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How to Make Basic Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot

How to Make Basic Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot

By Mona - Far From The Farm
September 12, 2025
A simple and healthy Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe. The perfect staple for cozy weeknight family dinners!
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Makes: 4 people
Approximate cost $5
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Draining and Mashing 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Potatoes, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, British
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 medium Russet potatoes - about 3 ½ pounds, washed and peeled if preferred
  • ½ to ¾ cup Water - depends on the size of your Instant Pot, you’ll drain it later
  • ¼ to ½ cup Milk
  • ¼ to ½ stick Salted butter, cut into cubes - about 2 to 4 tablespoons
  • Salt and black pepper - to taste

Equipment

  • knife to cut the potatoes and cube the butter
  • potato peeler optional
  • cutting board
  • Measuring jug
  • colander
  • potato masher
  • Instant Pot or pressure cooker

Method
 

Prep the potatoes
  1. Wash potatoes, peeling if desired. Cut into halves or thirds depending on how large they are.
Pressure cook the potatoes
  1. Place potatoes into the Instant Pot insert along with the water.
  2. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
  3. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. When finished, use a Quick Release to release the steam.
  5. Drain any remaining water using a colander. Return the potatoes to the insert.
Mashing the potatoes
  1. Add butter cubes into your pot of drained cooked potatoes and begin mashing. Slowly pour in the milk until you reach your preferred texture.
  2. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Serve hot!

Notes

 
 
  • Extra creamy: Swap half the milk for cream.
  • Rustic mash: Keep the skins on for more texture.
  • Herb mash: Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, or chives right before serving.
  • Kid-friendly: Mash extra smooth with more butter and less pepper.
 
 

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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