Cooking in an “instant pot” or pressure cooker is a great method for preparing your food on many levels — including the nutritional level, according to registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD.
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“Instantpotrecipes are absolutely healthy as long as what you put in the recipe is healthy,” she says.
The shorter cooking time may also result in the greater preservation ofvitaminsand minerals when compared to other longer types of cooking.
“This style of cooking is especially beneficial for those who lead a busy life but still wish to eat healthy in amore efficient way— so you’re getting the best of both worlds,” Czerwony adds.
While nutritionists agree the pressure cooking style preserves a higher level ofnutrient retention,many others alsoagree this method of food preparation allows for better taste and texture, too.
Czerwony says it’s also important to keep in mind the type of dish that would benefit most from this type of preparation — like soups, stews, or whole grain or brown rice dishes. (If you’re hoping to enjoy a simple plate full ofvibrant green broccolifor example, a pressure cooker may not be your best option).
As people are cooking at home more, there is also an economic benefit of using a pressure cooker appliance. Cheaper cuts of meats and dried beans are more budget friendly and can easily be cooked in this type of appliance.
Cooking in bulk and freezing for later also helps when you don’t feel like cooking but still wish to retain nutrients and flavor. This also helps with portion control so you waste less food.
Some instant pot models offer other benefits. One model offers a sous vide option. This is a style of preparation that cooks the meat in a warm water bath for a long period of time, but does all the cooking in the bag. All you have to do is give the meat some grill marks and you’re ready. Air frying options are also available on some models, which decreases the need for more gadgets and takes up less counter space.
“There are many benefits of cooking with an instant pot. Just remember, the healthiest recipes includefoods that are healthy from the start — so begin with nutrition-packed ingredients and simply adjust the cooking process for the instantpot you own,” she emphasizes.
FAQs
Cooking with an Instant Pot is not inherently any more or less healthy than other cooking methods. That said, if the ease and convenience of the Instant Pot recipes helps you make more homemade meals or dabble with cooking a wider variety of foods, then this appliance can be a boon for your diet.
Are Instant Pot meals healthy? ›
“Instant pot recipes are absolutely healthy as long as what you put in the recipe is healthy,” she says.
Is food cooked in a pressure cooker healthy? ›
Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy as it uses steam to cook food, the insulated and sealed body does not allow the water to evaporate thus preserving the nutrients in the food. Pressure cookers do not require oil to cook making them even healthier.
Are instant pots safe for your health? ›
Are electric pressure cookers safe? Yes, electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot are generally safe and easy to use.
Which is better Instant Pot or pressure cooker? ›
If you're a tech-savvy home chef looking for versatility and convenience, the Instant Pot might be your ideal match. However, if you value time-tested reliability, durability, and a focus on the art of pressure cooking, a classic pressure cooker could be your perfect culinary companion.
What is the disadvantage of Instant Pot? ›
Con– The Instant Pot uses steam under pressure to cook food and not everything is meant to be cooked in the Instant Pot. I attempted a crustless quiche which turned out well but it was too wet and moist to my liking and I prefer to cook it in the oven with dry heat.
What are the disadvantages of pressure cooking? ›
Because pressure cooking is an enclosed form of cooking, there is no contact with air. Therefore, some nutritionists argue that the ingredients may remain uncooked from within which can hamper your digestion on being consumed. Almost all cooking methods, including pressure cooking, have their own pros and cons.
Why does Instapot have prop 65 warning? ›
The Duo Nova is PTFE and PFOA free. This model does come with a Prop 65 warning, as a small amount phthalates are present in the power cord. The food contact materials are standard stainless steel and aluminum. All Instant Brand products are compliant to all FDA standards.
Which is healthier, a slow cooker or a pressure cooker? ›
Is cooking in a pressure cooker healthy? Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy. Unlike a slow cooker, which cooks foods for a long time at a lower temperature, pressure cookers do use high heat when cooking - but not for a long time. This means that most of the nutrients won't be lost.
Which cooker is best for health? ›
Stainless steel pressure cookers are generally considered to be the better choice for health, as they are less likely to leach metals into food during cooking. Additionally, stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion and rusting, meaning it will last longer.
Despite its popularity in professional kitchens, a pressure cooker is rarely featured on cooking shows. But that doesn't mean celebrity chefs don't appreciate their value. In fact, many renowned chefs have sung the praises of pressure cookers.
Is an Instant Pot better than a crockpot? ›
If you are interested primarily in slow cooking, you should buy a dedicated slow cooker. They're more reliable with a range of slow-cooker recipes than an Instant Pot. We found Instant Pot multicookers specifically could not successfully slow-cook dense, high-volume recipes such as beef stew or pot roast.
Are Instapots better than air fryers? ›
Cooking times: Instant Pots can often prepare food more quickly than air fryers. Food choices: Although both small kitchen appliances can prepare a wide range of foods, Instant Pots offer more recipe options. Ease of use: Air fryers are good for beginners, while Instant Pots have a learning curve.
Is cooking meat in an Instant Pot healthy? ›
Pressure-cooked meat-based dishes show a significant reduction in unsaturated fat contents, but it appears that iron is not lost. In addition to making foods like grains and legumes more digestible, pressure cooking does not create any of the unhealthy chemicals associated with baking and grilling methods.
What's healthier Instant Pot or air fryer? ›
The difference between the Instant Pot and air fryer is the way they cook. Instant Pot uses pressure cooking method to make food faster and easier, while air fryer uses hot air method to make oil-free and healthier food.
What foods should not be cooked in an Instant Pot? ›
6 Things You Should Never Cook in an Instant Pot
- Creamy Sauces. If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. ...
- Fried Chicken. The best fried chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown. ...
- Cookies. ...
- Burgers. ...
- Pie. ...
- Steak.
Like any method of cooking, pressure cooking does destroy some of the nutrients in food, but it actually preserves more than any other cooking method.
