Now that you own an Instant Pot, you probably want to get the most out of it. Instant Pot accessories unlock new possibilities—cooking in layers, steaming tamales, baking cakes, and even slow-cooking—all inside your electric pressure cooker.
Why Use Electric Pressure Cooker Accessories?
The Instant Pot works fine with just the basic rack, but accessories broaden what you can create. With the right tools you can make layered meals, individual muffins or ramekin desserts, tofu egg bites, and even vegan cheesecakes or oil-free carrot cake. Accessories help you cook multiple items at once, protect delicate foods, and make removing hot dishes safe and simple.
Buy It All At Once Instant Pot Accessories
If you prefer convenience, variety packs combine many useful items in one purchase. Just be sure any set you choose is compatible with your Instant Pot size. A well-chosen accessory kit can quickly expand your cooking options.
In my cookbook, The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook for Your Instant Pot, I rely on several accessories to extend what’s possible in the Instant Pot and to make certain tasks easier and safer.
Protect Your Hands from Getting Burned!
Steam and hot surfaces are the main hazards when using an electric pressure cooker. Silicone pot holders, small mitts, and pot grippers make it much easier to lift pans, ramekins, and other hot dishes out of the pot without burning your hands. Simple silicone grips and pot lifters are inexpensive and indispensable.
Cook More Than One Recipe at a Time!
One of the best advantages of the Instant Pot is the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously by stacking and layering. For example, you can cook rice and a vegetable curry at the same time by using stacked containers on the included rack. Oven-safe Pyrex rectangular dishes are a convenient option for stacking; cover them with foil rather than lids so they fit more easily, and you may be able to fit three stacked containers at once depending on size and configuration.
3-cup Pyrex rectangle dishes
Stackable Stainless Steel Pans for Your Instant Pot
Stackable stainless steel inserts are designed to maximize the cooking space in your Instant Pot. They often include an internal rack or insert for separating layers. Several brands and sizes exist, including options made specifically for 3-quart and 6-quart models. Quality stainless stackable sets are durable and easy to clean, and they make layered meal prep straightforward.
Steamer Baskets Are Great to Have
Steamer baskets, whether silicone, metal, or bamboo, are versatile additions. A bamboo steamer is excellent for dumplings, silicone steamers with handles are easy to lift, and deep metal steamers work well for tamales. Choose the style that best suits the foods you plan to prepare.
Instant Pot Cake and Springform Pans
Baking in the Instant Pot is popular—vegan cheesecakes, moist cakes, and small bundts turn out well when you use the right pan. Because the cooking space is smaller than an oven, use smaller pans: up to 8 inches for regular pans, but keep springform pans to 7 inches or smaller so the latch fits comfortably. Pyrex, ceramic, or metal springform pans all work; thrift stores can be a great source of interesting pottery that fits.
Use Ramekins and Mini Dishes You Already Have
Ramekins, small baking dishes, and oven-safe tea cups you already own can double as Instant Pot cookware. They’re ideal for single-serve desserts, custards, and small portions. Using what you already have is an easy way to start experimenting with pressure-cooker baking and steaming.
Your Instant Pot Needs Silicone Bands
Odd-shaped dishes can be tricky to retrieve from the pot. Plate retrievers, silicone bands, or strips of foil help lift dishes safely and securely. Silicone bands provide grip and protect items from slipping while you remove them.
Get an Extra Instant Pot Silicone Sealing Ring!
Sealing rings absorb odors, so keeping extra rings is a smart move—especially if you cook both savory and sweet dishes regularly. Rings are available in different colors, which helps you dedicate a ring for certain flavor profiles. Make sure you buy the correct size for your cooker (3-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart).
Other useful extras include a spare inner cooking pot, an additional stainless steel rack, or a ceramic non-stick inner pot if you prefer a different surface. These options let you switch between recipes without lengthy cleaning in between. If you plan to use your 6-quart Instant Pot for slow cooking, consider a dedicated slow-cook lid designed for that purpose.
Vegan Instant Pot Cookbooks
Sometimes the best accessory is a cookbook. Vegan Instant Pot cookbooks provide recipes, techniques, and inspiration that help you use your appliance confidently and creatively. A good book can teach layering, timing adjustments, and how to convert traditional recipes for pressure cooking.
With the right accessories and a little practice, your Instant Pot can become an all-in-one appliance for steaming, baking, layering, and slow cooking—making weekday meals easier and expanding what you can prepare in a compact, efficient way.