As you use the Instant Pot, you may come across the Instant Pot Burn Notice. But what does the burn notice mean and how do you prevent your food from burning in the pressure cooker? Today I'll discuss what causes the Burn message on your Instant Pot and how to fix it.

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What Does Instant Pot Burn Mean?
If you find your Instant Pot says burn, this usually means that your Instant Pot is overheating and is a warning to investigate and act before it’s too late.
The Instant Pot burn message is a protection to help prevent your pressure cooker meals from burning and getting spoiled.
Common Reasons For The Burn Message
There are several things that can cause the Burn Notice error to appear on the display screen.
- Using the incorrect settings for the type of food you are cooking.
- Filling your Instant Pot more than half full.
- Putting too much food into your inner pot.
- Having a dirty or damaged sealing ring.
- Not making sure the pressure valve is in the “Sealing” position.
- Not adding enough liquid to thick sauces.
- Food bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

What To Do If Your Instant Pot Says Burn
Once your pressure cooker reaches the burn notice temperature, the Instant Pot burn message will display. Here is a step by step guide for dealing with the Instant Pot's burn notice.
Turn Off Your Instant Pot
You need to turn your Instant Pot off right away and release the steam. Any further cooking and your food will burn.
Pay attention to how many minutes your food has been cooking so you know how long to reprogram your recipe once you restart the cooking process.
Step One: Check The Sealing Ring
Check your sealing ring is in the correct position.
Step Two: Check For Stuck Food
Check to see if any food debris has stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot. Scrape and remove any burnt food particles.
Step Three: Clean Your Instant Pot
If the food is burnt badly, you will need to empty your ingredients into a container while you clean out the pot.
Step Four: Check The Level Of Liquid
Check you have enough water or liquid in the pot for your Instant Pot recipe to continue cooking without a further burn notice. If not, add a cup of water.
Step Five: Restart Your Instant Pot
Once you have checked your food and you are ready to restart the cooking process, simply pop your Instant Pot lid back on and reset for the remaining cooking time period.

How to Clean Your Pot Following A Burn Warning
- Turn the Instant Pot off and allow it to cool.
- Remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot.
- Use a wooden or plastic spatula to remove burnt food residue from the pot and lid.
- Clean the lid, steam release valve and sealing ring.
- Wash out with soapy water
- Dry all parts of the Instant Pot before using it again.
Enjoy Cooking Without The Burn Notice
Always remember to follow the directions correctly when using an Instant Pot.
Don’t be afraid to open up the Instant Pot, check on your food and add some extra cooking liquid if needed. You can also continue cooking your meal once this is done. It may be a pain but checking a meal is always better if your Instant Pot recipes start to burn!
If you are still having trouble with burned food and your Instant Pot food burn message, try contacting Instant Pot customer service for help.
Instant Pot Burn How To Fix It
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon for Scraping food particles
Materials
- Washing Up liquid
- Teatowel
Instructions
- Check your sealing ring is in the correct position.
- Check to see if any food debris has stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot. Scrape and remove any burnt food particles.
- If the food is burnt badly, you will need to empty your ingredients into a container while you clean out the pot.
- Check you have enough water or liquid in the pot for your Instant Pot recipe to continue cooking without a further burn notice. If not, add a cup of water.
- Once you have checked your food and you are ready to restart the cooking process, simply pop your Instant Pot lid back on and reset for the remaining cooking time period.
Notes
Nutrition
Easy Instant Pot Recipes To Try
Check out more easy Instant Pot recipes here:
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