6 Important Instant Pot Safety Tips
Updated: Mar. 28, 2023
All that pressure in your Instant Pot makes for super fast meals, and some household hazards. Read up on proper pot safety before you cook.
The Instant Pot might just be the trendiest new kitchen gadget on the market. (Learn why we’re obsessed with it!) But if you’ve recently nabbed one of these multi-functional pressure cookers for yourself, you’ll probably have a lot of questions: What do all these buttons mean? Should I retire my slow cooker now? When can I start cooking? While we can certainly answer that last Q with our best Instant Pot recipes, it’s important that you know some proper safety tips before you get started.
1. Never Fill to the Max for Pressure Cooking
There is a max fill line on the Instant Pot, but we’d advise not to fill it entirely. Many pressure-cooking recipes involve ingredients which expand, such as rice, beans, pasta, cornmeal, oats, and so on: If these ingredients are involved, only fill the pot halfway. Otherwise it will explode (trust us, this isn’t an exaggeration) when you try to open it. If there are no expanding ingredients at all, you can fill it a bit higher, but always be careful. Don’t think you have enough room in your Instant Pot? Consider trading it in for another model.
2. Don’t Deep Fry
There are pressure cooker fried foods, such as fried rice, pressure-fried chicken, and so on. When some people first get their Instant Pots, they are anxious to try these recipes out. This is a mistake! The Instant Pot can do many amazing things, but it’s a small electric pressure cooker, and these cannot handle pressure-fried foods. You will endanger your Pot and yourself if you try this pressure-cooking method. Pressure-frying requires specific pressure fryer equipment, not pressure cookers. When it comes to frozen food, learn if you can cook frozen meat in an Instant Pot.
3. Stay Away From the Steam
Do not open an Instant Pot in—or anywhere near—your face. That steam may smell good, but it is very, very hot—often hot enough to burn your skin. Always open the Pot with the opening facing away from you (the lid makes this easy on purpose). If you are doing a quick release, then that hot steam could also endanger your hands, so we suggest pulling on a protective oven mitt or similar glove first.
4. Replace the Sealing Ring When Necessary
The sealing ring is probably one of the most vulnerable parts of your Instant Pot. It should be regularly cleaned and inspected for cracks or other problems. The seal this gasket creates is very important for Instant Pot safety. The ring should be replaced every year and a half or so, but you need to keep an eye on it in the meantime. Pro tip: Purchase an extra set of sealing rings—along with these genius Instant Pot accessories.
5. Maintain One Cup of Liquid
The Instant Pot needs at least one cup of liquid to create and maintain pressure. Without this cup of liquid, bad things will happen. Experiment with flavorful cooking liquids like chicken stock, vegetable stock or cooking wine. Just make sure that the liquid is present. If you don’t really want so much liquid in your meal, wait until the pressure cooker is done cooking and then add flour, cornstarch or cream to the juices to reach the desired consistency.
6. When Using High Pressure, Don’t Leave the Pot Alone
We know that one of the advantages of the Instant Pot is that it’s fairly hands-off. But when pressure cooking foods, it’s never a good idea to leave the Pot unattended. Unexpected accidents or problems can be prevented if you are on hand to watch the warning signs (and possibly clean up the mess).
Up Next: Check out these top 10 kitchen safety do’s and don’ts.
Get cookin' with these Instant Pot recipes.
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
