Instant Pot Applesauce

Last Updated on May 29, 2023 by Heather Reseck

This post contains affiliate links.

Most varieties of apples require no additional sweetening, making this one-ingredient Instant Pot applesauce!

While you are at it, you might as well make a large batch of applesauce. As my father often said, “Take a pot and make a lot.” Why not make extra when the amount of clean-up is about the same whether you make a small batch or a large batch or two batches?

How to Make Instant Pot Applesauce

Making applesauce quickly is all about using the right equipment.

Start by cutting the apples into wedges. I like to use an apple divider to speed up the process. No need to peel or core the apples. I usually cook the apple cores too…unless the apples have worms in them. Or you can compost the apple cores. Keep cutting the apples until the Instant Pot is two-thirds full.

Don’t fill the Instant Pot more than ⅔ full. Most inserts have a Max Fill line at the ⅔ mark. This allows space for steam to be created and also prevents the apples from bubbling up and possibly clogging the vent.

Add 1 cup of water. For a 3-quart Instant Pot, use 1/2 cup water. Lock the lid in place and set for 3-5 minutes. The time will vary depending on the hardness of the apples and how thinly they are sliced.)

Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Quick-release any remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid.

I use a food mill to quickly remove the peels, seeds, and core fibers from the cooked apples. (Hint from experience: get a good quality food mill that won’t react with the applesauce and give it a metallic taste and cause discoloration.)

Variations

Chunky Applesauce:  Peel and core apples and cut into chunks. No food mill necessary. To do the job quickly, use an apple peeler-corer-slicer. The apples are sliced so thinly that they cook in 1 minute under pressure. Quick-release the pressure or let it release naturally for about 10 minutes.

Thicker Applesauce: Cook apples in a steamer basket.

Cranberry Applesauce: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste.

Raspberry Applesauce: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste.