Instant Pot Mistakes to Avoid

The Instant Pot is one of the most convenient appliances for busy home cooks, offering speed, flavor, and versatility in one device. However, like any kitchen tool, it requires proper technique. Many common errors can affect cooking results, cause safety issues, or make cleanup harder than it needs to be. Knowing the Instant Pot mistakes to avoid helps you cook more confidently and achieve consistently successful meals.

This guide outlines the most frequent Instant Pot mistakes and how to avoid them for the best performance.

Not Adding Enough Liquid

Pressure cooking relies on steam to build pressure. Without enough liquid, the Instant Pot cannot pressurize correctly.

What Happens

• Food may burn on the bottom.
• The pot may display a “Burn” warning.
• Pressure will not build.

How to Avoid It

Always include at least one cup of cooking liquid, unless your recipe specifies otherwise.

Overfilling the Instant Pot

Overfilling can prevent your food from cooking evenly and may cause liquid to overflow into the steam release valve.

Maximum Fill Guidelines

• Never go above the “Max Fill” line.
• For foods that expand (rice, beans, pasta), fill only halfway.

Using the Wrong Pressure Setting

Choosing the wrong pressure level leads to undercooked or mushy food.

General Rule

• Use High Pressure for dense foods like meat, potatoes, and beans.
• Use Low Pressure for delicate foods like vegetables or seafood.

Always double-check recipes to ensure you’re selecting the correct setting.

Opening the Lid Too Soon

Releasing the pressure too early can cause food to erupt or remain undercooked.

When to Use Quick Release

• Vegetables
• Seafood
• Pasta
• Dishes that overcook easily

When to Use Natural Release

• Soups
• Stews
• Large cuts of meat
• Beans

Follow release guidelines to avoid accidents and ensure proper cooking.

Forgetting to Seal the Steam Release Valve

If the valve is left in the “Venting” position, the Instant Pot will not pressurize.

How to Avoid It

Before starting, always check that the valve is set to “Sealing.”

Some models have self-sealing lids, but older ones require manual adjustment.

Not Deglazing the Pot After Sautéing

Using the sauté function is helpful, but failing to deglaze afterward can lead to burn warnings.

How to Deglaze

• Add a small amount of water or broth.
• Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to remove stuck bits.

This simple step prevents errors and improves flavor.

Adding Dairy Too Early

Milk, cream, and cheese curdle under high pressure.

Best Practice

Add dairy only after pressure cooking is complete, using the sauté function to warm through gently.

Cooking All Foods the Same Way

Different foods require different cooking times. Treating everything the same results in inconsistent textures.

Examples:

• Chicken breast cooks faster than thighs.
• Potatoes cook quickly but become mushy if overcooked.
• Brown rice requires more time than white rice.

Using proper timing ensures the best results.

Ignoring the “Burn” Warning

The “Burn” message means the pot is overheating.

Causes

• Not enough liquid
• Starchy foods stuck to the bottom
• Thick sauces under the ingredients

How to Fix It

• Turn off the pot.
• Release pressure.
• Stir the food and add liquid.
• Scrape any stuck bits before restarting.

Using the Wrong Pot Size for a Recipe

A recipe written for a 6-quart Instant Pot may not work the same way in an 8-quart or 3-quart model.

Why

• Larger pots require more liquid to pressurize.
• Smaller pots fill faster and need adjusted quantities.

Adjust liquids and cooking times if using a different pot size.

Not Cleaning the Sealing Ring Properly

The silicone sealing ring absorbs odors and affects future recipes.

To Maintain It

• Wash regularly
• Allow it to air out
• Keep spare rings for different types of cooking (savory and sweet)

A clean ring helps prevent smell transfer and improves sealing performance.

Using Too Much Oil

Oil does not evaporate like water and can cause the food to burn or splatter.

Best Practice

Use small amounts of oil when sautéing and rely on cooking liquid for pressure cooking.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Instant Pot mistakes to avoid ensures better results, safer cooking, and fewer frustrations. By managing liquid levels, choosing the right settings, cleaning the pot properly, and following recommended techniques, you can take full advantage of everything the Instant Pot offers. These simple adjustments help you cook efficiently and consistently, whether you’re preparing soups, meats, grains, or weekly meal prep.