The term "preheating" is commonly associated with conventional ovens, but with an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cookers, the process is quite different. Instant Pots do not require preheating in the same way as ovens.
When you start using an Instant Pot, it begins heating up and building pressure inside the pot. The time it takes for an Instant Pot to reach the desired pressure can vary depending on several factors, including the model of the Instant Pot, the amount of liquid and ingredients inside, and the starting temperature of the ingredients.
On average, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes for an Instant Pot to come to pressure. However, it's important to note that the cooking time you set in the Instant Pot's settings only starts counting down once it reaches the desired pressure. So, the total cooking time will include both the time it takes to come to pressure and the actual cooking time.
During the preheating phase, you might notice steam coming out of the Instant Pot's valve. Once the pot reaches the right pressure, the float valve will pop up, and the cooking process will begin.
Remember, recipes often indicate the total cooking time, which includes both the preheating time and the actual cooking time. So, when following recipes for your Instant Pot, take this into account for accurate cooking results.