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Making squash in an Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to get tender, perfectly cooked squash without babysitting the oven.
If you’ve been wondering how to make squash in an Instant Pot, the answer is simple: pressure cooking cuts the cook time dramatically and locks in flavor.
Whether you’re working with butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash, your Instant Pot can handle it all beautifully.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make squash in an Instant Pot, the best methods for different squash varieties, and a few tips so yours turns out perfect every time.
By the end, you’ll know how to make squash in an Instant Pot like a pro.
Why Make Squash in an Instant Pot
When you make squash in an Instant Pot, you’re saving time and effort in a big way.
Here’s why so many home cooks love this method:
1. It’s Way Faster Than the Oven
Roasting squash in the oven can take 45 minutes to an hour.
When you make squash in an Instant Pot, you’re usually done in under 20 minutes including the time it takes to come to pressure.
That’s a huge win on a busy weeknight.
2. The Texture Comes Out Perfect
The steam and pressure inside the Instant Pot cook squash evenly all the way through.
You get that soft, scoopable flesh without any dry edges or undercooked centers.
That’s exactly why making squash in an Instant Pot is so reliable.
3. It’s Hands-Off Cooking
Once you close the lid, you can walk away and do something else.
You don’t have to flip anything, baste anything, or check for doneness every few minutes.
The Instant Pot handles the whole job for you.
How to Make Squash in an Instant Pot (Step by Step)
Learning how to make squash in an Instant Pot comes down to a few simple steps.
1. Prep Your Squash
Start by washing the outside of your squash.
Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
If the squash is too tough to cut, you can microwave it for two to three minutes to soften the skin.
2. Add Water to the Instant Pot
Pour one cup of water into the inner pot.
This creates the steam that cooks your squash.
Then place the trivet or steamer basket inside.
3. Place the Squash Inside
Set the squash halves on the trivet, cut side up.
If they don’t fit in one layer, you can stack them, but try to keep them from blocking the steam too much.
4. Set the Cook Time
For most squash, cook on high pressure for 10 to 15 minutes depending on the size.
Butternut and acorn squash usually need around 12 minutes.
Spaghetti squash tends to need closer to 15 minutes.
5. Do a Quick Release
When the timer beeps, carefully do a quick release of the pressure.
Once the pin drops, open the lid and check your squash with a fork.
If it’s not quite tender, you can seal it back up and cook for two or three more minutes.
Tips for Making Squash in an Instant Pot
These little tricks will help you make squash in an Instant Pot even better.
1. Don’t Skip the Trivet
The trivet keeps your squash out of the water so it steams instead of boils.
Boiling makes the flesh watery, which nobody wants.
2. Season After Cooking
Salt, butter, brown sugar, or cinnamon all taste amazing on squash.
But add them after cooking since seasonings can burn or stick during pressure cooking.
3. Use Natural Release for Larger Squash
If you’re working with a big squash, letting the pressure release naturally for five minutes helps it finish cooking gently.
Then switch to quick release to finish up.
4. Scoop, Mash, or Stuff It
Once your squash is tender, you can scoop it out, mash it, or stuff the halves with rice, meat, or cheese.
However you serve it, it’ll be soft and delicious.
5. Store Leftovers in the Fridge
Cooked squash lasts about four to five days in an airtight container.
You can also freeze it for up to three months.
So, How Do You Make Squash in an Instant Pot?
You make squash in an Instant Pot by adding water, placing the squash on a trivet, and cooking it on high pressure for 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s fast, hands-off, and gives you perfectly tender squash every single time.
Now that you know how to make squash in an Instant Pot, you can try it with butternut, acorn, spaghetti, or any variety you love.
Once you make squash in an Instant Pot, you might never go back to the oven again.