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I am asked almost weekly how to convert Instant Pot recipes to crockpot, and though there is no set chart or 1:1 conversion method, I’ve pulled together all of my tips for you so you can be more knowledgable about converting.
Instant Pot recipes are all the rage, however, not everyone has access to one or a similar programmable pressure cooker.
Again, there is not one simple way to convert recipes. This article is intended to help you troubleshoot the recipe you have and convert it.
A lot of us have a crockpot sitting around, and whether you use yours everyday or only use it a few times a month, it’s a great device that can help make life in the kitchen easier.
Use these tips and tricks to convert Instant Pot recipes to crock pot cooking so that you can enjoy all the amazing recipes you find online!
Things to Remember:
- Avoid dairy ingredients until the end of the cooking process. This is a good tip for any recipe but especially when dealing with crockpot recipes. If a recipe calls for dairy, add it at the end of your cooking cycle. Dairy is sensitive and if it’s not cooked or added to a recipe properly it can spoil, curdle, and ruin your recipe.
- If you are moving from an Instant Pot to Crockpot cooking you’ll likely need to adjust the size of the recipe, if needed, because Crockpots can handle a larger meal size.
The Quick Way: Pro Tip For Converting From Instant Pot Recipes to Slow Cooker
I try to keep in mind that not everything is meant to be cooked in the crockpot. The same goes for the Instant Pot. Make sure that the recipe you are trying to convert is suitable for the crockpot. For example, a veggie heavy recipe (cauliflower rice, for example) isn’t a good fit for the crockpot because it will quickly over-cook.
Now for the good stuff: the cheaters path to quickly converting slow cooker recipes:
Find a similar crockpot recipe and use that as a base for your temperature and cooking time base.
A great example is cooking something like my Instant Pot Lasagna. Although my ingredients. make for a healthier alternative to regular recipes, you can use a regular crockpot lasagna recipe as a guide for how to layer the lasagna and how long to cook it for.
How to Tackle Cooking Times
Probably the most difficult part of of converting any recipe is figuring out how long to cook and at what temperature. Instant Pot cooking times are much lower than Crock Pot cook times, so you’ll always want to extend the time it takes to cook a recipe in the crock pot.
For example, Crock Pot Carnitas take about 40 minutes in the Instant Pot. It would take about 15 minutes to build pressure and the natural pressure release would add 10-20 minutes, so a total of just over an hour for pressure cooking, but they’d take a few hours to slow cook.
There are some resources out there that will give you a general idea of how much you are cooking and what temperature/time it will require. There is a great guide on Crock-Pot.com but they keep moving it, so I can’t link to it. I’d google and search for it :) The guide gives you cooking times, fill levels, and even some conversions between high and low temperature cooking time.
Remember that when you are cooking meat, it’s important to be sure that the internal temperature reaches a safe level. Use the recipes as a resource but always check your meat temperatures before eating.
Keep Track of What Works
One of the easiest ways to learn how to convert Instant Pot Recipes to Crockpot cooking is through trial and error. Keep track of what works and what does not. You can make adjustments and before long you’ll be a pro at converting recipes!
Add Liquid When Necessary
When cooking with a pressure cooker there is very little moisture lost, which is why you add only a cup of liquid (give or take depending on size) for each recipe in the Instant Pot. This means that there doesn’t need to be a lot of liquid to begin with. Cooking in the Crockpot is very different because it’s not a sealed environment and the cooking process takes a lot longer.
Make sure you add enough liquid–especially when cooking things like pasta, rice, and meat. This will help avoid dried out or undercooked meals. Also make sure you’re not adding too much liquid, so your meal doesn’t turn out too watery.
You didn’t really answer the question. Geez
There is no one way to convert them all. It depends on the recipe. I’ve received a ton of questions about how to convert, and every single response I’ve given is answered in this post.
The “guide” link only takes you to the Crock Pot website main page?
That stinks! They must have moved that page. Thanks for letting me know-I’ll find it and fix this :)
Using a crockpot to cook beans , will add liquid and taco seasoning at the beginning? Then salsa when using blender or should salsa be in crockpot at beginning? Have vegan grandkids and will try and do this and then freeze for them. Diane Vogeler
If the beans are dry, I’d add the liquid and taco seasoning at the beginning. If you’d like it more flavorful, add salsa in the beginning :)
nothing got fixed. Where’s the conversion chart?? I have a chinese recipe for Char Siu Pork. It’s supposed to be from this lady’s CHinese grandmother whom I’m sure doesn’t even know what a Instapot is let alone own one.
Hi Steve, there is no conversion chart as it’s not a one to one conversion. I’ve explained in detail how it all works right here.
My question is, I have an Instant Pot Multi-Function cookbook and a CrockPot Multi-Function cooker. Does any of the Instant Pot recipes need to be adjusted for my Crock Pot Multi-function?
With Thanks!
Hi Kathleen, I’m sorry but I’ve never used one of those before!
Hi there – nope! I use IP recipes in my Crockpot express all the time :-)
This really wasn’t all that helpful. I find conversions charts for slow cooker recipes to instant pot. I was hoping the other way around would also have more details other thank trial and error.
Unfortunately, there is no way to create a “one size fits all” conversion chart. I’m sorry you didn’t find this helpful.
I have a chicken fra Diablo with hot Italian sausage for instant pot. I want to convert to crockpot and add vegetables. How do I determine amount of ingredients and cooking time?
Hi Beverly, I’d find a crockpot recipe and start your conversions there. I’m sorry but there is no 1 to 1 ratio :)
Although I, too, was looking for a more precise answer, you answered the same frustrated reply several times, to several posters. Everyone Reading this post- please read the blogger’s response…THERE IS NO 1:1 ratio, start with a similar slow cooker recipe-combine with these notes-adjust accordingly. :)
I’m not frustrated :) I wish there was a quick and easy way to just convert all the recipes easily, but there just isn’t. :-/ I hope the tips I’ve given help everyone gain the confidence to convert a recipe for themselves and start learning how they can quickly adapt Instant Pot recipes for their slow cooker!