Instant Pot oatmeal is a healthy breakfast that comes together in, well, an instant! Take the wait out of making steel-cut oats with this simple tutorial on how to make Instant Pot oatmeal.

bowl of instant pot oatmeals topped with shredded chocolate and fresh blueberries and strawberries.

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Oatmeal for breakfast? Yes, please. It’s a filling breakfast that we often turn to because of how easy it is to make. Plus, it has a high fiber content and a heart-healthy reputation we love!

Made with a neutral base, plain oatmeal makes a great canvas for spices, toppings, and mix-ins to delight your tastebuds.

It’s easy to make, but there are a few tips and tricks you should know to help guarantee your Instant Pot oats turn out perfect every single time.

Types of Oats

Let this be your go-to guide for oatmeal and how to make it in your trusty Instant Pot. Completely hands-off and ready in minutes, it’s a breeze—but not all types of oats are suitable for a pressure cooker.

Oatmeal consists of dehusked oats. From there, it gets a little more involved.  In most grocery stores, there are a few types available:

  • Whole Groats (Groats) – These are the least processed and have a slightly nuttier taste and chewier texture.
  • Steel-Cut Oats (Irish Oats) – These are the best for Instant Pot oats! They’re slightly earthy and pair well with strong flavors.
  • Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats) – These are groats that have been steamed and flattened with a roller. Rolled oats are par-cooked during the steaming process, meaning they have a softer texture and cook faster than steel-cut oats.
  • Quick-Cooking Oats – These are partially cooked through a steaming process and are rolled thinner than old-fashioned varieties.
  • Instant Oats – These are rolled oats that have been flattened further, meaning they cook in seconds and have a gummier texture than other varieties.

If you’re a fan of oatmeal, be sure to check out my Oatmeal Pancakes as well as my Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Cookies!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Oatmeal

See full recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions. 

  • Water – You could also substitute water or milk for more flavor.
  • Oats – I recommend using steel-cut oats or groats for the best taste and texture.
  • Salt – Technically optional, a pinch of salt helps enhance the flavor, making your oats even more delicious.

How to Cook Oatmeal in an Instant Pot

Now that you’ve got that down, let’s talk cooking.

Peek at your beloved Instant Pot. Is there a “Porridge” button? That’s going to be a nice place to start.

Here you’re going to need to look up your Instant Pot’s specific directions, but for the most part, it’s pre-programmed timing. There’s usually the option of Normal, More, and Less.

Less tends to be 5 minutes, and it’s what you’re going to use for steel-cut or rolled oats. You’re always going to want to use Natural Release for 10 minutes.

bowl of instant pot oatmeals topped with shredded chocolate and fresh blueberries and strawberries.
  1. Heat: Set a heat-safe bowl on a trivet in the Instant Pot. Add one cup of cold water for a 6-quart and a ¼ cup more for each additional quart.
  2. Make the oatmeal: To make the oatmeal, stir together groats, steel-cut oats, or rolled oats with your choice of water or water mixed 50/50 with any milk you prefer in a heat-proof bowl. I like to add a tiny dash of pink salt as well.
  3. Add: Then, place the bowl on the rack inside the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, and seal the valve. Cook under high pressure for 4 minutes.
  4. Cook: Let the pressure cooker sit, and naturally release for 10 minutes. For groats increase the time to 15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure. If the oats haven’t absorbed the water, use the sauté function to simmer until the oatmeal reaches the right consistency.

If you want to cook directly in the Instant Pot, try toasting the oats for a minute using the sauté function for a more robust flavor.

Topping Ideas

Now that it’s fully cooked, you can dress up your oatmeal however you like! Some of my favorite mix-ins and toppings include:

  • Dried fruit or fresh fruit (raisins, blueberries, strawberries, or bananas)
  • Butter
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.)
  • Peanut butter
  • Coconut flakes
  • Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips

FAQs

How do you keep oatmeal from burning in the instant pot?

The key to cooking oatmeal in the Instant Pot is to pay attention to the cooking steps on the recipe card below. Be sure that you release the pressure, and let the oatmeal sit naturally so that it soaks up any water that might be remaining.

Why is my instant oatmeal gluey?

No one likes sticky oatmeal! If your cooked oatmeal is sticky or gluey, you might need to adjust the amount of liquid that you are adding to the pressure cooker. Sticky oatmeal means that you need more liquid.

How do you make instant oatmeal thicker?

If you cook your oatmeal and notice that it’s a bit thinner than you want, there are a few things that you can do to thicken it up. First, be sure that you let it cool down a bit as it will thin as it cools. Then, try adding mix-ins like protein powder, peanut butter, or nut butter. Or, pop a bowl in the microwave for a few extra seconds to thicken it back up!

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

A bowl of Instant Pot oatmeal topped with blueberries, strawberries, and pecans.

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Instant Pot oatmeal is a healthy breakfast that comes together in, well, an instant! Take the wait out of making steel-cut oats with this simple tutorial on how to make Instant Pot oatmeal.
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Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Measuring cups

Ingredients  

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ½ cup steel-cut oats or groats
  • Pinch of salt optional

Instructions 

  • Set a heat-safe bowl on a trivet in the Instant Pot. Add one cup of cold water for a 6-quart and a ¼ cup more for each additional quart.
    1 ½ cups water
  • Combine water and oats in a bowl and set it on the rack of your Instant Pot. Secure the lid and seal the valve.
    ½ cup steel-cut oats or groats, Pinch of salt
  • Cook under high pressure for 4 minutes. Let the pressure cooker sit and naturally release for 10 minutes. For groats increase the time to 15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure. If water is still not absorbed, use the sauté function to simmer and stir until it’s gone.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Fiber: 9g | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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