5 Ways to Reheat Food in the Instant Pot

Got leftovers? You don’t need a microwave to heat them up. Here are 5 ways to reheat food in the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker for everything from rice and grains to soups and stews. It has a keep warm option to keep foods warm for a longer period too. 

Finger pushing saute button on instant pot

Why Not to Use a Microwave

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure.

While microwaves can be considered convenient, there are many reasons to get rid of your microwave. Not only are the bulky, unattractive appliances that clutter up valuable counter space but they actually strip your food’s nutrients.  

Although a quick zap in the microwave may seem harmless, it actually changes the chemical structure of your food while destroying important nutrients in the process. Then, while taking nutrients away, chemicals can also creep in.  

This is because some containers – especially plastic – react with the heat of the microwave contaminating your food. Unknowingly you could be consuming dangerous toxins every time you reheat food, which is why the Instant Pot is my go-to reheating method.

bowl of soup with instant pot in background

Why Use an Instant Pot to Reheat Food? 

While there are many ways to reheat food without a microwave, I find the Instant Pot (or electric pressure cooker) one of the best. Here’s why:

Its Multi-Functional
What I love about the Instant Pot is that it’s a 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Cooker – including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, saute/browning, yogurt maker, steamer and warmer. This means you can use multiple settings on the Instant Pot to reheat leftovers.   

It’s Fast
The clue is in the name “instant” but rather than waiting for leftovers to reheat on the stove, I find the Instant Pot quicker and more efficient at reheating evenly.  

So Easy
Other reheat methods such as the stove top require you to keep watch. Instead, with the Instant Pot you can leave your leftovers unattended and let the instant pot do all the work. No stirring, watching or time keeping required – it’ll let you know when your food is ready.  

Keep Warm  

One of the best features of the Instant Pot is you can keep food warm after it’s been reheated. The “Keep Warm” feature keeps food at 145 degrees F, which is the perfect temperature for keeping food warm. 

Space
​When you reheat food in the Instant Pot, you free up space on the stove and in the oven. 

What Foods Don’t Reheat Well in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a great way to reheat foods to help retain moisture. This means it’s my go to method for foods such as soups, stews, pasta, and rice. It also keeps meat like stewed beef and grilled or rotisserie chicken tender and moist. However, foods that need to be crispy like French fries, pizza, BBQ meat or fried foods should be reheated with an alternative method such as the air fryer, oven, or toaster oven. 

instant pot with radish

Food Safety

Wondering what is a safe temperature for reheating leftovers? Here are recommendations from the USDA:

  • Foods that have been cooked and refrigerated, then reheated again should be at least 165 degrees F
  • Foods that were commercially vacuum-sealed or ready-to-eat foods like roasts should be at least 140 degrees F
  • Sauces, soups, and gravies should be reheated to a boil
  • If reheating in an oven, toaster oven or air fryer, be sure to set the temperature at least to 325 degrees F and check the internal temperature of the reheated food is at least 165 degrees F
  • Avoid reheating leftovers in slow cookers (Crock Pot) or chafing dishes as they may not be able to keep food above 140 degrees F, which could lead to harmful bacteria or food poisoning. You could use one of the methods below to heat food to 165 degrees F, and then transfer to a slow cooker, Crock Pot or chafing dish with a heat source to keep food warm

Ways to Reheat Food in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is such a versatile kitchen appliance. You can reheat food in several ways, and the best way will depend on the type of food. It’s a good idea to read each option carefully and adjust the cook time as needed for your dish. 

1. Steam

What is it best for? 
This is the best reheating method for foods like oatmeal, rice and pasta, as well as vegetables, stewed meat, mashed potatoes, or anything that might get dry in the reheating process.   

How to Use
You can either use the Steam function, which is set for high pressure for 10 minutes (and adjust the time as needed), or use the Manual function and set to set it for High Pressure on the Instant Pot to default at 239-244°F or 115-117°C. You can use the +/- buttons to turn this higher (up to 347-410°F or 175-210°C) or lower (down to 275-302°F or 135-150°C) depending on what you are reheating. I typically only use the High-Pressure setting to reheat foods and adjust the temperature as needed. 

Add a little bit of water to the inner pot (about 1 tablespoon of water per 1 cup of food). Put the Instant Pot lid on, and turn the knob to the sealing position to lock the steam vent. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 3-5 minutes to reheat grains, rice and pasta. For vegetables, you might want to do 2-3 minutes. For larger casseroles, it may take 10+ minutes on high pressure.    

When it’s done, do a quick release to vent the steam and release the remaining pressure. Then, remove the lid and check the food to make sure it’s reheated thoroughly. Remember it does take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before it starts cooking so add that to your total. 

hand adding water to instant pot

2. Pot in Pot / Doubler Boiler

What is it best for? 
This work similar to the steam method but you put food in a heat-safe container rather than directly in the inner pot. You then place the container on a trivet in the inner pot, and add a cup of water to the inner pot (not in the food). This is also known as  pot in pot (PIP). It’s great for reheating rice dishes, pasta, casseroles, leftovers already in heat-safe containers, or even frozen food. It might be the closest thing to a microwave in that you just put the food in a container on the trivet in the inner pot and add water. The steam from the water will heat up the food without drying it out. 

How to Use
You can either use the Steam function, which is set for high pressure for 10 minutes (and adjust the time as needed), or use the Manual function and set to set it for High Pressure on the Instant Pot to default at 239-244°F or 115-117°C.  You can use the +/- buttons to turn this higher (up to 347-410°F or 175-210°C) or lower (down to 275-302°F or 135-150°C) depending on what you are reheating. I typically only use the High-Pressure setting to reheat foods and adjust the temperature as needed. 

Then, add 1 cup of water to the inner pot and place a metal trivel on the bottom. Place the food you want to reheat in a heat-safe container, like a glass food storage container or stainless steel bowl. 

Place the food container on the trivet, put the Instant Pot lid on, and turn the knob to the sealing position to lock the steam vent. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes to reheat most food. For vegetables, you might want to do 2-3 minutes. For large casseroles or frozen dishes, it may take 10+ minutes on high pressure.   

When it’s done, turn the steam release handle to do a quick release and vent the steam. Then, remove the lid and check the food to make sure it’s reheated thoroughly. Remember it does take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before it starts cooking so add that to your total. 

3. Use the Sauté Function 

What is it best for? 
The Sauté function is the hottest setting on the Instant Pot, so it can heat up food quickly. It’s similar to reheating food on a stove top. It works well for a variety of dishes including stews, soups, meat, vegetables and more. This is my preferred way to reheat ground beef, chicken and other meat. I also prefer this method for reheating frozen soup in the Instant Pot.

How to Use 
The Sauté Function on the Instant Pot is set to default at 320-349°F or 160-176°C. You can use the +/- buttons to turn this higher (up to 347-410°F or 175-210°C) or lower (down to 275-302°F or 135-150°C) depending on what you are reheating. Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot. Wait a few minutes for the inner pot to heat up.  

For soups, stews, beans, pasta sauce, pasta noodles, or rice, add 1-2 tbsp of water or broth to the bottom of the pan. Add the food to heat up, stirring to cook evenly.    

For roasted, fried, or baked meat, vegetable dishes, or stir fry, add a fat like 1-2 tbsp of avocado oil, olive oil, or butter instead of water to the inner pot. Add the food to heat up, stirring to cook evenly. 

finger pushing saute function on instant pot

4. Slow Cook 

What is it best for? 
Foods like soups, stews, side dishes, or dinner rolls or bread would be a great option with the Slow Cook button on the Instant Pot. It will take longer to reheat compared to the Saute function, but it can be great to reheat while you simultaneously cook on the stovetop or bake in the oven.

For most food, I find this method takes too long to heat up leftovers to serve up quickly, and I’d opt for the Steam or Saute option instead. But if I needed to reheat some side dishes or a soup, while I made a main dish on the stove top, then this would be perfect. 

How to Use 
The Slow Cook Function on the Instant Pot is set to default at 194-205°F or 90-96°C. You can use the +/- buttons to turn this higher (up to 199-210°F or 92-98°C) or lower (down to 190-201°F or 87-93°C) depending on what you are reheating.  

Press the Slow Cooker Function. Add the food to the inner pot and place the Instant Pot lid or a glass lid to cover the pot. Cook time will vary depending on what you’re reheating. Soups and stews (can go directly into the inner pot) may take 20-30 minutes, while bread rolls (best if you place in a heat-safe dish in the inner pot) may just need 5-10. Be sure to stir occasionally to cook evenly. 

white bowl of soup with instant pot, peppers, olive oil in background

5. Keep Warm 

What is it best for? 
The Keep Warm mode is ideal if you have reheated food (or just cooked it) but don’t want to serve it immediately or just want to keep food warm. The Keep Warm function defaults to a 2-hour time frame, so it’s ideal if you’ve spent your afternoon making Instant Pot soup or stew, you can keep it warm until dinner. This option is best for soups, stews, sauces, broth, etc. Plan in advance so your dishes are ready on time.  

Another great way to use the Keep Warm function is to reheat tortillas, bread, dinner rolls, pita bread, or naan. Put the food in a heat-safe dish and then add to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Put the lid on and check in 5-10 minutes. Heat longer as needed. 

How to Use  
The Keep Warm function on the Instant Pot is set to default at 145°F or 63°C. You can use the +/- buttons to turn this higher (up to 167°F or 75°C) depending on what you want to keep warm.

Top Tips to Reheat Food in the Instant Pot

  • Avoid the Natural Release option if you steam food. It can take 10-12 minutes for the natural release to complete before you can open the lid, which means food will food for a longer period, which could make it mushy. Opt for the Quick Release instead.
  • You may want to add a little oil or cooking spray to the bottom of the pot to avoid sticking when you use the Saute function. 
  • Stir food before serving to avoid any hot spots. 
  • Be sure you know how to use the Instant Pot buttons properly – this will avoid any overcooked leftovers and minimize food waste.
  • Learn how to clean your Instant Pot properly to maximize the its lifespan.

Instant Pot Freezer Meals

These Instant Pot recipes are perfect to freeze and reheat or even make ahead of time as freezer meals.

Did you try to reheat food in the Instant Pot? Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on FacebookInstagram and Pinterest.

Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple

Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple cookbook on an e reader

Are you struggling to find the time to cook healthy meals for your family? Do you wish you could find one-pot meals that are simple and easy to make… and your family will love?

Learn how simple it is to make healthy, one-pot meals with your Instant Pot with my cookbook Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple. You can download it instantly to your phone, computer or e-reader, so it’s portable and can go with you anywhere!

With this book, you’ll get:

  • Tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love – including pot roast, spaghetti, tacos, carnitas, soups, and easy breakfast meals
  • Instant Pot starter guide on how to use the buttons, tips and tricks, and more
  • Printable shopping lists for ingredients
  • Step-by-step video lesson on how to use your Instant Pot, pressure cooker safety, and some of my favorite tips and tricks
  • Two-week meal plan that you can put into action for no-stress weeknight dinners

Get Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple now!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 Comments

  1. I’m back to say it worked. I had no choice but to use the saute mode because my lentils were already in the pot and the greens were already in its stainless steel container over the lentils. In my old Duo, using the saute function or steam function usually burned what I was trying to reheat. I had all fingers and toes crossed and used the saute mode, when I checked the food everything was warm and I was overjoyed. Thank you so much. I always cook enough for leftovers to give myself a break.

  2. Thank you for this excellent post on reheating. I’ve owned an Instant Pot for 10 years and I certainly learned alot from your article. I didn’t know you could use the Slow Cook mode to reheat as I thought that would cook a stew/soup/roast more, not reheat it. I also didn’t know the Keep Warm setting could be adjuted.. It is true, you learn something new every day.