How To Make Squash In Instant Pot

To make squash in an Instant Pot, you simply prep your squash, add a cup of water to the pot, place the squash on the trivet, and pressure cook it for a few minutes until it’s perfectly tender.
 
It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to cook squash because the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting for you.
 
Whether you’re working with butternut, acorn, spaghetti, or delicata squash, the Instant Pot delivers consistent results every single time.
 
No more struggling to cut through a rock-hard squash or waiting forever for it to roast in the oven.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make squash in the Instant Pot, plus tips for different varieties and ways to serve it.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Squash in Instant Pot (Step by Step)

 
Making squash in the Instant Pot is a straightforward process, and once you learn how to make squash this way, you might never go back to the oven.
 
Here’s how to make squash in Instant Pot perfectly every time:
 

1. Prep Your Squash

 
Start by washing your squash thoroughly under running water.
 
Then cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
 
If you’re making squash in the Instant Pot with a tough variety like butternut, you can microwave it for two to three minutes first to soften the skin and make cutting easier.
 
You don’t need to peel most squash varieties when you make squash in the Instant Pot because the skin often becomes soft enough to eat.
 

2. Add Water and the Trivet

 
Pour one cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
 
This creates the steam needed to cook the squash evenly.
 
Place the metal trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the pot.
 
The trivet keeps the squash elevated above the water so it steams rather than boils.
 

3. Place the Squash Inside

 
Set your squash halves on top of the trivet, cut side facing up.
 
If your squash pieces are too large, cut them into smaller chunks that fit comfortably inside the pot.
 
You can stack them if needed, but try to leave a little space for steam to circulate.
 

4. Pressure Cook

 
Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing.
 
Set your Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for the following times:
 
– Butternut squash: 12 minutes for chunks, 25 minutes for a whole squash
 
– Acorn squash: 10 minutes
 
– Spaghetti squash: 10 to 12 minutes
 
– Delicata squash: 8 minutes
 
These times work well whether you’re making squash in the Instant Pot as halves or cubes.
 

5. Natural Release and Serve

 
Once the cooking time finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
 
Then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
 
Open the lid, transfer your squash to a plate, and it’s ready to eat.
 
You can mash it, cube it, or scoop it straight out of the skin.
 

Why Making Squash in Instant Pot Beats Other Methods

 
Making squash in the Instant Pot is faster and easier than roasting or boiling for several reasons.
 

1. It’s Hands-Off Cooking

 
When you make squash in the Instant Pot, you basically set it and forget it.
 
Unlike roasting, which requires preheating and checking, the Instant Pot handles everything on its own.
 

2. It Preserves Nutrients

 
Steaming squash in the Instant Pot helps retain more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling, where nutrients leach into the water.
 

3. It Works for Any Squash Variety

 
From butternut to spaghetti squash, the Instant Pot handles them all with ease.
 
You can make squash in the Instant Pot regardless of size or shape, which makes it super versatile.
 

4. It Saves Time

 
A whole butternut squash can take nearly an hour in the oven but only about 25 minutes in the Instant Pot.
 
That’s a big win on busy weeknights.
 

Ways to Serve Squash Made in the Instant Pot

 
Once you’ve learned how to make squash in the Instant Pot, you’ll want to use it in all kinds of dishes.
 

1. Mash It with Butter and Seasonings

 
Mashed squash with a little butter, salt, and brown sugar is comfort food at its finest.
 

2. Turn It into Soup

 
Blend cooked squash with broth, cream, and spices for a rich, velvety soup.
 

3. Add It to Pasta or Grain Bowls

 
Cubed squash works beautifully in pasta dishes, quinoa bowls, and salads.
 

4. Use Spaghetti Squash as a Noodle Swap

 
When you make squash in the Instant Pot using spaghetti squash, just scrape the inside with a fork and you’ve got instant noodles.
 

So, How Do You Make Squash in Instant Pot?

 
To make squash in the Instant Pot, prep your squash, add water and the trivet, pressure cook on high for 8 to 25 minutes depending on the variety, then let the pressure release naturally before serving.
 
It’s really that simple, and once you start making squash in the Instant Pot, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way.
 
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a quick side dish for dinner, the Instant Pot has your back.
 
Give it a try with your favorite squash variety and enjoy perfectly cooked squash every time.