You’ve just got an Instant Pot, and you’re excited to use it. But setting the timer might seem tricky at first. Don’t worry! It’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set the timer on your Instant Pot. You’ll learn how to use it for cooking different meals and how to adjust the time to fit your recipes. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or a long-cooking stew, knowing how to set the timer is key to getting your meal just right.
So, let’s dive in and make using your Instant Pot easy and fun. With these simple steps, you’ll be a pro at setting the timer in no time!
How to Set Instant Pot Timer: Step by Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Instant Pot
Before you start using your Instant Pot, it’s important to make sure it’s properly set up. Begin by plugging in the Instant Pot to a suitable power source. Next, prepare your ingredients and add them to the inner pot.
Ensure that the inner pot is seated correctly inside the Instant Pot base. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure it’s properly sealed. The lid should close with a gentle but firm click, and the steam release handle should be turned to the “Sealing” position.
This ensures that the pot is sealed and will build up the necessary pressure for cooking. Double-check that the inner pot is clean and dry before adding ingredients, and make sure the silicone ring inside the lid is properly in place to prevent leaks.
2. Select the Cooking Program
Once your Instant Pot is prepared, it’s time to choose the cooking program that suits your recipe. The Instant Pot has various pre-set cooking programs like “Manual,” “Pressure Cook,” “Rice,” “Soup,” “Bean/Chili,” and more.
Each program is designed for different types of food and cooking methods. For most recipes, you’ll use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button, as these allow you to customize the cooking time and pressure level.
Press the button for your chosen program, and the Instant Pot will begin to display the default cooking time for that setting.
Some Instant Pot models might also have a “Custom” or “Smart” setting that lets you adjust both time and pressure according to your specific needs. Make sure to read your recipe carefully to choose the appropriate cooking program.
3. Set the Timer
After selecting the cooking program, you need to set the timer for your recipe. The Instant Pot’s display will show the default cooking time for the selected program.
To adjust this time, use the “+” and “-” buttons on the control panel. Press the “+” button to increase the cooking time or the “-” button to decrease it.
The time will adjust in one-minute increments, although some models may allow for more precise adjustments. Make sure to set the timer according to your recipe’s requirements.
For example, if your recipe calls for 15 minutes of cooking time, set the timer to 15 minutes. Once you have set the desired cooking time, the Instant Pot will start its cooking cycle automatically after a few seconds. The timer will then count down as the Instant Pot cooks your meal.
4. Start Cooking
With the timer set, your Instant Pot is now ready to begin cooking. After a few seconds, the Instant Pot will automatically start the cooking process. The display will indicate that the pot is preheating, and you may hear some sounds as it builds up pressure.
During this preheating phase, the Instant Pot is working to reach the appropriate temperature and pressure needed for cooking. This phase can take several minutes, depending on the amount of food and liquid in the pot.
Once the desired pressure is reached, the Instant Pot will start the actual cooking time countdown. You can monitor the cooking progress on the display, but it’s best to let the Instant Pot do its job without opening the lid or interrupting the process.
5. Wait for Cooking to Finish
As the Instant Pot cooks your meal, it will switch to “Keep Warm” mode once the cooking time has finished. The Instant Pot will beep to alert you that the cooking cycle is complete.
At this point, the timer has counted down to zero, but the pot will continue to maintain a warm temperature to keep your food hot until you’re ready to eat. The “Keep Warm” function helps ensure that your meal remains at the right temperature without overcooking.
It’s important to follow the recipe’s instructions for finishing, such as whether to use quick release or natural release for pressure.
Quick release involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the steam release handle, while natural release allows the pressure to decrease gradually on its own. Make sure to follow these steps for the best results.
6. Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up and the Instant Pot has beeped, you’ll need to release the pressure before opening the lid. There are two methods for releasing pressure: quick release and natural release.
For quick release, carefully turn the steam release handle to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam that will escape. Use a long utensil or a towel to avoid getting burned. For natural release, simply wait until the pressure decreases on its own.
This can take several minutes. Some recipes may require a combination of both methods. Once the pressure is fully released, the float valve on the lid will drop, indicating that it’s safe to open the lid.
Open the lid carefully, facing it away from you to avoid steam burns, and your food will be ready to serve.
Questions in Your Mind
How do I know if the Instant Pot is properly sealed?
To make sure your Instant Pot is sealed right, you should hear a click when you put the lid on. This click means the lid is locked in place. Also, look at the steam release handle on top—it should be set to “Sealing.”
This is important because the pot needs to build up pressure to cook your food. If it’s not set to “Sealing,” the pot won’t work properly. You’ll also notice a small valve on the lid that pops up when the pot is pressurized. If the pot is sealed correctly, you’re good to go.
What if my Instant Pot doesn’t start cooking?
If your Instant Pot isn’t starting to cook, first check the lid. Make sure it’s sealed tightly and that the steam release handle is set to “Sealing.” If the handle is set to “Venting,” the pot won’t be able to build pressure, so it won’t start cooking.
Also, double-check that you’ve selected a cooking program and set the timer. If everything looks fine but it still doesn’t start, try unplugging the Instant Pot and plugging it back in. Then, try selecting the program again.
Can I adjust the cooking time once the Instant Pot has started?
No, you can’t change the cooking time once the Instant Pot has started. If you need to adjust the time, you’ll have to press the “Cancel” button to stop the cooking.
Then, you can start over by selecting the program and setting the correct time. Just remember that if you cancel, the Instant Pot will need to build pressure again, which might take a few more minutes.
What should I do if my Instant Pot is showing a “burn” message?
If you see a “burn” message on your Instant Pot, it usually means there’s not enough liquid, or some food is stuck to the bottom. To fix this, carefully release the pressure by turning the steam release handle to “Venting.”
Once the pressure is gone, open the lid and check the bottom. If food is stuck, scrape it off gently and add more liquid if needed. After that, you can try cooking again.
How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?
It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to build up pressure before it starts cooking. The time can be a bit longer if you have a lot of food in the pot or if the ingredients are cold.
While the pot is pressurizing, you’ll see “On” on the display. Once the pressure is ready, the cooking timer will start counting down.
