Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for Instant Pot baked sweet potatoes, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Sweet Potatoes – Choose ones that are roughly the same size, so they cook at the same rate. You can also make this Instant Pot sweet potatoes recipe using white or purple varieties, or even yams. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Butter – While butter is optional, to me it’s a must for topping! See other topping ideas below.
How To Cook Sweet Potatoes In The Instant Pot
This section shows how to make Instant Pot sweet potatoes, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Trade salt and pepper for taco seasoning mix, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, ranch seasoning, or a spoonful of compound butter (after cooking) to add extra flavor and variety.
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Time Chart
How long to cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot depends on their size. Use this handy time chart — this assumes a natural pressure release after cooking:
Storage Instructions
Store: After cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot, place them potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. OR, mash them up to make sweet potato shepherd’s pie next. Meal prep: Cook a batch in advance, allow to cool, and store in individual containers with your favorite chicken or fish entree for easy lunches. (My fave is to add half a sweet potato when I do chicken meal prep.) Reheat: Warm up in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F. Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze whole in a freezer-safe container or zip lock bag for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What To Serve With Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot sweet potatoes can pair with almost anything! Try some of these ideas: For a faster cook time, cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and set the Instant Pot to just 3 minutes on High Pressure. It will take 5-10 minutes to come to pressure, then pressure cook for 3 minutes. After time is up, do a quick release instead of waiting for a natural release.
Chicken – Enjoy this side with crispy grilled chicken thighs, or whip up some quick and easy air fryer chicken breast (or boneless air fried chicken thighs) or cilantro lime chicken while your potatoes cook. Seafood – Serve alongside jerk salmon to balance out the heat or make a simple meal with seared shrimp, tomato topped pan fried cod, or oven baked tilapia. Beef – Pair with a juicy sirloin steak, my ribeye steak recipe, or the best burgers for a hearty meal, or prepare a tender prime rib roast, succulent rump roast, or New York strip for a special occasions. Pork – Try savory baked pork chops or a classic pork loin roast with all the trimmings. Or, while your Crock Pot pork chops are cooking, make these beauties in the Instant Pot. Toppings – Don’t forget about additional toppings! Depending on your preferences, you could top Instant Pot sweet potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, or even drizzle with some maple syrup (I prefer zero sugar maple syrup). Use In Other Dishes – Mash and use them in a sweet potato casserole, or choose any of the fillings from my recipe for stuffed sweet potatoes. (Cooking the sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot is a faster way to make them instead of baking.)
More Easy Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite nutritious comfort foods! Try these different ways to make them: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
- Small sweet potatoes (4-6 oz) – 11 minutes
- Medium sweet potatoes (7-8 oz) – 14 minutes
- Large sweet potatoes (9-11 oz) – 17 minutes
- Extra large sweet potatoes (12 oz or more) – 25 minutes It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, then the time will start counting down. Nutritional info does not include optional butter.
