Make mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot from start to finish in about 40 minutes. There’s no chopping or waiting for them to boil in a big pot so it’s really easy.
I know what you’re thinking. Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot?!
If you’re anything like me, you think you make the best mashed potatoes ever. It seems like every family has their own carefully guarded recipe. Trust me I understand, it’s an art form.
But how long does it take you to scrub, peel, dice boil, drain and then finally make the mashed potatoes? A good bit of time, right?
Why Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?
The thing I love about making them in the Instant Pot is that you really can just wash the potatoes, and stick them whole into the Instant Pot, let them pressure cook for 20 minutes, and forget about them.
You don’t have to babysit a pot that’s over boiling, you don’t even have to peel them if you don’t want to! I don’t and I think the skin adds great flavor. And, leaving the skin on makes them cook evenly because the potatoes steam inside themselves. However, if you do want the skins removed, after the potatoes have cooked, remove them from the pot and let them sit for a few minutes before peeling them with your hands and a towel. You won’t even need a vegetable peeler, they’ll be that soft.
They’re soft enough to leave whole after you cook them and mix with a handheld or standing mixer. Isn’t that crazy? You don’t even need a knife to do this. I call that a shortcut. Oh, and you absolutely have to try it with my Instant Pot Gravy.
So, try it out and tell me what you think of mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot!
Podcast Episode On Making Mashed Potatoes
Listen to learn how to make this recipe, along with some great tips from Christine:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
PrintInstant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
DESCRIPTION
Make mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot from start to finish in about 40 minutes. There’s no chopping or waiting for them to boil in a big pot so it’s really easy.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. red potatoes (about 7 medium to large potatoes)
- 1 cup water
- 6 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup milk (2% or whole milk works best)
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Add the water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the wire rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Wash the potatoes well and place them on the rack in the Instant Pot. Do not cut them or pierce the skin.
- Plug the Instant Pot in, put on the lid and make sure the knob is turned to “Sealing”.
- Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and turn the time to 20 minutes.
- Once the cycle has finished, carefully perform a “Manual Release” by turning the knob to “Venting”.
- Allow the Instant Pot to vent fully and remove the lid.
- Carefully transfer the potatoes to the bowl of a standing mixer or a large bowl. Using a standing or handheld mixer, simply start to whip your potatoes in their whole state. They’ll be soft enough.
- Add the butter, milk, and salt. Whip until creamy and serve!
This post originally appeared in September 2018 and was revised and republished in October 2021.