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Need an easy side dish recipe? In just 10 minutes, this Quick and Easy Instant Pot Red Potatoes Recipe is on the table! A family classic made even faster for an easy side dish recipe that your family will love.
Instant Pot Red Potatoes Recipe
We love potatoes and they really make the perfect side dish. Not only are they easy but they are frugal.
I grew up on butter potatoes. They are delicious.
It is such an easy recipe that you practically don’t need to call it a recipe. But as I was talking to others, I realized not other families grew up on this easy side dish so I had to share.
Normally you boil the potatoes until tender and then add butter and salt and pepper. Then you let the butter melt all over your potatoes leaving you with a delicious side dish.
However, thanks to the trusty Instant pot (or any electric pressure cooker for that matter) this family favorite side dish just got even easier because the cooking time just got cut in half! These delicious red potatoes recipe can be ready in under 20 minutes.
Cut your potatoes into quarters, leaving the skin on. You can peel them first, but the skin will fall right off if you have picky eaters.
Place in your Instant pot or any electric pressure cooker.
Pour your water over the top. Season with salt and pepper and then add your butter to the top (not melted).
Place lid on top and set to sealing.
How long to cook potatoes in instant pot:
Click your manual button and set the pressure time to 4 minutes. This cut time is based on diced potatoes. If you are using large potatoes, then you will need to increase the cook time by 1-3 minutes depending on their size.
Allow it to cook on high pressure and when finished do a quick release on the pressure from the instant pot.
Remove lid and stir the potatoes coating it in the delicious buttery sauce.
Cut the potatoes to be around the same size. This will make sure that they all cook evenly in the instant pot and will be ready at the same time.
Do not peel the potatoes. I just wash and cut the potatoes and throw them in the instant pot. The skin on red potatoes adds so much flavor to this recipe so make sure to leave them on.
The potatoes are soft in this recipe. If you prefer crispier potatoes, broil them for 2-3 minutes after they are cooked in the instant pot.
If you double the recipe, you don’t need to double the liquid, just the other ingredients. The liquid in this recipe is so that the instant pot can come to pressure.
If you are wanting to cook the red potatoes to be used in potato salad, leave out the butter and seasonings. You can also use water instead of the broth. Then all you have to do is drain the potatoes and they are ready to use to make potato salad.
Do I need a steamer basket or trivet?
No, you do not need to use a steam basket or trivet to make this easy recipe. That is my favorite part. Everything gets thrown right into the pot and then cooked from there.
Variation Ideas:
Use your favorite type of potatoes. I love making this recipe with red potatoes but any potatoes would work great in this recipe. I love making these with yellow gold potatoes, baby potatoes and russet potatoes as well. If you use russet potatoes, I do recommend peeling them first.
Instead of Butter use your favorite type of oil. I love using butter in this easy potato recipe, but if you’re on a diet than you can easily use your favorite type of cooking oil instead. Olive oil or Avocado oil would both work great in this recipe.
Add your favorite type of seasonings. Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to change up this recipe. Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning or Lemon pepper would all be delicious in this recipe. I would start with 1-2 tsp and add more if needed after the cook time.
What to Serve with:
I love serving this easy potato recipe with one of my favorite grilling recipes. They make the perfect side for any of your favorite main dish recipes. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to serve this potatoes with.
If you have been putting off trying an instant pot, I highly recommend going ahead and biting the bullet. I love using the pressure cooker when I don’t have much time.
Pressure cooking is perfect for frozen food or meals that normally take a while. You can toss everything in and have dinner ready in no time at all.
How to Store:
Refrigerate any leftovers in an air tight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave, oven or stove top.
I do not recommend freezing the leftover potatoes as they do not freeze well.
I love using the leftover potatoes for a quick and easy side dish for another meal later in the week.
If I wanted to cut this in half, do I also cut the amount of water in half? I know the IP requires a certain amount of water
This recipe turned out perfect. Offered as a side. Everyone had seconds. Thanks for the recipe.
I originally purchased a Power Pressure Cooker (6 quart) and it worked with no problems for over 8 years. Since that time I have purchased two different Instant Pots and both of them died in less than 1 1/2 years. I am at a loss on what to buy next since the reviews of Instant Pots on Amazon are not particularly promising, Help!
What! So good and quick. Saved me a lot of time and issues. Thank you!
Is it 4 minutes or 5? In the description, you say 5, but then in the recipe instructions you say 4. I’ll just do 5 to be safe, but maybe you can check that on your end. Just letting you know.
Amber Smith
Thank you! I normally do 4 minutes. I just corrected the recipe.
Easy, quick and delicious! A keeper recipe!
I had a 3 lb bag of red potatoes that I wanted to cook in the instapot and this recipe was perfect! Came out amazing and I am having them with some roasted vegetables. I did use a half a cup of oil instead of the butter since I don’t do dairy.. Recipe with still delicious!
So glad you loved it!
Hi! Wondering what I did wrong… 4 minutes barely cooked my potatoes! Had to put back in for another 5.
If I wanted to cut this in half, do I also cut the amount of water in half? I know the IP requires a certain amount of water
This recipe turned out perfect. Offered as a side. Everyone had seconds. Thanks for the recipe.
I originally purchased a Power Pressure Cooker (6 quart) and it worked with no problems for over 8 years. Since that time I have purchased two different Instant Pots and both of them died in less than 1 1/2 years. I am at a loss on what to buy next since the reviews of Instant Pots on Amazon are not particularly promising, Help!
What! So good and quick. Saved me a lot of time and issues. Thank you!
Is it 4 minutes or 5? In the description, you say 5, but then in the recipe instructions you say 4. I’ll just do 5 to be safe, but maybe you can check that on your end. Just letting you know.
Amber Smith
Thank you! I normally do 4 minutes. I just corrected the recipe.
Easy, quick and delicious! A keeper recipe!
I had a 3 lb bag of red potatoes that I wanted to cook in the instapot and this recipe was perfect! Came out amazing and I am having them with some roasted vegetables. I did use a half a cup of oil instead of the butter since I don’t do dairy.. Recipe with still delicious!
So glad you loved it!
Hi! Wondering what I did wrong… 4 minutes barely cooked my potatoes! Had to put back in for another 5.