Could your Instant Pot finally help you kick your microwave out of the house for good?
Ann A. is wondering the same thing! She asks, “How do I reheat food in an Instant Pot? Can it possibly replace my microwave so I can finally get rid of that unhealthy appliance?”
The answer is… you bet you can!
While everyone talks about what an amazing pressure cooker or slow cooker the Instant Pot is…
…one of the things I do the most with my Instant Pot is to reheat foods!
We haven’t had a microwave for years. I adjusted pretty easily to reheating leftovers on the stovetop or oven. Yet now that I have an Instant Pot and use it for reheating foods, I feel like I have a microwave again!
After 2+ years of pressure cooking, I can benefit from all the good things — like that it’s fast and easy and that I can reheat multiple dishes at the same time without mixing them…
…with none of the downsides! (I do believe it’s unhealthy to use a microwave while pressure cooking IS healthy.) However, rather than get into all of the downsides today, instead I’m going to show you how to use your Instant Pot to reheat foods.
It’s fast and so easy! What’s not to love?
Ready?
Below, you can watch the video replay of today’s #AskWardee where I show you how to do it with leftovers from my fridge… or listen to the episode or just read the quick notes. Whatever works best for you. 🙂
I broadcast #AskWardee live each Wednesday at 10am Pacific (1pm Eastern) on Periscope and Facebook Live. Both the podcast and video replay of this week’s show are below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to #AskWardee on iTunes, Stitcher, YouTube, or the Podcasts app.
The Question:
Ann A. wants to know:
How do I reheat food in an Instant Pot? Can it possibly replace my microwave so I can finally get rid of that unhealthy appliance?
My Answer: How To Reheat Food In The Instant Pot
Liquid — There should always be some liquid present. This can be in the dish itself (such as a stew) or by adding a few tablespoons (like to pasta that you’re reheating). If you’re stacking multiple containers inside and using the Steam function, make sure that a cup or two of water are inside the insert pot.
Fat — Some foods will re-heat best with added fat (such as grains or pasta). So add a tablespoon or so for reheating. Clean-up and serving will go much easier!
Containers — For single dishes, the insert pot is the reheating container; for multiple dishes, use stacking containers or glass bowls on top of the trivet. (This principle is called Stacking and we discuss it more in our Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package.
Separators Between Containers — Stacking containers are designed to separate themselves; if you’re cobbling together various containers from your kitchen, put hard items such as trivets in between them so they don’t collapse on each other.
Covers — For multiple dishes, each container should be covered to maintain separation. Stacking containers are designed with covers; otherwise, use pot lids or parchment paper/foil.
Sling — If you are using containers that don’t have handles, be sure to use a “sling”. It’s a piece of aluminum foil folded lengthwise into a strip. You put it underneath and up the sides of your cooking containers to help get them in and out of the Instant Pot. (See video replay if you’re having trouble visualizing this.)
Cooking Times — Foods that need longer cooking times go on the bottom. More tender foods (like noodles) need less re-heating time. Frozen foods need more re-heating time than unfrozen.
Now here are instructions for how to use each function to reheat food in the Instant Pot.
Reheating — Steam Function
This is the function I use most often.
Remember to have some liquid (and fat if it’s a food that will stick otherwise) with each dish — either in the dish itself or added dishes. And, if you’re stacking multiple containers inside, make sure that a cup or two of water are inside the insert pot.
Put the food in the Instant Pot (single or multiple containers such as this 7-cup pyrex bowl or stacking containers like this). Put the regular lid on, and put the venting knob in the sealing position. Press the Steam button. Adjust the time up or down accordingly.
Usually, 5 minutes is about right for most non-frozen cooked dishes you’re re-heating, from a grilled salmon fillet to leftover stew. Noodles need 1 to 2 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, quick release pressure.
Check dishes to see if any need more time (if so, repeat steps with a few more minutes reheating time).
When the dish(es) are ready, serve!
Reheating — Sauté, Slow Cook, Or Keep Warm Functions
Here are instructions for using the other 3 possible Instant Pot reheating functions –Sauté, Slow Cook, or Keep Warm. I don’t prefer these as much as Steam (discussed above) because they are either more hands-on (Saute) or slower (Slow Cook and Warm). The Steam function allows you to be both hands-free and fast! 🙂
The optional glass lid is very helpful when using any of these functions. It is on my list of 5 must-have Instant Pot accessories.
Remember to include a bit of liquid so your food reheats moist instead of dry! (The liquid can be in the dish itself.)
Here’s how to do each one…
Sauté Function — Add a tablespoon or two of liquid (and fat if the food is sticky) to the insert pot. Add leftovers to the pot. Press the Sauté button. You can also warm soups this way; just make sure to watch the pot and stir the soup frequently while it re-heats. Use the glass lid as needed.
Slow Cook — Use this feature to re-heat soups, casseroles, sides, and even rolls or bread that you would normally bake to warm up. You put them either in the insert pot itself (soups) or in a container inside (rolls). Timing is equal to what you’d normally do in a slow cooker; it’s on the slower side. Use the regular lid or glass lid to cover the dish while it’s reheating.
Keep Warm — This is great for casseroles or baked dishes, especially when you want to warm them more slowly. Put the food in the pot or inside a container in the pot. Press the Keep Warm Button. Use either the regular lid or glass lid to cover the dish while it slowly re-heats.
Want To Do More With Your Instant Pot?
Be sure to download my free Instant Pot sourdough cornbread recipe right here!
For more information on stacking and pressure cooker recipes galore (all Instant Pot-friendly), check out my Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package.
Helpful Links:
- Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Glass Lid
- Stainless Steel Stackable Pans — use code 10OFF4WARDEE to get 10% OFF (must be from seller Me’n Lily).
- 7-cup Pyrex Bowl
- TCS Pressure Cooking eBook & Video Package
- Free Instant Pot Sourdough Cornbread Recipe
More Helpful Instant Pot Articles:
- How to Use Your Instant Pot (+ Easy Instant Pot Instructions)
- Which Instant Pot Should I Buy? Which Size And Model Is Best For My Family? #AskWardee 048
- Is The 8 Quart Instant Pot Ever Too Big? #AskWardee 126
- How To Clean Your Instant Pot — Naturally & Easily! #AskWardee 087
- How To Reheat Frozen Food In The Instant Pot {Instant Pot Freezer Meals} #AskWardee 079
- How To Convert Slow Cooker Recipes To Pressure Cooker
- 11 Surprising Things You Can Make In The Instant Pot
What Is The #AskWardee Show?
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I share tips and resources, plus answer your questions about Traditional Cooking!
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Where: @TradCookSchool on Periscope or Traditional Cooking School on Facebook
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Did you know you could reheat leftovers in the Instant Pot? Have you tried it yet?
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I love my instant pot! I just normally put whatever I want to warm up in the pot with a little extra water (unless it soup!), and set it on manual for 1 minute. But I’ll have to check out your suggestions and maybe get the glass lid.
Are your recipes for the 6 quart Instant Pot? 🙂
Hi Christine,
Yes, they are. However, the recipes work for stovetop pressure cookers or larger Instant Pots, too. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School
Oh Wardee, you have me all excited about the Instant Pot but I can only find one online company that sells it in Australia. Guess how much they are selling it for? $545 Australian! Even with the not so great exchange rate and the shipping, that is outrageous. I would buy one from the US and have it sent here, for about $227 Australian, except that the voltage is not compatible. We have the same situation with most of the appliances that help with the preparation of healthful food, such as the Vitamix. That is more than three times the price that Americans are charged, as well. Sorry about the whinge, but I am really tired of being ripped off just because I live in Australia. I hope that someone else will import it and sell it at a reasonable price. That would make me very happy. 🙂
Do you have a traditional pressure cooker? They are actually faster (higher pressure) and probably available for much less $$$.
Hey there, I’m also in Australia. I bought mine from Amazon UK (got here so quickly) and they have the same voltage so no issues. I just used a standard kettle cord with it from another appliance. Love it and use it several times a day.
Thanks Wardeh!! I got an Instant Pot 2 months ago & have been slow learning to use it. This video has been a huge help!
God bless you,
Elaine in OR
Thank you for your video …helps new users of the IP 😉
Thank you for the article. Quick question, does the pyrex bowl need to be oven safe? Because the product you shared on amazon is not over safe (though it is microwave safe).
Hi Cindy,
Yes, it should be oven-safe. Here is a link to one that says so: http://amzn.to/2joNNH1
We’ve updated the post to use the link to the oven-safe version to help make this clear. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
I just joined TCS on Thursday, but I have been using the instant pot for over a year. I was excited to see your video on how to replace my microwave with the instant pot!
If you aren’t suppsed to eat oil due to bad arteries, are there other ways to still use this insta-pot without adding oil?
Hi Deb,
You could add a little water in place of the oil. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
Olive oil and coconut oil are good for you and will not “clog” your arteries.
Hi, is it possible to say heat a cup of tea (in a tea cup) in instaPot? Or heat up milk for cereal for instance?
Hi LoveToCook,
You can heat water and milk in your Instant Pot. Adding the liquid directly to the pot and simmering is an easy way to do this. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
So if I want to heat up fish I need to add water? Doesn’t that make the fish soupy?
Hi Emme,
You’ll want to put the fish in a container, the way Wardee shows in the video with the chicken, rice and veggies, then add small amount of water or oil to the container. Not enough to make it soupy. The water for the steaming is in the bottom of the cooker and separate from the container. If you haven’t viewed the video, take a look at so you can see how it works. 🙂
Millie
Traditional Cooking School Support
Could I heat up a cup of coffee in a cup on the rack inside the pot or do I need to dump the coffee in the pot? The only thing I really could see as an issue if I give up my microwave!!!
Hi, Jenn.
I’m sorry your comment was missed.
The mug may get too hot for you to handle.
I have used an over-safe vessel and then poured it back into my mug.
You want to keep it covered so that condensation doesn’t collect in the mug and water down your coffee. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
If I store leftovers in the stainless bowl, is it ok to take it right from fridge to instant pot even though the bowl is cold? Thanks!
Hi Dawn,
That will be just fine. 🙂
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
How about frozen burritos? do I wrap them in foil before reheating them on the rack.
Would a bit of water and High pressure 1 minute be enough?
Hi Mercedes,
We haven’t done this. You could test one by using the “pot within pot” method and covering the burrito in a bowl and setting it on the trivet. Put water in the IP insert pot and use the steam function. If the bowl with the burrito is covered well, it might not get soggy. Using steam it will likely take longer than one minute. You’ll have to play with the timing.
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
That’s what I was hoping to find an answer to. My son eats frozen burritos in the morning for breakfast and we just toaster microwave so I was hoping to have the answers here to using our instant pot. Has anyone actually tried it yet
Paula,
How does your son heat his burritos for breakfast? I was thinking of making frozen burritos for my husband, but not sure the best way to reheat. We have a microwave, toaster oven and instant pot.
Hi Paula,
We don’t recommend using a microwave. As Millie stated above, we haven’t tried reheating burritos in the Instant Pot.
You could test one by using the “pot within pot” method and covering the burrito in a bowl and setting it on the trivet. Put water in the IP insert pot and use the steam function. If the bowl with the burrito is covered well, it might not get soggy. Using steam it will likely take longer than one minute. You’ll have to play with the timing.
~ Vicki, TCS Customer Success Team
I love hodgepodges, so I added to the IP a whole bunch of buckwheat groats (cooked from scratch last night in IP first using saute to brown the ginger/garlic/onion combo and then added the cleaned grains and DIY broth and it cooked up great and tasty) and chick pea & sesame soup I had made and tossed in a thawed (in fridge) piece of sockeye salmon (Costco) and 1 cup of broth and did steam for 8 minutes and let it natural release for 20 minutes maybe and it was hot and delicious. I put the pot with leftovers in fridge and will add more chickpea/sesame soup to it tomorrow. Fantastic! Thanks, Wardy, for the great information!
Thank you so much for this info!
The pot-in-pot method for reheating food in the IP really appeals to me, but I wanted to ask about the various containers that are available – specifically the lids. Can I use and stack, for example, several pyrex dishes with their plastic lids? Does it matter what the lids are made of? You mention using parchment paper and tinfoil, but if I have lids (either plastic, rubber, silicone or metal) for a container, can I use those instead?
Hi Andrew,
You can only use lids that would are oven-safe. Most plastic lids would not do well.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Exactly what is unhealthy about microwaved foods? If you’re talking aboit nutrient loss, there are methods to deal with that and I’m not sure this is a major consideration for cooked food thats just being reheated.
Hi Charles,
We believe that the manner in which a microwave heats food — whether or not it’s cooked already — denatures the food and is not healthy.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Can I mix the containers and have one for the sour dough bread and one for a dish starting w/ raw meat and a third for reheat? Perhaps put them so the shortest cooking item is on top and easiest to remove and so on. Would that be possible? Thanks.
Hi Cynie,
Yes. You want to be sure to have a separator/lid between the containers. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hello,
Do I need to add water if I’m reheating cooked chili? if yes, how much water? Thanks.
Annette
Hi Annette,
How are you reheating?
If you are steaming, as Wardee demonstrates in the video using a separate dish, you’ll need to add water as Wardee shows in the video.
If you are using the saute feature, you may or may not need water depending on how thick your chili is and how thick you wish it to be. The saute feature is very much like reheating on the stove. This is the setting I use for something like chili. It reheats without rapidly cooking.
You could use the pressure cook feature. This will cook the chili as well as reheat. If you have beans in your chili they could end up mushy using this. If you use pressure, you may need to add water if your chili is too thick. How much will depend on how thick your chili is. You should refer to your manual for the amount of liquid recommended.
Hope this helps!
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you Millie. This will be my first time using the Instant pot for reheating cooked food.
I think I like the saute feature you suggested. Thanks.
Annette
What would I need to do to reheat a whole tenderloin?
Hi Katie,
As long as your tenderloin will fit within a dish inside your Instant Pot, you should be able to use the steaming method Wardee demonstrates. 🙂
~ Millie, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you this is going to give me more help using my new cooker.
What makes you think microwaves are unhealthy?
Hi A,
We believe that the manner in which a microwave heats food — whether or not it’s cooked already — denatures the food and is not healthy.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi A,
We believe that the manner in which a microwave heats food, whether or not it’s cooked already, denatures the food and is not healthy.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
I just tried your method to reheat some Bean Soup. I put the cold soup into 2 Pyrex soup cups, covered them with foil, and placed them on the trivet in my Instant Pot. I added 1 1/2 cups of water to the liner and set the IP to 8 minutes Steam. After a 10 minute Natural Release (on Keep Warm), my soup was only 135 degrees. I had to steam it for an additional 8 minutes, and the temperature was then 182 degrees.
I thought this was only going to take 5 minutes on Steam to reheat? Any idea what I could have done wrong to make it take so long?
Hi Maureen,
I’m wondering if the pot wasn’t sealed properly or if the density of ingredients that prevented it from heating?
Also, perhaps using two glass bowls was an issue. I’ve never needed to heat soup more than 5 minutes and I’ve often “forgotten” it for awhile on Keep Warm and have still have nice, hot soup.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Thanks for your reply.
I could tell that the pot was sealed properly because the pressure valve had risen all the way. I guess I don’t understand why 2 ramekin type cups would be an issue, but I’ll try it in one container the next time.
Hi there!
I think I must have done something fundamentally wrong but I appear to have followed your procedure to the letter and have ended up with something completely stone cold.
I put the stew into a ceramic ovenable bowl covered with foil onto the trivet inside the instant pot with a cup of water in the bottom. I set the instant pot to steam for 5 minutes. At the end of the time, when I took it out the stew was completely stone cold. I then repeated for another 5 minutes but the stew is still completely cold.
Is there anything you would recommend I check to see what I am doing wrong?
Hi Alex,
I’m wondering if the pot wasn’t sealed properly or if the density of ingredients that prevented it from heating?
I reheat my soups and stews in the Instant Pot often and have never had stone cold soup.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Did you know you can stand the lid on its side in one of the handles? 😀
Hi Mia,
Yes! Isn’t that such a great feature? It allows condensation on the lid to drain into the drip cup on the back. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
What would be the best method for reheating beef short ribs that were previously cooked in the Instant Pot. I have the ribs sitting in their original liquid, perhaps add more if it gets too thick… Would Steam be best or would the ribs get tough if I pressure cooked again on the Meat/Stew function? I am afraid of making the meat too tough or rubbery. Thanks!
Hi, Fene:
Based on the instructions in the post, I think the Steam function would be best for reheating beef short ribs. And yes, I would add a bit of liquid if the original is on the thick side.
Pressure cooking again on the Meat/Stew function would likely do as you have suggested — make the meat tough. Sticking with Steam is your best bet!
Sonya
TCS Customer Success Team
This is such a great guide! I’ve included it in a post I wrote about Instant Pot Tips! Thanks so much for all the information.
I tried the pot in pot method last night with the stackable containers. I had mashed potatoes in the bottom container and shredded chicken in the top container. I added a little oil and water to both containers. In the instant pot insert I added 1 1/2-2 cups water. I set it to steam for 5 minutes and then I did a quick pressure release. When I opened the containers the food was lukewarm ;( What did I do wrong? Did I need to use the trivet in the insert pot? Let pressure release naturally? Less water in insert?
Hi Marcie,
Was the food cold out of the refrigerator? I found for mashed potatoes I need to do 6 minutes. Also, try putting the potatoes on top and the chicken on the bottom.
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Danielle,
Yes, it was cold from the fridge. Next time I will increase the time. Quick pressure release is okay?
Yes, quick pressure release is okay.
I have started making a list of the items I reheat and their times. Some things have surprised me depending on how they are paired (stacked). Noodles take 3-4 if stacked over meatballs yet by themselves 1-2 is perfect. 🙂
~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team
Hello. I am surprised that you recommend aluminum foil to be used inside an Instant Pot pressure cooker as a cover or “strap”.
Aluminum exposure can lead to birth defects, neuro-degenerative disease, several forms of cancer, bone disorders, and autoimmune disease.
If you are not aware of this information on aluminum, it is readily available on the Internet.
Hi, Charlotte:
You are right, and we do not want foil to come into contact with food. The sling is not to contact the food, and the food is to be covered. And when we recommend using foil as a covering it is only after parchment has been placed over the food.
I hope that helps to clarify.
Sonya, TCS Customer Success Team
Hi Sonya, I loved your video. We recently “let go” of our microwave for heathier cooking and bought an instant pot. My question is are there any other alternatives to aluminium foil to cover a bowl while using the PIP method to either stream or pressure cook?. Thank you!
Hi Rosie,
Thank you for the compliment although it was Wardee who did the video 😉
Here is what Wardee recommends as far as covers:
Covers — For multiple dishes, each container should be covered to maintain separation. Stacking containers (you can find them online specifically made for IP..check out Wardee resources above) are designed with covers; otherwise, use pot lids or parchment paper/foil. You would want to use parchment paper between the foil and your food.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you for all this info! My microwave stopped microwaving today! Regarding the sling made of tin foil, is it really necessary to use with the 7 cup pyrex bowl? Wouldn’t it be easier to sit the bowl on the trivet which has handles during the steam reheating process?
Hi, Cheryl:
If you have a trivet with handles, and if you are able to remove the Pyrex bowl that way, that’s great! You wouldn’t need a sling in that case. 🙂
Sonya, TCS Customer Success Team
I’m glad you said “anything you can find in your kitchen” and “scrounging around in your kitchen”! It makes me feel better that I don’t have to buy more stuff, my existing lids might work… and I don’t have to buy stuff specifically designed for instantpot. Thanks for the tutorial! M
I have a question. I like to prepare soup — particularly a cream soup, like tomato bisque – in the IP b/c it makes the soup SO HOT. I can do PIP, however; today I just put the can of soup plus 1 cup of milk into the liner, then used the “soup” button and even reduced the time from 3 mins. to 2; I was standing next to it preparing the grilled cheese, and the “burn” notification came on. I was able to turn it off, release pressure, and open the pot and stir it before it actually did BURN – but is there a way to prepare the soup in the pot (without messing with PIP) where it will heat very fast but where I don’t have to stir it? I guess PIP is the only way. Thanks.
Yes, PIP is the best way to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Sonya, TCS Customer Success Team
What about leftover pizza? Hubby hates cold pizza – and our ENTIRE kitchen’s gone. Your suggestion for how to warm it up in the Instant Pot would be wonderful! Thanks in advance!
Hi, C Brown,
I would put the pizza in another container inside the instant pot and wrap well (so moisture can’t get in). Put water in the bottom of the Instant Pot and a TINY bit inside the container that’s holding the slices. The container goes on rack. Then try a minute on pressure and adjust from there. Toaster ovens work great for this as well. 🙂
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
I made “overnight” oatmeal in the fridge. The next morning I was hesitant to eat the raw soaked oats because I read that it could be unsafe. I had watched your video about reheating in the Instant Pot. Because the oatmeal had been pre-soaked, I used your reheating method to warm it for 3 minutes. It was absolutely delicious! Thanks for the video.
How would I reheat Mac and cheese right in the pot? We had A LOT left over. I do not have any other containers that fit inside that aren’t plastic so it has to be in the pot. And I stored the leftovers in the fridge right in the pot too. TIA
Hi, Amy: I would think that you could add a bit of water and/or butter to the IP with the mac and cheese and use the Steam function for 5 minutes (or even less) to reheat your meal. I hope that helps!—Sonya, TCS Customer Success Team
Thank you!
You’re welcome Amy!
This is terrific information!
I recently bought a 6 Qt. Instant Pot and I’m hoping to repurpose pans I already own. I discovered I have two round cake pans that easily fit inside the Instant Pot liner but there’s just a 1/8” gap all around the cake pan rim and liner and about a 3/8” gap around the rest of the cake pan and the liner. Do you think that’s enough clearance to use them for pot in pot, reheating and cornbread? I also have a pot lid that fits the cake pans perfectly.
Only had my IP a week so I’m just starting to discover what I can do with it, thank you!
Alison
Hi, Alison,
How exciting! You will love it. 🙂 Sounds like your pans will work. Have fun discovering all you can do with your IP.
~Peggy, TCS Customer Success Team
Can you use a regular lid made of glass and metal?