Easy Instant Pot Artichokes Recipe

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Not only is it a quick and easy way, but Instant Pot Artichokes literally melt in your mouth! And the flavor and texture is really amazing too.

Close up of an Instant Pot artichoke half on a white plate

Steamed and baked artichokes are quite popular (and tasty), but did you know the fastest way to make them is in the Instant Pot? You can make them in a fraction of the time and they’re so good!

All you need are a few simple ingredients like artichokes, water, and olive oil spray to make this easy side dish recipe. Even the kids will ask you to make this tasty dish again!

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh artichokes
  • 1 cup of filtered water
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Scissors
  • Measuring cups
  • Instant Pot Steamer Rack or Steamer Basket
  • Instant Pot

By the Numbers: How to Make Instant Pot Artichokes

Follow these simple steps to learn how to make melt-in-your-mouth artichoke halves in your Instant Pot electric pressure cooker.

Step 1: Wash and Halve Artichokes.

Wash your artichokes really well, then slice them in half length-wise with a sharp knife.

Artichokes cut in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Clean and Trim Artichokes.

Use a spoon to scoop the hairy insides out of each artichoke half and discard the hair. Remove the small outer leaves that don’t have meat on them. Use scissors or a knife to cut the sharp thorny tips off of the artichoke petals, then rinse the halves to remove any remaining hairs.

Artichoke halves with hairs cleaned out of them.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Instant Pot.

Next, place a steamer insert into the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot, add the water, then arrange the artichokes in a single layer on the steamer, stem side down. Spray the cut surfaces of the artichoke halves with extra virgin olive oil. If you like a tangy flavor, you can spray or sprinkle freshly squeezed lemon juice over them as well (or add some to the water).

Artichoke halves laid on a steamer basket in the Instant Pot.

Step 4: Pressure Cook Artichokes.

Seal the lid onto your Instant Pot and make sure the pressure release valve is in the Sealing position. Press the Pressure Cook button and set it on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cook time is up, use a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then use a quick release any remaining pressure.

Remove the artichokes from the Instant Pot and serve with one of your favorite dips (see below for dip ideas). They’re great alone too!

Instant Pot Artichokes on a white plate with garlic dipping butter.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Artichokes

You’ll never make artichokes using a more traditional method again after making them in the Instant Pot for the first time.

What’s different when you cook whole artichokes?

If you want minimal prep, you can also cook your artichokes whole. If you do, you’ll want to cook them stem side up instead of down.

We prefer to cook halves instead of whole artichokes because no one has to deal with the hairy insides at the dinner table. Huge bonus with kids.

Cook time for small to large artichokes?

The cooking time will vary, depending on the size of your artichokes. Here are the general times for pressure cooker artichokes:

  1. Small artichokes (2″ wide). Halves: 6 minutes. Whole: 10 minutes.
  2. Medium artichokes (3″ wide). Halves: 10 minutes. Whole: 15 minutes.
  3. Large artichokes (4-5″ wide). Halves: 15 minutes. Whole: 25 minutes.

How to eat artichokes

Use your teeth to eat the “meat” off of each of the artichoke leaves after dipping them in your favorite sauce, if desired. Then, when you’ve eaten all of the leaves, you get to enjoy the artichoke heart – the best part!

Favorite dipping sauce ideas?

If you want to dip your artichoke in something tasty, try one of these options:

  1. Garlic Butter (melt butter and minced garlic cloves in a small saucepan on the stove top)
  2. Melted Butter infused with fresh herbs (instead of garlic)
  3. Garlic Aioli (store bought or homemade)
  4. Lemon Mayo (lemon juice and mayo mixed together)
  5. Plain Mayo

Can I use an 8-quart Instant Pot?

Yes, you’ll be able to fit more artichokes into an 8-quart model. You’ll want to increase the water to 1 ½ cups if you use the larger Instant Pot.

How to store leftovers.

Store your leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container or plastic bags and use within 2-3 days.

Best pairing ideas?

If you want some ideas for meals to serve these Instant Pot artichokes with, try our Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts or Poached Salmon with Roasted Potatoes or Jasmine Rice.

Where to buy produce online?

I like to shop for produce online, including artichokes, rather than relying on the grocery store. You can often get them online, even when it’s not artichoke season (peak growing season is March to May in California). Read about some of the best places to order fresh produce online.

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Close up of Instant Pot Artichokes on a white plate with butter

Instant Pot Artichokes Recipe

Learn how to cook artichokes that melt in your mouth in the Instant Pot.
4.60 from 10 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Pressurizing Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh artichokes
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice - optional

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Scissors
  • Measuring cups
  • Instant Pot Steamer Rack or Steamer Basket
  • Instant Pot

Instructions

  • Wash and slice your artichokes in half length-wise.
    Artichokes cut in half lengthwise.
  • Scoop the hairy insides out of each artichoke and throw them away. Remove the small outer leaves. Cut the sharp tips off of the artichoke leaves with scissors, then rinse the halves.
    Artichoke halves with hairs cleaned out of them.
  • Set a steamer insert in the Instant Pot, add the water, then arrange the artichoke halves in a single layer, stem side down. Spray the cut surfaces of the artichokes with olive oil. You can optionally add some fresh lemon juice for flavor.
    Artichoke halves laid on a steamer basket in the Instant Pot.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Use a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest of the pressure.
    Are you looking for the best way to cook artichokes? My Instant Pot artichokes literally melt in your mouth. You'll never make artichokes any other way after trying this method!
  • Serve the artichokes with one of your favorite dips.
    Instant Pot Artichokes on a white plate with garlic dipping butter.

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg

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