Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is the quickest and easiest way to make perfect mashed potatoes.
Serve these mashed potatoes with Juicy Roast Chicken and a side of Roasted Carrots for the perfect dinner (don’t forget the Gravy).
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
If you love classic Stove-top Mashed Potatoes, but want to save yourself some time and effort, this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe will become your go-to.
Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
We’re definitely making mashed potatoes way more often with the instant pot. Here’s why we love this method so much:
- Quick Cooking – Potatoes in the instant pot takes only 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Better Flavor – The potatoes are essentially steam-cooked on high pressure so the nutrients and flavor aren’t lost to the cooking water.
- No Draining Required – The potatoes absorb the liquid in the pot so you can skip the draining step.
- One-Pot – You can cook and mash all inside the bowl of the instant pot so there are fewer dishes to clean.
- Perfectly Cooked – Pressure cooking ensures the potatoes are fully cooked through, perfectly tender, and not lumpy.
The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes:
Russet potatoes are the preferred variety for making mashed potatoes because of their lighter color and creamy texture. You can also use waxier potatoes like Yukon potatoes or gold potatoes, but they will be more yellow in color and have a slightly different consistency and flavor. We have tested both and often use whichever we have on hand.
Cooks Tip: You can use either water or low sodium chicken broth for the potato cooking liquid. Water will keep the potatoes lighter in color while broth adds more flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes:
This mashed potatoes recipe is so simple. Make it once and you will probably have it memorized.
- Place metal trivet into 6 Qt instant pot and add 1 cup water (or broth) with 1 tsp salt.
- Add peeled and quartered potatoes over the trivet.
- Cover, seal and cook on manual high pressure 10 minutes with a quick pressure release. Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the trivet (it comes out easily) and coarsely mash potatoes.
- Add 1 cup warm milk, or add to desired consistency then blend in 6 Tbsp melted butter.
- Whip with an electric hand mixer for the smoothest mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Potatoes:
- Use a trivet so your potatoes are perfectly steam-cooked without any brown edges.
- Cut the potatoes so they are uniform in size and large enough to sit on the rack without slipping through.
- Salt to Taste after mashing and add more at the end if needed.
Have Leftover Mashed Potatoes? Use leftover potatoes to make our famous cheesy Mashed Potato Pancakes. They are family friendly, use simple ingredients and are quick and easy to make.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is just another reason to love your instant pot. It’s a time saver and produces consistently great results every time.
More Instant Pot Recipes:
These reader favorites instant pot recipes will make you want to hug your pressure cooker (just not while it’s running please). See all of our Instant Pot recipes here.
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken – with the best chicken gravy
- Corn on the Cob – so sweet and juicy in the instant pot
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – a family-friendly dinner
- Ribs in the Instant Pot – super tender and juicy
- IP Crab Legs – so quicky, juicy and flavorful
- Instant Pot White Chicken Chili – quick & easy meal
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered (about 7 medium/large potatoes)
- 1 cup water , or low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp of sea salt, or added to taste
- 3/4 cup warm milk, or added to desired consistency
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened or melted
- 1 Tbsp parsley or chives , (optional to garnish)
Instructions
- Insert trivet into instant pot bowl. Add 1 cup water or chicken broth and add 1 tsp salt.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters (large enough that they won’t fall under the trivet (about 1-inch thickness). Place potatoes over the trivet, adding the largest pieces first (so they don’t fall through).
- Cover with lid, set the valve to ‘sealing’ position then cook on manual high pressure for 10 min with a quick release. Once pressure has released, remove the lid then remove the trivet using tongs or an oven mitt. Don’t drain the water.
- Mash with a potato masher then add the warm milk to your desired consistency. Finally, mix in the softened butter just until blended. For a smoother consistency, blend the potatoes with an electric hand mixer until no lumps remain. Season to taste with more salt if desired.
Nutrition Per Serving
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
If I only want to make half the recipe, should I just do 1/2 cup water or broth? Also, should I adjust cooking time at all?
Hi Brooke, I haven’t tested this as half the recipe – hopefully, that will be enough water in the instant pot, but I would do the same cooking time.
Would I be able to make it home and transfer the mashed potato’s to instant pot, transport it to church, and keep it on warm and eat it 2 hours later? I’d like to take it to a church potluck but I’m not sure how to do this right. There is no way to make it there. Any recommendations so that the potatoes don’t burn or dry out?
Hi Natalie, these reheat well if you have that option on site, but you can keep them warm in a crockpot.
I veganized this recipe by using soymilk and vegan margarine. This was the easiest mashed potato recipe I’ve ever made. It was also the most delicious!
Wow!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Julie!
This was the easiest mashed potatoes I’ve ever made! Also, the most delicious! Wow!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Julie!
Perfect mashed potatoes. No need to use a hand mixer- potatoes might get gluey.
Thanks for your review, Margaret!
I used this recipe for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Such an easy recipe and such a crowd pleaser. Thank you for my new go to mashed potato recipe. I also somehow forgot to put in the trivet and still came out perfect.
Hi Alicia! That’s wonderful. So glad that it was a hit.
I won’t make mashed potatoes any other way. They turned out perfect.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Juli!
Great way to make mashed potatoes.the only thing I did differently was add the butter.milk,parsley after the potatoes.the potatoes they melted the butter in seconds.once melted I added the milk and parsley.came out great!! Thanks
Thanks for sharing, Michael! Glad to hear. 🙂
If I want to double the recipe do I need to add more liquid to cooking process
Hi Kristin! To be honest, I haven’t tried doubling this recipe to advise. I think if you double the whole recipe it should be fine but you’ll have to experiment with it.
I took my Instant pot camping with us last Thanksgiving and the mashed potatoes were the best ever. With limited cook space in the camper, this worked great. To make the mashed potatoes special for the holiday, I add half & half in place of the milk. Delicious!
Yum! I love that idea to use half and half to make it even richer for the holidays.
This was great. Thank you. Don’t think I’ll boil potatoes again.
So glad you liked this!
Hi Natasha, unfortunately I don’t have a trivet. Am I able to just sit the potatoes in the liquid and cook?
Hi Gina, I only make these with a trivet and all of the recommendations I’ve seen advise the use of a trivet or the potatoes won’t cook evenly and might end up with brown spots or get soggy sitting in the water.
A recipe that is Just easy and delicious 😋 especially with steak 🥩
That is right, this is so perfect with steak!
I usually make your stovetop mashed potatoes recipe in the stand mixer. I made the instant pot ones tonight and game changer! Both recipes are amazing. The instant pot pot one has less pots pans dishes to wash! Ty again Natasha for another great recipe. I also kept the skins on the potatoes and amazing. 🥰
So glad you loved them both, Karyn. Thanks for sharing that with us!
Such an easy way to make potatoes for a large party. No more standing around waiting for water to boil. 😄
If I were to double the recipe and use around 10 pounds of potato how long would I set the pressure cooker to?
Isn’t it the best?! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I haven’t tried doubling in a larger pot (mainly because I don’t have a larger pot), but that should work fine to double the recipe. Make sure to add the milk to your desired consistency. You probably would need a little less milk if doubling. Let me know how it goes.
Quick question: If I am reducing this recipe to serve 2 instead of 8 (approximately 1/4 of the original recipe), how much liquid do I need? I don’t want to get a burn notice but I also don’t want ‘soupy ‘ mashed potatoes. I have made the full recipe in the past and it is wonderful but makes much more than my husband and I could (or at least should eat 😉). Wonderful and easy recipe.
Hi LuAnn, I recommend measuring your minimum Instant Pot liquid requirement and adjusting your recipe based on the minimum vs. two servings. I hope that helps!
How long would would you cook for 6 to 7 pounds of potatoes?
Hi Laura, the time shouldn’t change by much. If you make an adjustment, it may need a minute or two. I hope you love this recipe!
I tried this and it was so yummy! thank you!
You’re welcome, Charlene! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
i like this.when you don’t an electric hand mixer,it’senough to use potato masher? sorry about my english is few.thanks
That should work too. Let me know how it goes if you try the recipe.
I always hated making mashed potatoes because it was a hassle boiling in the pot and watching it while trying to cook everything else. This is my go-to every time now. So much simpler and saves me stove top space. And they turn out so good!
Hello Jane, nice to know that you enjoyed this mashed potato recipe. Thank you so much for your great feedback and review!
Hi, I am confused about the water. We don’t drain the water so does that mean we are using it to mash the potatoes with?
Hi, yes you do mas the water left in the pot into the potatoes and it absorbs it really well.
I was confused on that, too. It’s not in the written directions (just fyi!). Making the recipe now, so I haven’t tried these before but sure they’re great!
loved it natasha u are a really good cook
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I am so enjoying your videos and recipes. I have an instant pot and a air fryer which I want to get into using more so your site is perfect. I have done a few of the recipes already and they passed with flying colours.. Thank you .. you make me smile
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Love the recipe, except I put the 8 tablespoons of butter it called for and it was so yucky! Wayyy too much butter. Can’t even taste the potatoes anymore. Will cut down to 4 tablespoons or less, next time.
Hi Shirl, you may enjoy our instant pot mashed potatoes which use less.
I thought the same thing. Way too much butter but otherwise they were very good!
Thank you for sharing, I received an Instant Pot for my birthday in December and am loving trying it out. Made this recipe tonight and we all loved it! Was so easy to make, and the cleanup was easy too!
Hello Barb, you are very welcome. Great to hear that you are already enjoying your Instant pot, I hope that you will love the recipes that you will try!
Just tried this recipe and it was so easy and so good! Clean up was a snap and I can’t believe how fast it came together. The potatoes were creamy and not at all gummy. It’s a winner!!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Jennifer!
I’ve never made potatoes like this before. And I’ll never go back to the old fashioned away again!!! There’s were awesome!!!!!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Debbie!
Did you try to make it like a few hours ahead and it will keep it warm in the pot before serving? Will it dry up if I try it?
Hi Natasha, these reheat well, but you can keep them warm in a crockpot.
You can use the crock pot setting on the IP ;-). I also halved recipe to have more potatoes to go with leftovers and it was fine. I used 1 cup water to cook. Next time, I will drain off half the water so I can add milk instead to thin the mashed potatoes
I only have an 8qt instant pot. Do you think it will cook up the same as in a 6qt? I sure hope so!
Is it possible to double the recipe? We are cooking for 10 this year.
Hi Mara, I haven’t tried doubling in a larger pot (mainly because I don’t have a larger pot), but that should work fine to double the recipe. Make sure to add the milk to your desired consistency. You probably would need a little less milk if doubling. Let me know how it goes.
I’m making mashed potatoes in my instant pot for Christmas dinner for the first time, so I’m reviewing recipes and instructions. Your recipe looks to be just what I’m looking for, but I have one question: I’ve found that sometimes my mashed potatoes turn out gummy and I’ve read that using an electric mixer can cause this. How do you prevent this gumminess when you use your electric mixer to make them creamier?
Hi Stephanie, making sure you are using the exact potatoes the recipe calls for. Other types will make it gummy.
Actually, starches in any type of potato will break down and become gluey if they’re overmixed, which is easy to do with a mixer. See here: https://www.thespruceeats.com/science-of-avoiding-gummy-mashed-potatoes-1808050
A hand masher or potato ricer gives you better control, but you can use a mixer as long as you keep a close eye and don’t mix a moment longer than necessary.
I first used this recipe for Thanksgiving this year and it’s awesome! I love that there’s no draining and it can be kept warm in the Instant Pot without taking up space on the stove. Thank you!
Hi Natasha
Can you add minced garlic during cooking time to add a garlic flavor?
I haven’t tried that yet but I think it would depend on your personal preference. If you try it, please share with us how you liked it.
This is my go to recipe for mashed potatoes. Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re welcome, Ericka! It truly sounds like you found a favorite! I’m glad you enjoeyd this recipe!
Made this for Thanksgiving dinner and it was a winner! So easy in the instant pot!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
Tried your potato recipe.
Came out great ..
Thank you 🥰
Thank you, Sherry!
You are SO welcome!
Oh my goodness! These were the easiest and the best mashed potatoes ever! Thank you for another excellent recipe!
Love it! Thank you for your awesome comments and feedback, Carol. We appreciate you sharing these with us.
I’d love to make a garlic version of this recipe. Any suggestions as to how to incorporate it?
Hi Tanya, I love to simmer smashed garlic in the milk for a bit before adding the milk to the potatoes as we did in our Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You could try that for extra flavor.
JACK & I HAVE MADE YOUR MASHED POTATOES THEY ARE AWESOME!!!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
If I did half of the recipe, would I change the cooking time?
Hi Jackie, I haven’t tested this as half the recipe – hopefully, that will be enough water in the instant pot, but I would do the same cooking time.
You can use the crock pot setting on the IP ;-). I also halved recipe to have more potatoes to go with leftovers and it was fine. I used 1 cup water to cook. Next time, I will drain off half the water so I can add milk instead to thin the mashed potatoes
Looking for a way to free up the stove for thanksgiving! This looks delicious.
Yes! This is the best way to do that! I hope you love this recipe!
This is such a perfect mashed potato recipe! A great addition to our Thanksgiving menu!
Isn’t it the best! I’m so glad you enjoyed that, Toni!
Hi Natasha , love watching your videos and your recipes are spot on . Happy Birthday and Happy 11th Anniversary !!
Many more , Thank You .
Thank you so much Ben!!
This is the absolute easiest method to get perfect mashed potatoes! I love that it is basically hands off and it frees up stove space for big meals~
My kind of recipe! I’m so glad you enjoeyd that, Wilhelmina!
Happy Birthday, Natasha! Wishing you a wonderful day. Thanks, too, for creating NatashasKitchen.com eleven years ago! it is such a blessing to us.
Thank you so much for your nice greetings and support, Kim. Really appreciate you!
I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Natasha! We love you!
Thank you so much, Susan!
Can I make this a day before? If so, any suggestions for storage and also how should I reheat?
Hi Gee, mashed potatoes can be made almost completely ahead. Do nearly everything for up to 2 days ahead. Before serving, reheat. Adding butter at the last minute makes them taste freshly mashed.
Hi Natasha. Your recipe says don’t drain the water. I may have missed something. What are we supposed to do with it? Thank you
Hi Colette, I don’t typically drain the water but mash the potatoes into whatever is left. If you feel like it’s too much water or are worried about it, you can drain half of it off and add it back later after mashing, or you can just add milk instead of the cooking water. It will work both ways.
These are delicious!!!! And super easy. Husband and son LOVED them too:) Thanks for a great recipe…
Awesome! Thank you so much for giving this recipe a perfect rating. We appreciate you sharing your great experience with us, Cyndi!
Great results!! Best method ever for yummy mashed potatoes. I wasn’t sure about the chicken broth so I added 1/2 c water and 1/2 c chicken broth. Turned out great! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome, Lynn! I’m happy you enjoyed that!
I normally use a ‘ricer’ for mashed potatoes as they come out very silky and smooth especially when reheating ! (I am afraid I have a handmixer making them gluey??)
also…. do the mashed potatoes taste any better in the Insta pot, or regular stove method?
….It sounds easy and great to make them with the Insta pot for Thanksgiving tonight to take up less stove space & fast / will they stay ‘warm’ nicely in it waiting a bit…. or get gummy??
thanks ! …not sure of the max lbs of potatoes it could do (if I had the largest capacity Insta pot). Are usually do about 8 to 10 pounds of potatoes for mashed potatoes are usually do about 8 to 10 pounds of potatoes for mashed potatoes for thanksgiving
thank you
Hi Leia, gluey potatoes are usually due to overcooking the potatoes which makes them waterlogged. The instant pot method is just faster, but if you are making a lot of potatoes, I would recommend using our creamy mashed potatoes (my favorite for special occasions).
Hi, if I’m doubling the recipe should add more time for cooking? Thanks!
Hi Lena, I haven’t tried doubling in a larger pot (mainly because I don’t have a larger pot), but that should work fine to double the recipe. Make sure to add the milk to your desired consistency. You probably would need a little less milk if doubling but I’m not certain you will need to add more time. Let me know how it goes.
Do you think these would still be good if I substituted the regular milk with either coconut or almond milk?
Hi Linda, I honestly haven’t tried those substitutions so I’m not sure. It would change the flavor. If you have tried it with other mashed potatoes, it could work here also.
I make my mashed potatoes vegan (with almond milk and vegan margarine) and they turn out great!
So glad to hear that, Annie. Thank you for sharing that with us!
hi. I would not add a non-dairy milk to mashed potatoes, however,
chicken broth is an excellent liquid for mashed potatoes !!!
non-dairy milk would give a very different flavor texture, at times, when I made it with just chicken broth (no milk) nobody knew
Is it possible to half the recipe? Also, I have the 8qt instapot.
Your biggest fan!
Be safe!
Hi Rory, halving the recipe may work. I haven’t tested that in an 8qt to advise. You would need to meet the 8qt minimum liquid requirement.
these were so easy to make and came out perfectly fluffy! loved them!!
Super! Thanks for your comments, Eden.
I don’t know what happened, mine came out super lumpy. Perhaps I should have cooked them longer or maybe cut them up a little smaller? I was really excited to try this recipe because it looked super easy. My first instant pot fail
Hi Maggie, we just made these again for Easter and I’m always happy to help troubleshoot. Cutting them up smaller should have made it even easier to mash. Did you use the same proportions and follow the instructions? What I have found that helps is to use the handheld electric mixer at the end to get potatoes really smooth. You can also use a potato ricer if you have one. Also, make sure to peel the potatoes if you didn’t.
OMG these we’re The Best!
You should call these copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes . Tasted exactly like KFC mashed potatoes and that’s a compliment. GREAT
Made them for Easter and they were a Huge Hit!
Thanks so much Natatsha
I love that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for your excellent review!
Oh my my all the recipe are soooooooo goooddd. My family always asked me what am I going to cook I call Natasha
So great to hear that, Marlene. Thank you for always trying out my recipes!
Hi Natasha I love your recipes!I am always exited to try them .
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Nadine!
I love 😍 your recipes all the time it’s easy to make
So great to hear that, Nilda. I hope that you love every recipe that you will try!
So simple and yet so delicious. I love how efficient the instant pot is even for things. So good!
Super! Thank you for your great feedback.
Yummy! I love all your recipes and this is just as simple and delicious!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Appreciate it!
Just wondering if you can double the recipe in the instant pot for a larger group of people?
Hi Aubrey, I haven’t tried doubling in a larger pot (mainly because I don’t have a larger pot), but that should work fine to double the recipe. Make sure to add the milk to your desired consistency. You probably would need a little less milk if doubling. Let me know how it goes.
We love natashas’s recipes .
She is like butterfly. Her husband is lucky to have natashas in his life . God bless them .
Aaw you’re so sweet, Mina. I am a lucky wife too!
Agreed: the Instant Pot is ideal for mashed potatoes. But I hate peeling potatoes!
So I just halve or quarter them, and use a ricer when they’re done. Just use tongs to remove the potatoes. Use the deep inner liner when squishing the potatoes through the ricer they don’t end up all over your kitchen. The skins slide right off. But if you’re in a rustic mood or out of time you can always leave a few skins in the mashup.
Thanks for sharing your process with us, Lauren. That is some useful information and it sounds delicious!