Free Instant Pot Cookbook for Beginners: Easy Recipes

New to the Instant Pot? Or maybe you’ve had one sitting in your kitchen for months because all those buttons look a little intimidating? I’ve got something for you!

I’m giving away my FREE Instant Pot cookbook for beginners, packed with easy recipes, helpful tips, and simple tricks to help you get comfortable with pressure cooking.

I originally wrote Instant Pot Hacks: The Ridiculously Easy Cookbook to Make the Most of an Instant Pot with my son in mind as he was getting closer to college age. I wanted something that would help a first-time cook make real meals without needing a ton of ingredients, expensive equipment, or complicated instructions.

When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to write it myself!

Whether you’re a college student learning to cook, a young adult setting up your first kitchen, or someone who just bought an Instant Pot, this book is designed to make things easier.

Download My FREE Instant Pot Cookbook

Inside, you’ll find beginner-friendly recipes, pressure-cooking tips, and helpful shortcuts for making everything from main dishes to desserts.

No email signup or purchase required. Just download the PDF and keep it handy whenever you need it!

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COOKBOOK 👉

Tip: Save the PDF to your phone or tablet so you can pull it up while you’re cooking. Or you can buy it on Amazon.

5 Instant Pot Tips Every Beginner Should Know

Before you start experimenting with recipes, here are five things I wish every new Instant Pot owner knew!

1. Don’t Forget the Liquid

Pressure cookers need liquid to create steam and build pressure. Most recipes call for water, broth, or another thin liquid.

The amount required depends on your Instant Pot model and the recipe, so check your owner’s manual. Many standard recipes use around 1 cup, but that isn’t a universal rule.

Thick sauces can scorch on the bottom of the pot. When a recipe calls for layering ingredients, follow those directions rather than stirring everything together.

2. Learn the Difference Between Natural and Quick Release

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is assuming you should release the pressure immediately when the cooking timer finishes.

Some recipes call for a natural pressure release, where you let the pressure drop on its own. Others call for a quick release.

Large cuts of meat often benefit from a natural release, while delicate vegetables may need a quick release to avoid overcooking. Always follow the recipe and your appliance’s safety instructions.

3. Keep an Extra Sealing Ring

The silicone sealing ring can absorb strong food odors. After making a batch of heavily seasoned chili, you might notice that smell hanging around!

Having a separate sealing ring for sweet recipes can help keep your oatmeal and desserts from picking up savory aromas.

4. Use the Sauté Function

One of my favorite Instant Pot features is the Sauté button.

You can brown meat, soften onions, and cook garlic right in the pot before pressure cooking. That means more flavor without dirtying another pan!

5. Always Deglaze After Browning

After sautéing meat or vegetables, you may notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.

Before pressure cooking, add a little water or broth and gently scrape those bits loose with a wooden spoon.

This adds flavor to your meal and helps prevent the dreaded Burn warning.

Is an Instant Pot Good for College Students?

It can be a useful appliance for students living in apartments or other housing where electric pressure cookers are permitted.

With one appliance, you can make soups, rice, pasta dishes, shredded chicken, and plenty of inexpensive meals without needing a fully equipped kitchen.

Important: Many college dorms prohibit pressure cookers and other cooking appliances. Always check housing rules before bringing one to campus.