Instant Pot Syracuse Salt Potatoes are a classic Central New York side dish made with small potatoes cooked in salty water until tender and creamy. Finished with melted butter, they’re simple, flavorful, and easy to make in the pressure cooker.
Salt potatoes have always been a favorite around Central New York, especially at summer cookouts and family gatherings. Making them in the Instant Pot is an easy way to enjoy this local tradition at home.
Why I Love Syracuse Salt Potatoes
Where Did Salt Potatoes Originate
Syracuse Salt Potatoes date back to the 1800s, when salt workers in Syracuse, New York, reportedly cooked small potatoes in kettles of boiling salt brine. They would remove the tender potatoes, top them with butter, and enjoy a simple, filling lunch.
How to Make Instant Pot Syracuse Salt Potatoes
Add the Potatoes: Place the white baby potatoes in the Instant Pot and pour in 8 cups of water.
Add the Salt: Pour in 1 cup of table salt.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes. When cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
Add the Butter: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a serving bowl. Pour 1 cup of melted butter over the potatoes and serve warm.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Use Baby Potatoes: Choose small, whole potatoes with the skins on for traditional Syracuse Salt Potatoes.
- Don’t Rinse After Cooking: Drain the potatoes, but don’t rinse them. You want to keep that salty coating.
- Check Your Instant Pot Size: Make sure the potatoes and water stay below the maximum fill line. Cook in smaller batches if needed.
- Add Butter While Hot: Pour the melted butter over the potatoes right after draining.
How to Store Syracuse Salt Potatoes
Store leftover Syracuse Salt Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a little butter until heated through.

More Potato Recipes I Love
“To avoid using the stovetop and adding extra heat to my kitchen, I decided to try this recipe. I followed it to a T and they turned out perfectly! I will definitely be using this method again.”
Instant Pot Syracuse Salt Potatoes
Instant Pot Syracuse Salt Potatoes are a Central New York favorite made with tender baby potatoes cooked in salty water and finished with melted butter.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds baby potatoes, washed and left whole
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup table salt
- 1 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Place the whole baby potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- Add 8 cups of water and 1 cup of table salt.
- Secure the lid and set to Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
- Drain the potatoes without rinsing them.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, pour the melted butter over the potatoes, and serve warm.
Notes
Use small, whole baby potatoes with the skins on. Drain without rinsing to preserve the salty coating, and add the melted butter while the potatoes are hot. Make sure the potatoes and water stay below your Instant Pot's maximum fill line. Cook in smaller batches if necessary.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 374Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 11386mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 9gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g








Ooh don’t have instant pot and really don’t want to get one, can I do this in stock pot and have same results
Are these really zero carbs?
and no where is it mentioned about carb content.
@Nancy, It’s obviously a mistake, but in the recipe’s nutritional contents it says: “CARBOHYDRATES: 0g”
Yes it must be an error on the nutritional count obviously potatoes have lots of carbs
1st attempt with what was my daughter’s 1st Instant Pot. She left it at my house and discovered there is now a version that has a air fryer. Lucky me!
Just had the salt potatoes from your recipe. Can’t beat it, and great recipe to get to know how to use the Instapot.
Here’s to discovering, and sharing, more great and easy meal cooking!
TOI MUCH SALT I WILL NEED TO USE a-lot less
That’s the way salt potatoes are. They’re not for everyone
Ah! I live in Virginia but was just visiting the Syracuse area. Stopped in Mexico/Pulaski at Dan’s Chicken Shack upon recommendation for the chicken of course, but also the salt potatoes.
They ran out by the time we got there !
Am gonna try this insta pot recipe at home!
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