How long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot depends on how you cut them and whether you’re cooking them together or separately.
If you’re cooking both carrots and potatoes together in an Instant Pot, the general rule is 3 to 5 minutes on high pressure for bite-sized pieces.
Learning how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of dinner because these two root veggies are a classic combo.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot, plus a few tips so they come out tender every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long to Cook Carrots and Potatoes in an Instant Pot
So how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot when you’re doing them at the same time?
The short answer is 3 to 5 minutes at high pressure, followed by a quick release.
That said, the exact time depends on a few things, like the size of your cuts and the texture you’re after.
Here’s how it usually breaks down:
1. For Small, Bite-Sized Pieces
If you’ve diced your carrots and potatoes into small, even chunks, 3 minutes on high pressure is plenty.
Small pieces cook fast, so going longer will turn them into mush.
This is the sweet spot when you want them tender but still holding their shape for salads or quick side dishes.
2. For Medium Chunks
Medium chunks, roughly one to one-and-a-half inches, need about 4 minutes on high pressure.
This is the most common answer to how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot because it works for soups, stews, and simple sides.
You’ll get veggies that are soft enough to pierce with a fork but not falling apart.
3. For Large Chunks or Whole Potatoes
If you’re cooking larger chunks or whole baby potatoes, bump the time up to 5 to 7 minutes.
Bigger pieces take longer for the heat to penetrate, so they need those extra minutes to cook through.
Just remember that whole potatoes and thick carrot coins won’t cook at the same rate as small diced pieces.
Why Carrots and Potatoes Cook Differently in an Instant Pot
Carrots and potatoes don’t cook at exactly the same speed, and knowing this helps you nail the timing.
Carrots are denser and tend to hold their firmness a bit longer, while potatoes soften more quickly, especially starchy varieties like Russets.
That’s why cutting them into similar-sized pieces matters so much.
If your carrot chunks are bigger than your potato chunks, the potatoes will overcook before the carrots are done.
So when you’re figuring out how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot, always aim for uniform cuts.
If you really want both perfectly tender, you can also cook the carrots for a minute first, then add the potatoes.
But for most recipes, tossing them in together with even cuts works just fine.
Step-by-Step: Cooking Carrots and Potatoes in an Instant Pot
Here’s a simple method so you never have to wonder how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot again.
1. Prep and Cut Your Veggies
Wash, peel, and cut your carrots and potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces.
Aim for chunks that are roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
2. Add Water and a Trivet
Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet or steamer basket inside.
The water creates the steam, and the trivet keeps your veggies out of the liquid so they steam rather than boil.
3. Load the Veggies and Season
Pile your carrots and potatoes onto the trivet and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs.
A little garlic powder or rosemary goes a long way here.
4. Set the Time and Pressure
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your cut size.
5. Do a Quick Release
Once the timer beeps, carefully do a quick release to stop the cooking right away.
This keeps your veggies from turning to mush, which is the biggest risk when you’re cooking carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot.
Tips for Perfect Carrots and Potatoes Every Time
A few small habits make a big difference when you cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot.
Always cut them evenly, since uneven pieces lead to some being underdone while others turn to mush.
Don’t skip the trivet, because steaming gives you better texture than boiling.
And always use a quick release for these veggies, since natural release keeps them cooking longer than you want.
If you’re adding them to a soup or stew, you can cook them right in the broth, but reduce the time slightly since they’ll keep softening as the dish sits.
So, How Long to Cook Carrots and Potatoes in an Instant Pot?
How long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot comes down to 3 to 5 minutes on high pressure for most bite-sized cuts, with a quick release to finish.
Smaller pieces need closer to 3 minutes, medium chunks around 4, and larger pieces up to 7.
The key is even cuts, a trivet for steaming, and a quick release so they stay tender without turning to mush.
Now you know exactly how long to cook carrots and potatoes in an Instant Pot, so you can get dinner on the table with confidence.