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You can cook a squash in an Instant Pot by cutting it into chunks, adding a cup of water, and pressure cooking it for just a few minutes.
It’s one of the fastest ways to get tender, sweet squash without wrestling with a hot oven or waiting forever for it to roast.
Whether you’re working with butternut, acorn, delicata, or spaghetti squash, your Instant Pot can handle the job beautifully.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook a squash in an Instant Pot, plus a few tips to make the process even easier.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Cook Squash in an Instant Pot
Cooking squash in an Instant Pot is a game changer, and here’s why:
1. It’s Way Faster Than Roasting
Roasting a whole butternut squash in the oven can take up to an hour, sometimes longer depending on the size.
When you cook a squash in an Instant Pot, you’re looking at just 7 to 15 minutes of pressure cooking time.
That’s a massive time saver on busy weeknights when you still want something wholesome on the table.
2. The Steam Keeps It Moist and Tender
The sealed environment of an Instant Pot traps steam, which means your squash cooks evenly and stays incredibly moist.
You won’t get those dry, stringy patches that sometimes happen with oven roasting.
Every bite comes out soft, creamy, and full of natural sweetness.
3. It’s Practically Hands-Off
Once you’ve prepped your squash and added water, you basically set it and forget it.
No stirring, no flipping, no checking every ten minutes.
You can walk away, prep the rest of your meal, and come back to perfectly cooked squash every single time.
How to Cook a Squash in an Instant Pot Step by Step
Here’s the simple process for cooking squash in an Instant Pot:
1. Prep Your Squash
Start by washing your squash thoroughly.
If you’re using a butternut or acorn squash, cut off the stem and slice it in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then peel the skin if you prefer.
For delicate squash, you can leave the skin on since it’s totally edible.
Cut the squash into uniform chunks, about one to two inches thick, so everything cooks evenly.
2. Add Water to the Instant Pot
Pour one cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
This water creates the steam that will cook your squash to perfection.
If you want extra flavor, you can use vegetable broth instead of water.
3. Place the Squash Inside
Put your squash chunks directly into the water, or use a steamer basket if you have one.
A steamer basket keeps the squash from sitting in the liquid, which is great if you want a firmer texture.
Either way works fine, so use whatever you have on hand.
4. Set the Pressure and Time
Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing.
Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer.
For cubed squash, cook on high pressure for 7 to 10 minutes.
For a whole small squash, you’ll need closer to 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Do a Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, carefully turn the valve to venting for a quick release.
Wait until the float valve drops before opening the lid.
Be careful of the hot steam that rushes out.
6. Check for Doneness
Pierce the squash with a fork or knife.
If it slides in easily, your squash is done.
If it’s still a bit firm, put the lid back on and cook for another two to three minutes.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Squash Every Time
Keep these tips in mind so your squash turns out great:
1. Cut Even Pieces
Uniform chunks are key to even cooking.
If your pieces are all different sizes, some will turn to mush while others stay hard.
Take an extra minute to cut them consistently.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
Leave a little breathing room in the Instant Pot so steam can circulate freely.
If you’re cooking a lot of squash, do it in batches rather than stuffing the pot.
3. Adjust Time Based on Squash Type
Spaghetti squash tends to cook faster, so start with 7 minutes.
Butternut and acorn squash are denser and may need 10 to 12 minutes.
Delicata is quick too, usually around 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Season After Cooking
Hold off on adding salt, butter, or spices until after the squash is cooked.
Seasoning afterward gives you better control over the flavor.
A little brown sugar, cinnamon, or olive oil goes a long way.
So, How Do You Cook a Squash in an Instant Pot?
You cook a squash in an Instant Pot by prepping it into chunks, adding a cup of water, and pressure cooking on high for 7 to 15 minutes depending on the type and size.
It’s fast, simple, and yields perfectly tender squash every time.
Whether you’re making a cozy fall soup, a healthy side dish, or just meal prepping for the week, your Instant Pot has you covered.
Give this method a try, and you might never go back to oven roasting again.