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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Instant Pot Carrots

    Published: Sep 15, 2019 · Updated: Apr 7, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 46 Comments

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    Pin for carrot recipe

    These Instant Pot carrots make a delicious vegetable side dish for an everyday meal or holiday meal. They take only 15 minutes to make, have a fresh, naturally sweet taste and require only a few ingredients and minimal seasoning.

    A bowl of carrots topped with fresh herbs.

    Steamed carrots make an easy and delicious side. It wasn't until recently I started using the Instant Pot to cook them along with other veggies, including beets and cabbage, which made it even easier to make a batch when I'm busy.

    After all, the simplest recipes truly are the best because we end up making them on a regular basis.

    It takes about 12 minutes to cook carrots in the pressure cooker. This includes the amount of time it takes to build up pressure, about 10 minutes and the 2 minutes of cooking time.

    How to cook carrots in the Instant Pot

    1. Prepare the carrots: Rinse and peel the carrots. Slice off the ends and slice diagonally.

    Hand cutting carrots on cutting board

    2. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Place carrots in the Instant Pot and add water.

    Note: This recipe doesn't use a steamer basket. If you'd like to use one, place it inside the insert before adding the carrots.

    Hand pouring a bowl of chopped carrots into the insert of the Instant Pot.

    3. Cook the carrots: Close the Instant Pot and set the pressure cooker to cook for 2 minutes. Once completed carefully quick-release the steam and drain the carrots.

    4. Add dressing (optional): In a bowl, toss the carrots with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if using. Serve and enjoy.

    Hand using spoon to toss carrots with fresh herbs and oil.

    Storing and reheating

    To store: Store the leftover carrots in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

    To reheat: Gently reheat them on the skillet or the microwave.

    Substitutions and variations

    Carrots are so versatile and it's easy to cook a batch and create various flavors. The following are a few variations:

    • Buttery herbed carrots: for a buttery flavor, replace the olive oil with melted grass-fed butter. Add fresh herbs and toss. Pro-tip: it's best to melt the butter before adding it to the carrots.
    • Honey cinnamon carrots: replace the fresh herbs and pepper with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of honey, to taste. Add a pinch of salt.
    • Honey herb carrots: replace the olive oil with melted grass-fed butter and 1 teaspoon of honey, to taste. Omit the pepper.
    • Garlicky lemon carrots: combine the olive oil (or butter), salt, and pepper with minced or crushed garlic cloves and lemon juice for a delicious garlicky lemon flavor.

    Top tips and suggestions

    • Cut the carrots into equal sizes so they cook evenly.
    • I find that thicker carrots work best as skinny carrots may fall apart when stirring.
    • Baby carrots don't require any slicing or chopping. Simply rinse the baby carrots and place them in the Instant Pot with the water.
    • Since the cooking time can be affected by the thickness of the carrots, if you find the carrots too firm, simply reseal the Instant Pot and cook for another 1 minute. Add more water, if needed.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I cook the carrots with any other vegetables? Yes, however, note that cooking time may vary for different ingredients. For example, broccoli cooks faster than carrots. Also, be sure to cut any other vegetable to be about the same size.

    Do I need a steamer basket? No, you do not need a steamer basket to cook carrots in the Instant Pot. In this recipe, I omit using a steamer basket since the Instant Pot doesn't come with one and requires a separate purchase.

    However, if you do have a steamer basket and would like to use it, simply add the water and place the steamer basket before arranging the carrots on top.

    A bowl of Instant Pot carrots.

    More easy Instant Pot recipes

    If you enjoy using your pressure cooker, check out the following recipes:

    • Butternut Squash Soup
    • Instant Pot Wheat Berries
    • How to cook chickpeas in the Instant Pot
    • How to cook Lentils in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Quinoa
    • Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs

    Did you make this Instant Pot carrots recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out. Be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your carrots.

    A bowl of carrots cooked in the Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Carrots

    5 from 43 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 3 minutes
    Cook time: 12 minutes
    Total time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 155kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    These Instant Pot carrots make a delicious vegetable side dish for an everyday meal or holiday meal. They take only 15 minutes to make, have a fresh, naturally sweet taste and require only a few ingredients and minimal seasoning. 

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb carrots
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • salt and pepper, to taste
    • fresh herbs, parsley, chives, cilantro

    Instructions

    • Rinse and peel the carrots. Slice off the ends and slice diagonally.
    • Add water to the Instant Pot and arrange carrots.
    • Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on "sealing", and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. Once completed carefully quick release the steam, remove the lid, and drain the carrots.
    • In a separate bowl, toss the carrots with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (if using). Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Storing leftover: Store the leftover carrots in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
    • Reheat: Gently reheat them on the skillet over medium heat or the microwave.
    • Baby carrots: While this dish calls for sliced carrots, baby carrots are another great option. If you have a steamer basket, feel free to use it.
    • Softer carrots: If you prefer softer carrots, I suggest cooking on high pressure for 3 minutes instead.
    • Crisp carrots: If you prefer crisper carrots, cook for 1 minute instead.
    • Size: Cut the carrots into equal sizes so they cook evenly.
    • Thicker carrots: I find that thicker carrots work best as skinny carrots may fall apart when stirring.
    • Cook longer, if needed: Since the cooking time can be affected by the thickness of the carrots, if you find the carrots too firm, simply reseal the Instant Pot and cook for another 1 minute. Be sure not to drain the water.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 155kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 163mg, Potassium: 726mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 37889IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 1mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!
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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dana says

      July 12, 2021 at 8:33 am

      I ended up making this twice in one day. Once with olive oil and once with butter. They were both delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Jessi says

      December 24, 2020 at 10:14 am

      Absolutely delicious! I added melted butter and fresh herbs. Perfect side for dinners.5 stars

      Reply
    3. Charles Taylor says

      November 24, 2020 at 10:04 am

      Good Recipe!
      Serve red to my bible study group and they want me to make again.
      One part I didn’t do was peel the carrots!
      Why do you peel, more vitamins if left unpeeled??
      Thanks,
      Charles Taylor5 stars

      Reply
    4. Ann says

      November 17, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      This recipe is SO easy and simply delicious! Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
    5. Chelsea says

      March 08, 2020 at 11:28 am

      Perfectly tender carrots. And so easy to flavor. My kids loved them!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Kristen Parker says

      December 26, 2019 at 8:38 am

      So simple yet so tasty! I added melted butter and fresh herbs.5 stars

      Reply
    7. Martha Wesley says

      December 25, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      Such a simple and flavorful side dish, perfect for the holidays!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Deborah says

      December 24, 2019 at 4:51 pm

      Such a great quick way to cook carrots. I don’t know why I’ve never used my IP to make them before. I made the buttery herbed version you listed and they were so good the kids ate them!5 stars

      Reply
    9. Irina says

      December 03, 2019 at 4:52 pm

      I have recently noticed that I use my instant pot more often due to your recipes! Here is another easy one:) Thanks for sharing.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 2:58 pm

        So happy to hear, Irina! Thanks for sharing your feedback.

        Reply
    10. Laura | Wandercooks says

      December 03, 2019 at 3:34 pm

      Just fab. Thanks for the helpful tips, I cut my carrots up a little thicker than usual and it made all the difference. So quick and easy 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 2:59 pm

        So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Laura!

        Reply
    11. Patty at Spoonabilities says

      December 03, 2019 at 2:31 pm

      What a delicious side dish! I rarely serve carrots alone and this easy recipe has inspired me to serve up some carrots tonight!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 3:07 pm

        Thanks for sharing! It definitely makes for a delicious side!

        Reply
    12. kim says

      December 03, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      Yes, please! This will be an amazing side dish for the holidays!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 3:12 pm

        Hope you enjoyed it, Kim!

        Reply
    13. Jennifer Allen says

      December 03, 2019 at 1:03 pm

      I love the versatility of my Instant Pot, and this recipe is a family favorite! Easy, tasty, and conveniently made in my IP!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 3:12 pm

        Thanks, Jennifer!

        Reply
    14. Katie says

      November 29, 2019 at 9:46 am

      Made this for the family and it was a hit!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 29, 2019 at 2:55 pm

        So happy to hear, Katie! Thank you for sharing.

        Reply
    15. Erika says

      November 29, 2019 at 8:40 am

      Making carrots in the Instant Pot sounds fabulous! Definitely going to try this.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 29, 2019 at 2:55 pm

        I hope you enjoy it, Erika! thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    16. Jessica says

      November 29, 2019 at 8:30 am

      I made these carrots for Thanksgiving yesterday and they were amazing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 29, 2019 at 2:55 pm

        That makes me so happy to hear, Jessica - thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    17. Beth says

      November 29, 2019 at 8:25 am

      This is the best way to cook carrots! They came out so tender and tasty! Loved it!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 29, 2019 at 2:56 pm

        Thank you, Beth! so glad you enjoyed this method - I find using the pressure cooker so convenient, even for tasks as simple as cooking carrrots.

        Reply
    18. Courtney says

      October 09, 2019 at 10:49 pm

      I don’t know what it is about tossing some carrots in the Instant Pot, but it just makes dinner so much easier to make!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 29, 2019 at 2:56 pm

        I'd absolutely have to agree with you, Courtney! Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    19. Cookilicious says

      September 30, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Wow this looks stunning..craving for it now. Will get some carrots

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 29, 2019 at 2:57 pm

        Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    20. Courtney says

      September 15, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      I made these for dinner tonight as a side and they turned out perfect!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 16, 2019 at 4:18 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    21. Irina says

      September 15, 2019 at 6:33 pm

      You are brilliant! You have created an easy recipe, using humble carrots! Bookmarking for later...5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 15, 2019 at 8:54 pm

        So glad you love it, Irina!

        Reply
    22. Liz says

      September 15, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      I used to work in kitchens where the steamers would cook veggies like this so quickly! This seems like the perfect option for the same result at home!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 15, 2019 at 8:55 pm

        Yes! I hope you enjoy it, Liz!

        Reply
    23. Danielle says

      September 15, 2019 at 5:02 pm

      Great side for a great brunch. At least I prefer these at that time of the day 🙂 Love the color and how easy this recipe looks - just what I need!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 15, 2019 at 5:03 pm

        Serving these as a side for brunch sounds delicious!

        Reply
    24. Krissy Allori says

      September 15, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      Cooked carrots have so much flavor. I can't wait try this.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 15, 2019 at 4:52 pm

        I hope you love it, Krissy!

        Reply
    25. Tawnie Kroll says

      September 15, 2019 at 4:42 pm

      Made these over the weekend and they were so good! Thank you!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 15, 2019 at 4:53 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them, Tawnie!

        Reply
    26. Caitlin says

      September 15, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      I don't know why I never thought of using the Instant Pot to make carrots. It's so quick and easy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 15, 2019 at 4:53 pm

        So easy! So glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
        • Alice Mokrzewski says

          August 16, 2020 at 6:16 am

          Perfect!!! Very impresses..

          Reply
          • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

            September 24, 2020 at 6:04 pm

            Thank you, Alice! I'm glad to hear that.

            Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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