How To Make Acorn Squash In Instant Pot

You can make acorn squash in an Instant Pot by pressure cooking it whole or cut, and it comes out perfectly tender every single time.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make acorn squash in the Instant Pot without wrestling with a hard, stubborn gourd, you’re in the right place.
 
The Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of cooking acorn squash.
 
There’s no struggling with a sharp knife for twenty minutes or waiting forever for the oven to do its thing.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make acorn squash in the Instant Pot, plus a few tasty variations to keep things interesting.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why Make Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot

Making acorn squash in the Instant Pot is faster and easier than almost any other method, and here’s why:
 

1. It Cuts Cooking Time Dramatically

Roasting acorn squash in the oven can take up to an hour, but the Instant Pot gets it done in about 15 minutes of pressure cooking.
 
That’s a huge time saver on busy weeknights when you want something warm and hearty without the wait.
 

2. The Steam Keeps It Moist and Tender

Pressure cooking traps steam inside the pot, which cooks the squash evenly and keeps the flesh soft and creamy.
 
You never have to worry about dry, stringy squash when you make acorn squash in the Instant Pot.
 

3. It’s Hands-Off Cooking

Once you lock the lid and set the timer, you can walk away and do something else.
 
The Instant Pot does all the work while you prep the rest of your meal.
 

4. Cleanup Is a Breeze

There’s no baking sheet to scrub or oven to wipe down.
 
Just one inner pot, and you’re done, which makes making acorn squash in the Instant Pot a favorite for anyone who hates messy cleanup.
 

How to Make Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot (Whole or Cut)

You can make acorn squash in the Instant Pot two ways, and both work beautifully depending on what you’re planning to do with it.
 

1. Cooking Acorn Squash Whole

Wash the squash and pierce it a few times with a fork so steam can escape.
 
Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in one cup of water.
 
Set the whole acorn squash on the trivet, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
 
Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
 
When you make acorn squash in the Instant Pot whole, the skin slides right off and the flesh scoops out like butter.
 

2. Cooking Acorn Squash Halved or Cubed

If you want it faster, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves cut-side up on the trivet.
 
For cubes, peel the squash, cut it into chunks, and place them in a steamer basket.
 
Halves need about 10 minutes on high pressure, while cubes cook in just 6 to 8 minutes.
 
Making acorn squash in the Instant Pot this way is perfect when you’re tossing it into soups, salads, or grain bowls.
 

3. Adding Seasonings Before or After

You can season acorn squash before cooking by rubbing the flesh with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little brown sugar.
 
Or keep it plain during cooking and drizzle on maple syrup, cinnamon, or butter once it’s done.
 
Either way, you’re making acorn squash in the Instant Pot that tastes like a cozy fall side dish.
 

Tips for Perfect Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot

A few small tricks make a big difference when you cook acorn squash in the Instant Pot.
 

1. Always Use a Trivet

The trivet keeps the squash out of the water so it steams instead of boils.
 
That’s the secret to getting that rich, roasted-like texture when you make acorn squash in the Instant Pot.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Natural Release

Letting the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes finishes the cooking gently.
 
If you quick release right away, the squash may still be a bit firm in the center.
 

3. Adjust Time for Size

A small acorn squash might only need 12 minutes, while a large one could take 18.
 
Checking for doneness with a fork is the easiest way to know when your acorn squash in the Instant Pot is ready.
 

4. Save the Seeds for Roasting

Don’t toss those seeds if you cut the squash open.
 
Rinse them, toss with oil and salt, and roast them for a crunchy snack while your acorn squash finishes cooking in the Instant Pot.
 

5. Use the Cooking Liquid

The water left in the pot picks up a mild squash flavor, so you can use it as a base for soup or gravy.
 
It’s a little bonus whenever you make acorn squash in the Instant Pot.
 

So, How Do You Make Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot?

You make acorn squash in the Instant Pot by pressure cooking it with a cup of water and a trivet, whether whole for 15 minutes or cut for 6 to 10 minutes.
 
The result is soft, sweet, and ready to mash, stuff, or serve as a simple side.
 
Making acorn squash in the Instant Pot saves time, keeps the flesh moist, and cleans up in minutes.
 
So grab that squash sitting on your counter, fire up your Instant Pot, and enjoy a warm, comforting dish without the oven.