orange color, just like carrots. Carotenoids are an antioxidant, which means they have the power to protect your cells from day-to-day damage. Something you may want to add to your diet, don’t ya think?

How to steam them in the Instant Pot

Finding the right cooking time is the key!

These root veggies come in all sizes, and if you use just a standard time that you find in most tutorials, you may have find your tatos under-cooked. Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits all cooking time.

First of all you’ll need to determine the size of the potatoes. If they’re not all similar in size, you’ll want to cut some so they are.

1 -Measure the circumference of the potatoes.

2- Place the potatoes on a rack or in a steamer basket.

Let’s talk steamer baskets and racks. I was just introduced to this amazing Avokado silicone steamer basket and I’m totally sold. You can cook all kinds of things in it, not just veggies. Use it on the stove top for pasta. When the pasta is cooked, no need to carry the pan to the sink and drain, just lift it up and drain. Then dump the pasta into a bowl. LOVE it!

I use this basket in my Instant Pot for steamed broccoli, beans, and all kinds of stuff. One more thing, it’s so easy to clean! You gotta love that. No more broccoli pieces stuck in the metal mesh.

You can also use a stainless steel rack, or steamer basket.

3 -Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot

4 -Set pressure cooking method to (MANUAL) (HIGH PRESSURE)

5 -Flip valve for pressure cooking.

6- Set time

Preferences (a little firm – fully tender)

6 inches: (15 – 20) minutes

8 inches: (25 – 30) minutes

10 inches: (35 – 40) minutes

12 inches: (45 – 50) minutes

7- When beeper sounds, use (QUICK RELEASE METHOD) by flipping valve to release steam.

*** Use this guide as a reference and adjust accordingly. It may take a trial run to get them to your preferred texture. If they are not done to your liking, you can always throw them back in for another minute or so.

8- Remove from pan and peel. This is what I love about the silicone steamer basket, YOU DON’T NEED HOT PADS OR MITTS! Simply use the handles to pull out of pan.

9- Serve alone or add your favorite topping.

Enjoy!

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, I’ve got a great cooking tip for you: cook them in the Instant Pot! Quick to make, tender and delicious!

Prep Time1 min
Cook Time18 min
Total Time19 min

Course
- Appetizer
- Snack
- Condiments and Sauces

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INGREDIENTS

Raw, unpeeled sweet potatoes.
1 cup water

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INSTRUCTIONS

Place the potatoes on a rack or in a steamer basket.

Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot

Set pressure cooking method to (MANUAL) (HIGH PRESSURE)

Flip valve for pressure cooking.

Preferences (a little firm – fully tender)

Set time:

6 inches: (15 – 20) minutes

8 inches: (25 – 30) minutes

10 inches: (35 – 40) minutes

12 inches: (45 – 50) minutes

When beeper sounds, use (QUICK RELEASE METHOD) by flipping the valve to release steam.

Freezing Instructions:

Remove from pan and peel.

Serve alone or add your favorite topping.

Enjoy!

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes-Avokado Steamer Basket