When you cut an Instant Pot recipe in half, you typically don't need to adjust the cooking time. The cooking time for most Instant Pot recipes is determined by the density and thickness of the ingredients, rather than the quantity. Therefore, if you reduce the recipe's ingredients by half, the cooking time will generally remain the same.
However, there are a few scenarios where you might need to make slight adjustments:
Sautéing or browning: If the recipe requires sautéing or browning the ingredients before pressure cooking, you may need to reduce the sautéing time since there will be less food to cook. Monitor the browning process and adjust accordingly.
Thicker cuts of meat: If you're halving a recipe that involves cooking large cuts of meat, such as a roast or a whole chicken, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly. Thicker pieces of meat take longer to cook thoroughly, so reducing the quantity might result in quicker cooking. However, it's best to rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the desired doneness.
Stovetop preparation: In some cases, Instant Pot recipes may include stovetop preparation steps before pressure cooking. If you're cutting the recipe in half, you can adjust the stovetop cooking time proportionally based on the ingredients' quantities.
It's essential to note that these adjustments are general guidelines, and it's always a good idea to refer to the specific recipe instructions, as cooking times can vary depending on the ingredients and the desired outcome. Additionally, when adapting recipes, it's recommended to monitor the cooking process closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure the food is cooked properly.