Like the rest of the rational world, we’re obsessed with our Instant Pot. And in the summer, when we’d do just about anything to avoid turning on the oven, it is here for us. Don’t worry—we’re not planning on a menu of heavy soups and chilis when it’s 90 degrees and humid out. But here’s a little-known secret: The Instant Pot is just as magical for some of our summer staples (tacos and barbecue, we’re looking at you). Here are 18 of our favorite recipes.
18 Instant Pot Recipes to Make All Summer Long
Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas
Oh hello, Taco Tuesday.
Instant Pot Mac And Cheese
Serve it as a side for your next BBQ (or just eat it straight from the pot so you don’t have to share).
Instant Pot Corn Chowder With Bacon
The best way to use up all that sweet corn you bought at the farmers market.
Easy Instant Pot Babyback Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs ready in half an hour? Sign us up.
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
Make this with farm-fresh tomatoes and you’ll never go back to the canned stuff.
Get the recipe
Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos With Avocado Crema
Yep, avocado crema is basically a fancy way of saying guacamole. (And we’ll take extra. Thanks, Gaby Dalkin.)
Instant Pot Bacon Potato Salad
The best way to get invited back to the neighbor’s pool party: bring a bowl of this.
Easy Instant Pot Peach Crisp
As long as it’s peach season, we’ll be making this once a week.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Don’t skimp on the blue cheese coleslaw.
Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Add a cold beer or a chilled glass of rosé and you’ll feel the ocean breezes, even if you’re just sitting at the kitchen table.
Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken
No time? No problem: This dinner by Maria Lichty is ready in 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos
The pineapple pomegranate salsa is dangerously addictive.
Instant Pot Vegan Quinoa Burrito Bowls
When you want something light and summery (but can’t face another salad).
Instant Pot Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Add some rice to bulk it up, or keep it simple and low-carb. Either way, we promise this will go in your regular dinner rotation.
Instant Pot Summer Soup
Give us all the fresh summer veggies…
Brown Sugar Baked Beans
No barbecue is complete without ’em.
Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
Make a big batch and freeze it for the winter.
Instant Pot Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash
We’re usually not up for a big plate of pasta in the summer—but this light take, with plenty of fresh tomatoes and basil, is exactly what we need.