Perfect Instant Pot sweet potatoes each and every time, with perfect, creamy insides. A time chart based on the width of your sweet potatoes ensures they are perfectly cooked each time.
While I love a baked sweet potato and the convenience of a crock pot sweet potato, sometimes we just need to get it done quickly, right? Enter Instant Pot sweet potatoes. Ready in a fraction of the time, and they come out perfectly creamy, each and every time!
The thing is, there are way too many 'one size fits all' Instant Pot sweet potato recipes out there, and can we be real? Not all sweet potatoes are made the same, so why should the cooking method be?
After being constantly disappointed by under-cooked sweet potatoes, I set out to test dozens of sweet potatoes, until I came up with a formula so that you can have perfect sweet potatoes as well.
Reasons you'll ♡ Instant Pot sweet potatoes
- they cook in a fraction of the time as the oven
- they are perfectly tender and creamy
- they are hands off...set the button and go on with your day while they cook!
Recipe Video
Want to see exactly how to cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot? Watch this 1-minute video! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!
Measure the width of your sweet potatoes
In my experimentation, I discovered that the cook time of your sweet potatoes is completely dependent on the width of your sweet potatoes.
After testing dozens of sweet potatoes, I came up with the following formula:
- small (2 inches or less in width): 15 minutes + 10 minute natural pressure release
- medium (2-3 inches in width): 30 minutes + 10 minute natural pressure release
- large (3-4 inches in width): 60 minutes * + 10 minute natural pressure release
* honestly, depending on what you're going to use those gargantuan sweet potatoes for, you're probably better off cutting them into cubes to cook faster
How to cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot
A few simple steps stand between you and your perfect sweet potatoes:
- measure (or estimate) the width of your sweet potatoes
- scrub sweet potatoes, and prick with a fork 4-5 times
- place 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot insert (or 1.5 cups for an 8 quart Instant Pot), and place the trivet on top
- arrange your sweet potatoes on the trivet
- place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to 'sealing'. Pressure cook for the time indicated on recipe card based on the width of your sweet potatoes
- allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure
Ta da! Perfect sweet potatoes
Which Instant Pot works the best?
You can cook sweet potatoes in a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot with no change to the cook time. The one thing that does change between the two sizes is the amount of water you add to the pot.
- add 1 cup to a 6 quart Instant Pot
- add 1.5 cups to an 8 quart Instant Pot
I have not tested in a mini Instant Pot, and am not sure if the sweet potatoes would fit. If you have tried, would you leave a comment below to let us know how it worked for you?
FAQ
Can I cook regular potatoes using these cook times?
No, regular potatoes require a different cook time. See this post for Instant Pot Baked Potatoes.
Can I stack the sweet potatoes or do they need to be in a single layer?
My testing was done with a single layer, however in theory, you should be able to stack them up without additional cook time. If you find that your sweet potatoes need additional cooking time, you can simply put the lid back on, add more time, and the pot will come back to pressure really quickly.
Is it better to use the 'steam' or the 'manual' setting to cook sweet potatoes?
I've done it both ways, and it worked fine either way. The steam setting simply cooks from full power straight away, since it assumes there is just water in the Instant Pot and there is no risk to burning food in contact with the base.
Wondering how to use up your sweet potatoes?
Whether you use your Instant Pot sweet potatoes as twice baked sweet potatoes, in hummus, breakfast burritos, or any of the recipes, using the Instant Pot to cook them ahead definitely makes your meal prep go a little faster.
- Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Smoky Sweet Potato Hummus
- Freezer Sweet Potato Taquitos
- Freezer Sweet Potato Waffles
- Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
More Instant Pot Recipes
- 7 Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipes
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2-4 sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Measure or estimate the width of your sweet potatoes.
- Scrub sweet potatoes, then prick 5-10 times with a fork.
- Add 1 cup of water to the insert of a 6 quart Instant Pot or 1.5 cups to an 8 quart Instant Pot.
- Add the trivet to the Instant Pot and arrange sweet potatoes on the trivet.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, and set the valve to 'sealing'.
- Make sure your Instant Pot is set to 'high pressure', and select manual (or 'pressure cook', depending on your model). Then set the timer depending on the thickness of your sweet potatoes: small- under 2 inches: 15 minutes, medium- 2-3 inches: 30 minutes, large- 3-4 inches: 60 minutes.
- When timer beeps, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure.
- If for some reason your sweet potatoes are not fully cooked through, place the lid back on the Instant Pot and add an additional 5-10 minutes. Your Instant Pot will come back to pressure quickly.
Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
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Marc Harrington says
I did the Instant Pot Mini, one cup of water, 60 minutes for a big 4 inch one. Perfect for my liking. Easy. Works well.
Kenna Blair says
Made many times! A no-fail recipe!
CBradio says
I do own a IP mini, and yes this method works. You are limited in size of sweet potatoes to either two small or one large. I typically made small sweet potatoes, so making two at time following the 15min + 10min release works well. And I add ~0.5-.75c water. If i'm using the potatoes for something like a salad, where I want a firmer texture, then I knock that cook time back to 8mins. I think 10-15mins gives a soft potatoe.
Bridget says
Thanks for breaking this down for an IP newbie! I made two batches for my family's sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving. So easy!
Doug says
Absolutely the best sweet potatoes I've ever had.
Rodney Badger says
I had the big potatoes and only did 45 minutes. Which was about 15 min too long next time I ‘ doing 30 minute and 1/2 the water. Still tastes good just very very cooked and too much liquid for me. I wonder if my instapot is higher wattage. As I can cook a 6lb roast in 50 lbs.
Jill Byrer-Boley says
How much more time do you recommend if I wrap my potatoes in foil? We are camping, and I think it would be easier if they were wrapped.
Sandi says
Were you using the instant pot while camping? If so, why would you wrap them in foil (I mean, why do you think it would be easier if they were wrapped)? Just curious. 😉 If we were camping, I'd probably be cooking them in the campfire wrapped in foil. (OH! Were you going to use the foil for a plate? Is that why it would seem easier?)
Rae says
This was SOOO helpful! Thank you SO much!
I used a stovetop pressure cooker that's a little over 8qts and used 2 cups of water per its instructions. They came out perfectly!
Cynthia says
Right on point. I had no problem
Anna says
I have used this recipe multiple times and it always cooks the sweet potatoes perfectly! I use an instant pot mini with no issues or need to change cook time. I prefer baking them in the oven, but in the summer when my house is hot this is always my go-to.
Jen D says
Thank you for figuring out the cook times! With your times, I finally made perfect IP sweet potatoes! 😋