Instant Pot Artichokes
Instant Pot Artichokes are always a treat, and this post has all you need to know about cooking artichokes in the Instant Pot. And Artichokes are high in fiber, so low in net carbs, so enjoy some fresh artichokes while they’re in season!
PIN Instant Pot Artichokes to try it later!
Instant Pot Artichokes are a perfect spring side dish that has a lot of good memories for me, and I’m always excited when artichokes start to get less expensive! But if you didn’t grow up eating artichokes, they can look pretty unapproachable. Luckily I had a mother who loved artichokes, and we had them as often as the budget would allow.
Some people cook the artichokes whole, but I learned from my mom to cut the artichokes in half and cut out the choke before cooking. This may have been due to having twelve people in the family, since each family member got half an artichoke in those days! Whatever the reason, I’ve been doing it that way ever since, even now that I’m buying my own artichokes and can eat as many as I want.
And for years I used to cook my artichokes in a pan with a few inches of boiling water, but when I discovered the idea of Instant Pot Artichokes, I thought it was brilliant. Now I love using the Instant Pot to cook perfect artichokes in 8 minutes of time under pressure!
What Are Artichokes?
Artichokes are thistles, originally from Europe. The bud is completely edible in young artichokes, but in mature plants, only the center heart and lower edges of the leaves are edible, and the choke must be removed. You can dip the heart and edges of the leaves in sauces, butter, or mayonnaise, and artichokes are good hot or cold. An average-sized artichoke has about 13 carbs, but 7 grams of fiber, so only 6 net carbs.
When are Artichokes in season?
In the U.S. artichokes are in season from March through May. Although they may still be available at other times of year, they’ll be less expensive during those months.
Why are Instant Pot Artichokes so great?
I used to cook artichokes in a large pan with boiling water and a tight lid, so the artichokes were steamed. This method worked fine, but it took a long time to get the artichokes fully cooked. Artichokes in the Instant Pot will cook in only about 8 minutes under pressure, and they turn out perfect every time!
What Instant Pot did I use for Instant Pot Artichokes?
I used a 6 Quart Instant Pot (affiliate link) for this recipe, but you can make this in any type of electric pressure cooker or a stovetop pressure cooker as well. Check out my growing collection of Instant Pot Recipes!
What Dipping Sauces are good for Instant Pot Artichokes?
There are a variety of sauces that can be tasty with artichokes:
- My mother served artichokes with a lemony sauce that we now call Mom’s Artichoke Dipping Sauce.
- Artichokes are always delicious with melted butter!
- Remoulade Sauce
- Lemon-Mustard Vinaigrette
- Sriracha Aioli Dipping Sauce
- Basil Vinaigrette
- Roasted Red Pepper Aioli with Garlic
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Market Street Grill Cucumber Dill Sauce
Want more recipes using artichokes?
Check out Amazing Recipes with Artichokes to see the artichoke recipes that are my personal favorites. Or if you’re a big artichoke fan like I am, you might want to check out all the Recipes with Artichokes on my blog!
How to Cook Instant Pot Artichokes:
(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)
- With a bit of trimming and peeling you can eat most of the stem, so I always pick the ones with the longest stems. (If the lower part is woody, you can just cut it off when you eat it.) Trim the discolored end, then cut off the stray leaves and peel the stem if needed.
- After the stem is trimmed, cut the artichoke in half, cutting lengthwise through the stem. This makes the artichoke quicker to cook and easier to eat, but maybe I love doing it because that’s how my mom did it.
- The center part with the fuzzy texture is called the “choke” and it needs to be cut out. Use a small sharp knife to make a deep cut under the fuzzy choke. Grab the very inside leaves, and pull out, taking the choke with it. With practice you can get it out in one or two pulls, and leave as much of the leaves as you can while removing all the choke.
- My mother never trimmed the artichoke leaves (and I bet you wouldn’t either if you were cooking for 12!) But lately I like to use kitchen shears (affiliate link) and cut off the sharp ends; your choice on that.
- Put a steamer basket (affiliate link) in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. (I also like to add a few tablespoons of my fresh-frozen lemon juice, which keeps the artichokes from turning brown.
- Trim artichoke stems, cut in half, remove the choke, and trim leaves if desired, as described above
- Put four artichoke halves into the Instant Pot. I’m using a 6 Quart Instant Pot (affiliate link) and probably could have fit a couple more artichokes.
- Lock the lid and choose MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE, 8 minutes.
- When the pressure cooking time is done, choose the QUICK RELEASE method to release the pressure.
- I serve the Instant Pot Artichokes most often with the Artichoke Dipping Sauce that’s inspired by the sauce my mom always served.
Cooking Artichokes in a Stovetop Pressure Cooker:
The complete recipe below has instructions for using a stovetop pressure cooker if that’s what you prefer.
Here’s my photo from the pressure cooked artichokes that first appeared on my blog years ago, and I have made them many, many times since then! I devoured the artichoke in this photo immediately after I finished taking pictures!
More Artichoke Recipes to Love:
Instant Pot Artichokes
This pot will show you how to prepare and cook Instant Pot Artichokes, and there are instructions for a Stovetop Pressure Cooker as well. Using the Instant Pot or a pressure cooker can help you make perfect artichokes every time.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized artichokes
- 1 cup water (2 cups for stovetop pressure cooker)
- 1-2 T fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. dried lemon zest or 1-2 tsp. fresh lemon zest (optional, I don't use this much any more)
- 1 tsp. dried shallots or 2 tsp. minced fresh shallots (optional, I don't use this much any more)
Instructions
How to Prepare the Artichokes:
- Trim the discolored end of the artichoke stem, then cut off the very lowest leaves and peel the stem if needed.
- After the stem is trimmed and peeled, cut the artichoke and the stem in half. Use a small sharp knife to make a deep cut under the fuzzy choke on each half. Grab the very inside leaves, and pull out, taking the choke with it. Try to leave as much of the leaves as you can while removing all the choke.
- Lately I like to use kitchen shears and cut off the sharp ends; your choice on that.
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Trim artichoke stems, cut in half, remove the choke, and trim leaves if desired, as described above.
- Put a steamer basket in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. (I like to add a few tablespoons of my fresh-frozen lemon juice, which keeps the artichokes from turning brown.)
- Put four artichoke halves into the Instant Pot, facing down. (I'm using a 6 Quart Instant Pot and I probably could have fit a couple more artichoke halves.
- Lock the lid and choose MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE, 8 minutes.
- When the pressure cooking time is done, choose the QUICK RELEASE method to release the pressure.
- Serve hot or cold.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Instructions:
- Trim artichoke stems, cut in half, remove the choke, and trim leaves if desired, as described above.
- I used a 3.7 quart Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker to cook four artichoke halves at a time, but you could probably fit a couple more.
- Put the metal rack in the bottom of the pressure cooker Add 2 cups water (and lemon juice if desired) and then put in artichokes, inside facing down.
- Put the pressure cooker on the stove, lock lid, and bring to HIGH PRESSURE.
- Then lower heat enough to maintain high pressure and pressure cook for 6 minutes. (Start timing as soon as high pressure is reached.)
- After six minutes, use QUICK RELEASE method to release pressure, then open lid carefully.
- Test for doneness by pulling out one leaf; it should remove easily and be tender on the end and the stem should pierce easily with a fork.
- My artichokes were perfectly cooked in six minutes, but if you need to cook a little longer, just put lid on but don’t lock and cook a few minutes more.
- Serve artichokes hot or cold.
Notes
Equipment:I made this in my 3.7 quart Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker back in 2008, but now I’d use my Instant Pot.
Artichokes do have some carbs, but they are high in fiber.
Inspired by artichoke cooking advice from CookieCrumb and timing recommendations from Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 72Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 78mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 7gSugar 2gProtein 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by the Recipe Plug-In I am using. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, since many variables affect those calculations.
Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
Instant Pot Artichokes are so easy, and artichokes are always a treat! One whole artichoke has about 13 carbs, but 7 grams of fiber, so they’re great for low-carb and Keto diets, and also a good choice for any phase of the original South Beach Diet.
Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Instant Pot Recipes for more recipes like this one! Use the Diet Type Index to find recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.
Historical Notes for this Recipe:
I first posted about cooking artichokes in the pressure cooker in 2009! The recipe for Instant Pot Artichokes was last updated in 2025.
43 Comments on “Instant Pot Artichokes”
This post is a good example of why I love your blog: great and helpful explanations and tips!
Thanks Donna, so glad it’s useful for you!
I became afraid of the pressure cook after hubby told me horror stories…I may have to give it another go in order to try this recipe…
Rosanna, since I posted this I've gotten a new electric pressure cooker that you program for a certain amount of time and it shuts itself off. I love it. You might be more comfortable with that!
Deb, isn't it just the best way ever to cook them!
Ive been using a pressure cooker for 30 years (started in my early 20s – got it as a gift for Christmas when I was pregnant again!) I cook them whole, but cut off the stems so they sit flat on the roating rack in the pressure cooker and cook with about 1/2 water for 6 minutes while hubby finished making the hollandaise sauce! Perfect every time!
Phoo-D so glad you enjoyed them. This is the only way I cook artichokes nowdays!
We made these last night and they turned out amazing! I steamed two artichokes out of the same batch earlier in the week and they were quite tough and lacking in flavor compared to the ones cooked in the pressure cooker. Next up is an artichoke soup with the leftover liquid and a bag of frozen artichoke hearts!
I love the idea of taking out the choke before it cooks- We always just steamed them whole, and had to deal with the choke at the table, which can get messy. I'll be trying this method tonight!
You're welcome! You will LOVE the pressure cooker for cooking artichokes.
I just bought a pressure cooker a few weeks ago to use for cooking grains. THANK YOU for this idea ~ once again I am reminded of why I am a KK fan!
Judianne, my mother also cooked them in water that way but the pressure cooker is so much faster that now I love using it. But for people without a pressure cooker, just use a big pot.
My mom never used her pressure cooker for artichokes but she used to cook them in a Dutch oven in water to cover. She added at least 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 2 to 4 large whole cloves of garlic.about 1 TBSP of salt and then cooked them until tender. They were essentially marinated while cooking. We did dip the leaves in mayonaisse but really if you are controlling your diet, one doesn't need to. Also, since we like a whole artichoke each, I have started cutting off the top 1/3 to 1/2 (depending on the size) before cooking. That part isn't edible so why cook it? They could well be cooked this way in a pressure cooker.
Shirley, the new pressure cookers are really wonderful. They have a safety valve that takes away the worry.
In 6 minutes? Wow! That is definitely an incentive to get a pressure cooker. We just had artichokes for dinner this week. We're nuts for artichokes, but steaming them is not a quick thing. Okay, I may have to get a pressure cooker. I've had them in the past, but was always intimidated by them and ended up passing them on to others.
Thanks for revisiting this post, Kalyn!
Shirley
Elle, thank you. I loved how they turned out!
I can't wait to try artichokes in the pressure cooker… I'll have to wait until NEXT spring!!
Lovely photos, too!
I’ve been wanting to get a pressure cooker… now I really want one. And cutting them in half – I just bought a 3 for 2 special, now I know what to do with the 3rd.
Becky, do keep trying and you’ll get it right. Artichokes are such a delight!
Cookiecrumb, YOU are awesome. Thanks again for the great tip. I’m loving the pressure cooker so much. If I wasn’t spending much money on my house (and kind of freaking out about it) I’d probably have bought a bigger size pressure cooker too.
You are awesome.
I am flattered.
Mmm.
Thanks for posting this. I tried twice this year to cook artichokes with no success. I will review this next time I pick up artichokes at the store.
For all you thinking about getting a pressure cooker, really I can’t say enough good things about the pressure cooker. It was an investment for me (because I was paranoid and got a really high quality one) but no regrets. I wish I had a bigger size too!
Once again I see I’m not keeping up on comments, but I’m glad so many people are liking this information.
Kalyn, I think you just pushed me over the edge. Artichokes in six minutes? I HAVE to get a pressure cooker now.
its first time i am listening that artichokes are cooked. 😀 any ways i am definatly gona try it.
PS: I wanted to mention that I bought a Digital Pressure cooker about 5 years ago. I love it to pieces! Use it all the time– love it much more than a slow cooker.
What a coincidence! I blogged about pressure cooking artichokes, and then I grilled them! They were super good.
I appreciate the tip on using aromatics with the pressure cooker. Now, why haven’t I thought of that?
Beautiful photos, too.
Debby
Yum. I love artichokes, but have peeled so many in my work life that I don’t often feel compelled to prepare them at home. I’ve been wanting to buy a pressure cookier for ages now though!
You’re right – artichokes are intimidating. I have no idea to make them and though I’m sure they’re delicious (I love artichoke hearts) I’ve always been hesitate to buy the scary looking things! 🙂
That is brilliant, Kalyn! Not only cutting them in half, but using a pressure cooker. I have GOT to get one of those babies. I always cook ‘chokes whole, which means an hour or so of cooking to get them really tender. I also throw in lemons and bay leaves, but I love chiles, so I should add that, too. Many thanks!
I guess it depends where and when (the 50s-60s) and with whom (and with which cookbooks – the older Joy of Cooking edition we used had a pressure cooker timing chart in it) you grew up – we always cooked our artichokes in a pressure cooker, but we didn’t cut them in half (and remove the choke) first. The idea of adding aromatics to the water is new to me, though.
Sandra
I’ve cooked whole artichokes in the pressure cooker for years. But note: if using an aluminum pressure cooker avoid adding anything acidic to the mix as there is a direct correlation of aluminum and alzheimers.
I love your blog! Thankyou!!
Wow, artichokes in 6 minutes! I keep talking about getting a pressure cooker because of you, Kalyn! Now I think I really have to.
Flfarmgirl, you made my day with that comment, so now we’re even! (BTW, love the name of your blog, very clever!)
You have made my day with this post! I have been intimidated by the lovely thistle. I have seen some beautiful chokes at the market this week. I love my pressure pan and your post couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you! PS, I had the best I’ve ever had while we were in Rome. You have given me a flash back and courage—how did you do that?
Lori, what a fun memory! I can tell you I’m sold on the pressure cooker. I never imagined I’d love it so much.
Reen, I agree, it did seem like it took forever in a regular pot didn’t it. I remember wondering why they took so long to cook!
Can’t wait to get artichokes! I’ve always made them in a pot with water at the bottom and sometimes it takes forever! This looks great and I have several pressure cookers. So glad you posted this!
I have been thinking about buying a pressure cooker, this gives me one more reason. I first ate an artichoke after I graduated college. My date showed me how…a cute memory.
Happy Easter to you and your family Kalyn.
Lori Lynn
Pearl, you must try them!
Lydia, the more I use the pressure cooker, the more I like it. I’m just getting ready to make a cauliflower curry right now.
Veggie Queen, you are the pressure cooking expert! How lucky to get baby artichokes. I never see them here.
Trish, my mom had one too, but I was scared of those older ones. The new models have a pressure release valve built into the lid, so it can’t come off. I love mine, although it was definitely an investment. My only regret is that I didn’t spring for the larger one.
What an awesome idea. Hmmm…where is that old pressure cooker of my moms?!!
Thanks for this great post on cooking artichokes in the pressure cooker. I am a huge pressure cooking fan.
I cooked baby artichokes (so lucky to get them) in mine last night and thought that 3 minutes at pressure would be just right but when I do it again, it will only be for 2 1/2 minutes because they were a bit overcooked.
Some people only use their pressure cookers for artichokes but we both know that they are really missing out on benefits of the pressure cooker and cooking the really good stuff.
Six minutes? Gosh, I really have to get a pressure cooker! I’ve seen such wonderful recipes — yours, for cooking beans as well as these artichokes — and another for risotto. I wouldn’t mind having my slow cooking speeded up a bit!
mm i have never made or prepared artichokes, but this sounds like a neat way to do it! thank you for sharing 😀