Made in less than 20 minutes, steamed Instant Pot Artichokes are the perfect wholesome snack or tasty appetizer for spring! Pair them with aioli for an irresistible combination that is loaded with health benefits!
Who knew artichokes in the Instant Pot could turn out so well? Typically prepared by either boiling or steaming, most artichoke recipes can take over an hour from start to finish. However, these easy steamed Instant Pot artichokes are ready in less than 20 minutes and have all the flavor you love from more traditional recipes!
Plus, they’re low-carb, Whole30, Paleo, and full of health benefits for an appetizer, side dish, or snack you can feel good about eating. We’ll teach you how to steam them to perfection, the best serving options, and more so you can get the most out of this tasty seasonal produce.
Are Artichokes Good for You?
Honestly, the health benefits of artichokes are virtually endless! We’re breaking them down for you here, but if you’re interested, you can learn even more about the benefits of this Mediterranean superfood in this article.
To start, artichokes are considered high in dietary fiber. They are a prebiotic food with prebiotic fibers. This is good! Prebiotic fibers do not break down in the intestines but become a type of fuel known as probiotics which feed the good bacteria in our gut. We need both prebiotics and probiotics to maintain healthy gut flora and regulate our digestive systems.
Artichokes also have high oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC). This simply means they can help fight off oxidative stress in the body and reduce inflammation of all types.
In addition, artichokes are a good source of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants including Copper, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Niacin, Potassium, and Phosphorous. They’re a great food to include in vegetarian diets as they are high in plant-based iron. This means they can aid in preventing anemia in all diets, not just plant-based ones.
To start, artichokes are considered high in dietary fiber. They are a prebiotic food with prebiotic fibers. This is good! Prebiotic fibers do not break down in the intestines but become a type of fuel known as probiotics which feed the good bacteria in our gut. We need both prebiotics and probiotics to maintain healthy gut flora and regulate our digestive systems.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When cooked correctly, artichokes have a slightly nutty flavor that is not unlike asparagus. As a result, they require just a few simple ingredients to taste great!
- Artichokes – You’ll want 2 or 3 medium artichokes that are roughly 250 grams each. Whether you’re making these Instant Pot artichokes or artichoke soup, you’ll want to look for artichokes that have tightly packed leaves and squeak a little bit when squeezed for the best results.
- Vegetable Broth or Water – Water works to steam your Instant Pot artichokes, but vegetable broth adds extra savory flavor making them taste even better.
- Aromatics – Technically optional, aromatics like lemon juice, lemon wedges, garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and spices help infuse your steamed artichokes with even more flavor.
Prepare Artichokes for the Instant Pot
The most crucial step in pressure-cooking artichokes is to properly prepare the vegetables before cooking. Luckily, it’s super quick and easy to do!
- Remove and discard the outer layer of the artichokes by peeling off the first layer of leaves with your fingers.
- Trim the leaves, if necessary. See the pictures below for reference.
- Slice the tip and the stem off the artichokes.
Pro-Tip: Rub the tips with a bit of fresh lemon juice to prevent them from browning!
How to Cook Instant Pot Artichokes with Video
Steamed artichokes may seem intimidating to make, but don’t worry! We’ll walk you through how to do it with the video and step-by-step process below. For this recipe, we recommend using at least a 6-quart instant pot to allow enough room for the vegetables to cook completely.
- Add the Artichokes to the Instant Pot. Insert the vegetables upside down on top of a wire trivet or a steamer basket (that should have come with your Instant Pot).
Note: In the video, the artichokes are shown steaming with their stem side down. I use this method for cooking small artichokes in a smaller Instant Pot. However, for larger artichokes, you’ll want to make sure to insert them upside down. Otherwise, they won’t steam correctly!
- Combine the Ingredients. Pour the cold water or broth over the artichokes. Then, add the aromatics, if desired.
- Steam. Cover and lock the lid by sealing the vent closed. Pressure cook on high until the artichokes are tender. (See the recipe card notes below for cooking times.)
- Quick Release. Flip the release valve to steam to release the high pressure and prevent the Instant Pot artichokes from overcooking.
- Check for Doneness. Use tongs to remove the artichokes from the Instant Pot, and insert a sharp, serrated knife into the center, white fleshy part of the vegetables. If they’re done, it will easily slide down into the bottom.
- Serve. Once your steamed artichokes are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a serving platter, and add any additional seasonings. Then, pull the leaves off or split the artichokes in half to expose the inside of the veggies, and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Prep: If you want to prepare in advance, trim the artichokes, and keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then, just follow the recipe as normal.
- Refrigerator: Once cooked and cooled, steamed artichokes can be transferred to an airtight container or sealable bag and stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Store your cooked artichokes in the freezer anywhere between 10-12 months. Just be sure to keep them completely covered in airtight containers or freezer bags. Keep reading here to learn more about how to properly store and freeze cooked artichokes.
- To Reheat: To warm, drizzle olive oil over your artichokes, wrap them individually in aluminum foil, and heat them in the oven at 350° for about 15 minutes or until they’re heated through.
What to Serve with Steamed Artichokes
Our favorite way to serve Instant Pot artichokes is with a flavorful dipping sauce like aioli, garlic mayo, honey mustard, Dijon mustard, or even melted butter! It’s a great way to spruce up any breakfast charcuterie board with a pop of color or extra nutrients.
In addition, steamed artichokes make for a restaurant-worthy appetizer with all your favorite meals like Vegan Greek Quinoa Burgers, Air Fried Salmon, and Greek Herb Roasted Chicken with Charred Rosemary.
Common Questions About Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes
The cook time will vary depending on the size of your artichokes and the thickness of their leaves. In general, it can range anywhere from 9 minutes for small artichokes to 25 minutes for large artichokes.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, artichokes can be made in the oven instead. You will need to go through the same process of removing the leaves and stem. Then, instead of placing it in the instant pot, wrap the artichoke in aluminum foil, and bake it in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you need more direction, this article has easy-to-follow instructions!
To choose the perfect artichokes for the Instant Pot, make sure they are a mild green color all over. A few brown spots are normal, but you do not want your artichokes to have purple spots or big bruises. In addition, you want to avoid artichokes with any flowers or buds appearing. Instead, choose those that have tightly packed leaves that firmly snap when bent. The artichoke should also feel firm and bulky, not hollow. When you give the artichoke a slight squeeze it should squeak. If the artichoke has a long stem as well, you’ve hit the jackpot!
The heart is the best part of an artichoke and often the part found in cans at your local grocer. This is the “meaty” section under the choke. The choke is not edible and has prickly hairs on it. The stem and base of the leaves are both edible. The stem when cooked is as soft and fork-tender as the heart. The leaves have a silky “meat” at the base of them. 
To get this meat you’ll want to hold the top of the leaf in your hand, put the base in your mouth between your teeth, and strip the meat off as you pull the leaf. The only edible part of the leaf is the meat at the bottom.
Yes, overcooked artichokes will be slightly slimy and mushy. Don’t worry, though! They don’t overcook quickly. So, as long as you keep an eye on them, they’ll be fine.
More of Our Favorite
Veggie-Loaded Snacks and Appetizers
Looking for more delicious ways to enjoy your vegetables? We’ve got you covered with the easy, gluten-free recipes below!
Instant Pot Artichokes Recipe with Aioli
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make easy Instant Pot artichokes for savory, steamed artichokes perfect for serving as a side, snack, or appetizer!
Ingredients
Instant Pot Artichokes
- 3 small or 2 medium (about 250 grams/each) artichokes, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- Optional aromatics – lemon juice, fresh/dried herbs, spice blend of choice
Quick Aioli
- ¾ cup real mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped herbs or 2 teaspoons dried (rosemary and oregano)
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon or honey mustard *
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic or 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon to 2 Tablespoons olive oil (see notes)
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Steam Artichokes
- Trim the outer layer of the artichoke by peeling off the first layer of leaves. Cut off the tip and stem. If desired, rub the tips with a little bit of fresh lemon juice to keep the artichokes from browning.
- Place the artichokes upside down on the wire trivet in the Instant Pot. Note – The video in this post shows steaming artichokes stem side down. I used this method for cooking small artichokes in a smaller instant pot.
- Pour water or broth over the artichokes into the Instant Pot. Add optional aromatics to give the artichokes more flavor when steaming.
- Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to closed. Select MANUAL mode and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes (small artichokes) or 13 to 15 minutes for medium artichokes (see notes for other sizes).
- When the cooking cycle is finished, use the Quick Release method by turning the vent to steam release. This will help to reduce pressure and overcooking. Once it’s done, the lid will unlock, naturally.
- Check to see if the artichokes are fully cooked by inserting a knife down the middle. It should slide into the bottom easily. Remove the artichokes from the Instant Pot.
- Once they’ve finished cooking and are cool enough to handle, place on a large plate or bowl. Season to taste. Pull the leaves off and serve with aioli (below) or dip of choice or split in half for easy access to the heart.
- Store artichokes in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
Aioli
- Whisk together all ingredients and let chill for 30 minutes before serving. (See notes)
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Cooking Tips – Cook times will vary based on the size of the artichokes, as well as the density of the leaves. Small artichokes : 9- 10 minutes Medium Artichokes : 13- 15 minutes Large artichokes : 20 – 25 minutes
Prep Tips – When making the aioli, adjust the amount of olive oil according to desired thickness. For a Whole 30 option, use Dijon mustard. For a vegan option, use egg free mayonnaise. Original Garlic & Herb Aioli recipe HERE.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ large artichoke
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Protein: 2.1g
Keywords: instant pot, pressure cooker, how to steam artichokes, paleo, vegetarian, gluten free, instant pot artichokes
Do you have questions, feedback, or tips about this recipe? Leave a comment below with any questions or feedback you’d like to share!
When it comes to steaming artichokes, I find that this method is among the most effective. This is the only way I’m ever going to do it!
★★★★★
We are so pleased you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for trying it and taking the time to leave a comment. Happy cooking!
My husband tried this and followed the directions and they were so undercooked we had to put them in the pressure cooker for another 20 minutes. It seems that your times are way off! I have never cooked an artichoke in the instant pot for under 30 minutes.
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Hi Lori. I’m so sorry to hear that you do not have success with this recipe. I have made this several times but it definitely depends on the size of your artichoke. What size artichoke did you use? And did you use slow release or a quick release method? Happy to retest this again and another instant pot with an extra large artichoke, if you’d like. It could also be the pressure temperature. Did you pressure cook manual on high or steam? More details are greatly appreciated.
Mine turned out perfectly, love using the IP for this!
★★★★★
So Glad!
I just came across your site & this was the first recipe I made. I just had it for lunch & it was so good!
tunnel rush
★★★★★
This is one of the best ways I have found of steaming my artichokes! I will never do it any other way!
★★★★★
THanks for feedback Sommer!
This is so simple but so delicious! I added lemon juice and it was all I really needed to brighten the flavor even more. Thanks for the delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Great minds! 😉
Simply amazing! Thank you for this recipe!
★★★★★
So glad! Thanks Stacey!
I have learned about it but not much, thanks for your information
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Hi,
My artichokes were way over done at 15 minutes.
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What size were your artichokes? They should cook for 10 minutes if your artichoke are on the smaller side. It’s in the recipe notes. I’ll update the card so it’s more visible. I apologize.
The time to steam this is way off. I did this in my instapot and followed the instructions. I put it back in with the sauce on because it wasn’t ready ( still hard). I steamed it on high pressure in halves for 20 more minutes. I was happy with the flavor of the sauce and changing the steam time. Thank you for the recipe. Lots and lots of flavor. So happy I stuck it back in because it turned out better. Not to mention my kids were fighting over them
★★★★★
Oh wow, so you steamed around 30 minutes? What size were the artichokes? Thanks for your feedback!
I had two whole medium size ones. I pressure cooked them on high for 35 minutes
Have you ever steamed artichoke in the microwave? So simple and can be done in 10 – 12 minutes! You use one of the plastic bags used to put veggies in at the grocery store – rinse the artichoke well and quickly put it in the bag, twist the bag closed and set the artichoke upright on top of the twisted portion of the bag (to keep it closed) and put in microwave for 10.5 minutes for 1 artichoke and 12 minutes for 2. The bag will blow up creating a steam vessel! Tada, perfectly steamed artichoke!
Wow, that’s cool! I’ll have to try it! Thanks!
I made the aoili and it was a total hit!!
★★★★★
It’s addicting! Yay!
How do you eat the artichoke if you serve it halved?
I still pull the leaves off and eat the “fruit” on the ends! Then the artichoke heart as well
Your recipe didn’t say to add broth to instant pot? I assumed so but for some people clueless about cooking —-
Also this is my 1st time using it.
Oh thank you for that! I will update the ingredients! Keep me posted on how you like it rose.
I appreciate what you shared in this article. Thank you.
★★★★★
Artichokes make my mouth water. I can’t wait to try your spin on the sauce.
YUMMMM!
such a good idea to cook artichokes off in an instant pot. i find them so incredibly daunting and time consuming, so this is perfect. X
right? Me too! But the instant pot was like legit EASY! phew! p.s how are you?
These artichokes look SO tasty! I really need to get myself an instant pot ?
You will love it! I’m so hooked!
I love artichokes.
WOW these are gorgeous! I never thought to make artichokes in the Instant Pot – need to make your recipe! Thank you.
Artichokes are seriously underrated! Pics are gorgeous!
right?! So agree!
Artichokes are pretty underrated. To be fair, most people only enjoy them in salads, on top of pizza, or at the Cheesecake Factory! I don’t usually eat them fresh, but I want to try them whole more often! These steamed artichokes look great–I’ve only had whole grilled or roasted artichokes with a little bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic on top, so this is gonna be new! And another prebiotic food: sweet potatoes, and I didn’t even have to Google it to find out, LOL!
I so agree! Artichokes are amazing! Haha and so are sweet potato. YAY for prebiotics Cassie!
I am so freakin’ excited to try this! Steamed artichokes are the best and I’m loving that I can make these in my Instant Pot.
totally agree!
I SOOOOO need to try this! I love my Instant Pot.
So melt in your mouth! Yummy!
MMMMMMMM! I love artichokes and I want ALL of these!
I shall deliver! To you and you only. 😉
Wow, the creaminess of that aioli is delightful.
I can’t believe how easy these are!! Have to try these! And that aioli is a must!!
i want to slather that aioli on everything!