Master the Art of Instant Pot Sausage: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Perfection

AvatarByErick Benitez How To Cook (Dishes)

Sausage lovers, listen up! We all know and love the delicious flavor and convenience of cooking sausage, but have you ever considered using your Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal? With its time-saving capabilities and versatile cooking options, the Instant Pot has become a kitchen essential for many home chefs. In this article, we’ll show you how to elevate your sausage game by mastering the art of cooking it in your trusty Instant Pot. Get ready to take your taste buds on a savory journey as we explore the step-by-step process of creating perfectly cooked sausages in no time. Are you ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof method? Let’s get cooking!

The Benefits of Cooking Sausage in an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has become a must-have kitchen appliance for many households because it can significantly reduce cooking time and produce deliciously tender and flavorful dishes. This is especially true when it comes to cooking sausage in an Instant Pot. In this section, we will explore the benefits of using an Instant Pot to cook sausage.

One of the main benefits of cooking sausage in an Instant Pot is the time-saving factor. Sausage, especially larger cuts like bratwurst or Italian sausage, can take a while to cook on a stovetop or grill. However, with an Instant Pot, you can have perfectly cooked sausage in just a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking function helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor quickly.

Another advantage of using an Instant Pot for cooking sausage is that it retains moisture and prevents the sausages from drying out. This is particularly important when cooking leaner sausages like chicken or turkey sausage, which can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. The sealed environment of the Instant Pot keeps all the juices trapped inside, resulting in juicy and succulent sausages.

Furthermore, using an Instant Pot for cooking sausage allows you to achieve consistent results every time. Unlike traditional methods where external factors like stove temperature or grill heat can affect the cooking outcome, with an Instant Pot, you have precise control over the temperature and duration of cooking. This means that your sausages will come out perfectly cooked each time without any guesswork.

Lastly, using an Instant Pot for cooking sausage is also great for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch of sausages at once and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. This is ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook but still want a quick and delicious meal. You can also use the sausages in various recipes, from breakfast casseroles to pasta dishes.

The Best Types of Sausage to Cook in an Instant Pot

While an Instant Pot may be able to cook any type of sausage, some varieties work better than others. Here are some of the best types of sausage to cook in an Instant Pot:

1. Bratwurst or Italian Sausage – These larger cuts of sausage are perfect for cooking in an Instant Pot. The pressure cooking function helps to tenderize the meat quickly, resulting in juicy and flavorful sausages.

2. Breakfast Sausage – Whether it’s pork, chicken, or turkey sausage, breakfast sausages all work well in an Instant Pot. They are smaller and thinner than other sausages, so they cook faster and are great for meal prepping.

3. Kielbasa – This smoked Polish sausage is another great option for cooking in an Instant Pot. It has a slightly firmer texture than other sausages and holds up well under pressure cooking.

4. Andouille Sausage – If you’re looking for a spicy kick, Andouille sausage is a great choice for your Instant Pot. The pressure cooking process helps to infuse the smoky and spicy flavors throughout the meat.

5. Chicken or Turkey Sausage – Leaner varieties of sausage such as chicken or turkey are also suitable for cooking in an Instant Pot. However, make sure not to overcook them as they can become dry easily.

Tips for Cooking Sausage in an Instant Pot

Cooking sausage in an Instant Pot is a relatively simple process; however, here are some tips that will ensure your sausages come out perfectly every time:

1. Brown the Sausages First – To enhance the flavor and texture of your sausages, you can quickly brown them in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before adding any liquid. This step is optional, but it adds an extra depth of flavor to your sausages.

2. Use a Liquid – Unlike other meats that release their own juices during cooking, sausages require a small amount of liquid to create steam and pressure in the Instant Pot. Water, broth, beer, or wine are all great options for adding flavor to your sausage.

3. Do Not Overcrowd – It’s essential not to overcrowd the Instant Pot when cooking sausage. Leave some space between each sausage to allow for even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.

4. Use Manual Mode – When cooking sausage in an Instant Pot, we recommend using the manual mode instead of the preset programs. This way, you have complete control over the time and pressure settings.

5. Allow for Natural Release – Once your sausages are cooked, it’s essential to let the pressure naturally release for a few minutes before manually releasing it completely. This helps to prevent food splatters and ensures that your sausages are cooked through evenly.

Recipe: How To Cook Sausage in an Instant Pot

Now that you know all about the benefits of cooking

Benefits of Cooking Sausage in an Instant Pot

Cooking sausage in an Instant Pot offers a variety of benefits, making it a popular method for preparing this delicious and versatile protein. Here are some of the main advantages of using your Instant Pot to cook sausages.

1. Saves Time

One of the primary benefits of cooking sausage in an Instant Pot is that it saves a significant amount of time. Traditional methods of cooking sausage, such as pan-frying or grilling, can take upwards of 20 minutes. However, with the help of an Instant Pot, you can have perfectly cooked sausages in just a fraction of the time.

2. Retains Moisture

Many people struggle with keeping their sausages moist and juicy while cooking. This is where the Instant Pot truly shines. The pressure cooking function seals in all the moisture, ensuring that your sausages come out tender and succulent every single time.

3. Versatile Cooking Options

The Instant Pot offers a wide range of cooking options that make it suitable for cooking different types of sausages. Whether you prefer to steam, braise, or slow cook your sausages, your Instant Pot has got you covered.

4. Easy Clean-Up

Cleaning up after cooking can be a dreaded chore for many home cooks. Fortunately, with an Instant Pot, there is only one pot to clean! This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the number of dirty dishes piling up in your sink.

Tips for Cooking Sausage in an Instant Pot

While using an Instant Pot for cooking sausage is relatively straightforward, here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure excellent results every time.

1. Use Liquid for Pressure Cooking

When cooking sausage in an Instant Pot, it is essential to add some liquid, such as water or broth, to the pot. This is because pressure cooking requires steam to build up and cook the food thoroughly.

2. Avoid Overcrowding

To achieve perfectly cooked sausages, it’s crucial not to overcrowd your Instant Pot. Sausages should be placed in a single layer on the bottom of the pot so that they are cooked evenly.

3. Use the Sauté Function for Crispy Skin

For those who enjoy crispy skin on their sausages, you can use the sauté function on your Instant Pot after pressure cooking. This will help brown and crisp up the skin without having to transfer the sausage to a separate pan.

4. Preheat Before Cooking

To ensure that your Instant Pot comes to pressure quickly, it’s a good idea to preheat it before adding your sausage. Simply press the sauté button for a few minutes before closing the lid and beginning pressure cooking.

How To Cook Sausage in an Instant Pot: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know why using an Instant Pot for cooking sausage is such a game-changer, let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to do it correctly.

Step 1: Add Liquid

As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to add some liquid (about 1 cup) to your Instant Pot before cooking sausage. This will prevent burning and help create steam for pressure cooking.

Step 2: Place Sausages in Single Layer

Place your sausages in a single layer at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Make sure they are not overlapping so that they cook evenly.

Step 3: Set Pressure Cook Time

The cooking time for sausage in an Instant Pot will vary depending on the type and thickness of the sausages. As a general rule, cook thin sausages (such as breakfast sausages) for 4-5 minutes, and thicker sausages (like bratwurst or Italian sausage) for 6-7 minutes.

Step 4: Close and Seal Lid

Once you’ve set the pressure cook time, close and seal the lid on your Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to “sealing.”

Step 5: Release Pressure

After the pressure cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 5-10 minutes before doing a quick release by turning the valve to “venting.”

Step 6: Remove Sausages

Carefully remove your sausages from the Instant Pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. If desired, you can use the sauté function to crisp up the skin before serving.

Final Thoughts

Using an Instant Pot for cooking sausage is both convenient and yields delicious results. The next

1) What is the recommended cooking time for sausage in an Instant Pot?
The recommended cooking time for sausage in an Instant Pot varies depending on the type and size of the sausages. However, a general guideline is to cook sausages for 10-15 minutes on manual/high pressure.

2) Do I need to add liquid when cooking sausage in an Instant Pot?
Yes, it is important to add at least 1 cup of liquid (water, broth, or sauce) when cooking sausages in an Instant Pot. This helps create steam and achieve proper pressure for even cooking.

3) Can I cook frozen sausage in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen sausage in an Instant Pot. Simply increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes compared to thawed sausages.

4) Should I use the sauté function before pressure cooking sausage in an Instant Pot?
It is not necessary to use the sauté function before pressure cooking sausage in an Instant Pot. However, if you prefer browned and crispy sausages, you can use the sauté function for a few minutes before sealing and pressure cooking.

5) How do I ensure my sausage is fully cooked in an Instant Pot?
To ensure that your sausage is fully cooked, use a food thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached at least 160°F. You can also cut into one of the sausages to check if there are any pink or raw areas inside.

6) Can I cook different types of sausages together in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook different types of sausages together in an Instant Pot. Just make sure they are similar in size and adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is also important to ensure that the sausages are not overcrowding the Instant Pot, which can affect the cooking time and results.

In conclusion, cooking sausage in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy method that results in juicy and flavorful sausages. By following the right steps and using the correct settings, you can achieve perfectly cooked sausages in just a matter of minutes. The key to success lies in choosing the right type of sausage, using natural release to prevent overcooking, and experimenting with different cooking liquids and seasonings. Additionally, the Instant Pot offers a versatile cooking tool for making various dishes beyond just sausages. It is time-saving, energy-efficient, and produces consistent results. Through this guide on how to cook sausage in an Instant Pot, we have learned that with the right techniques and tips, anyone can become an expert at cooking sausages with this revolutionary kitchen appliance. So next time you are craving for juicy, tender sausages, remember to reach for your Instant Pot and give these techniques a try. Happy cooking!

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.