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Creamy mashed potatoes served in a white bowl with melted butter swirled on top.
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (Light & Fluffy)

These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and ready in minutes. A simple, fuss-free side dish for holidays or weeknight meals.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Pressure Release10 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Skill Level: Beginner
Servings: 6 Servings
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds golden potatoes peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup milk of choice whole milk or 2%
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Place the prepared 3 pounds golden potatoes into your instant pot and pour in the 3 cups filtered water and 1 cup milk of choice.
    Milk being poured into an Instant Pot with sliced potatoes.
  • Season generously with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (What I used, you can alter).
    Pressure cooker pot with sliced potatoes seasoned generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Give everything a stir, then set the lid on and seal the valve. Press the MANUAL button and set it for 8 minutes. Once the timer is off, allow the pressure to self-release for 10 minutes. Then cover the valve with a thin kitchen towel and turn on the valve so it releases.
    Instant Pot filled with sliced golden potatoes being stirred with a spatula before cooking.
  • Drain half of the liquid into a large jar, keeping it aside for later. Then, add in the 2 tablespoons butter or drizzle with olive oil.
    Instant Pot filled with cooked sliced Yukon gold potatoes with less milk mixture, and butter melting on top, ready for mashing.
  • Mash the potatoes, adding more of the reserved liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.
    Pot of freshly mashed Yukon gold potatoes being worked with a potato masher.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with finely chopped Fresh parsley and serve hot.
    Mashed potatoes topped with melted butter, served in a white dish with a wooden spoon beside it.

Notes

  • Cut potatoes into the same size chunks so they cook evenly.
  • Mash with a masher or ricer for a fluffy texture (avoid over-mashing).
  • Save some cooking liquid to adjust consistency if needed.
  • Season the cooking water well so the flavor goes all the way through.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual servings on high for about 1 minute, or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 810mg | Potassium: 1020mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg