I've been using my Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) for a few years now, and it's become one of my favourite kitchen time-savers. If you love home-cooked meals but don't love spending hours in the kitchen, then the Instant Pot will be your new best friend! It's also perfect for busy families, meal-preppers, or anyone wanting to get a hot and nutritious dinner on the table quickly.
Today I'm sharing a free downloadable Instant Pot Cheat Sheet to make your pressure-cooking experience even easier. With this handy cheat sheet, you'll have cooking times and release methods all in one place-from 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 pot-fewer dishes and less mess!
- Versatile: Your Instant Pot can sauté, steam, slow cook, make yogurt, cook rice, and more.
Sneak Peek: What's 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). Here's a little taste of what you'll find:
Meats
- Whole Chicken (2-2.5 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): 15-20 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: 1-3 minutes, Quick release.
(Yes, you really can cook seafood in minutes!)
Vegetables
- Carrots (whole): 3-5 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), 35-40 minutes dry, 10-15 if soaked.
(Try making hummus straight from dried chickpeas-no overnight soak needed!)
Rice & Grains
- Jasmine Rice: 1:3 ratio (rice to liquid), 4-6 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 own-ideal for large cuts of meat or delicate foods.
- Quick Release is done by opening the valve and letting the steam escape quickly-perfect 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 you're in a hurry!
Final Thoughts
An Instant Pot makes cooking more accessible and less intimidating, whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro. This cheat sheet ensures you'll have reliable cooking times at your fingertips, so you can explore endless recipe possibilities-from decadent desserts to nourishing soups and beyond.
If you try it out, let us know in the comments how it works for you! And don't forget to pin or share this post so your friends can enjoy quicker, easier meals too.
Happy pressure-cooking!
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