What Does ‘Burn’ Mean on My Instant Pot?

2. There isn’t enough liquid
A closed valve isn’t the only thing you need for pressure cooking. You’ll also need an adequate amount of liquid (at least one cup) for the pot to actually reach the required pressure, creating the perfect environment for a burn warning. This can also happen if the liquid inside your pot is too thick.

3. You added ingredients at the wrong time or in the wrong order
Have you ever wondered why Instant Pot recipes start with liquid ingredients first? The less starchy an ingredient is, the less likely it is to stick to the pot and burn. Don’t add starchy ingredients until the recipe tells you to, and don’t stir them unless it’s instructed. Additionally, ingredients like dairy and cornstarch will thicken up your food (and make it vulnerable to burning), so it’s best not to add them until after the pressure cooking is finished.

4. Something’s up with your Instant Pot
Pressure cookers can be picky, and if one thing is off, your food is at risk. Some of the most common culprits include using a damaged or dirty sealing ring, not closing the lid all the way, and a dirty Instant Pot. If there is food debris in your Instant Pot, it can compromise the pressure by blocking a part, such as the float valve, or simply burn up along the inner pot’s underside.

What Do I Do if My Instant Pot Says “Burn?”