Iâve been using my Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) for a few years now, and itâs become one of my favourite kitchen time-savers. If you love home-cooked meals but donât love spending hours in the kitchen, then the Instant Pot will be your new best friend! Itâs also perfect for busy families, meal-preppers, or anyone wanting to get a hot and nutritious dinner on the table quickly.
Today Iâm sharing a free downloadable Instant Pot Cheat Sheet to make your pressure-cooking experience even easier. With this handy cheat sheet, youâll have cooking times and release methods all in one placeâfrom meats, seafood, and veggies to beans, legumes, grains, and more.

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Why Use an Instant Pot?
- Saves Time: Pressure-cooking drastically reduces the time needed to cook many foods.
- Locks in Flavour and Nutrients: Cooking under high pressure helps retain moisture and vitamins.
- One-Pot Meals: From soups to curries to desserts, you can do it all in one potâfewer dishes and less mess!
- Versatile: Your Instant Pot can sauté, steam, slow cook, make yogurt, cook rice, and more.
Sneak Peek: Whatâs on the Cheat Sheet?
The cheat sheet is divided into Meats, Seafood, Vegetables, Beans & Legumes, and Rice & Grains, with recommended times, release methods, and water ratios (for beans, legumes, and grains). Hereâs a little taste of what youâll find:
Meats
- Whole Chicken (2â2.5 kg): Cook for 8 minutes per pound with a Natural pressure release.
- Chicken Thighs (with bones): 12 minutes per pound, Quick release.
- Beef Brisket (small): 15â20 minutes per pound, Quick release.
(Perfect for those Sunday roasts in a fraction of the time!)
Seafood
- Salmon Fillets: 4 minutes, Quick release.
- Shrimp/Prawns: 1â3 minutes, Quick release.
(Yes, you really can cook seafood in minutes!)
Vegetables
- Carrots (whole): 3â5 minutes, Natural release.
- Broccoli Florets: 1 minute, Quick release.
- Corn on the Cob: 1 minute, Quick release.
(Faster than you can find the corn holders!)
Beans & Legumes
- Chickpeas: Liquid ratio of 1:3 (beans to water), 35â40 minutes dry, 10â15 if soaked.
(Try making hummus straight from dried chickpeasâno overnight soak needed!)
Rice & Grains
- Jasmine Rice: 1:3 ratio (rice to liquid), 4â6 minutes, Natural release.
- Steel Cut Oatmeal: 1:2 ratio, 15 minutes, Natural release.
(Say hello to busy-morning-friendly breakfasts!)
Tips for Using This Cheat Sheet
- Prep Ahead: If you want to reduce cooking times for beans and legumes, soak them overnight.
- Sauté/Brown First: For added flavour, use the Sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown meats before pressure-cooking.
- Natural vs Quick Release:
- Natural Release allows the pressure to drop slowly on its ownâideal for large cuts of meat or delicate foods.
- Quick Release is done by opening the valve and letting the steam escape quicklyâperfect for quick-cooking veggies and seafood.
- Adjust for Size: The times on the cheat sheet are guidelines per pound or per recipe quantity. If your piece of meat is larger or smaller, adjust accordingly.
- Check the Manual: Every Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker can be slightly different. Always consult your manual for specific safety guidelines and tips.
How to Download Your Free Instant Pot Cheat Sheet
Ready to simplify your pressure-cooking routine? Click the link below to download your very own PDF Instant Pot Cheat Sheet, and keep it handy in your kitchen. You can print it out, laminate it, or pin it on your fridge. No more fumbling around for cooking times when youâre in a hurry!
Final Thoughts
An Instant Pot makes cooking more accessible and less intimidating, whether youâre a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro. This cheat sheet ensures youâll have reliable cooking times at your fingertips, so you can explore endless recipe possibilitiesâfrom decadent desserts to nourishing soups and beyond.
If you try it out, let us know in the comments how it works for you! And donât forget to pin or share this post so your friends can enjoy quicker, easier meals too.
Happy pressure-cooking!
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