How long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes depends on how you cut them and whether you cook them together or separately.
Carrots and potatoes can both be pressure cooked in as little as 4 minutes for diced pieces or up to 15 minutes for whole chunks.
The good news is you don’t have to guess, because once you know the timing, pressure cooking carrots and potatoes is one of the fastest ways to get tender, flavorful vegetables on the table.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes, cover timing for different cuts and pot types, and share tips so they come out perfectly every time.
Let’s get cooking.
How Long to Pressure Cook Carrots and Potatoes Together
When you pressure cook carrots and potatoes together, the timing has to account for both vegetables reaching the right texture at the same time.
Carrots and potatoes are both dense root vegetables, which is actually great news because they cook at similar rates when cut into similar sizes.
Here’s how long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes together based on how you prep them:
1. Diced Carrots and Potatoes (1-inch cubes)
If you cut carrots and potatoes into 1-inch cubes, pressure cook them together for 4 to 5 minutes on high pressure.
Then do a quick release so they don’t overcook and turn to mush.
This timing works perfectly for soups, stews, and quick side dishes.
2. Sliced or Chunked Carrots and Potatoes
For larger chunks or thick slices, pressure cook carrots and potatoes for 6 to 8 minutes on high pressure.
Chunks hold their shape better for roasting later or for hearty stews where you want a bit of bite.
3. Whole or Large Potato Pieces with Baby Carrots
Whole baby carrots cook faster than whole potatoes, so if you’re mixing them, cut the potatoes into chunks first.
Pressure cook carrots and potatoes in this case for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how large the potato pieces are.
How Long to Pressure Cook Carrots and Potatoes Separately
Sometimes you want to cook carrots and potatoes on their own, either because you’re meal prepping or because you want different textures.
Here’s how long to pressure cook each one separately so you nail the timing every time.
1. How Long to Pressure Cook Carrots
Carrots pressure cook faster than potatoes because they’re slightly less dense.
Diced carrots take 3 to 4 minutes on high pressure, sliced carrots take 4 to 5 minutes, and whole carrots take 8 to 10 minutes.
Baby carrots fall somewhere in between, usually around 4 to 6 minutes depending on size.
2. How Long to Pressure Cook Potatoes
Potatoes need a little more time than carrots when cooked alone.
Diced potatoes take 5 to 6 minutes on high pressure, quartered potatoes take 8 to 10 minutes, and whole small potatoes take 10 to 12 minutes.
If you’re pressure cooking potatoes for mashing, 8 to 10 minutes for chunks gives you the perfect soft texture.
3. Adjusting for Altitude and Pot Type
If you live at high altitude, add about 5 percent more time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet.
Also, electric pressure cookers like Instant Pots tend to run slightly slower than stovetop models, so add 1 to 2 minutes if needed.
The best way to know how long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes in your specific pot is to test a small batch first.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooked Carrots and Potatoes
Getting the timing right is only half the battle, so here are a few tips to make your carrots and potatoes turn out great every time.
1. Always Use a Trivet and Water
Pour at least 1 cup of water into the pressure cooker before adding your vegetables.
Place carrots and potatoes on a trivet or in a steamer basket so they steam rather than boil.
This keeps them from getting waterlogged and preserves more nutrients.
2. Cut Pieces Evenly
Even pieces mean even cooking, which is the secret to knowing exactly how long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes.
If your pieces are all different sizes, some will turn mushy while others stay hard.
3. Season After Cooking, Not Before
Salt and strong seasonings can actually draw moisture out of carrots and potatoes during pressure cooking.
Wait until after they’re cooked, then toss with butter, herbs, salt, and pepper for the best flavor.
4. Use Quick Release for Tender Vegetables
For carrots and potatoes, a quick release stops the cooking process immediately so they don’t overcook.
Natural release works too, but it adds several minutes of extra cooking time that can turn them soft.
So, How Long to Pressure Cook Carrots and Potatoes?
How long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes depends on size, but diced pieces take about 4 to 5 minutes together, while larger chunks need 6 to 10 minutes.
Carrots and potatoes are a match made in pressure cooking heaven because they cook at similar rates and soak up flavor beautifully.
Whether you’re making a stew, a side dish, or meal prepping for the week, knowing how long to pressure cook carrots and potatoes saves you time and guarantees tender results.
So fire up that pressure cooker and enjoy perfectly cooked carrots and potatoes in minutes instead of an hour.