When I first purchased my Instant Pot Mini back in December 2017, I wasn’t sure what Instant Pot Mini Accessories were available, or what would even fit the 3 quart Instant Pot model. Accessories were not something I was even thinking about. Here is a this list of accessories to help you find what you want quickly.
Accessories were not something I thought about when I first purchased my Instant Pot Mini. I don’t remember owning any for my slow cooker. For the most part, you toss in all the ingredients into the crock and turn it on. The world of electric pressure cooking is a little different.
Accessories are both part of the fun as well as expand the different dishes you can cook in your Instant Pot Mini.
And one more note: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you buy through my link. You won’t pay any more if you use this link.
Once you decide you want to stock up on accessories, you may also notice finding things that fit a 3 quart Instant Pot is a challenge. Items can be only so wide or tall in order to fit safely (or at all) in the inner pot. Given more people have the 6 quart model, below is a dedicated list of accessories for the smaller Instant Pot.
Tip: Do you know someone that just purchased their first Instant Pot? Accessories make great gifts, especially for people new to this method of cooking. While this list is specific for the mini models, you can use this as inspiration for the larger models when you go shopping!
Instant Pot Mini Accessories Checklist
Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid
The Instant Pot Glass Lid helps keep the splatters down while searing. This lid can be used for slow cooking as well as making yogurt. I also liked the idea of having one to cover the pot to keep the heat in without using the full pressure lid.
Extra Instant Pot Sealing Rings are at the top of your must-have Instant Pot Mini accessories list. One thing you’ll notice is the silicone rings become infused with the flavors of whatever you cook, especially onion and garlic. For cooking both savory and sweet dishes, having a switchable ring will save you headaches and weird tasting results. Honestly, sometimes I thought I could get the smell out of the ring, but it always seems to linger. No one likes an onion-flavored cheesecake!
The 3 quart model sealing rings are available in both clear and colors.
Tip: If you use different colors for different types of cooking, it’s faster to choose the right one for your next dish.
Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot
Extra inner cooking pots are another must-have accessory, especially if you are going to cook multiple dishes in your Instant Pot back to back and don’t want to stop to wash the liner. Or if you’re doing meal prep and cooking in batches, having extra inner pots set up and ready to go will help you work through your cooking chores faster.
Cheesecake is one of the top desserts with an Instant Pot and if you have a 3 quart model, you don’t have to miss out. You’ll need a Fat Daddio round push pan. And even if cheesecake isn’t your thing, I’ve used the bottom to steady a meatloaf. Other people have made mini lasagnas in their Instant Pot Mini using this pan or something similar.
ekovana Stainless Steel Cheesecake Round Push Pan 6 inches by 3 inches
If aluminum isn’t your thing, ekovana makes a 6 inch stainless steel push pan. This one has a handle to lift out which is extremely useful as opposed to having to create a sling. I used this plan to make the 6-inch cheesecake from This Old Gal’s blog.
And one thing to note with this pan, while there’s enough space around the pan while it’s in the liner, the handle edges are a slightly tight fit. Be careful while lifting or lowering the pan as it might scratch the liner.
Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites or sometimes also referred to as sous vide egg bites, are an interesting Instant Pot phenomenon. You blend up eggs, cream (or milk), cottage cheese, grated cheese, and additional mix-ins to steam your own batch in your Instant Pot in either silicone egg bite molds or silicone muffin cups.
For the Instant Pot Mini, I bought two versions from ULEE: a 4 cup 2 oz mold set and 7 cup 1 oz mold set. The 1 oz cups fit a little better stacked and then 2 oz cups. From an eating perspective, I prefer egg bites made with 2 oz molds. I also like these molds in general because the tops are silicone so that I don’t have to use aluminum foil or anything else while cooking. Don’t use plastic for cooking in the Instant Pot.
And these don’t have to be used for only egg bites. Use your imagination to come up with other bite-sized dishes. Others have made pancake bites and cheesecake bites. Basically, these egg bite molds can be used to make more than egg bites. You don’t need to worry about buying a single-purpose accessory.
Joie Silicone Devil Oven and Toaster Rack Puller
Aside from being completely adorable, the silicone puller is amazing to use with your Instant Pot Mini. I receive it as a stocking stuffer gift a few years ago and recently put it to work with my Instant Pot creations. Stick the puller through the lid handle to release the pressure. I was using a big stirring spoon with an oven mitt. With this puller, my hand is further away from the steam spray. And with a little precise wedging you can do a controlled quick release to avoid coating your ceiling in steam (or anything else that escapes). It also makes the slow quick-release relativity hands-free.
When I can avoid creating a sling I do. You can use this puller for lifting out pans by their handle. With a tray of egg bites, try using butcher string. It works really well and can be lifted out using this devil puller too. Tip: Grab a spatular to put under the tray as soon as it’s high enough to keep it balanced.
Steamer Basket
Streamer baskets are great for steaming vegetables and cooking chicken wings. It both keeps the food from soaking in the cooking water as well as makes it easier to take out the finished dish. I pressure-cooked chicken wings many times using a similar steamer basket. Depending on what you’re cooking, the stainless steel version can be easier to clean than a mesh version.
Depending on the types of food you like to cook, there are more accessories available for the Instant Pot Mini. You may also need to hunt around for things that will fit the 3 quart pressure cooker model.
Stoneware dishes are interesting for frittatas and other pot-in-pot dishes. There are a few other additional interesting pans that can be used for different types of dishes.
You’ll see a lot of questions about glass and Pyrex in the Facebook groups as a possible accessory for pot-in-pot. While these dishes are oven safe AND many people don’t have issues with cooking using glass, it can break. The fast change of pressure and heat causes micro invisible fissures to crack while cooking. Canning jars should work but sometimes these even break, again because there’s a crack you can’t see.
Basically, do not use your favorite family heirloom dish in a pressure cooker, because sometimes they crack even when they’re considered over safe. For as much as I love glass, the risk of pressure breaking isn’t something I’m willing to risk.
Over to you, what are your favorite Instant Pot Mini Accessories?
Have you started collecting accessories for 3 Quart Instant Pot? Besides the usual accessories, are there others that you’re considering buying? Or is it an accessory you can’t find?
Welcome to Condo Cooking Fab. I'm Cara and I've been cooking in a condo kitchen for years. Let's help you find the right sizes kitchen appliances for your small kitchen so it can live up to its full potential.
One Comment
Gold Lion makes a silicone sling for the Mini that I like for the Fat Daddio pushpan. Am also enjoying the stackables set by Pans-in-Pot for reheating. My 1qt stainless mixing bowl does an awesome job on oatmeal.
Gold Lion makes a silicone sling for the Mini that I like for the Fat Daddio pushpan. Am also enjoying the stackables set by Pans-in-Pot for reheating. My 1qt stainless mixing bowl does an awesome job on oatmeal.