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Instant Pot Artichokes: Quick, Tender Stovetop-Style Recipe

Instant Pot Artichokes cook quickly and come out tender and flavorful when prepared in a pressure cooker. This method makes cooking artichokes easy and reliably delicious.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, try stovetop methods like boiling or steaming to achieve similar results.

Cooked whole artichoke globe on a white plate next to a pressure cooker.

Artichoke in Instant Pot

Artichokes are flavorful and nutritious. This distinctive vegetable is the unopened flower bud of an edible thistle. Its appearance can be intimidating, but preparing and cooking artichokes is straightforward.

Pressure cooking in the Instant Pot is one of the quickest ways to preserve the artichoke’s fresh flavor while making the leaves and heart tender. This method requires minimal hands-on time and produces consistent results.

A cooked artichoke cut in half on a white plate.

Artichoke Instant Pot Preparation

  1. Trim the stem. Cut it off flush with the base or leave 1/2 to 1 inch of stem. Smaller artichokes benefit from leaving a bit of stem; larger stems can be woody and tough.
  2. Remove any dry outer leaves and slice off about 1 inch from the top of the bulb. A serrated knife can help.
  3. Trim the sharp tips of the leaves with kitchen shears for a neater presentation; they will soften during pressure cooking.
  4. Rinse the artichokes under cold running water.
  5. If you won’t cook them right away, place the prepared artichokes in room-temperature water with the juice of 1/2 lemon to prevent browning.
Photo collage on how to prepare artichokes

How To Cook Artichokes In The Instant Pot

  1. Pour water into the Instant Pot (see recipe notes for amounts). Add lemon slices, garlic cloves and an optional bay leaf or thyme for extra flavor.
  2. Place the steaming rack or trivet in the pot.
  3. Arrange the artichokes on the rack with the top side facing up.
  4. Close and lock the lid, then cook on high pressure.
  5. When the cooking time ends, quick-release the pressure.
  6. Open the lid, remove the artichokes, and let them cool slightly before serving.
Image collage of how to cook artichokes in the instant pot.

How Long Do You Steam Artichokes in Instant Pot?

Cooking time depends on the size of the artichokes. A medium artichoke typically cooks in about 18–20 minutes. Harvest timing affects texture: artichokes harvested in spring and early summer usually require less cooking time than those harvested in late summer and fall.

Use the guide below as a reference and adjust slightly based on your artichokes and personal preference.

Artichokes Instant Pot Cooking Times

These times are based on testing and should serve as a guideline. Individual artichokes can vary.

Artichokes harvested in early spring and early summer:

  • Small: 10–12 minutes
  • Medium: 13–15 minutes
  • Large: 16–18 minutes

Artichokes harvested in late summer and early fall:

  • Small: 16–18 minutes
  • Medium: 20 minutes
  • Large: 22 minutes
Artichokes inside a pressure cooker.

Is it faster to Boil or Steam Artichokes?

Steaming artichokes in the Instant Pot is generally the fastest way to get tender, tasty results. On the stovetop, boiling can be slightly quicker than steaming because the artichoke is fully submerged in water.

How Long Does An Artichoke Last?

Raw: Uncooked artichokes keep 1–2 days at room temperature in a ventilated area and 5–7 days refrigerated in a bag to prevent drying. Trimmed: Keep in water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar; use within a few hours. Cooked: Store steamed or pressure-cooked artichokes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Canned or marinated: Follow the expiration date on the package.

Can You Freeze Artichokes?

Freeze artichokes only after cooking. Raw artichokes become discolored and mushy when thawed. Pack cooked artichokes or hearts in airtight containers or freezer bags. Cooked whole artichokes keep 1–2 months; cooked hearts can last several months.

Artichokes on white plates served with lemon slices and dipping sauce

What to Serve with Instant Pot Artichokes

Artichokes are excellent on their own or paired with dipping sauces. Popular options include melted butter, garlic aioli, lemon vinaigrette, mayonnaise, or a bright lemon-herb dipping sauce for added freshness.

Instant Pot Artichokes are a simple, satisfying side or appetizer. Use the cooking times above as a starting point and adjust to taste.

Cooked whole artichoke on a white plate

Instant Pot Artichokes

5 from 1 review

img 23145 8Kathy McDaniel

Instant Pot Artichokes reach tender perfection in just a short cooking time. Preparing and cooking them is easy and yields a delicious result.
Prep 10
Cook 20
Total 30
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 medium artichokes
  • 4 lemon slices (optional but recommended)
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf or a sprig of thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. You can cook the artichokes untrimmed or follow the prep steps below for a cleaner presentation.

To prep:

  1. Cut the stem off flush with the base.
  2. Remove any woody outer leaves.
  3. Slice off about 1 inch from the top.
  4. Trim the leaf tips with kitchen shears if desired.

Cook:

  1. Pour 1 cup of water into a 6-quart Instant Pot or 2 cups into an 8-quart model. Add lemon slices, garlic and bay leaf or thyme if using.
  2. Place the steaming rack or trivet inside the pot.
  3. Arrange the artichokes on the rack, tops facing up.
  4. Close and lock the lid.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes (adjust time based on size and harvest season).
  6. When the cycle finishes, quick-release the pressure.
  7. Open the lid and remove the artichokes with tongs.
  8. Test for doneness by pulling a leaf—the leaf should come away easily.

Notes

  • Exact cooking times vary with artichoke size and freshness.
  • Artichokes harvested in spring to early summer need less cooking time than those harvested later in the season.
  • Early spring / early summer times: Small 10–12 minutes; Medium 13–15 minutes; Large 16–18 minutes.
  • Late summer / fall times: Small 16–18 minutes; Medium 20 minutes; Large 22 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 94 kcal, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 1 g

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