Your Guide to Instant Pot Natural Release and Quick Release Methods
Updated: Mar. 09, 2023
Cooking with an Instant Pot can be intimidating, especially when it comes to steam release. Here's the difference between the Instant Pot natural release and quick release methods.
Once the food in your Instant Pot is done cooking, the steam pressure inside needs to be released. There are two ways to go about this: natural release and quick release. Here’s what you need to know about both methods, and how to steer clear of that hot steam.
What Is Quick Release?
This is the fastest way to release the pressure from your Instant Pot and stop the cooking process. To use the quick release method, turn the steam release handle on the top of the Instant Pot from the “sealed” position to the “venting” position. This will allow the excess steam to shoot out of the lid immediately, and the Instant Pot will be depressurized within minutes.
We like using quick release for fast-cooking vegetables like broccoli, or delicate seafood like this lemony poached salmon recipe.
Editor’s Tip: Be sure to read the safety precautions before using the quick release method!
Is Quick Release Safe?
Yes—if you take the right precautions. The steam that immediately releases from the Instant Pot will be extremely hot. The Instant Pot User Manual warns to not place your hand or lean your face over the cooker while it is releasing steam. It’s best to turn the valve with an object such as kitchen tongs or a wooden spoon to avoid any skin coming in contact with the hot steam. Other Instant Pot users like wearing silicone oven mitts, or simply covering their hand with a kitchen towel. (Psst! Don’t miss these Instant Pot secrets that you won’t find in the user manual.)
What Is Natural Release?
Instant Pot natural release is when you allow the Instant Pot to cool down by itself, releasing steam slowly. When the food is done cooking, the Instant Pot will automatically release steam gradually until the float valve drops down. This could take up to 30 minutes.
We recommend natural release for soups (like these Instant Pot soup recipes) and other food with high liquid content.
Is Natural Release Safe?
Yes, this method is safe. Natural release doesn’t require you to move the steam valve manually, so there isn’t as high a risk of coming into contact with hot steam. However, the natural release method is not always your best choice. Food continues to cook during this process, leading some foods to overcook. For those, you’d want to opt for the quick release method.
Whatever method is used, just be sure the steam isn’t being released during the cooking process—that’s one of the Instant Pot mistakes everyone makes. If you’re wondering how an Instant Pot differs from an old school pressure cooker, we looked at the Instant Pot vs. a pressure cooker and found which one reigned supreme.
Instant Pot Recipes That Put Your Pressure Cooker to Work
One of my all-time favorite German dishes is sauerbraten, but I don't love that it normally takes five to 10 days to make. Using an electric pressure cooker, I think I've captured that same distinctive flavor in less than two hours. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home
Are you an Instant Pot newbie? Check out our Instant Pot guide to decode all the controls and buttons.
Instant Pot Buffalo Wing PotatoesI was getting tired of mashed potatoes and baked spuds, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa
Instant Pot Smoked Salmon PastaI love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It's now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Instant Pot Cauliflower Tikka MasalaI'm a vegetarian and I always find it challenging to find new instapot recipes. This cauliflower tikka masala is my easy take on the original. It's made healthy by the use of an air fryer and pressure cooker. —Garima Arora, Charlotte, North Carolina
Instant Pot Char Siu PorkI based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Instant Pot Chicken BrothThere’s nothing better or more satisfying than making your own chicken broth. You
can control the amount of seasoning and salt, so you can customize it for whatever recipes you’re using it in. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Find more easy ideas for what to cook in your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Balsamic Pork TenderloinThis instapot pork tenderloin with sweet brown sugar and balsamic glaze will become a go-to dinner your whole family will love. It's perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Instant Pot Cajun-Style Beans and SausageBeans and rice make the perfect meal because they're well-balanced, an excellent source of protein, and easy to prepare. Sausage adds full flavor to the recipe, and traditional pork sausage lovers won't even notice the switch to chicken sausage. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Psst! We've simplified the Instant Pot manual, just for you!
Instant Pot Orange Chipotle ChickenThe citrus in this delicious chicken dish keeps things fresh and lively. We're big on spice in our house, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Don't forget to check out these healthy Instant Pot recipes.
Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon White ChiliI made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Lee Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Instant Pot Beef StewI like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Instant Pot Apple Steel-Cut OatmealI absolutely love this one-dish oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family loves to sprinkle toasted pecans on top. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Instant Pot Stuffed PeppersHere's a good-for-you dinner that's also a meal-in-one classic. Add a salad and, in just moments, call everyone to the table. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla SoupYour family will thank you for this pressure cooker chicken tortilla soup! Leftovers taste amazing the next day. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Instant Pot Curried Chicken Meatball WrapsMy strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Let everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Instant Pot Garlic-Dill Deviled EggsEaster isn't complete without deviled eggs. I like to experiment with my recipes, and was pleasantly surprised with how the fresh dill really perked up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers. —Kami Horch, Frankfort, Maine
Learn how to make Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs with our step-by-step guide.
Instant Pot Spicy Lime ChickenThis tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with BasilNo matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Instant Pot Chicken Chop SueyIf you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Instant Pot Red Beans and RiceMy family loves New Orleans–style cooking, so I make this dish often. I appreciate how simple it is, and the smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
Instant Pot Mushroom Pork RagoutSavory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
Instant Pot Spicy Pork and Squash RaguThis recipe is a marvelously spicy combo perfect for cooler fall weather—so satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Instant Pot Pork and Apple CurryHere's a gentle curry dish that's won't overwhelm more delicate palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Instant Pot Mushroom Chicken and PeasSome amazing fresh mushrooms at our local farmers market inspired this dish. Start with the best ingredients and you can’t go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Instant Pot Flan in a JarSpoil yourself or the people you love with these delightful portable custards—a cute and fun take on the Mexican dessert classic. Tuck a jar into your lunchbox for a sweet treat. —Megumi Garcia, Madison, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Very Vanilla CheesecakeCinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the pressure cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Instant Pot White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this chili recipe with me. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Instant Pot Red Clam SauceThis recipe tastes as if you've been working on it all day. What a classy way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken OrzoOrzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Instant Pot Molten Mocha CakeWhen I first made my decadent chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. She says it's one of her "most favorites." Later, I took one of these to our next-door neighbors. Their teenage son, who answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee
Instant Pot Buffalo Shrimp Mac & CheeseFor a rich, creamy and slightly spicy shrimp and pasta recipe, you can't beat this crowd-pleasing dish. It's a nice new twist on popular Buffalo chicken dishes.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Instant Pot Cuban Pulled Pork SandwichesI lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork served there, so I went about making it for myself! The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, too. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas
Instant Pot Mini Teriyaki Turkey SandwichesPreparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a pressure cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is a finishing touch.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Instant Pot Truly Tasty Turnip GreensThese savory greens are a hit at every church dinner. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make the recipe your own. .—Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina
Instant Pot Carrot Cake OatmealThis warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Instant Pot Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Cheddar Bacon Ale DipMy tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Lentil Pumpkin SoupPlenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI
Instant Pot Cranberry Hot WingsCranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we've had through the years. My daughter?s friends can?t get enough of them. —Noreen Danek, Cromwell, CT
Instant Pot Beer-Braised Pulled HamTo jazz up leftover ham, I cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Instant Pot Apple Balsamic ChickenI just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a few minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Kale SoupThe first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois
Instant Pot Memphis-Style RibsAfter my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Maple French ToastMy family and friends all love it when I make this delicious French toast in the morning. It's so delicious and easy! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Rigatoni with Sausage & PeasWith a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Instant Pot Sicilian Chicken BogChicken Bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations—think herbs, spices and fresh veggies—but the standard ingredients remain sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Originally Published: December 06, 2019
