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
This study concluded that pressure-cooking of Bathua and fenugreek leaves results in better retention of beta-carotene and vitamin C as compared to open pan cooking. It means that pressure cooking is a good way of preserving the nutritional value of food.
Are Instant Pot meals healthy? ›
“Instant pot recipes 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 of vitamins and minerals when compared to other longer types of cooking.
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.
Is Instant Pot better than 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 healthier, a slow cooker or an Instant Pot? ›
When it comes to preserving nutrients, the Instant Pot's high-pressure cooking generally wins the battle. If you're looking for quick, healthy meals with minimal nutrient loss, the Instant Pot is your go-to. For rich, complex flavors and fall-off-the-bone tenderness, the slow cooker takes the crown.
Does pressure cooking destroy nutrients in food? ›
Cooking methods vary in their ability to retain nutrients, and pressure cooking stands out. Research, including a study from the 1990s, suggests that pressure cooking retains about 90 to 95 percent of food nutrients, outperforming other methods like steaming, roasting, and especially boiling.
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.
Do professional chefs use Instant Pot? ›
What Dishes Do Chefs Cook with Instant Pots? Pressure cookers are popular among chefs, but they aren't the primary cooking technique they employ. One of the most popular dishes Chefs use pressure cookers for are curries. An Instant Pot will allow them to cook curries considerably faster with little downside.
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.
What are the cons of electric pressure cookers? ›
Electric pressure cookers typically operate at lower pressures than high quality stove-top pressure cookers. They, therefore, take longer to cook the food and cost more to operate as they use more energy, which of course you have to pay for every month or two when you get your utility bill.
Some pressure cookers are made of aluminum which I don't recommend. You can read more in the Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Cookware about stainless steel, aluminum and non-stick coatings. There is one caveat. I don't recommend using a stainless steel pressure cooker every day or with high frequency.
Is roast better in CrockPot or Instant Pot? ›
Some people prefer a roast that has more substance, so if you do, the Instant Pot is the winner. I have tried cooking a roast for up to 120 minutes in the Instant Pot and the texture still didn't match a slow cooker, but every 10 minutes of added pressure cooking will definitely make the meat more tender.
Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook chicken? ›
So can a Crock-Pot cook better chicken than an Instant Pot? Well, it really depends on what you're making. The Instant Pot cooks chicken much faster than its non-pressure counterparts, but the resulting texture isn't going to be the same as what you'd get with a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
Are instant pots healthy to use? ›
Even though some studies suggest that pressure cooking isn't the best way to preserve nutrients in food, no research exists to suggest that pressure cookers of any model or brand pose health risks. If you're a fan of your Instant Pot, don't worry: You can continue to safely use your appliance without worry.
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 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.
7 Healthy Instant Food Dishes You Should Try
- Easy Vegan Onion Dip by Plantifullybased.
- Black Bean Power Bowl.
- Arugula Pad Thai.
- Protein-Packed Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers.
- Easy Vegan Chicken Ramen.
- Easy Vegan Tortilla Soup.
- Ramen Scallion Pancakes by @plantifullybased.
