The Instant Pot is a great tool in the kitchen. It can really shorten the amount of time you spend making some foods, and it can be so much easier, just because it’s so hands-off.
In this article, we’ll show you how to use the Instant Pot Soup setting, how to adjust the cooking time, and how to make some of our favorite soup recipes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, the Instant Pot Soup setting is a great tool to have in your kitchen.
» You might be interested in these 30 Best Instant Pot Beef Recipes.

The Instant Pot soup setting is perfect for making clear broths, creamy soups, and chunky stews. With the Instant Pot, you can cook your soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove, and you can also set it and forget it, allowing you to do other things while your soup cooks.
If you’ve been using yours for a while, you probably already know about all of those pre-programmed settings and buttons that you have the option of using. But do you ever actually use them? I’ll be honest, I never did before a few years ago, when I realized they actually can save time if you know how to use it.
Understanding the Instant Pot Soup Setting
If you’re new to using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you may be wondering how to make the most of its soup setting. In this section, we’ll cover the basics of the Instant Pot soup setting, how it works, and the advantages of using it.
What is the Instant Pot Soup Setting?

The soup setting on your Instant Pot is a preset button that makes pressure-cooking soups easier. When you press the soup button, it automatically sets the cooking time and pressure level for you. By default, the normal setting is for 30 minutes at high pressure, but you can adjust the time and pressure level to suit your recipe.
How does the Soup Setting Work?
To use the soup setting, simply add all your ingredients, seasonings, and liquids to the pot and stir. Then, secure the lid on top and press the soup button. The display will show the default cooking time and pressure level, but you can adjust it to suit your recipe.
When you press the soup button, the Instant Pot will start building pressure until it reaches the desired level. Once it reaches the correct pressure, the cooking time will begin. After the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep and switch to the keep warm setting. You can then release the pressure manually or let it release naturally.
Advantages of Using the Soup Setting
Using the soup setting on your Instant Pot has several advantages. First, it saves you time and effort by automatically setting the cooking time and pressure level for you. This means you don’t have to monitor the pot or adjust the temperature manually.
Second, the soup setting cooks your soup quickly and evenly. The high-pressure and sealed lid help to lock in the flavor and nutrients, resulting in a delicious and nutritious soup.
Finally, the soup setting is versatile and can be used for a wide range of soup recipes. Whether you’re making a hearty vegetable soup or a creamy chicken soup, the soup setting can handle it all.

Why Use The Soup Setting?
I’m sure you’re thinking to yourself, what’s the point? It’s true that you can also just press the Pressure Cook button and set the time yourself. It’s not really THAT big of a time savings. You’re correct. It’s not really, but then again it is.
Instead of having to push a bunch of buttons to set to the correct time, you just press one button. It can’t get any simpler than that.
Why Use An Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. If you don’t have one, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot and the many accessories you can buy for it.

- Don’t Have an Instant Pot? This guide can help you choose the right one.
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- Learn some great Instant Pot Tips & Tricks.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Instant Pot.
Preparing Soup with the Instant Pot
Preparing soup with the Instant Pot is a breeze, thanks to the Soup/Broth button. Here’s how to use it to make delicious soups and broths.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you need for your soup. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as beans, eggs, potatoes, rice, seafood, veggies, and more. You can also use different seasonings and liquids to add flavor to your soup.
To prepare your ingredients, chop them into small pieces and add them to the Instant Pot. Add enough liquid to cover the ingredients, but don’t fill the pot more than two-thirds full. Stir everything together, then close the lid and make sure the sealing ring is in place.
Using the Soup/Broth Button
Once you’ve added your ingredients and liquids, it’s time to use the Soup/Broth button. Simply press the button and the Instant Pot will automatically set the cooking time to 30 minutes on the Normal setting. This is perfect for soups with meat.
If you’re making a soup that requires a longer cooking time, such as bone broth, you can use the More setting, which defaults to 40 minutes. For meatless soups, you can use the Less setting, which defaults to 20 minutes.

Adjusting the Soup Setting
If you need to adjust the cooking time for your soup, you can do so by using the + and – buttons. For example, if you’re making a soup that requires 45 minutes of cooking time, you can press the More button and then adjust the cooking time to 45 minutes using the + button.
You can also adjust the pressure level by using the Pressure Level button. You can choose between High and Low pressure, depending on the texture you want for your soup.
Natural Release vs Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, you can either do a natural release or a quick release. A natural release means letting the pressure release on its own, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. A quick release means manually releasing the pressure by turning the valve to the Venting position.
If you’re making a soup with a lot of liquid, it’s best to do a natural release to avoid any splatters. If you’re making a soup with a clear broth, such as tomato soup, you can do a quick release since there’s less risk of splatters.
That’s it! With these tips, you can make delicious soups and broths in no time using your Instant Pot’s Soup/Broth button.
TRY THESE INSTANT POT SOUPS
Tips for Perfect Soup Using the Instant Pot
Making soup in an Instant Pot is a breeze, but it can be a little tricky to get it just right. Follow these tips to ensure your soup comes out perfectly every time.
Choosing the Right Pressure Level
The Instant Pot has three pressure levels: high, low, and no pressure. For soup, you’ll want to use the high-pressure setting, as this will cook your ingredients quickly and help to infuse the flavors.
Using the Correct Amount of Liquid
It’s important to use the correct amount of liquid when making soup in an Instant Pot. Too little liquid can cause your soup to burn, while too much can make it too thin. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 cups of liquid for every 1 pound of ingredients.
Adding Seasonings and Ingredients
Soup is all about flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients. Some popular options include garlic, onion, bay leaves, and thyme. When adding ingredients, be sure to layer them in the pot, with the heaviest ingredients on the bottom and the lightest on top.

Adjusting the Cooking Time
The cooking time for soup in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients you’re using. As a general rule, you’ll want to cook your soup for 5-10 minutes under high pressure, with a natural release for 10 minutes. If your soup is still undercooked after this time, you can always put it back on the heat for a few more minutes.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect soup in your Instant Pot every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these tips will help you get the most out of your pressure cooker and create delicious, healthy meals for you and your family.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to use the Instant Pot soup setting to make a delicious soup in no time. With a few basic ingredients and the right cooking time, you can create a hearty and healthy meal that will satisfy your taste buds.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using the Instant Pot soup setting:
- Make sure to add enough liquid to your soup to avoid burning or scorching.
- Experiment with different cooking times to find the perfect balance for your soup recipe.
- Use the pressure release valve to release pressure quickly or naturally, depending on your recipe.
- Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and seasonings to create unique and flavorful soups.
If you’re new to using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, don’t worry. With a little practice, you’ll soon become a pro at creating delicious soups in no time. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines to avoid accidents.
To get started, try out some of the recipes we’ve shared in this article or search for other Instant Pot soup recipes on the site. With a little creativity and patience, you’ll soon be making soups that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Try These Recipes
- Simple Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
- Instant Pot Cheese & Broccoli Soup
- Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup
- Instant Pot Ham & Lentil Soup
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Laura is a passionate home cook and the owner of A Pressure Cooker Kitchen. She is dedicated to helping people create delicious Instant Pot meals with ease. Laura is an expert at developing recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily using a pressure cooker.