And for good reason: “An Instant Pot, in my opinion, is the most magical and useful gadget to add to your kitchen collection,” says Diana Manalang, chef and owner of Little Chef, Little Café in New York City. “It’s useful for someone who wants to make soups and stocks in less time without having to sit by the stove, like a set it and forget it machine.” While the Instant Pot is pretty amazing on its own, there are also some really cool Instant Pot accessories out there that can seriously level up your cooking skills. What are the best basic accessories for the Instant Pot, you ask? We asked food experts for their picks. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
23 Best Instant Pot Accessories
What are the best Instant Pot accessories? From an Instant Pot steamer basket to a springform pan and beyond, here’s what will take your Instant Pot to the next level.
What Is an Instant Pot, Exactly?
As Harshit Damani, founder and chief editor at Simple Food Tips, explains, an Instant Pot is a multi-use cooking appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté and more. The Instant Pot comes in a variety of sizes, with both 6- and 8-quart options available. “It’s a great appliance for busy people who want to make home cooked meals but don’t have a lot of time,” says Damani. “The Instant Pot can help you make healthy, delicious meals in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them using other methods.”
Everything You Need to Know About Instant Pot Accessories
It turns out there are quite a few Instant Pot accessories you can use with this handy-dandy device to take recipes to the next level. Not sure where to start? Here are answers to your most commonly asked questions about Instant Pot accessories.
What should you not put in the Instant Pot?
Almost anything that can be put in the oven can be put in a pressure cooker such as the Instant Pot, says Bruce Weinstein, author of The Instant Pot Bible. However, Weinstein notes that high pressure can damage some handmade ceramics, so it’s best to avoid using those in the Instant Pot. “If your cookware says microwave-, oven- or broiler-safe, as long as it’s not handmade you’re pretty good to go in the Instant Pot,” he says. Outside of accessories, there are certain foods you just shouldn’t cook in the Instant Pot. For example, an Instant Pot isn’t meant to be used to fry food, says Manalang. Burgers, steaks and chops also aren’t good for being pressure cooked, she adds. Dairy is also a no-go. “The Instant Pot is not a good choice for cooking any dairy-heavy dishes where milk is the primary component,” says Bridgette Witte, a chef who runs the website Culinary Debates. “This is so that the dish’s flavor and appeal aren’t ruined by the milk curdling due to the pressure cooker’s high heat.” That’s why most Instant Pot recipes call for dairy to be added at the end, adds Witte.
Can you use air fryer accessories in the Instant Pot?
There are a bunch of air fryer accessories you can use in the Instant Pot. “You can use things like silicone egg molds, trivets and mesh baskets in the Instant Pot that can also be used in the air fryer,” says Manalang. There’s also an Instant Pot air fryer lid you can buy, which lets you turn your Instant Pot into an air fryer so you don’t need two separate devices. Pretty neat!
What is the red rubber ring that comes with the Instant Pot?
The red rubber ring is a sealing ring that keeps steam and pressure inside the machine, explains Weinstein. “Some people claim that this ring holds onto aromas but that doesn’t cause any safety issues nor does it impart flavors into the dish,” says Weinstein. “But these parts do wear out after years of use so you will need to replace them eventually to keep your machine running properly.”
Can I use an air fryer basket as a steamer basket in the Instant Pot?
“Yes, you can use an air fryer basket as a steamer basket in an Instant Pot,” says Damani. “Just make sure to add water to the pot before adding the basket.” You’ll want to only put enough water to create steam and not too much that it comes up into the basket itself, adds Weinstein. Sources
Diana Manalang, chef and owner of Little Chef, Little Café in New York CityHarshit Damani, founder and chief editor at Simple Food TipsBridgette Witte, a chef who runs the website Culinary DebatesBruce Weinstein, author of The Instant Pot Bible
