How long to cook potatoes and carrots in an Instant Pot depends on the size you cut them and whether you’re cooking them together or separately.
As a general rule, diced potatoes and carrots will cook in about 3 to 5 minutes at high pressure, while larger chunks need closer to 8 to 10 minutes.
The good news is that both vegetables have similar cooking times, so you can cook potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot at the same time without one turning to mush before the other is done.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot, plus a few tips to get them perfectly tender every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long to Cook Potatoes and Carrots in Instant Pot
The short answer is that cooking potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot takes anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes under high pressure, depending on how you cut them and what texture you’re after.
Here’s a quick breakdown so you know exactly how long to cook potatoes and carrots based on your prep.
1. Diced Potatoes and Carrots (1-inch cubes)
If you cut your potatoes and carrots into 1-inch cubes, cook them for 3 to 4 minutes at high pressure.
This is perfect for soups, stews, or quick side dishes where you want tender but not falling-apart veggies.
2. Medium Chunks (1.5 to 2 inches)
For slightly larger chunks, bump the time up to 5 to 6 minutes at high pressure.
This works well for hearty roasts or when you’re cooking potatoes and carrots alongside a piece of meat.
3. Whole or Large Halves
Whole baby potatoes and thick carrot pieces need about 8 to 10 minutes at high pressure.
This is the way to go if you’re meal prepping or want them soft enough to mash.
4. For Mash or Puree
If you’re making mashed potatoes and carrots, cook large chunks for 10 minutes at high pressure, then quick release and mash.
They’ll be soft enough to blend into a smooth, creamy texture with just a fork.
Keep in mind that these times are for high pressure on a manual setting, not the preset buttons, since presets vary by model.
Tips for Cooking Potatoes and Carrots in Instant Pot
Getting the timing right is only half the battle, so here are a few tips to make sure your potatoes and carrots come out perfectly every time.
1. Always Use the Trivet and a Cup of Water
Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot, then set your vegetables on the trivet or in a steamer basket.
This keeps them out of the liquid so they steam rather than boil, which preserves their texture and flavor.
2. Cut Them Evenly
The key to cooking potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot is cutting them into similar-sized pieces.
If your pieces are uneven, some will turn to mush while others stay firm, and no one wants that.
3. Quick Release for Firm Veggies, Natural Release for Soft
For firmer potatoes and carrots, do a quick pressure release as soon as the timer goes off.
If you want them softer, let the pressure release naturally for 5 to 10 minutes before opening the valve.
4. Season After Cooking
Salt and pepper can draw out moisture if added before cooking, so season your potatoes and carrots after they’re done.
A little butter, garlic powder, or fresh herbs goes a long way once they’re tender.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Potatoes and Carrots in Instant Pot
Even though cooking potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot is pretty forgiving, a few mistakes can ruin the batch.
1. Skipping the Water
The Instant Pot needs liquid to build pressure, so never skip the water, even when steaming.
Without it, your pot won’t come to pressure and your veggies won’t cook.
2. Overcooking Small Pieces
It’s easy to overcook diced potatoes and carrots because they cook so fast.
Set a timer and don’t walk away, because 2 extra minutes can turn tender veggies into mush.
3. Crowding the Pot
If you pile too many potatoes and carrots into the Instant Pot, they’ll steam unevenly.
Cook in batches or use a larger model if you’re feeding a crowd.
4. Ignoring the Natural Release
Quick releasing too soon can cause the veggies to cook unevenly, especially larger chunks.
A short natural release gives them time to finish cooking gently.
So, How Long to Cook Potatoes and Carrots in Instant Pot?
How long to cook potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot comes down to 3 to 10 minutes at high pressure, depending on how you cut them.
Diced pieces take about 3 to 4 minutes, medium chunks need 5 to 6 minutes, and whole or large pieces require 8 to 10 minutes.
With the right timing, a cup of water, and a trivet, you’ll have perfectly tender potatoes and carrots every time.
Hope this post has helped you figure out exactly how long to cook potatoes and carrots in the Instant Pot so you can enjoy them in soups, sides, and beyond.