Wondering how to make mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot? Well, look no further than this easy pressure cooker mashed potatoes recipe. You'll be making Instant Pot mashed potatoes like a pro in no time!


Mashed potatoes were the first thing I ever made in my first Instant Pot.

I knew there might be a learning curve involved with learning how to use the darn thing. And I knew it was likely that I would overcook something.

So I figured mashed potatoes would be a great starting point because even if I did overcook them, it wouldn't matter anyway since I was about to mash them all up.

Well, I didn't overcook them. (Yay!)

In fact, they actually turned out perfect on the first try.

This Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe has been in our meal plan rotation ever since. Oh who am I kidding...I don't meal plan...

What I'm trying to say is we eat these mashed potatoes quite frequently. They're nothing fancy, but goodness, they're quick and easy to make!

How to make mashed potatoes in instant pot

Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes are Easy Peasy to Make!

Now, it doesn't matter if you're feeding a crowd or feeding a small family, this Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe turns out perfect every single time.

There's no more waiting for the potatoes to boil. You simply add everything to your Instant Pot and walk away until it's time to mash.

Instant pot mashed potatoes red with skin on

How to make mashed potatoes in pressure cooker

Personally, I like to leave the skins on my potatoes. It makes your mashed potatoes look more rustic and whatnot anyway. But, really, I'm just too lazy to peel them...Besides, they add a bit of texture and dimension to the mashed potatoes.

But you can peel them if rustic, homestyle mashed potatoes aren't your thing. You go on and do you, my overachieving friend. You're obviously much more ambitious than I am!

How to make mashed potatoes in an instant pot

You'll Love Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes!

So here's why you'll want to hurry up and try making mashed potatoes in a pressure cooker:

  • Comes out perfect every time. No fork stabbing test required. They'll be perfectly mashable in just mere minutes.

  • You don't need a steamer basket (less dishes for you to wash - wahoo!)

  • You can easily reduce or double the number of potatoes without changing the actual steps. Same amount of liquid. Same amount of time. Might need more or less butter for flavor depending on whether you reduced or doubled.

  • It's a great side dish to serve alongside meatloaf or chicken, but you can also use these mashed potatoes to make Shepherd's Pie. YUM!

  • It can sit on the warm function for a long time before or after you mash the potatoes.

Instant Pot mashed potatoes

How to Make Mashed Potatoes in a Pressure Cooker

Ready to give this easy Instant Pot recipe a try? Good decision. Let's do this before the kids raid the pantry!

Instant Pot carrots

How to make mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup water

  • 4-6 large potatoes, peeled (optional) and cubed

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/4 cup butter

  • Milk (to taste)

  • Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place potatoes, water, and salt in Instant Pot.

  2. Seal and cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes.

  3. Quick release.

  4. Drain water and return potatoes to Instant Pot.

  5. Keep the Instant Pot on keep warm function.

  6. Add butter and let it melt while you start to mash.

  7. Add a couple of splashes of milk until you reach your desired mashed potato consistency.

  8. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  9. Serve with a dab of butter.

Easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe