This Instant Pot oatmeal recipe is the easiest way to make perfectly creamy steel cut oats every time. With the right oats-to-water ratio and cook time, you’ll get consistent results with zero stirring or mess.
Whether you’re meal prepping breakfast for the week or need a quick, hands-off option in the morning, this method makes healthy oatmeal simple—and delicious.
Why you’ll love this:
- Hands-off cooking (no stirring required)
- No boil-over mess like stovetop oatmeal
- Perfectly creamy texture every time
- Great for meal prep
- Works with steel cut or rolled oats
Instant Pot Oatmeal Ratio (Quick Guide):
Steel cut oats:
1 cup oats : 2½–3 cups water
Cook time: 6 minutes + natural release
Rolled oats (optional):
1 cup oats : 2 cups water
Cook time: 2–3 minutes
Use less liquid for thicker oatmeal, and more for a creamier texture.
I used to think I didn’t like oatmeal—but it turns out I just hadn’t made it the right way. Once I figured out how to get the texture just right (and loaded it up with toppings), everything changed.
The Instant Pot makes it even easier. No stirring, no boiling over, and no mess—just set it and let it cook while you get on with your morning.
Steel Cut Oats vs Rolled Oats:
Steel cut oats have a chewier texture and take longer to cook, making them ideal for the Instant Pot. Rolled oats cook much faster and result in a softer texture.
Both work in this recipe, but cooking times and liquid ratios will vary slightly.
Pro tips for perfect Instant Pot Oatmeal:
- Use 2½ cups water for thicker oats, or 3 cups for a creamier consistency
- If you get a burn notice, try adding more liquid (especially for 8-quart models)
- Make sure the sealing ring is properly in place before cooking
- You can double the recipe without changing the cook time
- For a slightly sweet twist, try using part apple juice instead of water
How to make Instant Pot Oatmeal:
- Add the oats and water to the Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid and set to Porridge or Manual/Pressure Cook (6 minutes).
- Allow natural pressure release for 8–10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the lid, stir, and serve.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Topping ideas:
One of the best things about oatmeal is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas:
Sweet combinations:
- Strawberries, coconut, dates, and cinnamon
- Bananas, blueberries, walnuts, and maple syrup
- Apples, pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar
- Chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut flakes
Healthy add-ins:
- Flaxseed
- Chopped nuts
- Nut butter, like my Walnut Butter
- Fresh or dried fruit or my Date Paste
Mix and match based on what you have on hand! Serve this oatmeal with a glass of Homemade Almond Milk. Yum!
Helpful Tools:
- Instant Pot- If you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this is a good one.
- Measuring Cups- I love to have a variety of different sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Just reduce the cook time to 2–3 minutes and adjust the liquid slightly.
For steel cut oats, use 1 cup oats to 2½–3 cups water.
This usually happens if there isn’t enough liquid or the sealing ring isn’t properly in place.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2–3 months.
If you try this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your photo with #veggie__chick on Instagram. I just love to see my recipes being made in YOUR kitchen!
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats (Easy & Foolproof Method)
Pin RateEquipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats - or regular old-fashioned oats- gluten free if desired
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups water - use the lesser amount for thicker oatmeal
Instructions
- Add the steel cut oats and water to the Instant Pot. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock. Press the Porridge button if your pressure cooker has one (or you can also use Manual/Pressure Cook). Set to 6 minutes, and turn the knob on the top of the lid to 'Sealing' (not venting). The Instant Pot will automatically turn on and start to build pressure. After about 10 minutes, the timer will set to 6 minutes and it will begin to cook.
- After the 6 minutes are done, let it sit for an additional 8-10 minutes to release the pressure (you will see the L0:02, etc. on the screen which means it is releasing pressure on low heat). When the pressure is released, remove the lid. (Note: If the pressure is not released, you won't be able to open it).
- Stir and add the cooked oatmeal to a bowl, and add toppings of choice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days. Note: the oatmeal will thicken more as is sits. See more important tips below…
Notes
- Use 2½–3 cups water, depending on your preferred consistency (less for thicker, more for creamier oatmeal)
- If using an 8-quart Instant Pot, use at least 3 cups liquid to avoid a burn notice
- You can double the recipe without changing the cook time
- Make sure the lid is properly sealed before cooking
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2017, but was republished with tips and FAQs in May 2026.
Karina F says
Hi! You stated an option to use the manual button. The default for that is hihh pressure whereas the porridge button is normal. Do I lower the pressure to normal if I use the manual button? Thanks.
Cathie says
Help! I keep getting ‘burn’ message on the instant pot. What am I doing wrong????
Was I suppose to prep the pot before adding oats and water??? The oats are stuck to the bottom of the pot. Very difficult to clean up!
Christin Russman says
Hi Cathie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m not sure why it would burn. As long as the water covers the oatmeal in the pot, it should not burn. I’ve never had an issue with burning and I don’t do anything to prep the pot. Do you set the pot to “Sealing”?
Anne says
Just tried this and mine said burn and luckily I was standing by. It did in fact burn onto the pot. It didn’t get to cook all the way to a soft texture. This is new to me. Will try another way. Also have an 8.
Christin Russman says
Hi Anne! It seems there is an issue with newer model Instant Pots and burning. I’ve done a lot of research and found many reasons for it, but I think this article sums it up pretty well. I hope this helps! =) https://www.paintthekitchenred.com/instant-pot-burn-message/?fbclid=IwAR3782NPmrO4JZKwLBHqIGPt9ZsCN3224oB3c7m3Mdi6MBRi_n2MTqaQfuw
Dani says
I have an 8 quart Instant Pot. Does the size of the Instant Pot change anything?
Christin Russman says
I think an 8 quart would work great. I would be more worried about a 4 quart, that it could boil over. =)
Kelly says
This worked great! Do you have tips for reheating? I’ve tried to make large batches in the past to have for the week but reheating seems like a Herculean effort with it getting so dense in the fridge.
Christin Russman says
I hear you on the reheating! It does getting pretty thick in the fridge. I usually just add a bit of unsweetened almond milk and smash it down with my fork, then throw in the microwave. Seems to work for me. =) Thanks!
Melanie says
I made steel cut oatmeal in my Instant Pot last week. The instructions stated to avoid sticking use a cooking spray. I used an organic canola spray and it worked great for no stick and easy cleaning. I made them with 2 cups unsweetened organic almond milk plus a cup of filtered water and 1 cup of Bob’s Red mill organic steel cut oats. After pressude released I stirred in cinnamon and I was set with breakfast all week. Each morning I re-warmed a single portion added a banana and a dollop of Nuttzo butter. Heaven! Thanks for your take as well – I want to try the porridge setting so this is great information. It’s going on a Pinterest board!
Christin Russman says
YAY!! Thanks Melanie, so happy you loved it. =) =) =)
Gary says
What happens if you put in whatever sweetener you use before cooking rather than after?
Christin Russman says
Hi Gary, I don’t think it matters. I’ve added cinnamon in there before it cooks, and I’m sure it would be equally as good with the addition of sweetener. =)
Cheryl says
I only used 1 cup dry oatmeal because a serving is shown as 1/4 cup and covered with about 1 1/2 inch of water. I divided it into 4 servings, It worked for me. I appreciate your response.
Christin Russman says
Great feedback, thanks for letting me know! =)
Cheryl says
Christin, this recipe looks great. I’m making it this morning. Do you have a serving measurement for cooked oats? I’m on a wellness plan and counting macros.
Thanks,
Christin Russman says
This is tricky because it all depends on how much water you use. For 2 1/2 cups dried, I generally end up with about 3-4 cups of cooked oatmeal, but I will have to make it again to measure out exactly how much. Not sure if that really helps you! =)
kdmi says
I read your recipe today and immediately made it (that doesn’t happen very often but I found myself craving oatmeal!). This is the first time I’ve used the Instant Pot to make oatmeal; I wasn’t sure it’d turn out as thick as I like it, but your recipe is perfect (I used 2-1/2 cups water)! The timing is spot on too.
I’m so glad to have this recipe because I’ve been missing oatmeal ever since I got tired of cleaning my stove’s glass top after many crusted, messy spillovers.
Now I have another IP recipe I consider a “keeper” in my files. Thank you! I love this pressure cooker SO much; it helps make vegan cooking an interesting adventure with awesome results 🙂
Christin Russman says
YAY!! I’m so glad you love this recipe. I too had a bunch of spillovers on my oven and oatmeal is the WORST to clean up cause it’s so sticky! The Instant Pot is a lifesaver. =) Thanks so much for letting me know.
Astrid says
I am going to try this recipe today. Could I use almond milk instead of water for the recipe?
One of my favorite combos for oatmeal is berries, natural pb, and cinnamon 🙂
Christin Russman says
Hi Astrid, I’m sure almond milk would work great! And that is a good combo- I LOVE peanut butter! =)
Laura says
Hi! Using my instapot for first time with this recipe. Thank you! Question…I doubled the recipe and kept the time at 6 like you said. Everything went as you said excepted the releasing of the pressure. My pot is now up to 20 minutes (LO:20). What did I do wrong?
Christin Russman says
Hi Laura, I just made it again this morning to double check and it did release the pressure by 20 minutes. What size Instant Pot do you have? I hope it worked out. =)
sue says
Yum! Am enjoying my oatmeal right now! My IP Porridge setting goes for 20 minutes. I added 1 cup of water to the pot, set a wire rack in the pot and put my oatmeal ingredients in a glass bowl to cook.
Christin Russman says
That’s an interesting way to cook the oatmeal. Thanks for sharing Sue! =)
Judy says
Do you cover bowl? I had oatmeal stuck to bowl and think if it were covered this would not be an issue.
Christin Russman says
Hi Judy, I’m not sure what you mean. I used an Instant Pot so I tightly closed the lid and set it to “Sealing”. So it was covered. =) Thanks!
Jane says
So you basically steamed dry oatmeal? This is an idiotic way to cook oatmeal.
Christin Russman says
Hi Jane, no you cook it in water in a pressure cooker. And it works!
Jacque says
Lmao! I’m guessing basic reading comprehension isnt your thing.
Larry says
Are you sure it isn’t the other way around? A wise woman once said “A closed mind can neither give nor recieve.” Thanks Mom. Rest in peace.
Anita says
I’m going to try this next time! Oatmeal sick to the bottom of the pot ? thanks for the idea ??
Roger says
I kept getting the dreaded “Burn” message until I did the same thing. I put my oats and water in a steel mixing bowl (no lid…you want the heat and pressure to get all around your porridge), and then placed it on the wire rack and added 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pot (I have an 8, so I wanted to make sure I had enough water). I used the porridge setting, so 6 minutes of cooking time once it reached operating temperature and pressure. Once the 6 minutes were up, I vented it, and put the porridge into a serving bowl, and ate it
This worked perfectly, but I like my porridge to have a bit of texture.
As for clean-up, put cold water into whatever pot you cook your porridge in..It’ll clean up nicely once you’ve eaten. Cold water seems to work better that hot for this.
Christin Russman says
Thanks for the awesome tips Roger!!! Yes, for some reason, there are some IP’s that burn more frequently. I’ve never seen that message on my Instant Pot, but I’ve heard many others get the error depending on which model they have. I really appreciate you sharing your tips so it will help others! =)
Lsura says
Could you put cut-up apple chincks in with oatmeal and water?
Christin Russman says
I haven’t tried that. They may end up being a bit mushy, but it’s worth a try! =)
Penny Leppek says
I add two peeled/cored apples (whole) and 1 tsp Cinnamon to the pot. This makes sure we each get a full apple and it is perfectly cooked. The added Cinnamon is enough flavor that no sweetening is needed.
Christin Russman says
Hi Penny, this is great! Thanks for the tip. Hopefully other readers will try it (and I will too). =)
Christin Russman says
Hi I’m sorry it didn’t work out. I think soaking the pot will get it off, at least that has always worked for me. Different brands/temperatures of pressure cookers might give different results, but this recipe always works perfectly for me. Maybe try more water next time. 🙂
James says
What is the instal-pot time setting for doubling the oatmeal recipe? I’m still cooking at 9 minutes.
Christin Russman says
Hi James, to double the recipe, I set it for the same time as a single recipe and it still cooks the same. =)