Best Tools & Hacks for Instant Pot Cooking (Beginners Edition)
By Rossi Voss | January 31, 2025 | Skill: Beginner-Friendly | Prep: 5–10 mins | Cook: Varies | Servings: N/A
As someone who wrote 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook, Stockpot Cookbook, and 100 Beginner's Air Fryer Rotisserie Recipes (all only $0.99!), I know the #1 mistake new Instant Pot users make: **buying too much gear**.
You don’t need 10 gadgets to succeed. Just a few key tools — and these pro hacks — will help you cook faster, safer, and with more confidence.
The 5 Must-Have Instant Pot Tools
- Trivet (with handles): Lifts foods above liquid for steaming or multi-layer cooking.
- Silicone Steam Rack: Perfect for delicate items like fish or dumplings.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise water-to-bean ratios and broth levels.
- Colander: Essential for rinsing beans, grains, and lentils before cooking.
- Wooden Spoon & Tongs: Safe for nonstick pots — won’t scratch the inner pot.
5 Tools You Can Skip (Seriously)
- Egg rack: Use the trivet instead.
- Rice paddle: A fork works just as well.
- Dedicated sealing rings: One ring per flavor (e.g., curry) is enough.
- Lid holder: Place lid upside-down on counter — free and effective.
- Specialized baskets: Unless you air fry often, the default one suffices.
10 Genius Instant Pot Hacks for Beginners
1. No Soak? No Problem.
Skip soaking dried beans. Rinse, add 3x water, and pressure cook: - Black/Pinto: 25–30 mins - Chickpeas: ~40 mins Natural release 10–20 mins for perfect texture.
2. Double-Stack Meals with Foil Slings
Cut two long strips of foil, cross them under a bowl or ramekin, and lower it on top of another dish. Great for rice + protein combos.
3. Prevent Burn Notices
Always deglaze after sautéing. Add ½ cup broth or water and scrape the bottom until no brown bits remain.
4. Make Yogurt at Home
Use the “Yogurt” function with ½ tsp starter + 1 quart milk. Ferment 8–10 hours. Thicker than store-bought and costs pennies.
5. Quick-Pickle Onions & Carrots
Layer sliced veggies in a jar with vinegar, salt, sugar, and water. Seal and place in warm Instant Pot (after cooking). Ready in 30 mins!
6. Cook Rice Without Burning
Use 1:1 rice-to-water ratio. Manual 3 mins → Natural release 10 mins. Fluff and serve — never sticky or burnt.
7. Steam Frozen Veggies Perfectly
Add 1 cup water, place frozen broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower on trivet. Manual 0 mins → Quick release. Crisp-tender every time.
8. Soft-Boil Eggs in 5 Minutes
Add 1 cup water, place eggs on trivet. Manual 5 mins → Quick release → Ice bath. Runny yolks, easy peel.
9. Dehydrate Herbs & Fruits (With Lid Off)
Place herbs on rack, set to “Low” for 2–4 hours (check frequently). Store in jars for months.
10. Reheat Leftovers Without Drying Out
Add ¼ cup broth or water, use “Steam” mode 2–3 mins. Keeps meals moist and flavorful.
More & Resources
- More Instant Pot recipes
- How to Cook Rice in the Instant Pot (No Burn!)
- No-Soak Instant Pot Beans: Time-Saving Tips
Cookbook Pick: Want more beginner wins? Try my 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook — packed with foolproof recipes under $2.50/serving!
Free Printable: Download your Free 4-Week High-Protein Meal Plan PDF — includes grocery lists and appliance guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special pans for my Instant Pot?
No. Any oven-safe bowl or pan that fits can be used for pot-in-pot cooking. Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel work best.
Why does my Instant Pot say “Burn”?
This happens when food sticks to the bottom. Always deglaze after sautéing, and avoid thick sauces or tomato paste on direct heat.
Can I open the Instant Pot early?
Only during natural release if impatient. Never force-release dairy, grains, or starchy foods — it can clog the valve.
Final Thoughts
The Instant Pot isn’t magic — but with the right tools and tricks, it feels like it. Stick to the essentials, master these hacks, and you’ll cook faster, smarter, and stress-free.
Want more pressure-cooking mastery? Try my 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook for 100+ tested recipes that turn pantry staples into satisfying meals — all under $3.50/serving.
What’s your favorite Instant Pot hack? Share it with #RossiVossIP.
Happy Pressure Cooking!
Rossi Voss