How Long Do You Cook Spaghetti Squash In Instant Pot

You can cook spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot in about 15 to 20 minutes under high pressure, depending on the size of the squash.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how long do you cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot, the answer is simpler than you might think.
 
The Instant Pot turns this tough, hard squash into tender, shreddable strands in a fraction of the time it takes in a regular oven.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot, plus a few tips to get perfect results every single time.
 
Let’s dive right in.
 

How Long Do You Cook Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot?

The short answer is 15 to 20 minutes on high pressure, but it really depends on the size of your squash.
 
A small spaghetti squash, around 2 pounds, will cook in about 12 to 15 minutes.
 
A medium one, around 3 pounds, needs roughly 15 to 18 minutes.
 
And a large squash, closer to 4 or 5 pounds, can take 18 to 20 minutes or even a bit more.
 
The great thing about cooking spaghetti squash in Instant Pot is that you don’t have to guess as much once you know the size.
 
After the pressure cooking time is up, you’ll want to do a quick release to stop the cooking process.
 
If you let it sit too long on natural release, the squash can get a little mushy, and nobody wants that.
 

1. Prep the Spaghetti Squash First

Before you even think about timing, you need to prep the squash properly.
 
Start by washing the outside of the spaghetti squash and drying it off.
 
Then, using a sharp knife, cut it in half lengthwise.
 
Scoop out the seeds and the stringy pulp in the middle with a spoon.
 
If the squash is really hard to cut, you can microwave it for 2 to 3 minutes to soften it up slightly.
 
This makes slicing way easier and safer.
 

2. Add Water to the Instant Pot

For a 6-quart Instant Pot, pour in about 1 cup of water.
 
For an 8-quart model, use 1.5 cups of water.
 
This water creates the steam that cooks the spaghetti squash.
 
You also need a trivet or a steamer basket to keep the squash out of the water.
 
Place the trivet inside the pot before adding the squash halves.
 

3. Season and Arrange the Squash

You can season the flesh of the squash with a little salt and pepper before cooking.
 
Some people like to add a drizzle of olive oil, but it’s not necessary.
 
Place the squash halves cut-side up on the trivet.
 
If they don’t fit in a single layer, you can stack them, but try to keep them as even as possible.
 

4. Set the Instant Pot and Cook

Secure the lid and make sure the vent is set to sealing.
 
Press the manual or pressure cook button and set it to high pressure.
 
Now here’s the key part: how long do you cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot?
 
Set the timer for 15 minutes for a medium squash.
 
If yours is smaller, go with 12 minutes, and if it’s larger, go with 18 to 20 minutes.
 
Once the cooking time is done, do a quick release.
 
Be careful because the steam is super hot.
 

5. Shred the Spaghetti Squash

Let the squash cool for a few minutes so you can handle it without burning your fingers.
 
Then, take a fork and scrape the inside flesh lengthwise.
 
The strands will come out looking just like spaghetti.
 
That’s the magic of cooking spaghetti squash in Instant Pot.
 
You get perfect, tender strands without any mushy spots.
 

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Even though cooking spaghetti squash in Instant Pot is pretty straightforward, a few tips can make it even better.
 
First, don’t overcook it.
 
If you cook it too long, the strands turn into a soft, watery mess.
 
Second, always do a quick release instead of a natural release.
 
Natural release keeps cooking the squash and can ruin the texture.
 
Third, use a trivet or steamer basket so the squash steams rather than boils.
 
And finally, season after cooking, not just before, so you can taste the natural sweetness of the squash.
 

1. Adjust Time Based on Size

The biggest mistake people make is using the same time for every squash.
 
A tiny squash will turn to mush if you cook it for 20 minutes.
 
So always weigh or at least eyeball the size.
 
Small: 12 minutes.
 
Medium: 15 minutes.
 
Large: 18 to 20 minutes.
 
That’s the simple rule for how long do you cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Quick Release

Quick release is non-negotiable when cooking spaghetti squash in Instant Pot.
 
It stops the cooking immediately and keeps the strands firm.
 
If you let the pressure come down naturally, the squash keeps steaming and gets soggy.
 
So as soon as the timer beeps, carefully turn the valve to venting.
 

3. Let It Cool Before Shredding

If you try to shred the squash right away, you’ll burn your hands.
 
Give it 5 to 10 minutes to cool down.
 
The strands will also firm up a bit as they cool, making them easier to scrape out.
 
Then use a fork and scrape gently from top to bottom.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot?

You cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot for 12 to 20 minutes on high pressure, depending on the size of the squash.
 
Small squash takes about 12 minutes, medium takes 15 minutes, and large takes 18 to 20 minutes.
 
Always do a quick release and let it cool before shredding.
 
With these simple steps, you’ll get perfect spaghetti squash strands every time.
 
So the next time you ask yourself how long do you cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot, you’ll know exactly what to do.
 
Enjoy your meal.