Wash and scrub potatoes, then dry with a paper towel.
Pierce each potato 6-8 times with a fork to prevent it from exploding and allow steam and pressure to exit.
Place them on the trivet in your instant pot, adding one cup of cold water to the bottom of the pot. This allows the pressure to build up in the instant pot so potatoes get cooked while preserving their nutrients. However, make sure that potatoes are not touching the water, as otherwise they will get mushy and watery.
Cover with a lid and Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (this depends on what model of Instant Pot you’re using) and choose 12 minutes for medium potatoes and 10 minutes for smaller ones. If you are cooking large potatoes, then consider increasing the cooking time by 5 more minutes. Make sure that the vent is set on the “sealing” position.
While the potatoes are being cooked, you can melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan and add garlic and herbs to it. Cook for 1-2 minutes and set aside to allow the flavours to infuse.
After the cooking time has elapsed, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Turn the valve to release any remaining pressure before carefully opening the lid of the Instant Pot.
For Crispy Baked Potatoes (Optional)
Brush potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Add to the Air Fryer basket in an even layer, and cook for 10 minutes flipping at least once while cooking. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, top with butter or your favorite toppings and season with salt and herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
You can add any toppings based on your taste and preferences.
Use cold water and don't replace it with hot or warm water as this will change the time needed for the Instant Pot to come to preassure and therefore the time needed to bake potatoes.
For better results, bake 4 to 6 medium sized potatoes at once in a 6 or 8 quart instant pot. Using more leads to overcrowding which will take longer to reach pressure while using less potatoes will also take more time to cook. Try to chose equal sized potatoes so they cook evently.