Are you looking for the best recipe for instant pot delicata squash? Then try this recipe and you won’t look for anything else. This recipe for Instant Pot delicata squash is so amazing and delicious!
Imagine tender slices of Delicata squash infused with the flavors of fall, ready in a fraction of the time it takes to traditionally roast. This is where tradition meets modern convenience, where the Instant Pot’s genius transforms a humble squash into a masterpiece.
I love cooking veggies in my instant pot whenever I am short of time, it takes care of most of the hustle, and I am just left with prep steps only. Truly, instant pot is a blessing for me and has made my life so easy.
Today I will be sharing my experience of making delicata squash in instant pot. I will show how quickly and easily you can make delicata squash in a matter of minutes that tastes as good as traditionally roasted delicata squash. So, let’s jump to recipe highlights followed by the cooking steps.
Recipe Highlights
- 5 ingredients recipe.
- Sweet and healthy.
- You can eat it with its skin on.
- It’s a low crab and keto friendly recipe.
- Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Gluten free and vegan recipe.
How To Cook Delicata Squash In The Instant Pot

The cooking process for delicata squash is simple and straightforward. No fancy steps are required and it’s ready to serve from start to end within 15 minutes.
Ingredients
1 Cup of water
1 Medium size delicata squash
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
Step-By-Step Guide Foe Cooking Delicata Squash In Instant Pot

Step-1: Take a medium size delicata squash and wash it well.
Step-2: Cut it in length wise and scope out its seeds.

Now slice it in small pieces.

Step-3: Add one cup of water to the instant pot and place a trivet. Add delicata squash slices on top of the trivet with cut side up.
Step-4: Close the lid and cook it on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, quickly release the pressure and take the delicata squash out.

Step-5: Cut it into small slices and season it with maple syrup, honey, and cinnamon powder. It’s done. Let it cool down and you can have it.
But I like to do an extra step.
Step-6: After seasoning it, bake it in a preheated oven for 5 minutes. It really crisps the outside while the inside remains tender and juicy.
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Notes & Tips
1- You can cook the whole pieces of delicata squash after scooping out the seeds without cutting it into small slices.
2- The delicata squash’s thin skin is edible. I like to cook with its skin on. You can remove the skin if you do not like to eat. But once cooked, the skin is tender and good and healthy for you.
3- Do not cross the max fill line in the instant pot and try to fill it under the max fill.
Extra Topping Options
You can always add extra seasonings as per your taste. For a savory taste, add butter, ground cumin, and dried herbs.
For a sweet taste, you can add ground nutmeg and brown sugar.
Reheating, Freezing And Storing Guide
Storing: You can store delicata squash in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze it as well for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight freezer-safe containers. But the longer you freeze the less tasty and nutritious it will be.
Reheating: You can easily reheat delicata squash in an oven, air fryer or instant pot.
- Oven: Put the delicata squash in a preheated oven and reheat for 8 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat for 3-4 minutes at 390 F.
- Microwave: You can also reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Some Facts About Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is also known as Cucurbita pepo var. deliciosa. It is a fruit that offers a unique blend of flavors and qualities that set it apart in the realm of winter squash.
It is well known for its sweet and nutty taste and boasts a smooth and creamy texture. It has edible skin that distinguishes it from many other squash varieties.
Delicata squash provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
It is mostly available during the fall and early winter months, this squash’s moderate size makes it easily manageable for various culinary endeavors.
FAQ’s
Can you use another kind of squash for cooking in the instant pot?
Yes, you can use butternut squash, whole squash, and acorn squash instead of delicata squash. There are a few adjustments in terms of ingredients and steps, but all of these types of squash can be cooked in an instant pot easily.
Do I need to peel Delicata squash before cooking it in an Instant Pot?
No, there is no need to peel delicata squash for cooking in the instant pot. Its skin is fully edible, and it has nutritional properties. But if you don’t like to eat its skin, you can simply remove it and eat its flesh.
But don’t remove the skin before cooking in the instant pot as high pressure cooking can break the delicata squash so remove the skin once it’s cooked in the instant pot.
How long does it take to cook Delicata squash in an Instant Pot?
If you just want to cook it in the instant pot and don’t want to bake afterwards then pressure cook for 10 minutes only. I like to do it in two steps; first, cook for 10 minutes in an instant pot followed by 5 minutes of baking in the oven.

Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 Medium size delicata squash
- 1 tbsp Maple syrup
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Take a medium size delicata squash and rinse it properly.
- Cut it lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Place a trivet in the Instant Pot, add one cup of water, and arrange the delicata squash slices on the trivet with the cut side up.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quickly release the pressure and remove the squash.
- Slice the cooked squash and season with maple syrup, honey, and cinnamon powder. Let it cool.
- Optional Step: After slicing, bake it for 5 minutes in the oven to crisp the outside while maintaining the interior delicate and juicy.