Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Students

University life is busy, and students often find themselves juggling tight schedules with even tighter budgets. That’s where the Instant Pot becomes a game-changer. This versatile kitchen gadget allows you to whip up quick, nutritious, and affordable meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a hearty dish or a lighter bite, there are Instant Pot recipes for everyone. Here are a few simple yet delicious recipes, ideal for students:

Sticky Spicy Sausage Burgers

Looking for a satisfying, flavour-packed burger with minimal fuss? These Sticky Spicy Sausage Burgers, glazed with honey and gochujang, offer the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savoury. Paired with melty cheese and crispy fries, this recipe is a deliciously easy meal that’s sure to hit the spot.

For the Patties

• 400g sausages or sausage meat
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced

To Serve

• Frozen fries
• 40g mayo
• ½ Tbsp Gochujang
• 4 slices Swiss or another melty type cheese 2
• Pickles, sliced
• Lettuce, sliced
• Red chilli, sliced

For Glazing

• 1 1/2 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Tbsp Gochujang

Instructions

1. Remove the sausages from their casing and place into a bowl along with gochujang and sliced spring onions.
2. Divide the burger mixture into 2, and shape into thick patties just bigger than your burger bun
3. If using a Dual Drawer air fryer, select Air Fry on one side at 205°C for 8 minutes, and the the other side, Air Fryer at 200°C for 9 minutes. on air fryer, on the other 200C for 9 minutes. Select sync finish to ensure both draws complete cooking at the same time. Alternatively cook the burgers followed by the chips.
4. Meanwhile, combine the mayo and 1/2 tbsp gochujang to create the spicy mayo in one bowl, and the honey and 1 tbsp gochujang for the glaze in another.
5. When the burgers have one minute of cook time remaining, add a little glaze on to each one and top with a slice of cheese and finish cooking.
6. Split the burger buns and top each with a generous tablespoon of mayo, pickles, lettuce chillies and final the juicy cheese topped burger patty.And serve with the hot fries

Tomato & Crispy Chickpea Salad

This Tomato & Crispy Chickpea Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy option for a quick lunch or light dinner. With roasted tomatoes, crispy chickpeas, and a sprinkling of feta, it’s a flavourful and hearty salad that comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 400g tin of chickpeas
• Oil
• 2 tbsp gram flour
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp coriander
• ½ tsp garlic
• 1 tsp Fine sea salt
• 2 tbsp gram flour
• 400g large plum tomatoes, halved
• 340g heirloom tomatoes,
• 50g rocket
• Sprinkling of feta
• Salt and pepper as needed

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat dry with paper towel
2. Place the chickpeas into a bowl, drizzle over a little oil, then add the spices, salt and gram flour.
3. Toss to combine.
4. Place the plum tomatoes into one side of your air fryer, cut side up. Drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Set this draw to Air Fry at 170°C for 25 minutes
5. Put the coated chickpeas in the other side, on Air Fry at 180°C for 15 minutes. Select SyncCook to ensure both sides finish cooking at the same time
6. Into the other draw tip the chickpeas and spread them out in an even layer
7. Set the draw with the tomatoes to cook on air fry at 170C for 25 mins and the draw with the chickpeas to cook on air fry at 180C for 15 minutes. Select sync cook to ensure both sides finish cooking at the same time
8. While the chickpeas and tomatoes cook, prepare the colourful heirloom tomatoes by slicing them in half or into quarters, depending on their size. Toss the tomatoes with oil, salt and pepper and set aside.
9. Once the air fryer has finished cooking, open the draws and allow the chickpeas and tomatoes to cool slightly.
10. Once ready to serve, toss the fresh tomatoes, their juice, the rocket, warm roasted tomatoes and chickpeas together in a bowl and and season everything with a pinch of salt. Top with feta and serve.

Chicken with PIP Rice

Craving a comforting meal with minimal cleanup? This Chicken with PIP Rice is the answer. The chicken is cooked to perfection with a rich chipotle and honey glaze, while the rice steams on top, making for a wholesome, one-pot dish served with a zesty mango salsa.

Ingredients

• For the chicken
• 4 chicken thighs, patted dry
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp chipotle
• 2 tbsp honey
• 125ml chicken stock

For the rice

• 200g rice
• 250ml water

Instructions

1. Select Saute on your Instant Pot and add a drizzle of oil with the chicken.
2. Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 10 minutes) then add the garlic, chipotle, honey and chicken stock.
3. While the chicken is browning, rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, then drain well in a sieve.
4. Cook until golden brown on both sides, which should take about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, chipotle, honey and chicken stock.
5. Press cancel, then stir the chicken and sauce ingredients together until the sauce is combined, deglazing the base. Arrange the chicken skin side up.
6. Add the rice to a large bowl with the water and come salt. Place a trivet/steam rack into the inner pot over the chicken, and add the bowl of rice on top.
7. Secure the lid and Pressure Cook for 3 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the mango salsa by adding the onion to a bowl with the lime juice, salt and sugar and leave to pickle for 10 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients and stir all together.
9. Once the time is up on the Instant Pot open the lid and remove the rice and chicken. If the sauce looks a little runny, you can use the saute setting to reduce it.
10. 10. Serve the chicken on the rice with the sauce and topped with mango salsa.

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Nothing says comfort food quite like Creamy Mac and Cheese, and with this Instant Pot recipe, you can have it ready in no time. With gooey cheddar and parmesan, this classic dish is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a quick meal after a long day.

Ingredients

• 450 g macaroni uncooked
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 L Water
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 can evaporated milk (340g)
• 225 g sharp Cheddar cheese grated
• 60 g Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

1. Add macaroni, butter, water, and salt to Instant Pot®.
2. Place lid on pot and lock into place to seal.
3. Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes followed by Quick Pressure Release.
4. Remove the lid and stir milk into the macaroni.
5. Stir in the cheeses until melted and combined.

Three Bean Chilli

This hearty Three Bean Chilli is packed with flavour and plant-based protein, making it a filling and nutritious meal. With a rich blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices, this recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold day or prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

• 150 g dried pinto beans
• 150 g dried red beans
• 150 g dried black beans
• 2 medium white onions
• 2 medium red bell peppers
• 2 stalks celery
• 400 g chopped tomatoes
• 200 g tomato puree
• 1/2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 750 ml vegetable stock
• 250 ml Water

Instructions

1. To start our chilli recipe, place all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
2. Secure the lid, and select Pressure Cook on high for 30 minutes.
3. When the timer beeps, quick-release the pressure, open lid, and stir well.
4. If chilli is too thin, press the Cancel button and then press the Sauté button and let chili simmer, uncovered, until desired thickness is reached. Serve warm.

Chicken Tikka Masala

For a taste of Indian-inspired cuisine, try this easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. With tender chicken in a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce, it’s a rich and flavourful dish that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, perfect for serving with fluffy basmati rice.

Ingredients

• 2 onions
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 cm fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 500 g passata
• 450 g boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 x 400g can coconut milk

Instructions

1. Put all the ingredients except the coconut milk into the multi-cooker, making sure the chicken goes in last so it doesn’t stick to the bottom during cooking.
2. Secure the lid in place and set to Poultry for 15 minutes. At the end of cooking, use the QPR method. Add the coconut milk, stir and keep warm in the pot until ready to serve. Serve the curry on basmati rice

Pulled Pork

This Pulled Pork recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder simmered in BBQ sauce and ginger beer. Ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own, the Instant Pot makes it simple to create this rich, flavourful dish without hours of waiting.

Ingredients

• 1.3 kg pork shoulder
• 125 ml bbq sauce
• 250 ml ginger beer
• 1 large onion

Rub

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

1. Remove the extra layer of fat from the outside of the pork (as long as it comes away easily)
2. Combine the rub ingredients and rub all over the pork.
3. Place the pork on the trivet/steam rack inside the Inner Pot and pour over the bbq sauce and ginger beer, and toss the onion pieces on top.
4. Select High Pressure and programme for 70 minutes. Followed by natural pressure release.
5. Remove the pork and shred with two forks.
6. With the sauce still in the pot, select the Saute function and reduce the sauce to about 125ml.
7. Add the pork back to the pot and keep warm.

Beef Stew

A classic comfort meal, this Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavourful stock. The Instant Pot brings all the ingredients together quickly, allowing you to enjoy this rich, filling dish without the long simmering time of traditional methods.

Ingredients

• 500 g lean diced beef
• 2 onions, diced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 100 g peas
• 400 ml beef stock
• Your favourite herbs and spices adapt to your taste. Mixed herbs, paprika, parsley, they all go really well
• Suet dumplings (optional)

Instructions

1. Start your Beef Stew meal by Adding all the ingredients to your inner pot. Lock the lid in.
2. Select Pressure Cook and set the time to 25mins. In the end, allow for a natural pressure release.
3. When finished, remove the lid and press Sauté to thicken the liquid (you could add extra gravy granules).
4. Want to add dumplings? Add them at the end. Once your stew has pressure cooked and finished its natural pressure release, place the dumplings on top and put your Instant Pot on Sauté for 15-20 minutes with a glass lid on.
5. Serve and enjoy your Beef Stew!

Chorizo and Bean Soup

This Chorizo and Bean Soup offers a bold blend of spices, beans, and smoky chorizo for a warming and satisfying meal. Perfect for batch cooking, this recipe makes a filling, protein-rich soup that’s delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried pinto beans
• 1/2 cup dried kidney beans
• 1/2 cup dried black beans
• 2 Mexican chorizo sausages
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Ancho chili powder
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups Water
• chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Start your Chorizo and Bean Soup by slicing the chorizo into bite sized pieces and place into the air fryer basket and secure the air frying lid.
2. Select Air Fry and set the temperature to 190C and time to 4 minutes.
3. Once cooked, remove the chorizo, and air fryer basket, allowing the flavoured oil to drain into the inner pot and set the chorizo aside until later.
4. Select Saute and add the onions to the chorizo oil, adding a drizzle more oil if needed. Cook until translucent and soft, then add the sliced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Add the beans and chorizo, then pour in the stock.
6. Select Pressure cook and set the time to 20 minutes. When the cooking program finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes then quick release the remaining pressure.
7. Tear the kale leaves into bite sized pieces and stir into the cooked soup.
8. Season the soup to taste with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper.
9. Ladle into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan, add a slice of buttery toast and enjoy your Chorizo and Bean Soup.

Speedy One Pot Piri Piri Prawn Orzo

For a quick and flavourful meal, try this Speedy One Pot Piri Piri Prawn Orzo. Combining tender prawns, zesty Piri Piri seasoning, and creamy orzo, this dish is a perfect balance of spice and comfort. Ready in just minutes, it’s a hassle-free option for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 400g orzo
• 1 ½ Tbsp Piri Piri Seasoning
• 250ml water
• 400g Tomato and garlic pasta sauce
• 165g deshelled and cleaned prawns
• 30g parmesan (optional)
• Parsley 10g
• 1 lemon for serving
• Parsley 10g

Instructions

1. Select Saute and add the orzo and a drizzle of oil and toast until the orzo is golden. Add the seasoning, and toast for 30 seconds more.
2. Press cancel to end the saute mode, then pour in the water and tomato pasta sauce to the inner pot and stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook for 0 minutes, then natural pressure release for 4 minutes.
4. Remove the pressure cooking lid, and stir the orzo. It will be rather al dente at this point but will finish cooking in the residual heat.
5. Add the peas and prawns to the hot orzo, then stir until all the prawns are submerged. Place the lid onto the instant pot and allow the prawns to cook in the residual heat for 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
6. Stir the parmesan and chopped parsley through the orzo.
7. Portion into bowls and serve with a slice of lemon.

With these easy and delicious Instant Pot recipes, university students can whip up tasty meals without the hassle of long preparation times or complex ingredients. Whether you’re craving something spicy, comforting, or healthy, the versatility of the Instant Pot makes cooking simple, budget-friendly, and fun.

Don’t let a busy schedule or tight budget stop you from enjoying great food! Try these recipes today and experience how the Instant Pot can transform your mealtime. For even more inspiration, head over to our recipe collection and start experimenting with your favourite ingredients. Happy cooking!