This post is part of an original TIDBITS recipe, first seen HERE on tidbits-cami.com.
The electric pressure cooker (aka Instant Pot or Fagor Lux Multi Cooker) is a powerhouse all by itself, but add to it some of our favorite accessories, and your cooking potential goes through the roof! Enjoy this list of our favorite electric pressure cooker accessories, and descriptions of what we like to use them for.
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Hey everybody! Marci here, otherwise known as “Queen of Way Too Many Accessories.” Cue eye wink and cringe emoji directed at my husband who is “King of Way Too Many Motorcycle Accessories.”
Our motto is “Moderation in All Things” which means, I'll pass on 2 waffle makers and take 4 pressure cookers. Can I get an “AMEN!”?? For the sake of not sounding too frivolous, my home decor will never hold a candle to Cami's, but my kitchen is a gold mine!
So yes, I'm a sucker for accessories and I've got drawers, cupboards, and storage bins full of them to prove it. When you buy an Electric Pressure Cooker, you will soon realize that this appliance is capable of so much more with a few essential accessories. I've bought and tested just about every one I've heard people talk about (thank goodness for Amazon and their generous return policy!) and feel like I've finally narrowed my “must have” list down to some pretty good ones!
Let's get started!
6 inch Square Pans
These 6 inch square pans are a most recent addition, and I love them! They can be stacked in a X shape on top of each other in a 6 quart pressure cooker pot. I've used them for Teriyaki Salmon, lasagna, and cornbread. I've also used them for Almond Cherry Bread Pudding and for cooking chicken breasts like Garlic Lemon Chicken, both of which are recipes from our Master the Electric Pressure Cooker cookbook.
Mesh Strainer Basket
This Mesh Strainer Basket is fantastic! It comes with handles that can be easily popped off so it can fit inside the pot. I love that I can cook all kinds of vegetables, fruit, or pasta in it, and then simply lift it from the pressure cooker pot and everything comes out strained. I use it for Wassail, Buttermilk and Chive Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, and Infused Water. This baby is priceless! (Once again, cookbook recipes!)
Fine Mesh Strainer
If you have discovered the magic of Crio Bru and Elderberry Syrup, you will understand why this Fine Mesh Strainer deserves space in your cupboards. This beauty has been used at least 3 times a week for years and doesn't have a speck of wear or rust on it.
7 inch Springform Pan
This 7 inch springform pan was my very first accessory I ever bought for my pressure cooker, and it's still in great condition to this day. I've added to the springform family with this 8 inch Springform Pan (that fits in the 6 quart pot), a Deep Dish 7 inch Springform Pan comes in handy for tall cakes such as this Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, and Mini Springform Pans (because mini cheesecakes are adorable).
Other uses for Springform Pans: Pumpkin Breakfast Cake, Blue Cheese Cheesecake, Bread Pudding (cookbook), and lots of other Pot In Pot (PIP) methods of cooking.
8 inch Push Pan
I LOVE this 8 inch Push Pan and use it often for a family size lasagna, Cinnamon Swirl Peach Breakfast Cake (I can 1 1/2 the recipe for this pan) and German Chocolate Cheesecake (both cookbook recipes). It seals much better than others I've tried and hasn't leaked once!
Trivets
Trivets, trivets, and more trivets . Having trivets of many shapes, sizes, and heights, makes for easier stacking and multi level cooking for recipes such as Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Potatoes, Red Velvet Creme Brûlée, Peach Cobbler Breakfast Cakes, Mini Frittatas, and Lava Cakes (again, cookbook!).
Short Trivet
This short trivet came with my Instant Pot and is perfect for cooking with pint size mason jars in recipes like Mason Jar Steel Cut Oats and Vanilla Extract. This short trivet also works well.
8 inch Perforated Pan
I love having this pan around for anything I'm cooking that I don't want to sit in it's own juices like with these Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers or Sun-dried Tomato and Feta Turkey Burgers (book). It provides a more stable surface than the trivets, which is important with certain recipes.
Collapsible Strainer
This is another one of the first accessories I bought that has stood the test of time. It's my go to for steaming veggies and a must have in my opinion. Perfect for Creamy Pesto Vegetable Medley, Corn on the Cob, and Hard Boiled Eggs (book!).
Heating Core
This Heating Core makes for quicker cooking of cakes and breads. You simply fill it with batter, fill your springform pan with batter, and then set the core into the center of your pan. If you make breakfast cakes at least twice a week in every flavor imaginable (me!), this accessory needs residence in your home! Lately I've had to 1 1/2 the Breakfast Cake recipes to satisfy my family and this Heating Core makes them cook much quicker and more evenly.
6 ounce Ramekins
These are another must have for me. Chocolate Fudge Lava Cakes, Breakfast Peach Cobbler, Ham, Spinach, and Cheddar Eggs, Creme Brûlée . . . just to name a few. I use these beauties often!
1.5 quart Heat Safe Baking Dish
16 oz Round Baking Dish
These are a continuation of my ramekin love. Bigger and perfect for chicken pot pies and Ham Wrapped Avocado Eggs (book recipe and my favorite meal EVER!).
6 cup Bundt Pan
Since I bought the Heating Core, this pan doesn't get used quite as often, but when I want a beautiful presentation like with this Berries and Cream Breakfast Cake, I'm glad I've got this bundt pan around.
Oven Safe Pyrex Bowls
Pyrex bowls comes in handy for Pot in Pot cooking. Think oatmeal, rice, jams, etc. Also great for cooking 2 things at once, for example, meat in the bottom of the pot, trivet, then Pyrex bowl with rice. This is something you likely already have in your cupboards. Put it to good use!
Euro Cuisine Yogurt Strainer
Once you fall in love with Electric Pressure Cooker Yogurt, it's only a matter of time before you give in and buy 2 of these Euro Strainers. They are a fast, easy, and convenient way to strain Yogurt as well as Ricotta. They also come in a stainless steel version now! If you want a cheaper way to strain your Yogurt and Ricotta Cheese, these Nut Milk Bags work great!
Mason Jar Jacket
For on the go Mason Jar Steel Cut Oats, this little Cozy is a must have! Keeps your food warm and doesn't burn your hands to hold on to the jar. It also gets used for on the go Crio Bru and soup such as this Creamy Enchilada Soup, YUM!
Mason Jar Lids
I use Mason Jars a lot! I cook directly in them for recipes such as On the Go Oatmeal or Vanilla Extract, but I also use them often for storing Coconut Vanilla Syrup, Elderberry Syrup, Crio Bru, Yogurt, and all kinds of jams and sauces (cookbook Mango Sunshine Jam, Fig Jam, Cinnamon Vanilla Apple Sauce, Cranberry Sauce). I use them daily and these lids make them so handy!
I also use this meat chopper and this immersion blender often for pressure cooker recipes. For easy removal of pans, these slings are amazing!
Phew! I think that about does it! For you new users that find this list overwhelming, I'll simply give you my top 3 starter accessories: 7 inch Springform Pan, Collapsible Steamer Basket, and 6 ounce Ramekins – all linked and listed above.
Thanks for sticking around for my Favorite Pressure Cooker Accessories Round Up.
What are your essentials? I'm dying to know!
I was just wondering how exactly you popped the handles off of the mesh strainer basket? Any advice would be appreciated!
Sara, Do you have it in your possession right now? I’ll admit, I gave it to my husband to do that job, but he just bent them back and forth till they broke off.