We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Gift Guides Cookbooks The 10 Best Instant Pot Cookbooks, According to Chefs These chef-approved cookbooks will provide endless inspiration for family-style meals, desserts, and more. By Jacqueline Weiss Jacqueline Weiss Jacqueline is a freelance writer and creator, passionate about making healthy eating and cooking accessible to all.She specializes in curating product roundups to give readers the best recommendations, from veggie spiralizers to kitchen towels. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 11, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews Our Favorite FAQ Our Expertise Photo: Food & Wine / Brian Kopinski Instant Pots are a multifunctional kitchen appliance that can do everything from sauté veggies, braise your favorite cuts of meat, and even create dreamy desserts. From prepping impressive entrees for a crowd to casual weeknight dinners with the family, there’s little this compact countertop tool can’t accomplish. Customers have long praised electric pressure cookers as a way to easily set and forget classic recipes, but you can expand their use even further with Instant Pot cookbooks. From cookbooks that focus on regional cuisines to options with vegan and gluten-free recipes, there’s something out there for everyone. We asked chefs, cookbook authors, and cooking industry pros to share their all-time favorite Instant Pot cookbooks, from classics to titles that focus on specific cuisines and dietary needs. Whether you’re new to cooking with an Instant Pot or consider yourself a seasoned pro, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best Instant Pot cookbooks that are sure to inspire you. Best Overall The Instant Pot Bible PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon $12 at Walmart View on Booksamillion.com The Instant Pot Bible has over 350 recipes, including sweet breakfasts like tropical oat porridge, savory soups, pulled meats, sauces, stews, and more. Almost half of the recipes in Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough’s impressive collection come together in just a few steps with minimal prep time, and they’ve included plenty of options for different dietary needs. “This is a must-have for Instant Pot enthusiasts,” says The Cookie Rookie founder Becky Hardin. “As the name suggests, it's like the bible for Instant Pot recipes, offering a wide range of family-friendly dishes. It’s perfect for those looking to please both kids and adults in the home.” Author: Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 496 Best for Hosting Dinner Dinner in an Instant PHOTO: Amazon $22 $12 at Amazon $11 at Walmart $15 at Sur La Table Longtime New York Times recipe columnist Melissa Clark’s Instant Pot cookbook, Dinner in an Instant, will quickly become your go-to for elevated date night recipes like duck confit and saffron risotto. "What I particularly love about this book is how it offers easy-to-read guidance for what are usually pretty complex dishes. For instance, it makes dishes like Osso Buco (I tried this, [and it] was really good!) completely accessible, even for novice cooks,” says Chef Dennis Littley of Ask Chef Dennis. “As an experienced chef, it's not often I see a cookbook with groundbreaking recipes or tips, but I genuinely learned a thing or two from this one!" Both veteran Instant Pot users and beginners will be impressed with the selection of 75 flavorful dishes, perfect for hosting company or quiet evenings at home. Plus, it has additional instructions about making your recipe of choice on the slow and pressure cooker settings and even includes labels for dietary restrictions. Author: Melissa Clark | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 160 Best for Easy Meals Instant Pot Miracle 6 Ingredients Or Less PHOTO: Amazon $22 $18 at Amazon $18 at Target $9 at Walmart Looking for something yummy that’s not overly complicated? Ivy Manning has curated 100 easy recipes in Instant Pot Miracle 6 Ingredients Or Less that can help you get a meal on the table without a time-consuming trip to the store. Cook according to your schedule too, with several recipes adapted to be made on the pressure cook or slow cook setting, allowing for even more flexibility. Pat Tanumihardja, author of the upcoming cookbook Mortar and Pestle — Classic Indonesian Recipes for a Modern Kitchen, says this book saves the day with easy “dump-and-cook” dinner options for busy weeknights. “I use my Instant Pot mainly for two reasons: to make recipes that would normally take hours of nursing on the stovetop, like my mum’s beef rendang, or to make a low-energy ‘dump-and-cook’ dinner at the end of a busy workday. For the latter, Ivy Manning’s Instant Pot Miracle 6 Ingredients or Less totally fits the bill. Plus, it uses staple ingredients I usually stock. While not strictly six ingredients or less (she doesn’t count seasonings and the requisite broth), the recipes are far from bland and most only have three to four steps.” Author: Ivy Manning | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 240 Best for Indian Food The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon $13 at Target $16 at Walmart Achieve flavorful and rich Indian dishes with Ministry of Curry blogger Archana Mundhe’s debut cookbook, The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook. Vasudha Viswanath, author of The Vegetarian Reset and founder of We Ate Well, says it’s a must-have in her kitchen. “I practically learned to use the Instant Pot from Archana's cookbook, and it now occupies precious real estate in my Manhattan kitchen,” says Viswanath. “The book is truly essential — you'll get no-fail recipes for sumptuous Indian legume dishes, classic curries, and pilafs, along with easy breakfast options. It’s perfect for meal prep that's mostly hands-off!” Many of the 75 included recipes begin with a tadka (a sauté of onion, garlic, ginger, and spices in hot oil or ghee), and the Instant Pot’s sauté setting makes it incredibly straightforward. Sweet dishes like mango cheesecake or fig and walnut halwa round out the savory flavors. Author: Archana Mundhe | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 176 Best Vegan The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook PHOTO: Amazon $25 $13 at Amazon $14 at Target $13 at Walmart Lawyer turned vegan cooking expert Nisha Vora has built a following of close to 2 million people across her Rainbow Plant Life social platforms, where she shares colorful plant-based dishes. The 91 recipes in her debut cookbook, The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook, are nothing short of delicious, says E.A.T Marketplace founder and chef Leah Delyte Di Bernardo. “Nisha offers creative and flavorful vegan recipes that are not only easy but also delicious. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their diet.” Each recipe features photos taken by Vora, plus clear labels indicating whether the recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, sugar-free, and/or refined-sugar-free — that way, readers don’t have to question any ingredients. Comfort food favorites like miso mushroom risotto, plus breakfast options like chai spiced rice pudding or banana bread with walnut streusel, are just a few standouts. Author: Nisha Vora | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 320 The 20 Best Vegan Cookbooks for Every Type of Meal Best for Mediterranean Food Instantly Mediterranean PHOTO: Amazon $20 $17 at Amazon Instant Pots aren’t the only way to get a meal on the table fast! In addition to recipes for the electric pressure cookers, Instantly Mediterranean also highlights dishes that can be made in your air fryer. With 100 Mediterranean-inspired recipes to choose from, like tomato & pepper shakshuka or Turkish stuffed cabbage, plus helpful tips for using your favorite appliances, this is well worth a spot in your cookbook collection. “I like this book because it gives me compelling choices with big, contemporary taste in one of my favorite flavor combinations — Mediterranean. Paster has an all-encompassing view, so there are dishes inspired by the more than 20 countries that border the Mediterranean. Flavors, ingredients, and dishes are varied from the Middle East, Greece, Provence, Italy, North Africa, and more,” says cookbook author and food columnist Faith Kramer. Author: Emily Paster | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 224 Best for Small Households The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook for Two PHOTO: Amazon $17 $11 at Amazon $11 at Target $11 at Walmart The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook for Two is ideal for prepping dinner with leftovers for the next day if you’re dining solo, but it also makes a great housewarming gift for couples and newlyweds. Most Instant Pot and slow cooker recipes are ideal for a crowd or larger families, but these 80+ recipes are just the right portion for two. “This cookbook addresses a common issue in that many recipes are designed for large families, leaving smaller households with excessive leftovers,” says Hardin. “Zimmerman focuses on portion-controlled meals scaled for two servings, making it easier to cook just the right amount.” In addition to beginner-friendly dishes with quick prep times, author Janet A. Zimmerman includes tips for scaling recipes up or down, shopping tips for two, advice for modifying cooking times, and more. Author: Janet A. Zimmerman | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 194 Best for Families The Fresh and Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook PHOTO: Amazon $20 $18 at Amazon $18 at Walmart $13 at Barnesandnoble.com Each of the 75 whole-food-focused recipes in The Fresh and Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook takes you step-by-step through using your Instant Pot, making it a perfect introductory option for beginners. Vegan, or looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your repertoire? Each recipe has a tested vegan option or alternative so you can customize and adjust it to your liking. “This cookbook shines with its family-friendly appeal. Megan offers a variety of lighter, seasonal recipes that are perfect for spring and summer,” says Di Bernardo. “Plus, her naturally sweetened treats are a hit with the kiddos!” Author: Megan Gilmore | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 208 Best for Filipino Food The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Walmart $25 at Barnesandnoble.com "I love The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook because it is easy to follow and really captures the flavors of the Philippines in an approachable way, while also helping to cut down the cooking time by using the Instant Pot,” says Diana Manalang of NYC’s Little Chef Little Cafe. “Since so many Filipino dishes are braised and use tougher cuts of meat, the Instant Pot is a game changer that allows these long-cooking dishes to be ready in half the time, sometimes even less.” According to the authors, many common Filipino dishes use “moist-heat” cooking methods, meaning the flavors are best brought out through a longer boil or braise. Delicious recipes for veggies, sweets, and sides round out this cookbook’s collection. Author: Tisha Gonda Domingo, Jorell Domingo, Jeannie E Celestial, Art Swenson, Romeo Roque-Nido, Jaymar Cabebe | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 174 Best with Grocery List Great Food Fast PHOTO: Amazon $20 $18 at Amazon $10 at Walmart In Great Food Fast, Bob Warden introduces over 120 recipes with an emphasis on quick cook times. Kevin Ashton, culinary advisor at Restaurantji and seasoned chef, says this cookbook helped him learn the ropes of cooking with an Instant Pot. “After reading the different recipes outlined in the book, I was fully convinced that a revolutionary era of preparing meals was upon us. This book inspired me to discover what I was missing all along. Bob Warden's teachings have inspired some of my recipes and expanded my creativity to push the limits of my instant cooker.” Inside, readers will also find a grocery list for the fridge, pantry, and spice rack that lists many of the commonly used ingredients in the book, allowing you to save on trips to the grocery store. Savor soups and starters, meat dishes, lighter fare, and even holiday classics — all made easy in an Instant Pot. Author: Bob Warden | Ebook Available: Yes | Pages: 208 Our Favorite Instant Pot Cookbook The Instant Pot Bible earned the top spot on our list due to its wide variety of recipes with instructions for every size and model of the Instant Pot. It's a comprehensive guide for how to get the most out of your Instant Pot, and we love that it includes something for everyone. We also love Dinner in an Instant for its easy and elevated dinner recipes and The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook for delicious plant-based meals. Frequently Asked Questions How do Instant Pots work? Once you understand how they work, Instant Pots are pretty easy to use. They are essentially electric pressure cookers that you can plug in and use on your countertop, instead of the classic manual pressure cookers you use on the stovetop. With a combination of pressure and steam, the appliance allows food to cook much more quickly and evenly than most traditional cooking methods. Plus, the large variety of settings that the various Instant Pot models offer allow for endless versatility. What can you cook in an Instant Pot? You can cook almost anything in an Instant Pot, from hearty dinnertime staples to breakfast options, and even dessert. You'll find recipes for foods commonly cooked in a pressure cooker, like beans and lentils, rich stews, and certain cuts of meat. However, there are also recipes for cooking things like pasta, oatmeal, and cakes as well. You can even try making your own yogurt. Most Instant Pot models come with presets for certain types of cooking, so it's pretty easy to get started. Our Expertise Jacqueline Weiss is a professional food writer with over seven years of experience and a lifelong lover of working in the kitchen. Her writing has appeared in Eat This Not That, EatingWell, AllRecipes, Simply Recipes, and more. For this article, she consulted with multiple chefs, cookbook authors, and industry experts for their Instant Pot cookbook recommendations and insights. Arnesia Young, an Associate Commerce Editor for Food & Wine, also contributed to this piece. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit