Hey there! Today, I’m bringing you a foolproof method for perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. Using the Instant Pot, you can enjoy tender, fluffy sweet potatoes with minimal effort—a total game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
If you love sweet potatoes but dread the long bake time, you’re going to adore this quick and easy method!
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super fast—takes under 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot!
- Perfectly cooked every time—no guesswork involved.
- Versatile—use them as a side, in casseroles, or as the star of the meal.
- Healthy and naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients.
### Ingredients Breakdown
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. If they’re too large, they might not cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Water: Just one cup of water is essential—it creates the steam that cooks the potatoes. No fancy ingredients needed!
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the water—it’s the magic that makes pressure cooking possible!
### Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes clean—you don’t want any grit in the pot!
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet inside to keep the sweet potatoes elevated.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; you want steam to circulate evenly.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 12-18 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes:
- Small sweet potatoes: 12 minutes
- Medium sweet potatoes: 15 minutes
- Large sweet potatoes: 18 minutes
- When the cook time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid, and use tongs to transfer the sweet potatoes to a plate. Let them cool slightly before serving or storing.

### Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Even Sizes: If you’re cooking multiple sweet potatoes, try to choose ones that are similar in size for consistent results.
- Storage: Cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep!
- Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving for an extra treat.
### Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Scoop out the insides and stuff with black beans, avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Peel the skins off after cooking and whip the flesh with a bit of butter and a splash of cream for a decadent mash.
- Pairings: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty lentil stew for a complete meal.
### FAQs
- Can I cook more than 4 sweet potatoes at a time? Yes, as long as they fit on the trivet in a single layer without overcrowding. Just ensure the lid seals properly.
- What if my sweet potatoes are undercooked? No problem! Put them back in the Instant Pot for an extra 2-3 minutes under pressure, and they’ll cook through perfectly.
- Do I need to poke holes in the sweet potatoes before cooking? Nope! The pressure cooker takes care of everything—no pricks required.
### Recipe Card
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12-18 minutes
Serves: 4
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup water
- Scrub sweet potatoes clean and pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot.
- Place a metal trivet in the pot and arrange sweet potatoes on top.
- Seal the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 12-18 minutes based on size.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Remove, cool slightly, and serve or store.
Note: Adjust cooking time slightly for very small or very large sweet potatoes.
That’s it! Ready to perfect your Instant Pot game with this easy and versatile recipe? I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below, or tag me on social media with your creations using #TheKitchensAid. Let’s celebrate perfectly cooked sweet potatoes together!