How To Cook Yellow Squash In The Instant Pot

You can cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot by using the steam function or pressure cooking it with a little water for a quick and healthy side dish.
 
It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy this summertime veggie without heating up your kitchen or standing over a hot stove.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot, you’re in the right place.
 
The Instant Pot turns yellow squash into a tender, flavorful dish in just minutes, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh and fast.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot, including prep tips, cooking times, and a few tasty variations.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Cook Yellow Squash in the Instant Pot

Cooking yellow squash in the Instant Pot is all about keeping it simple and letting the appliance do the heavy lifting.
 
Here’s how to cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot step by step:
 

1. Wash and Cut the Squash

Start by rinsing your yellow squash under cool water to remove any dirt or grit.
 
Trim off both ends, then slice the squash into rounds, half-moons, or chunks about half an inch thick.
 
Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly, which is key when you cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot.
 

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 cooks the yellow squash without drying it out.
 
If you want extra flavor, you can swap the water for vegetable broth, but plain water works just fine.
 

3. Place the Squash in a Steamer Basket

Set a steamer basket or trivet inside the Instant Pot and arrange your yellow squash pieces on top.
 
Keeping the squash out of the water lets it steam rather than boil, which preserves its texture and nutrients.
 
Avoid packing the squash too tightly so the steam can circulate around every piece.
 

4. Set the Instant Pot to Steam or Pressure Cook

Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and choose the Steam function or Manual/Pressure Cook setting.
 
For tender yellow squash, cook on high pressure for one to two minutes.
 
If you like your squash with a bit more bite, stick with one minute, then do a quick release.
 

5. Do a Quick Release

Once the cooking time is up, carefully turn the valve to venting for a quick pressure release.
 
This stops the cooking process right away so your yellow squash doesn’t turn to mush.
 
Open the lid once the pin drops, and your squash is ready to serve.
 

Why Cooking Yellow Squash in the Instant Pot Works So Well

There are plenty of reasons to cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot instead of on the stove.
 

1. It’s Fast

Yellow squash cooks in just one to two minutes under pressure, which means dinner is on the table in no time.
 
That’s way faster than roasting or sautéing, especially on a hectic evening.
 

2. It Keeps the Squash Tender, Not Mushy

Because you’re steaming the squash rather than boiling it, the texture stays firm and pleasant.
 
The quick release also prevents overcooking, so you get perfectly tender yellow squash every time.
 

3. It Preserves Nutrients

Steaming yellow squash in the Instant Pot helps retain water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins.
 
Boiling can leach those nutrients into the water, but steaming keeps them locked in the squash where you want them.
 

4. It Doesn’t Heat Up Your Kitchen

Since the Instant Pot traps everything inside, you don’t have to worry about a hot oven or sizzling skillet warming up your home.
 
That’s a huge plus during the summer when yellow squash is at its peak.
 

Ways to Season and Serve Yellow Squash from the Instant Pot

Plain steamed yellow squash is nice, but a little seasoning takes it to the next level.
 
Here are some easy ways to flavor your yellow squash after cooking it in the Instant Pot:
 

1. Butter and Garlic

Toss the cooked squash with a pat of butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
 
The residual heat will melt the butter and bloom the garlic beautifully.
 

2. Olive Oil and Herbs

A drizzle of olive oil with fresh basil, thyme, or parsley adds a bright, garden-fresh flavor.
 
A squeeze of lemon juice wakes up the whole dish.
 

3. Parmesan and Red Pepper Flakes

Sprinkle grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the yellow squash for a savory kick.
 
It’s a simple combo that feels a little fancy without any extra effort.
 

4. Add It to Other Dishes

Once you know how to cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot, you can fold it into pasta, grain bowls, omelets, or casseroles.
 
It’s a versatile veggie that plays well with tons of recipes.
 

So, How to Cook Yellow Squash in the Instant Pot?

You cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot by steaming it with a cup of water for one to two minutes on high pressure, then doing a quick release.
 
The result is tender, flavorful yellow squash that’s ready in a flash and perfect for weeknight meals.
 
Whether you serve it with butter and garlic or toss it into your favorite dish, cooking yellow squash in the Instant Pot is a method worth keeping in your back pocket.
 
Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to cook yellow squash in the Instant Pot.