Using an Instant Pot to cook potatoes is a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked potatoes every time. However, many Instant Pot potato recipes call for poking holes in the potatoes before cooking. So what happens if you forget this important step? Here’s a look at the effects of not poking holes in potatoes before Instant Pot cooking.
Why Do You Need to Poke Holes in Potatoes for the Instant Pot?
There are a couple reasons why it’s recommended to poke holes in potatoes before cooking them in the Instant Pot:
- Allows steam to escape – One of the main ways the Instant Pot cooks food is through steam. When cooking potatoes, the steam can get trapped inside as the potato cooks and heats up. Poking holes gives the steam a way to escape.
- Prevents potatoes from exploding – Without pierced holes, pressure can build up inside potatoes as they cook. This pressure needs an escape route. Without one, it can literally cause potatoes to explode in the Instant Pot.
- Leads to more evenly cooked potatoes – Piercing potatoes allows heat and moisture to penetrate throughout the interior more evenly. This prevents a potato from being raw in the middle while overcooked on the outside.
So in short, poking holes is an important step that improves cooking results. Failing to poke holes means you miss out on these benefits and increases the chances of uneven cooking or dangerous pressure buildup.
What Happens If You Don’t Poke Holes?
If you forget to poke holes in your potatoes before Instant Pot cooking, a few things could happen:
Uneven Cooking
Without venting holes, the outside of the potato will overcook while the inside remains underdone. This leads to a mushy exterior and a dense, raw interior.
The Instant Pot uses pressure to drive hot steam into the food, accelerating cooking. But if steam can’t penetrate into the center of the potato, it won’t cook through properly. Piercing is needed for even heat distribution.
Longer Cook Time
An unpierced potato will likely take longer to reach doneness in the center than a pierced one. You may need to increase the cook time to allow the heat to eventually penetrate into the middle.
This could make your potatoes ready later than expected. The extra time in the cooker can also lead to more breakdown of the outer portions.
Potato “Explosions”
In the worst cases, spuds may actually burst open in the Instant Pot. This happens when a large amount of steam is trapped inside with no way to escape.
The potato skin will split open violently, making a loud noise. This sends hot potato pieces around the inner pot. Not only is it a mess to clean up, but the steam released can also be dangerous.
However, full-on explosions are rare. It’s more likely the potato will simply be unevenly cooked without venting.
Safety Mechanisms
Luckily, Instant Pots have safety features to prevent dangerous pressure or temperature levels when cooking without pierced potatoes. This includes:
- Overheat protection – The cooker will automatically switch to keep warm mode if it senses overheating.
- Pressure limiter – Excess pressure is released through the pressure release valves in the lid.
- Lid lock – The lid will remain locked until the cooker depressurizes to a safe level.
So while steam buildup in unpierced potatoes is possible, the Instant Pot safety mechanisms help prevent hazardous explosions.
Tips for Poking Holes in Potatoes
Poking holes in potatoes before Instant Pot cooking is easy to do:
Use a Fork
A basic fork is all you need. Hold the potato firmly and use the tines of the fork to poke deep holes all over the surface.
Space Evenly
Distribute the holes evenly around all sides of the potato, leaving about 1-2 inches between holes.
Try to pierce to the center, angling the fork into the middle of the potato.
More Giant Potatoes = More Holes
Larger potatoes will need more venting than smaller ones for the steam to escape properly. Add extra holes if cooking an oversized spud.
Use a Knife for Baking Potatoes
For extra fluffy baked potatoes, pierce with a paring knife after forking. Twist the knife to really open up the holes so steam can ventilate the soft interior.
Avoid? Use Pressure Release
If you forget to poke holes, quickly release pressure after cooking using QR or manual release. This lets steam escape so you can safely open the lid.
Results to Expect Without Piercing
Here’s what to expect for common Instant Pot potato dishes if you forget to poke holes:
Steamed Potatoes
Dense, crunchy centers with mushy, falling apart exteriors. Longer cook times.
Mashed Potatoes
Uneven mashing with lumps. May need added liquid. Potential burnt bits from overcooked edges.
Baked Potatoes
Soft, gummy interiors rather than fluffy. Soggy, broken skins.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Undercooked centers with potatoes not softening through. The sauce may scorch from extending cook time.
Scalloped Potatoes
Dense potato slices that don’t cook through fully. Watery sauce that hasn’t reduced properly.
Preventing Potato Pitfalls
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked Instant Pot potatoes every time:
- Use a fork to poke holes all over the potato, spacing about 1-2 inches apart.
- Aim holes toward the center of the potato.
- Add extra holes to larger potatoes.
- Use a knife to ventilate baking potatoes further.
- Release pressure quickly after cooking if you forget to poke.
- Adjust cook times for extra time needed for unpierced spuds.
The Takeaway
Poking holes in potatoes before Instant Pot cooking is an important step. It allows steam to escape so the potato cooks evenly. Without holes, potatoes can cook unevenly with raw centers and mushy edges. In rare cases, serious pressure buildup can cause explosions.
Luckily, Instant Pot safety features help prevent any disasters. But for the best results, remember to grab a fork and poke multiple holes in your potatoes before pressure cooking. Properly venting the steam will ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly cooked from edge to center every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holes should you poke in potatoes for the Instant Pot?
Poke 8-12 holes in small to medium potatoes spaced about 1-2 inches apart. Large potatoes may need up to 20 holes for proper steam venting. Angle the holes toward the center of the potato.
Should you wrap potatoes in foil for the Instant Pot?
Wrapping potatoes in foil before Instant Pot cooking can help keep the skin from getting overcooked and soggy. However, foil can interfere with steam venting. Be sure to poke holes through the foil or leave a section unwrapped.
Do you need to pierce potatoes for potato salad?
Yes, pierce potatoes with a fork or knife before pressure cooking for potato salads. Venting the steam helps ensure even cooking so the potato pieces cook through without becoming mushy.
Do you put water in the Instant Pot for baked potatoes?
No additional water is needed when cooking baked potatoes in the Instant Pot. The natural moisture in the potato will create enough steam. Just wrap in foil and poke holes to vent.
Why are my Instant Pot potatoes hard in the middle?
A raw, dense center in Instant Pot potatoes is caused by improper steaming. Be sure to poke plenty of holes before cooking to allow steam to penetrate and cook the interior. Increase cook time as needed.
Tips forCooking Potatoes in the Instant Pot
Choose the Right Potato Variety
The type of potato makes a difference in how it holds up to pressure cooking. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes and new potatoes tend to keep their shape better than starchy russet potatoes.
Cut Potatoes to Similar Sizes
Cutting potatoes into evenly sized pieces allows them to cook through in the same amount of time. Avoid mixing large potato chunks with smaller ones.
Add Liquid as Needed
A small amount of water or broth in the pot can help generate steam for pressure cooking potatoes. This isn’t necessary but can help speed up cook time.
Use a Trivet or Rack
Placing potatoes on a trivet or steamer rack allows steam to circulate underneath for even cooking. This prevents scorching on the bottom.
Check Doneness with a Fork
Test potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork or knife. They should be tender all the way through without any dense, crunchy areas in the center.
Allow Pressure to Release Naturally
Letting pressure release naturally helps ensure potatoes cook through fully and don’t stop cooking early. Avoid quick pressure release if possible.
Keep Warm Setting is Your Friend
Use the Keep Warm setting after cooking to keep finished potatoes warm and ready for serving without becoming mushy.
Consider Browning First
Browning potatoes in the Instant Pot saute mode first can help develop flavor. Saute in batches for even browning before pressure cooking.
Potato Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Overfill the Instant Pot
The inner pot should never be more than 2/3 full when pressure cooking. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and backed up steam.
Don’t Forget to Add Liquid for Steaming
Plain potatoes can stick to the bottom without any liquid to generate steam. Add a cup or two of water or broth.
Don’t Use Quick Release Right Away
Letting pressure release naturally ensures potatoes cook completely. Quick releasing too soon can undercook the centers.
Don’t Use Old Potatoes
Old, wrinkled potatoes don’t hold up well to pressure cooking. They can turn mushy. Use fresh, firm potatoes.
Don’t Cook Different Sizes Together
Cutting potatoes uniformly allows even cooking. Mixed sizes can lead to underdone and overcooked pieces.
Delicious Instant Pot Potato Recipes to Try
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Russet potatoes baked in the Instant Pot have a soft, fluffy interior topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Thin slices of potato layered with cream sauce and cheese cook up creamy and irresistible in the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Cook chunks of peeled russet potatoes in the Instant Pot, then mash them with milk, butter, and seasonings for perfect mashed spuds.
Potatoes Au Gratin
For au gratin potatoes, cook potato slices in Instant Pot with garlic, onion, broth, and heavy cream, then top with cheese.
Pressure Cooker Potato Salad
Hard boil eggs along with diced potatoes in the Instant Pot. Toss with mayo, mustard, celery, onion, parsley, and seasonings for a potato salad.
Garlic Herb New Potatoes
Small new potatoes steam quickly in the Instant Pot and take on tons of flavor when tossed in garlic herb butter.
Common Instant Pot Potato Problems and Troubleshooting
Potatoes Are Not Cooked Through
- Increase cook time and ensure pressure is released naturally
- Check that venting holes were poked through entire potato
- Cut potatoes into smaller, more uniform pieces
- Use more liquid next time for better steaming
Potatoes Are Too Soft and Falling Apart
- Lower cook time or do quick pressure release
- Avoid overly starchy varieties like russets for salads or steaming
- Use cold water to stop cooking immediately after pressure release
- Handle potatoes gently when serving
Potatoes Are Scorched on the Bottom
- Add more liquid to pot and scrape up any browned bits
- Use a trivet or steamer rack next time
- Choose auto steam function on some models to prevent burning
Mashed Potatoes Have Lumps
- Be sure potatoes are thoroughly cooked before mashing
- Use a ricer for smoothest texture
- Add more butter and cream when mashing
- Strain out any unmashed chunks
Baked Potatoes Have Gummy, Dense Insides
- Poke holes more aggressively through the potato next time
- Wrap in foil and increase steam inside for fluffier texture
- Cut baked potato in half after cooking to release steam before serving
Summary
Poking holes in potatoes before cooking them in the Instant Pot is an important step to ensure even cooking and prevent explosions. The holes allow steam to properly ventilate and penetrate inside the spuds. Without holes, potatoes can end up undercooked in the centers with mushy edges.
While forgotten potatoes may take longer to cook, Instant Pot safety mechanisms help avoid any disasters. For the best results, remember to grab a fork and prick potatoes several times before pressure cooking. With properly vented potatoes, you’ll enjoy tender, fluffy, and perfectly cooked potatoes every time.