I have been getting this question a lot, so I thought I would answer it in a blog post. The question is How to Convert Slow Cooker to Instant Pot recipes.
It’s pretty simple, but in order to understand how this works, you need to know the difference between a Slow Cooker and an Instant Pot work.
There are so many great crock pot recipes on my website that I thought I would share how to convert those recipes into Instant Pot Recipes.
With a few simple changes, you can easily make an amazing meal in 30 minutes or less!
Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot: What Each Does Best
Each appliance brings its own strengths to the kitchen:
- Slow Cooker: Ideal for creating tender, fall-off-the-bone meat because it cooks at a low, slow temperature. This makes it perfect for braises, pulled meats, and hearty stews that benefit from extended cooking times, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you love coming home to a perfectly cooked roast or slow-braised ribs, a Slow Cooker is your best friend.
- Instant Pot: Fantastic for speedy cooking with sealed pressure, which helps food retain moisture and flavors without losing tenderness. While it doesn’t have the same long, slow flavor infusion as a Slow Cooker, it makes up for it with convenience.
- The Instant Pot also doubles as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, and even an egg cooker, making it a versatile tool for quick weeknight dinners.
Both the Slow Cooker and Instant Pot are staples in my kitchen, each bringing their unique benefits to busy meal prep.
How to Convert Slow Cooker to Instant Pot: Easy 3 Step Guide
1. Check Your Liquids
In a Slow Cooker you don’t need to add any additional liquids to the pot. It is totally different with an Instant Pot.
You should have at least one cup of liquids (water is what I typically add) to any dish that you are converting to an Instant Pot Recipe.
The reason is because in a Slow Cooker your ingredients have time to release their natural juices, and with an Instant Pot they do not.
The Instant Pot cooks quickly, therefore not allowing the meats or other ingredients to release their natural juices. If you don’t add water your recipes can be dry or burnt.
In my Slow Cooker recipes that I have on this website, simply make sure that you have one cup of fluids.
For example: If you’re making my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup or one of my spaghetti sauce recipes you don’t have to worry about adding additional liquids.
If you’re making one of my pulled pork recipes, you should add additional liquids to make sure they do not burn.
2. Change When Ingredients Are Added
There are a few ingredients that you do NOT want to just dump into your Instant Pot.
Most of these ingredients are in the dairy food group, pasta, and even vegetables, but also any thickening agents like Cornstarch.
These will typically burn in your Instant Pot or overcook and get mushy if you’re pressure-cooking your meal.
What I typically do is add these ingredients after the rest of the meal has been cooked thoroughly.
Once the meal is cooked, I will turn on the sauté feature and finish adding any dairy, cream of whatever soups, smaller veggies, and thickeners.
You also should wait to add any strong wines, liquors, or vinegars. Since the Instant Pot cooks so quickly, the alcohol will burn off much quicker.
This could make your dish taste VERY acidic. So wait to add those until the end.
3. Change The Cook Time
The trickiest part of knowing how to convert slow cooker recipes into an Instant Pot is the timing.
A recipe that takes 8 hours in a Slow Cooker could only take 1 hour in an Instant Pot. How do you know how long to cook things?
Here is a great Instant Pot Cheat Sheet that I found online, you can download it here.
The Slow Cooker and Instant Pot I Have
Before we get started, another question I get asked frequently is what size Slow Cooker I use. I use a 6qt Crock Pot. This is the one that I use for all of my recipes.
If you are wondering what size Instant Pot to use, I recommend the one that I have. You can find that one here.
Some Helpful Notes/Info
These are the major differences between a Slow Cooker and an Instant Pot that you need to understand before you convert the recipes.
A Slow Cooker typically runs over a longer duration of time at lower temperatures, while Instant Pots are sealed pressure cookers and typically cook at higher temperatures for a shorter amount of time.
You can cook the same exact dish in an Instant Pot in 1/4 of the time, which makes it desirable for busy moms like me.
I use both my Slow Cooker and my Instant Pot on a weekly basis, but it depends on what my day looks like.
If I’m going to be home closer to dinnertime and need to throw something together quickly, I’ll use my Instant Pot instead of my Slow Cooker.
If I am going to be gone all day and home right before dinner, I will put one of my dump recipes in my Slow Cooker so that I will come home to a home cooked meal.
The thing I love most about my Instant Pot is how versatile it is. I can make hard-boiled eggs in under 8 minutes that are cooked perfectly every time.
I use it as a Rice Cooker, to make baked potatoes and soups, and to cook recipes from my Aldi Meal Plan.
Foods That Don’t Do Well in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
While both appliances are versatile, certain foods don’t hold up well in either one:
- Crispy or Fried Foods: Both the Slow Cooker and Instant Pot are all about moist, tender dishes. If you’re aiming for crispiness, like fried chicken or crispy bacon, these aren’t the best choices. To get that crispy texture, you’d need to use an air fryer or finish in the oven.
- Pasta and Quick-Cook Vegetables: Both can turn pasta and delicate vegetables into mush if overcooked. In the Instant Pot, add these ingredients at the end, using the sauté feature to finish the cooking. In a Slow Cooker, adding them in the last hour usually helps maintain their texture.
FAQs
Can I use an Instant Pot instead of a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot instead of a Slow Cooker for many recipes, but you’ll need to adjust the cook time and add extra liquid. The Instant Pot cooks food faster under pressure, so the recipe will be done in a fraction of the time.
Can I convert every Slow Cooker recipe to the Instant Pot?
Most recipes can be converted, but some work better in a Slow Cooker than an Instant Pot, particularly dishes where slow, gentle cooking is key to developing flavors. For example, recipes that benefit from caramelizing or reducing liquids might be better suited to a Slow Cooker.
What is the equivalent of 4 hours in the Slow Cooker in the Instant Pot?
Generally, 4 hours on low in a Slow Cooker is roughly equal to 25-30 minutes in the Instant Pot on high pressure. If the Slow Cooker recipe calls for 8 hours on low, try cooking it for about 45-50 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Do I need to add more liquid to convert a Slow Cooker recipe to an Instant Pot?
Yes! The Instant Pot requires at least 1 cup of liquid to create steam and build pressure, whereas Slow Cookers don’t need extra liquid because they cook at a lower temperature. Adding liquid prevents food from burning or sticking to the bottom.
Can I use dairy products in the Instant Pot?
It’s best to avoid adding dairy products directly during pressure cooking, as they can curdle or burn. Instead, add dairy ingredients like cream, milk, or cheese after the pressure cooking is complete and use the sauté function to incorporate them.
Can I use the Instant Pot’s Slow Cooker function instead of a regular Slow Cooker?
The Instant Pot has a Slow Cooker setting, but it may not heat as evenly or as low as a traditional Slow Cooker. You might notice slight differences in texture and flavor.
If you use this setting, select the low or medium options for a similar effect.
How do I avoid burning in my Instant Pot when converting recipes?
To avoid the burning, ensure there’s enough liquid in the recipe and avoid thick, sticky sauces until after pressure cooking. Make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot before sealing the lid.
What size Instant Pot should I use to convert Slow Cooker recipes?
If you typically use a 6-quart Slow Cooker, a 6-quart Instant Pot will work well for conversions. For large meals or batch cooking, consider the 8-quart Instant Pot, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the liquid and timing slightly.
Final Thoughts
Converting Slow Cooker recipes to the Instant Pot can open up a whole new level of convenience, making it easier to enjoy home-cooked meals even on your busiest days.
With a few simple adjustments, you can save time while still enjoying your favorite dishes or some of my favorite slow cooker recipes I’ve listed here.
Both appliances have their strengths, so whether you’re planning ahead with a Slow Cooker or whipping up something quick with the Instant Pot, you’ll be able to find the right fit for your schedule.
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I am trying to covert an instant pot chocolate pudding cake to a slow cooker/crock pot. Cook time in start pot is 30 min. Can you assist?