How To Cook Banana Squash In The Instant Pot

You can cook banana squash in the Instant Pot by pressure cooking it until it’s perfectly tender and easy to mash or cube.
 
It’s one of the easiest ways to prepare this sweet, dense winter squash without wrestling with a sharp knife for too long.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook banana squash in the Instant Pot, you’re in the right place.
 
The Instant Pot cuts the cooking time way down compared to oven roasting, and the result is consistently soft, scoopable flesh.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook banana squash in the Instant Pot, plus tips for seasoning, storing, and using it in your favorite recipes.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Cooking Banana Squash in the Instant Pot Works So Well

Cooking banana squash in the Instant Pot works so well because the sealed environment traps steam and heat, which softens the squash fast.
 
Here’s why this method deserves a spot in your rotation.
 

1. It’s Much Faster Than Roasting

When you cook banana squash in the Instant Pot, you’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes of pressure cooking.
 
Compare that to 45 minutes or more in the oven.
 
That speed makes the Instant Pot a go-to when you want banana squash on the table without a long wait.
 

2. The Squash Stays Moist and Sweet

Banana squash has a naturally sweet, mild flavor, and pressure cooking preserves that moisture beautifully.
 
Because the steam can’t escape, the flesh stays tender instead of drying out.
 
That means every bite of your cooked banana squash tastes rich rather than fibrous.
 

3. It’s Simple and Hands-Off

Once you’ve prepped the squash and added water to the Instant Pot, you basically walk away.
 
No basting, no flipping, no checking every ten minutes.
 
Cooking banana squash this way is about as hands-off as it gets.
 

How to Cook Banana Squash in the Instant Pot Step by Step

Learning how to cook banana squash in the Instant Pot comes down to a few simple steps.
 
Follow these and you’ll get tender squash every single time.
 

1. Wash and Cut the Banana Squash

Start by rinsing the outside of your banana squash to remove any dirt.
 
Then cut it into chunks that will fit inside your Instant Pot.
 
You don’t need to peel it yet, and you can leave the seeds in for now if you like.
 

2. Add Water to the Instant Pot

Pour in one cup of water to create the steam that cooks the banana squash.
 
Then place a trivet or steamer basket inside the pot.
 
This keeps the squash out of the water so it steams rather than boils.
 

3. Arrange the Squash and Seal

Stack your banana squash pieces on the trivet without overfilling the pot.
 
Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing.
 
Now you’re ready to pressure cook your banana squash.
 

4. Pressure Cook on High

Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes for cubed squash.
 
If you’re cooking a whole or halved banana squash, add a few extra minutes.
 
The Instant Pot will take care of the rest.
 

5. Do a Natural Release

Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.
 
Then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
 
Your cooked banana squash should now be fork-tender.
 

6. Scoop, Mash, or Cube

Let the squash cool slightly, then scoop the flesh away from the skin.
 
You can mash it, cube it, or puree it depending on your recipe.
 
Either way, you’ve just learned how to cook banana squash in the Instant Pot like a pro.
 

Ways to Use Your Cooked Banana Squash

Once your banana squash is cooked, the possibilities are wide open.
 
Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it.
 

1. Mash It with Butter and Brown Sugar

Mashed banana squash with a little butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon tastes like autumn on a plate.
 
It’s a wonderful side dish for holidays or any cozy dinner.
 

2. Blend It into Soups

Pureed banana squash makes a creamy, velvety soup base.
 
Just add broth, onions, and a splash of cream.
 

3. Fold It into Baked Goods

You can swap cooked banana squash into muffins, breads, and pancakes the same way you’d use pumpkin.
 
The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, so it works in sweet and savory recipes alike.
 

4. Store Leftovers Properly

Keep cooked banana squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
 
You can also freeze it for several months.
 
That makes cooking banana squash in the Instant Pot a great meal-prep move.
 

So, How Do You Cook Banana Squash in the Instant Pot?

You cook banana squash in the Instant Pot by cutting it into chunks, adding water, and pressure cooking on high for about 15 minutes.
 
It’s fast, hands-off, and keeps the squash moist and sweet.
 
Whether you mash it, cube it, or puree it, cooking banana squash in the Instant Pot is one of the simplest ways to enjoy this underrated winter squash.
 
Give it a try and you’ll see why it earns a regular spot in your kitchen rotation.