Baby Potatoes Instant Pot recipes are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast and flavorful side dish.
In just a few simple steps, the Instant Pot creates tender baby potatoes infused with buttery garlic flavor.
With only a handful of ingredients—baby potatoes, butter, garlic, and salt—these potatoes offer a reliable option for busy nights or when a satisfying dish is needed without much fuss.
The Instant Pot saves time while ensuring the potatoes are perfectly cooked, soft, and flavorful.
After quickly pressure cooking, the buttery garlic sauce coats each potato for a rich finish that pairs well with almost any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound baby potatoes (use Yukon gold, red, or yellow for best flavor)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or parmesan cheese for extra taste
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Potatoes | 1 pound | Small red or Yukon gold preferred |
| Water | 1 cup | |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Melted, for sautéing |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Adds strong flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions:
To prepare Instant Pot baby potatoes, begin by setting up the pressure cooker.
Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the 6-quart Instant Pot.
Arrange 1 pound of baby potatoes in a single layer on the trivet.
Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot, making sure the potatoes are not submerged.
Secure the lid and turn the valve to sealing.
Select the high pressure setting and set the cook time for 10 minutes.
When the cooking cycle ends, use a quick pressure release.
This step will help stop the potatoes from overcooking.
Carefully open the lid and remove the potatoes with tongs or a spoon.
Drain any leftover water from the Instant Pot.
With the pot empty, switch to sauté mode.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot.
When the butter is sizzling, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Stir often to avoid burning.
Return the potatoes to the pot.
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and gently stir to coat the potatoes in the butter and garlic.
Every potato should be well-coated with flavor.
For best results, serve these potatoes hot.
The dish pairs well as a side for many meals.
Tip: Using a trivet or stainless steel steamer basket keeps the potatoes from sitting in water, ensuring better texture.
Don’t skip the quick release for perfect results.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baby Potatoes:
For the best creamy texture, use baby potatoes that are about the same size.
This helps them cook evenly and makes it easier to get that fork-tender result.
When placing them in the Instant Pot, arrange in a single layer on the trivet so the steam can move around each potato.
To prepare a healthy side dish, don’t overfill the pot.
Overcrowding may cause some potatoes to cook unevenly and can increase total prep time.
Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and sprinkle with dried herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired.
Just cook as directed, let cool, and mix with your favorite salad ingredients.
Storage Instructions:
To keep leftover baby potatoes fresh, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, let the potatoes cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; keep in mind that the texture may change after freezing.
Reheating is easy—simply microwave the potatoes until hot, or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
This makes the recipe convenient for meal prep, as leftovers are simple to store and serve again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cooking time for baby potatoes in an Instant Pot?
Baby potatoes take about 10 minutes at high pressure in the Instant Pot.
Place 1 pound of baby potatoes on the trivet in a single layer, add 1 cup of water, seal, and cook.
Use a quick release when the time is up.
This method gives you potatoes that are evenly cooked and have a soft texture.
Can you steam baby potatoes in an Instant Pot without a steamer basket?
Yes, you can.
Use the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot.
Place the washed baby potatoes on the trivet and add 1 cup of water below.
This helps steam the potatoes without needing a special basket.
How do you make mashed baby potatoes using an Instant Pot?
After cooking baby potatoes at high pressure for 10 minutes, do a quick release.
Remove the potatoes and drain out any water.
Use the sauté function to melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic for about a minute.
Add the potatoes back, mash them with a fork or masher, and stir to combine.
Add a pinch of salt to taste.
What is the best way to prepare baby potatoes for potato salad in an Instant Pot?
For potato salad, cook the baby potatoes whole at high pressure for 10 minutes.
After a quick release, allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then cut into chunks or slices.
This keeps the potatoes firm enough to hold their shape when mixed with other salad ingredients.
How can I ensure baby potatoes are soft when cooked in the Instant Pot?
Use high pressure for exactly 10 minutes and quick release the pressure as soon as the time is done.
If the potatoes seem too firm, add another minute the next time you cook them.
Test softness with a fork; they should be tender all the way through.
Coating the potatoes in butter and garlic after cooking, using the sauté function, also helps them stay moist and flavorful.
Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp salt
Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Arrange 1 pound of baby potatoes in a single layer on the trivet.
- Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot, making sure the potatoes are not submerged.
- Secure lid and turn the valve to sealing. Select the high pressure setting and set the cook time for 10 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle ends, use a quick pressure release.
- Carefully open the lid and remove the potatoes with tongs or a spoon. Drain any leftover water from the Instant Pot.
- With the pot empty, switch to sauté mode. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot.
- When the butter is sizzling, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir often to avoid burning.
- Return the potatoes to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and gently stir to coat the potatoes in the butter and garlic. Every potato should be well-coated with flavor.
- Serve hot.
So easy!