The Instant Pot has completely transformed the way we cook, making it faster and easier to prepare delicious meals without sacrificing flavor. For lovers of Indian cuisine, it’s a true game-changer—allowing you to create rich, aromatic, and authentic dishes in a fraction of the usual time. With its ability to pressure cook, sauté, and slow cook all in one pot, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian recipes without hours of simmering on the stove.
Let’s start with a crowd favorite: butter chicken. This creamy, spiced tomato-based curry is a classic that’s even better when made in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking locks in flavor, while tenderizing the chicken to perfection. Another must-try is chicken tikka masala, where juicy marinated chicken simmers in a luscious, aromatic sauce infused with garam masala, cumin, and coriander.
For vegetarians, the Instant Pot works wonders with legumes and vegetables. Chana masala, a chickpea curry rich with tomatoes, onions, and spices, is ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Similarly, dal tadka, made from yellow lentils and tempered with sizzling garlic, cumin seeds, and chilies, becomes perfectly creamy and flavorful in the Instant Pot.
If you crave something comforting, vegetable biryani is a fantastic choice. This one-pot wonder combines fragrant basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and warm spices, all cooked together to infuse every grain with flavor. For a rich and hearty vegetarian option, palak paneer—fresh spinach puréed with spices and mixed with cubes of paneer cheese—comes together beautifully in the Instant Pot.
Seafood lovers will appreciate fish curry, where the Instant Pot’s gentle cooking preserves the delicate texture of fish while infusing it with coconut milk, curry leaves, and aromatic spices. Another quick weeknight winner is egg curry, a protein-packed dish with boiled eggs simmered in a spiced onion-tomato gravy.
On the heartier side, lamb rogan josh showcases the Instant Pot’s ability to tenderize tougher cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This Kashmiri-style curry is rich, deep, and full of warm spice notes. Similarly, beef keema—minced meat cooked with peas, tomatoes, and spices—becomes an easy, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort.
To round out the list, we can’t forget khichdi, a simple yet soul-warming dish made with rice, lentils, and mild spices. Perfect for a cozy evening or when you need something nourishing and gentle, this humble recipe is made even more convenient in the Instant Pot.
These 11 Best Indian Instant Pot recipes prove that you don’t need a complicated cooking process to achieve the depth, aroma, and vibrancy that Indian cuisine is famous for. Whether you’re preparing a spicy curry, a hearty biryani, or a comforting lentil stew, the Instant Pot helps you get it on the table faster while keeping every bite authentic.
From bold, richly spiced meat dishes to comforting vegetarian staples, there’s something here for every palate. So, grab your Instant Pot, stock up on fragrant spices, and bring the irresistible flavors of India into your own kitchen—effortlessly.
Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
“This luscious, deeply flavored dish is a cinch to make in an Instant Pot,” says By Shauna James Ahern. Marinade the chicken in yogurt and spices, and then take it to the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Shrimp Curry
In this South Indian-inspired curry, shrimp are cooked in a creamy, spiced, onion and tomato-based gravy suffused with a subtle coconut flavor. Jiya Ann says, “Absolutely delicious and easy. Serve with rice or roti.”
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
“Traditional chicken biryani made in an Instant Pot cuts down on time but not flavor,” says Buckwheat Queen. “The rice comes out fluffy and the chicken comes out tender. You can’t ask for more. Serve with yogurt raita to complement the spices.”
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
“Simple and absolutely irresistible chicken tikka masala made in the Instant Pot with all the flavors of garam masala and turmeric,” says Fioa. “A wonderful and easy midweek dinner option.”
Instant Pot Pudina Pulao
“This is probably one of the most flavorful rice recipes you can make in just a few minutes,” says Diana71. “It’s a spicy mint rice recipe that is hearty and filling as a vegetarian dish. Serve this as a side dish, or you can also take it in a lunch box and have a delicious midday meal! It is also lovely with plain or Greek yogurt.”
Pressure Cooker Goat Curry
The Instant Pot does wonders here by cutting way back on the cooking time yet still delivering incredibly tender meat. “Tantalizing goat curry in a fraction of the time,” says jmerar. “Serve over jasmine rice or with naan.”
Instant Pot Indian Chicken Curry
“This quick and easy Indian chicken curry comes together faster than you’d expect,” says Fioa. “Ginger, garlic, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder make it absolutely fragrant. Serve with naan bread and basmati rice.”
Instant Pot Easy Vegan Cranberry Orange Chutney
Yes, you can make chutneys in the Instant Pot! “The ultimate vegan cranberry orange chutney made easy,” says Fioa. “This spiced chutney with ginger, cumin, and fennel would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu.”
Andrea’s Dal for Instant Pot
Andrea Knight says, “This variation of mixed dal was developed over a series of happy accidents and has become a household favorite. This version has more ginger and a smoother texture. It’s made in the Instant Pot, and I’ve tried it with a variety of fats. When using coconut oil, it has sufficient flavor that I think the cilantro is unnecessary.”
Easy Instant Pot Green Moong Dal
“This delicious and traditional vegan lentil curry soup is hearty, high in protein, and very simple to make in your Instant Pot,” says Fioa.
Instant Pot Apple Mango Chutney
Cinnamon, cardamom, and chili flakes make this apple mango chutney a must-have condiment for your next Indian meal.
