How To Make Acorn Squash In Instant Pot

You can make acorn squash in an Instant Pot easily by pressure cooking it whole or cut into halves.
 
And the best part?
 
It comes out tender, sweet, and perfectly cooked without heating up your entire kitchen.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, you’re in the right place.
 
This method is faster than roasting, and cleanup is a breeze.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, plus tips for slicing, seasoning, and serving it.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why Make Acorn Squash in an Instant Pot

Making acorn squash in an Instant Pot is a game changer for busy weeknights.
 
Here’s why this method works so well:
 

1. It’s Much Faster Than Roasting

Roasting acorn squash in the oven can take 40 to 60 minutes.
 
When you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, you’re looking at about 10 to 15 minutes of cook time.
 
That’s a huge time saver when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait.
 

2. The Steam Keeps It Moist

Pressure cooking traps steam inside the pot, which keeps the squash tender and creamy.
 
You won’t get dry, stringy flesh like you sometimes do with oven roasting.
 
This is one reason so many people love making acorn squash in an Instant Pot.
 

3. You Can Cook It Whole or Halved

You can make acorn squash in an Instant Pot whole, which means no cutting required.
 
That’s a blessing if you’ve ever struggled to slice through a tough raw squash.
 
Or you can halve it, scoop out the seeds, and season it before cooking.
 

4. Cleanup Is Simple

When you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, you’re using one pot and a trivet.
 
No baking sheets, no foil, and no scrubbing burnt edges off a pan.
 
That alone makes this method worth trying.
 

How to Make Acorn Squash in an Instant Pot Step by Step

Learning how to make acorn squash in an Instant Pot takes just a few simple steps.
 
Here’s how to do it:
 

1. Prep the Squash

Start by washing the outside of your acorn squash under running water.
 
If you plan to cook it whole, prick it a few times with a fork so steam can escape.
 
If you want to make acorn squash in an Instant Pot halved, carefully cut it in half, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
 

2. Add Water and a Trivet

Pour one cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
 
Place a trivet or steamer basket inside so the squash sits above the water.
 
This setup is key when you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot because it steams rather than boils.
 

3. Season It If You Like

For halved squash, brush the flesh with olive oil and sprinkle on salt, pepper, brown sugar, or cinnamon.
 
If you’re making acorn squash in an Instant Pot whole, you can season after cooking instead.
 

4. Set the Pressure and Time

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
 
Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set it for 10 minutes for a small squash, or 15 minutes for a larger one.
 
When you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, the size really does affect the timing.
 

5. Do a Quick Release

Once the cooking time finishes, carefully turn the valve to venting for a quick release.
 
Steam will rush out fast, so keep your hands clear.
 
Then open the lid and check that the squash is fork-tender.
 
If it’s not quite done, you can make acorn squash in an Instant Pot for a few more minutes.
 

Tips for the Best Acorn Squash in an Instant Pot

A few small tweaks can make your acorn squash in an Instant Pot even better.
 
Keep these tips in mind:
 

1. Don’t Skip the Trivet

The trivet keeps the squash out of the water so it steams evenly.
 
Without it, the bottom can get mushy when you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot.
 

2. Adjust Time for Size

Small acorn squash may only need 8 to 10 minutes.
 
Large ones can take 15 to 18 minutes.
 
This is why it helps to check doneness before serving.
 

3. Season After Cooking for Whole Squash

If you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot whole, the skin blocks most seasonings.
 
So cut it open after cooking, then add butter, maple syrup, or spices to the flesh.
 

4. Use the Squash in Many Ways

Once you make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, you can mash it, cube it, or stuff it.
 
It works great in soups, grain bowls, and even as a simple side with butter.
 

So, How Do You Make Acorn Squash in an Instant Pot?

You make acorn squash in an Instant Pot by adding water, placing the squash on a trivet, and pressure cooking it for 10 to 15 minutes.
 
It’s fast, simple, and gives you tender squash every single time.
 
Whether you cook it whole or halved, this method saves you time and cleanup.
 
Now that you know how to make acorn squash in an Instant Pot, you can enjoy this cozy veggie any night of the week.