Here's How to Use Your Instant Pot to Make Quick, Easy Summer Dinners

Step away from the stove! When the weather is too warm to cook, use your Instant Pot to make dinner. The handy multicooker is perfect for preparing food without heating up your kitchen. What's more, Instant Pot recipes tend to be quick and (almost) effortless, making it easier to save time and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

For our favorite Instant Pot summer dinner recipes, we chose dishes that complement seasonal flavors. Serve these multicooker recipes with salsa featuring sweet summer fruit or fresh salads made with vegetables from the garden. They're also suitable for meals that can be easily divvied up, just in time for cookouts and barbecues. While you're at it, add a no-cook recipe to round out the meal. Ahead, check out our favorite Instant Pot dinner ideas to make summer cooking a breeze.

Related: More Dinner Ideas for When It's Too Hot to Cook

Carnitas are traditionally cooked slowly on the stovetop, but if you want to enjoy the dish while keeping your kitchen cool, reach for your trusty Instant Pot instead. Our recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas is perfect for making a wonderfully juicy filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. You could also serve your homemade carnitas with tortilla chips and Minty Margarita Guacamole for a simple summer meal.

From tangy salsa to refreshing salads, summer dishes are an excellent canvas for beans. The only catch? Dried beans typically take between one to three hours to cook on the stovetop, which can be less than desirable on a hot summer day. But your Instant Pot can change that. In about 50 minutes, you can quickly make Pressure-Cooker Beans and avoid a steamy kitchen. Plus, the technique doesn't require pre-soaking, making it ideal for busy days.

Hard-boiled eggs are the epitome of versatile and convenient food. Toss 'em with veggies, whip up egg salad, or make a pesto sandwich. The drawback, of course, is actually boiling them—a task that can be uncomfortable in warm weather. Sound familiar? Ditch the stovetop and use your Instant Pot instead. Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs take just three to five minutes to make, depending on your desired level of doneness. This technique also minimizes the risk of undercooking (or overcooking), ensuring hard-boiled eggs done just as you like them, each and every time.

Although brisket is an all-star in cozy winter dishes, it also has a place in your summer menu. The key is to serve it in refreshing seasonal meals, like lettuce wraps or tacos with peach salsa. Try our recipe for Instant Pot Brisket, complete with vinegar and brown sugar for flavor. Compared to the oven method, cooking brisket in an Instant Pot will slash your cooking time in half, if not more. You'll also avoid warming up your kitchen, which is always welcome during the summer months.

This summer, elevate your cookout by making an Instant Pot shrimp boil. It's an ideal way to cook for a crowd while spending less time in the kitchen. Serve the shrimp boil as is or pair it with a simple coleslaw or green salad. If you're up for another round of Instant Pot fun, try using it to make cornbread for a delicious side.