These 30-minute set-it-and-forget-it Instant Pot artichokes are kind of a dream come true. All you need is artichokes, some water, and about 3 minutes of active kitchen duty, and you’re on your way to perfect, tender artichokes (with the best hearts). Yes please!
Give me a 1-ingredient recipe with a prescription for just 3 minutes of prep time, and I’m like a kid at Christmas. These Instant Pot artichokes are just that, and I really am obsessed. There’s something very elegant (in my opinion) about simple artichokes served with nothing but melted butter or a fun dipping sauce (I’ve been super into this Lemon Dill Sauce). And the fact that it’s possible with such a simple, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is a miracle to me. You’ll see!
About This Easy Instant Pot Artichokes Recipe
This might just be the best way to do artichokes. Here’s why:
- You literally only need to be in the kitchen for 3 minutes to make it work. That’s pretty amazing. Plus, the recipe only requires 1 ingredient and a little water. Simplicity at its finest.
- You know how artichokes often come out with tough, bitter leaves? Not here. The Instant Pot does a fabulous job of steaming every nook and cranny of these bad boys for tender, buttery leaves every time.
- There are about a gazillion things you can do with these artichokes. From experimenting with sauces, to stuffing them, to removing the artichoke hearts and using them in your favorite pasta or casserole. Make a bunch and let me know what you come up with!
What You’ll Need
Head on out to the farmers’ market! Here comes the shortest shopping list you’ll ever see (see the recipe card below for amounts):
- Artichokes – Keep in mind that the size of the artichokes will determine the cook time. See the notes section in the recipe card below for more info.
- Water – For steaming. If you’d like to infuse some extra flavor into the artichokes, you could use some broth instead. My Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth or this Instant Pot Mushroom Vegan Bone Broth would work well.
How to Make Instant Pot Artichokes
Time to pull out your Instant Pot. Here’s a quick look at how to make these easy artichokes. You can find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
- Prep the artichokes. Cut the tips off the artichoke leaves.
- Prep the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket inside the Instant Pot and add 2 cups of water.
- Steam. Place the artichokes upright in the basket, seal the pressure cooker, and cook on high for 5-20 minutes*, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a manual release.
- Serve. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce (see the section below titled “What to Serve With Instant Pot Artichokes” for inspo).
* Cooking times will vary based on the size of the artichokes. Aim for 5-8 minutes for small artichokes, 10-15 minutes for medium, and 15-20 minutes for large.
Pressure Cooking Tips
Before you get started, have a quick read through these tips and tricks:
- Size matters. Pay attention to the size of your artichokes. Small ones will only need about 5-8 minutes in the pressure cooker, while larger ones will need up to 20 minutes. I also highly recommend grabbing artichokes that are the same size. Otherwise, one will cook faster than the other.
- Don’t crowd the pot. Most Instant Pots should easily hold 2 artichokes. That said, if you have HUGE artichokes or wish to make more in one batch, be sure you’re not crowding the steamer basket. Each artichoke needs a little space around it for the steam to circulate evenly.
- Natural release. It is SO important to let the pressure in the Instant Pot release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest. The artichokes will continue to cook during that time.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Seal any fully cooled leftover artichokes in an airtight container (a large freezer bag would be my pick) and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Whole, steamed artichokes don’t thaw very well. That said, artichoke hearts do. Remove them and seal them in a freezer-safe airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before using.
- To reheat: Artichokes are great served warm or cold. If you wish to reheat yours, place them in a steamer basket over some water in a pot on the stove. Turn up the heat and steam for 5 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave whole artichokes (or just the hearts) in 30-second intervals until heated through.
More Artichoke Recipes
Looking for more ways to use artichokes? Here are a few more recipes for you:
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Cut the tips off the tip of the artichokes.
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Place the steamer basket inside your InstantPot, then add two cups of water.
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Place the artichokes in the center of the basket, as upright as possible.
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Seal the lid, then cook on high pressure for 5-20 minutes*.
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Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then release the rest of the way.
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Serve the artichokes with the dipping sauce and enjoy!
- 5 – 8 minutes for small artichokes
- 10 – 15 minutes for medium artichokes
- 15 – 20 minutes for large artichokes
Serving: 1artichoke | Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg