These Instant Pot baby potatoes are a quick and easy side dish you can whip up with only a couple of minutes of hands-on cooking time.
One of the best things about cooking in the Instant Pot is that the food can cook without needing constant supervision like if you were cooking on the stove. And that is one of my favorite things about this recipe.
Perfectly cooked baby potatoes, without needing to supervise a boiling pot. Plus there’s basically no prep. Is this the easiest recipe on my website? Probably.
What do you need?
Pressure cooker
I used an Instant Pot to cook these potatoes, but you can use any electric pressure cooker or a multicooker with a pressure cook function.
Baby potatoes
You can use any type of small potatoes: baby potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerling potatoes, as long as they are around 1½-2 inch (4-5cm) in diameter. Try to choose ones that are a similar size so they cook evenly. You can cut larger ones in half if needed.
Water
Steaming requires water, and pressure cookers require water to get up to pressure. You will need to use at least ½ cup of water.
However, all pressure cookers will have a minimum amount of water that they require to operate, so check your manual if you are unsure what this is for your pressure cooker, and adjust the amount if needed.
Trivet or steamer basket
I like to use a steamer basket to hold the potatoes out of the water while they cook, but you can use the Instant Pot trivet, or raise the potatoes out of the water another way (see my article on how to use your Instant Pot for steaming food for more ideas).
How To Cook Baby Potatoes in the Instant Pot
- First, wash the potatoes (no need to peel). Cut any larger than 2-inches/ 5cm in half.
- Place the steamer basket in the Instant Pot, then add the potatoes and pour over 1 cup of water.
- Close the lid and make sure the steam valve is set to ‘Sealing’.
- Set the potatoes to cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, release the steam valve and open the lid. The baby potatoes should be fork-tender and ready to eat.
Serving ideas
Serve topped with melted butter – garlic or herb butter is a great option. Or try sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes while they are still hot.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store any leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge, and use within 3 days.
Leftover baby potatoes are perfect served as a potato salad (keep it simple, just add mayo and chopped chives).
But they are also easy to reheat. Microwave them for ~1 minute on high (in a microwave-safe container of course).
Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, and cut that are larger than 2 inches in half [Note 1].
- Place the steamer basket or trivet in the Instant Pot, and add the potatoes and sprigs of parsley. Sprinkle with the salt, then pour the water in.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and lock it into place. Flip the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” setting on high and adjust the cook time to 5 minutes.
- When the cook time is complete, manually release the pressure. Once the pin drops and there's no more steam coming out, carefully remove the lid and set it aside.
- Turn the unit off and drain the potatoes completely.
- To serve, transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl and top with butter, or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use regular potatoes, cut them into 1-2 inch-sized chunks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
