How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

Learn how to use your Instant Pot as a slow cooker! Master your instant pot slow cooker settings with this simple guide.

The Ultimate Guide to Using an Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

If you’re a proud owner of an Instant Pot, you probably know just how versatile this kitchen appliance can be. While it’s famous for its pressure cooking capabilities, it can also function as a fantastic slow cooker.

That’s right, the Instant Pot can do it all! In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to use your Instant Pot as a slow cooker to create delicious, no-fuss meals.

Why Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker?

There are a few different reasons that you may opt to use an Instant Pot to do your slow cooking as opposed to a traditional crockpot:

1. Time-saving: Slow cooking typically requires a separate slow cooker, but your Instant Pot can take on this role as well, saving you precious kitchen space and cleaning time.
2. Versatility: You can prepare a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to tender roasts, using the slow cooker function.
3. Consistency: The Instant Pot’s precise temperature control ensures even cooking and tender results.
4. Multi-functionality: If you’re short on kitchen gadgets, your Instant Pot’s ability to slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, and more can be a game-changer.

Getting Started

Before you dive into slow cooking with your Instant Pot, here are a few essential steps to get you started:

1. Read the Manual: The Instant Pot’s manual is your best friend when learning to use the slow cooker function. Familiarize yourself with the appliance’s controls and safety guidelines.
2. Gather the Right Accessories: You may need additional accessories like a glass lid (for slow cooking), a trivet (for elevating dishes), or silicone liners (for easy cleanup).
3. Choose the Right Recipe: Almost any slow cooker recipe can be adapted for your Instant Pot. Simply follow the same time and temperature guidelines, and you’ll have delicious results.

The Slow Cooking Process

1. Select the Slow Cook Function: Press the “Slow Cook” button on your Instant Pot. The appliance will default to the “Normal” temperature setting, which is equivalent to a typical slow cooker’s low setting.
2. Adjust the Temperature: Depending on your recipe, you can change the temperature to “Low,” “Normal,” or “High.” Most slow cooker recipes use the “Low” setting for gentle, all-day cooking.
3. Set the Cooking Time: Choose the desired cooking time. Slow cooker recipes usually have a broad time range, so feel free to adapt it according to your schedule.
4. Cover the Pot: If you don’t already have a glass lid, you can use aluminum foil to cover the Instant Pot to retain moisture and heat.
5. Let It Cook: Once you’ve set the temperature and time, let your Instant Pot do the rest. You can check the progress through the glass lid, but avoid opening it too frequently to maintain an even temperature.

Tips for Successful Slow Cooking

Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your Instant Pot’s slow cooking function.

• Plan Ahead: Slow cooking takes time, so plan your meals in advance. You can prepare ingredients the night before and set the Instant Pot to start cooking when you’re away.
• Use the Right Amount of Liquid: Slow cooking can evaporate liquid more slowly than other methods, so adjust your recipe accordingly. You may need to reduce the amount of liquid you’d use in a traditional slow cooker recipe.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling your Instant Pot. Leave some space for ingredients to expand as they cook.
• Add Delicate Ingredients Later: If you have delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or dairy, add them near the end of the cooking time to maintain their flavours and textures.
• Experiment and Adapt: Slow cooking is all about personal taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust temperatures and cooking times to perfect your favourite recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

Here are a few of my favourite slow cooker recipes to try in your Instant Pot! Follow the steps above to learn how to adapt them to your specific pressure cooker’s model.