Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Cubes

Instant Pot sweet potatoes cubed offers a remarkably nutritious and budget-friendly side dish that consistently earns rave reviews for its delightful sweet and savory flavor profile. Perfect for elevating holiday meals like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, or simply as a wholesome addition to your weeknight dinners, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you own an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or any other brand of pressure cooker, you can effortlessly create this crowd-pleasing dish.

Are you searching for a new, exciting pressure cooker side dish that is not only economical but also a guaranteed hit with your children? Look no further! Instant Pot cubed sweet potatoes are poised to become your family’s next favorite. This dish requires minimal preparation yet delivers a gourmet taste that rivals restaurant quality. Its ease and deliciousness will undoubtedly secure its spot in your regular meal rotation. (Please note: this article may contain affiliate links.)

Mastering the Cooking Time for Cubed Sweet Potatoes in Your Instant Pot

The beauty of cooking cubed sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker lies in its incredible speed. Seriously, from the moment you begin prepping to the moment you serve this delectable side dish alongside your main course, you’re looking at less than 15 minutes. This efficiency makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, healthy addition to your meal. While you can garnish these tender sweet potato cubes however you like, our preferred method involves a sprinkle of cinnamon, a touch of sugar, and a generous drizzle of honey for that perfect balance of sweetness. This quick and healthy alternative might even replace your more calorie-laden sweet potato casserole during holiday feasts, offering all the flavor with a lighter touch.

We’ve previously explored methods like making whole air fryer sweet potatoes, but those typically demand significantly more time and aren’t as convenient to eat. Whether your goal is to save precious time during Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas meal preparations, or simply to encourage your kids to embrace more vegetables, this Instant Pot method for cubed sweet potatoes is a must-try. It transforms a nutritious vegetable into an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy.

If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, you’re in for a treat! We offer a wealth of easy one-pot meal recipes. To help you get started on your pressure cooking journey, here are a few essential tips:

• Make sure to bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We regularly add new and exciting dishes!
• For quick reference, print our comprehensive Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. This invaluable guide will help you understand the precise cooking durations for various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans in your pressure cooker.
• Consider investing in a high-quality non-stick inner pot. While it’s always good to understand how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing, a non-stick liner significantly reduces the chances of food sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

For your reference, the Instant Pot model I consistently use for all my recipe creations is a 6-quart version, a perfect size for most family meals.

Ninja Foodi and Other Pressure Cookers: Why Cubed is Best

You might wonder why I emphasize cutting ingredients, especially sweet potatoes, into bite-sized pieces for pressure cooking. The reason is two-fold: it significantly speeds up the cooking process and ensures a more even cook throughout. This method isn’t just for vegetables; I apply it to meats as well. Perhaps it stems from years of preparing meals for three girls and the countless times I’ve had to cut food at the table. Having everything pre-cut makes serving much easier and more enjoyable for everyone, especially for little ones. Uniformly cubed sweet potatoes cook consistently, meaning you avoid the frustration of some pieces being perfectly tender while others remain stubbornly firm. This simple step guarantees a delightful texture in every bite, regardless of whether you’re using an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or any other pressure cooking appliance.

Effortlessly Steam Cubed Sweet Potatoes in Your Instant Pot

Steaming cubed sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward and yields beautifully tender results. The process is simple: just peel and cut your sweet potatoes into cubes, place them into a steamer basket, add water to the bottom of the inner pot, and let your pressure cooker work its magic. Once cooked, you have several delicious serving options. You can serve them as is, allowing their natural sweetness to shine, or you can mash them into a creamy consistency, similar to our Instant Pot sweet mashed potatoes. While mashed sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, serving them cubed offers a pleasing textural contrast and is a wonderful change of pace. No matter the size or shape you choose, the incredible flavor remains consistent, making this a versatile dish for any occasion.

Unraveling the Mystery: What’s the Difference Between a Yam and a Sweet Potato?

The distinction between yams and sweet potatoes often causes confusion, and it’s a common question I encounter. When cooked until tender, fresh sweet potatoes, especially those in this recipe, can resemble the canned varieties often served during holidays. However, true yams, when fresh, are typically starchier and much less sweet than what most Americans identify as a “yam” (which is often just a variety of sweet potato). The sweet potatoes we use in this recipe are wonderfully sweet and flavorful, making them a far superior alternative to their canned counterparts. Imagine replacing that can of syrupy yams with these freshly prepared, naturally sweet cubes, complete with marshmallows on top! I guarantee that if dressed similarly and presented in an attractive dish, no one would ever question the substitution. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re serving a dish free from preservatives and excessive, cloyingly sweet additives.

Cooking Frozen Cubed Sweet Potatoes: Tips for Success

While preparing fresh sweet potatoes takes very little time, you can also find pre-prepped, frozen cubed sweet potatoes at most grocery stores. The good news is that these frozen cubes can be cooked in your pressure cooker using essentially the same method and cooking time as fresh ones. They will still achieve that fork-tender consistency under high pressure. However, considering that peeling and cubing fresh sweet potatoes typically takes no more than five minutes, opting for fresh often provides a superior flavor and texture with minimal extra effort. If convenience is your top priority and you choose to use frozen sweet potato cubes, simply follow the instructions provided for fresh sweet potatoes; there’s no need to adjust the cooking time or pressure settings. Just remember that the fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant the taste of your final dish will be.

How to Cube Sweet Potatoes

Cubing sweet potatoes is a straightforward process, not rocket science, but a few tips can make it even easier. First, you’ll want to peel the skins, as they can be quite tough and unpleasant to eat, unlike the thinner skins of some other potato varieties. Once peeled, slice the sweet potato lengthwise in half. Place the cut, flat side down on your cutting board for stability. Then, slice the sweet potato lengthwise again, twice more, to create about three equal-sized planks. Finally, turn these planks to the side and cut them into cubes of your desired size, typically around 1×1 inch for this recipe.

How long does it take to soften cubed potatoes in a pressure cooker?

When cut into large bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch cubes), russet or sweet potatoes typically take only 8 minutes under high pressure to become perfectly fork-tender. This is an incredibly efficient method for steaming, which also helps preserve more of their valuable nutrients compared to boiling, which can leach out vitamins and minerals. The smaller your cubes, the softer they will become. For general serving, aim for 1×1 inch cubes. If you’re planning to mash them later for a dish like Instant Pot sweet potato casserole, you can cut them slightly smaller if you wish for an even smoother mash.

As you can observe in the image above, the size of the cubes is quite consistent. We’ve applied a similar technique when preparing air fryer butternut squash cubes. If you prefer a more traditional cooking method, there’s no problem at all! You can certainly achieve delicious results by making sweet potato cubes in the oven, as we’ve demonstrated previously. However, for speed and convenience, the pressure cooker truly excels.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Cubed Sweet Potatoes

Creating these delightful Instant Pot cubed sweet potatoes is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, tender sweet potatoes every time:

• Prepare the Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your pressure cooker. Carefully lower a vegetable steamer basket into the bottom of the pot, ensuring it sits above the water level.
• Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Remove the skins from your sweet potatoes (this is generally preferred for a smoother texture, but optional). Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes, approximately 1×1 inch in size. Place the cubes evenly into the steamer basket.
• Season (Optional): If desired, you can sprinkle a small amount of white sugar and a pinch of salt over the sweet potato cubes at this stage. This enhances their natural flavor.
• Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is sealed. Set your Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick Release: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. This means carefully opening the steam valve to release the steam rapidly.
• Serve: Once the pressure has fully released and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. Carefully lift the steamer basket out of the pot and transfer the tender sweet potato cubes to serving plates.

Our favorite way to serve these cooked sweet potatoes is to sprinkle them generously with some brown sugar and cinnamon, then finish with a lovely drizzle of honey. A tiny pinch of salt over each serving adds a fantastic sweet and savory dimension that truly makes the flavors pop. Alternatively, you could add a dollop of butter and a splash of maple syrup for a rich, comforting taste. Feel free to customize with your family’s favorite toppings!

Add a cup of these delicious, warm sweet potato cubes to each plate and garnish to your heart’s content! If you discover another fantastic topping or seasoning combination that your family adores, please share it with us so we can try it too.

For those looking to make a healthier version of their beloved holiday sweet potato dish, simply follow this recipe and top with maple syrup and some crushed pecans. Cubing the sweet potatoes, rather than mashing them, introduces a wonderful texture to the dish while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile you crave.

Creative Ways to Serve Steamed Sweet Potatoes

While serving your Instant Pot steamed sweet potatoes as is is the quickest and most straightforward method, there are several ways to elevate them and even achieve a slightly crispy exterior if you desire:

• Air Fryer Finish: For wonderfully crispy edges, transfer your steamed sweet potato cubes to an air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 4 minutes, tossing them once halfway through. You can even drizzle them with a little honey, cinnamon, and sugar before air frying for an extra touch of flavor and caramelization.
• Broiler Boost: Spread the steamed cubes on a baking sheet. Add your desired toppings – perhaps some butter, brown sugar, or a sprinkle of herbs – and place them under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, but this quick finish will give you delicious baked sweet potato bites with a lovely caramelized crust.
• Simple & Sweet: As mentioned, a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey with a tiny dash of salt creates a perfect sweet and savory combination.
• Savory Twist: For a savory profile, toss the steamed sweet potatoes with olive oil, a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can jump to the printable recipe card below and get started right now. If you happen to have any leftovers, simply allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator. They can be easily reheated in the microwave the next day for another quick and delicious meal.

The Abundant Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Beyond their delicious taste and ease of preparation, sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses. Incorporating them into your diet regularly can offer numerous health advantages. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. Just one medium sweet potato can provide well over your daily recommended intake of Vitamin A. They are also packed with Vitamin C, another essential antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes collagen production. Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, making them great for weight management. Furthermore, they provide important minerals like potassium, which is vital for heart health and maintaining fluid balance, and manganese, which plays a role in bone health and metabolism. By choosing Instant Pot cubed sweet potatoes, you’re not just enjoying a tasty side dish; you’re actively boosting your nutrient intake in a convenient and delicious way.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Sweet Potato Issues

While cooking sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot is usually foolproof, a few common issues might arise. Here’s how to address them:

• Sweet Potatoes are Too Firm: If your sweet potatoes aren’t as tender as you’d like after the initial cooking time, it’s likely due to variations in cube size or the density of the potatoes. Simply seal the lid again, ensure the steam valve is closed, and cook for another 1-2 minutes under high pressure, followed by a quick release.
• Sweet Potatoes are Mushy: This typically happens if they are overcooked or cut too small. To avoid this, ensure your cubes are consistently around 1 inch and stick to the 8-minute cooking time. If your potatoes are already mushy, they are perfect for mashing or blending into soups.
• Burning on the Bottom (BURN error): This error usually indicates insufficient liquid in the pot. Always ensure you have at least 1 cup of water at the bottom of the inner pot when steaming, as specified in the recipe. Also, ensure no small pieces of food have fallen below the steamer basket, as these can scorch.
• Uneven Cooking: If some cubes are tender and others are firm, it means your cubes were not cut to a uniform size. Take a moment during preparation to ensure all pieces are roughly the same size for consistent results.
• Lid Not Sealing: Check that the silicone sealing ring is properly seated in the lid and that the steam release valve is in the “Sealing” position. Sometimes the sealing ring can become dislodged or need cleaning.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can ensure a perfect batch of Instant Pot cubed sweet potatoes every single time, making this healthy and delicious side dish a consistent success in your kitchen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 1 voter.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes Cubed

By Justine

Instant Pot sweet potatoes cubed is a nutritious side dish that is cheap to make and everyone says they’re delicious. Sweet and savory made in a Ninja Foodi or any pressure cooker.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 8 mins

Servings: 6

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Equipment

• 1 pressure cooker
• 1 steamer basket

Ingredients

• 3 sweet potatoes, skinned, cut into bite size cubes
• 1 c water

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Instructions

1. Pour water into inner pot and lower down a vegetable steamer basket. Remove skins (or not) and cut into bite size pieces, put into basket.
2. Can sprinkle with a bit of white sugar and salt if desired now. Close lid and steam valve and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Do a quick release when done. Lift steamer basket out and serve on plates.
4. Favorite way is to sprinkle some brown sugar, cinnamon, a drizzle of honey and just a bit of a sprinkle of salt on top of each serving for a sweet and savory flavor.
5. If you have a Ninja Foodi you can transfer pieces to air fry basket, empty water, drizzle on honey, cinnamon and sugar and air crisp for a few minutes if you want a bit of crisp on the outsides.

Video

A video demonstration of this recipe is available here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz, Calories: 97kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 64mg, Potassium: 381mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 16031IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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