Instant Pot natural release vs quick release. Which should you use? Once the Instant Pot has finished pressure cooking, there are multiple ways that you can release pressure. Find out what the different types of pressure releases are, how to quick release, how to do a natural release, and when you should use each method. [Video included]
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If a recipe calls for a natural release, you don’t have to do anything. It’s more of an inaction than action. Once the cook time counts down and the pot beeps indicating time is up, leave it alone. You’ll know that the pressure has released once the float valve pops down into the lid, making a clicking sound.
When to use Natural Release?
Use Instant Pot natural release for the following:
Longer-cooking foods
- The food continues cooking even after the cooking cycle is complete.
Keeping food intact
- The pressure releases gradually and there’s less movement in the Instant Pot.
Foods with skin (e.g. potatoes, beans)
- The natural release method allows the skin to stay intact instead of bursting since the pressure and temperature go down gradually.
Meats
- Natural release is the equivalent of allowing meats to rest after they have been grilled or roasted, which allows the juices to settle into the meat. This is especially useful for large cuts of meat.
- When you do an Instant Pot quick release, the pressure drops very rapidly. This causes the meat fibers to compress, squeezing out fats and juices, and that can leave the meat tough and dry.
- Doing a natural release of pressure allows the juices to settle back into the meat which makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Foamy foods
- Doing an Instant Pot quick release when cooking foamy foods like grains or pasta can cause a big mess because the foam can spurt out of the pressure release valve.
- Doing a natural release allows the pressure and temperature to fall gradually, which reduces the mess.
[Use for meats, soups, broths, beans, grains, foamy food, and food with a large amount of liquid or high starch content]
When to use a Timed Natural Release
A timed release is useful when a recipe calls for natural pressure release, but you don’t have the time to wait. It has most of the benefits of doing a full natural release with the advantage of being quicker.
Food continues to cook during the natural release process. [Use when natural release is called for, but you have less time to spare. Can also be used for rice, or meats that are completely submerged in liquid. ]
Instant Pot Natural Pressure Release and Quick Release Explained–Instant Pot Tips
FAQ
Do you turn Instant Pot off for natural release?
How do I know if my Instant Pot is naturally releasing?
What is the symbol for natural release on Instant Pot?
How long does a natural release take on an Instant Pot?
Try a 10-minute natural release when cooking grains, soups, or beans. A 10-minute natural release gives you the best of both worlds! When the cooking cycle ends, let the Instant Pot go into “Keep Warm” mode and count up to “L010” (which stands for a 10-minute NPR). After the 10-minutes are up, press cancel and flip open the release valve.
How do I use natural release with my Instant Pot?
To use natural release with your Instant Pot, just let the pot release the pressure slowly. You don’t have to do anything but wait! Use an automatic natural release (NPR) for soups, chilis, and oatmeals to let the pressure slowly release for up to 40 minutes.
How do I use the quick release method on my Instant Pot?
To use the quick release method, turn the steam release handle on the top of the Instant Pot from the “sealed” position to the “venting” position. This will allow the excess steam to shoot out of the lid immediately, and the Instant Pot will be depressurized within minutes.
How do you depressurize an Instant Pot after cooking?
The two main release methods for depressurizing an Instant Pot after it’s cooked your meal are natural release and quick release. Every Instant Pot lid has a venting knob to allow steam to come out, and you can control which release method you use by turning it manually.