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Steaming squash in an Instant Pot is one of the easiest and fastest ways to get perfectly tender squash every single time.
Whether you’re working with butternut, acorn, spaghetti, or delicata squash, the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking and delivers consistent results in a fraction of the time.
If you’ve been wondering how to steam squash in Instant Pot without ending up with a mushy mess, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to steam squash in Instant Pot, the best settings to use, and a few tips to make sure your squash turns out flawless.
Let’s dive in.
How to Steam Squash in Instant Pot
Learning how to steam squash in Instant Pot comes down to a few simple steps.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven.
Here’s how to steam squash in Instant Pot perfectly:
1. Prep Your Squash
Before you steam squash in Instant Pot, you need to prep it properly.
Start by washing the outside of the squash to remove any dirt or debris.
Then cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
If you’re using a hard squash like butternut or acorn, you may want to peel it first, though the skin is edible on many varieties.
Cut the squash into chunks that are roughly the same size so they steam evenly.
2. Add Water to the Instant Pot
To steam squash in Instant Pot, you need water at the bottom of the pot to create steam.
Pour in about one cup of water.
If you have a trivet or steamer basket, place it inside the pot so your squash sits above the water rather than boiling in it.
This is the key to how to steam squash in Instant Pot rather than ending up with soggy squash.
3. Arrange the Squash in the Basket
Place your squash chunks or halves on the trivet or in the steamer basket.
Try not to overcrowd them so the steam can circulate freely around each piece.
If you’re steaming a whole small squash, you can place it directly on the trivet.
4. Lock the Lid and Set the Instant Pot
Close the lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to sealing.
Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer.
For cubed squash, cook on high pressure for about 4 to 6 minutes.
For squash halves, you’ll need closer to 8 to 10 minutes depending on the size and variety.
5. Do a Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, carefully turn the steam release valve to venting to do a quick release.
This stops the cooking process immediately so your squash doesn’t overcook.
Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and check your squash with a fork.
If it pierces easily, it’s done.
Best Squash Varieties to Steam in Instant Pot
Not all squash cook the same way, so knowing which varieties work best helps you steam squash in Instant Pot like a pro.
1. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of the most popular choices when you steam squash in Instant Pot.
Its dense flesh holds up well to pressure cooking and turns silky smooth in just minutes.
2. Acorn Squash
Acorn squash steams beautifully in the Instant Pot.
Because of its smaller size, you can steam it in halves and scoop out the tender flesh once it’s done.
3. Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is another favorite for the Instant Pot.
When you steam squash in Instant Pot, the strands separate effortlessly with a fork, giving you perfect spaghetti-like noodles every time.
4. Delicata Squash
Delicata squash has a thinner skin and cooks even faster.
It’s a great option if you want to steam squash in Instant Pot quickly for a weeknight side dish.
5. Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash is denser and slightly sweeter than butternut.
It takes a couple extra minutes to steam squash in Instant Pot, but the result is worth it.
Tips for Perfectly Steamed Squash in Instant Pot
Want to nail how to steam squash in Instant Pot every single time?
Here are a few tips that make a big difference:
1. Don’t Skip the Trivet
The trivet keeps your squash out of the water so it steams rather than boils.
This is essential when you steam squash in Instant Pot because boiling makes it waterlogged.
2. Cut Evenly Sized Pieces
Uniform pieces cook at the same rate.
If you cut uneven chunks, some will turn to mush while others stay firm when you steam squash in Instant Pot.
3. Adjust Time Based on Size
Small cubes need only 4 minutes, while larger halves may need 10.
Always err on the side of less time because you can always cook it a bit longer.
4. Season After Steaming
Season your squash after it’s cooked, not before.
Salt, pepper, butter, or maple syrup all work great once you steam squash in Instant Pot.
5. Use the Quick Release
A quick release prevents overcooking.
If you let the pressure release naturally, your squash may end up softer than you’d like.
So, How to Steam Squash in Instant Pot?
To steam squash in Instant Pot, you simply prep the squash, add water and a trivet, set it to high pressure for 4 to 10 minutes, and do a quick release.
It’s one of the fastest and most foolproof ways to cook squash, and the results are consistently tender and delicious.
Whether you’re making butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash, the Instant Pot delivers every time.
Now that you know how to steam squash in Instant Pot, you can enjoy perfectly cooked squash any night of the week.