This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Cooking sweet potatoes is quick and easy with the Instant Pot. This simple method delivers perfectly tender sweet potatoes in no time, making it great for busy evenings or meal prep. With just a little water and the press of a button, you’ll turn this nutritious vegetable into a versatile dish to enjoy on its own, mashed, or in your favorite recipes.
Looking for more sweet potato recipes? Try our Mini Sweet Potato Pie, a small batch of Sweet Potato Fries, a Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad, or our dreamy Mini Sweet Potato Casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot takes the hassle out of cooking sweet potatoes—just set it and let it do the work.
- Fast and Convenient: Skip the long oven baking time. This method gets your sweet potatoes tender and ready to serve in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Reliable Results: The Instant Pot delivers perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time, with no guesswork needed.
- Versatile Side Dish: Enjoy them on their own, mash them, or use them in recipes like casseroles, soups, or salads—they work with almost any meal.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your menu without compromising on flavor.
How To Cook Sweet Potatoes In The Instant Pot
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Use a fork to poke holes in each potato to allow steam to penetrate for even cooking.
- Add Water: Pour 1 cup of water into your 3-quart Instant Pot. This creates the steam needed for pressure cooking.
- Place the Sweet Potatoes: Position the sweet potatoes on the steaming trivet inside the Instant Pot. The trivet keeps them above the water for consistent cooking.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure. Cooking time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes:
- Medium Sweet Potatoes (8–10 ounces each): Cook for 15 minutes.
- Small Sweet Potatoes (4–6 ounces each): Reduce the cooking time to 12 minutes.
Keep in mind it will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure before the cooking time begins.
This method ensures tender, perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time, saving you the hassle of waiting for them to bake in the oven. Adjust the cooking time as needed for larger or smaller potatoes, and enjoy a quick, nutritious side dish with minimal effort.
RELATED: Easy Dinner Ideas For One
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For this easy Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe, I use an Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-quart. For best results, use an Instant Pot of similar size.
If you would like additional information on the dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes we use, please visit our Store page.
Small Batch Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup water
- steamer trivet
Instructions
- Scrub skin of sweet potatoes with a brush until clean.
- Add water to the Instant Pot.
- Place the steaming trivet inside, and lay the potatoes on top.
- Place the lid on and secure it. Turn the pressure release knob to a sealed position.
- Use the manual mode and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.
- When pressure cooking is complete, use a natural release. (After the cooking time has completed, the Instant Pot will automatically turn to "Warm" mode and the pressure will slowly release naturally, this process takes about 10 minutes).
- When this process has completed, remove the lid and remove the sweet potatoes from the Instant Pot.
- Enjoy immediately. Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to four days.
Notes
- As a Side: Pair with baked chicken or a juicy steak.
- Stuffed: Top with black beans, cheese, and salsa for a main dish.
- Mashed: Add butter and cinnamon for a comforting mashed version.
- In Salads: Cube and toss with greens and other roasted veggies.
- In a Pie: Use in a mini sweet potato pie.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I just purchased my Instant Pot and this recipe is the second thing I’ve ever made in it. I have a 6 quart one and your recipe worked great even with one 1 sweet potato.
I’m so happy the recipe worked for you. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
i dont have a instant pot but i have a 2 quart pressure cooker can i use that to do this in
It should work just fine. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with your pressure cooker and use the correct amount of liquid specified for your pressure cooker.