15 Easy Friday Pressure Cooker Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Pressure cookers have transformed home cooking by making meals faster, easier, and incredibly flavorful.

From tender meats to hearty stews and even desserts, they allow you to prepare complex dishes in a fraction of the time.

These 15 Friday pressure cooker recipes are perfect for ending the week with satisfying, home-cooked meals.

Each recipe is designed to save time while delivering rich, comforting flavors for a variety of tastes.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these recipes make Friday dinners stress-free and delicious.

They range from savory mains to hearty soups, stews, and even plant-based options for a balanced menu.

With these pressure cooker recipes, you can enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Get ready for a weekend of effortless cooking with these simple, delicious, and versatile recipes.

15 Easy Friday Pressure Cooker Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Pressure cooker recipes are a game-changer for quick, flavorful, and convenient cooking.

These 15 recipes provide a variety of options, from comforting stews to protein-packed mains and plant-based dishes.

They are perfect for busy Fridays when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours preparing it.

Using a pressure cooker lets you explore flavors, textures, and cuisines with minimal effort.

These recipes help you enjoy home-cooked meals and end the week on a delicious note.

Cooking with a pressure cooker is efficient, satisfying, and perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Start your Friday evenings with these easy, flavorful, and wholesome pressure cooker recipes.

Garlic Herb Chicken with Vegetables

Garlic herb chicken with vegetables is savory, tender, and aromatic.

Chicken thighs cook quickly in the pressure cooker alongside seasonal vegetables, creating a flavorful, one-pot meal.

The garlic and fresh herbs infuse every bite, making it perfect for a comforting Friday dinner.

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sear chicken thighs 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
• Add garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes, sauté 2 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
• Quick release, stir gently, and serve warm.

Garlic herb chicken with vegetables is tender, savory, and flavorful.

The chicken absorbs all herbs and broth for a rich taste.

It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for a Friday evening.

Every bite is aromatic, hearty, and comforting.

Pressure Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew is rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy Fridays.

Tender beef cubes, carrots, potatoes, and onions cook together in the pressure cooker for a thick, flavorful stew.

Red wine and herbs create a deep, comforting flavor that fills the kitchen.

Serve with bread or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Brown beef cubes 3–4 minutes per side, then remove.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add beef, carrots, potatoes, broth, red wine, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
• Quick release, stir stew, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Beef stew is rich, tender, and full of flavor.

The vegetables and beef absorb all spices and broth perfectly.

It’s a hearty, comforting meal ideal for Friday nights.

Every bite is savory, warm, and satisfying.

Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is nutritious, flavorful, and comforting.

Red lentils cook quickly with vegetables, garlic, and spices in the pressure cooker, creating a hearty and plant-based meal.

The soup is thick, aromatic, and perfect for a warming Friday dinner.

Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
• Add lentils, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
• Quick release and stir soup before serving.

Lentil soup is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious.

The lentils and vegetables cook to tender perfection in a rich broth.

It’s a simple, satisfying plant-based meal for Friday evenings.

Every spoonful is warming, comforting, and delicious.

Pressure Cooker Shrimp and Rice

Shrimp and rice is quick, savory, and aromatic.

Shrimp cooks perfectly alongside rice and vegetables in the pressure cooker, creating a one-pot, flavorful dish.

Garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs enhance the taste, making it ideal for a Friday dinner.

Serve with a wedge of lemon for freshness and brightness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers 2–3 minutes.
• Add rice, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Quick release, stir in shrimp, and let sit on “keep warm” for 3–4 minutes until shrimp is cooked.

Shrimp and rice is savory, tender, and flavorful.

The rice absorbs all spices and broth for a rich taste.

It’s a quick, one-pot meal perfect for a Friday evening.

Every bite is aromatic, soft, and satisfying.

Pressure Cooker Vegetable Curry

Vegetable curry is vibrant, spicy, and comforting.

Mixed vegetables cook in a creamy tomato and coconut sauce in the pressure cooker, creating a rich, plant-based dish.

Aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric enhance the flavor.

Serve with rice or naan for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, cauliflower)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add vegetables, tomatoes, coconut milk, and spices.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Quick release and stir curry before serving.

Vegetable curry is creamy, flavorful, and comforting.

The vegetables absorb all spices for a rich, aromatic dish.

It’s a perfect plant-based meal for a Friday evening.

Every bite is vibrant, hearty, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken is sweet, savory, and tender.

Chicken thighs cook quickly in the pressure cooker, absorbing a rich honey-garlic sauce.

The sauce is sticky, flavorful, and perfect for a Friday dinner that feels indulgent but easy.

Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
• Add garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release and stir sauce to coat chicken.

Honey garlic chicken is sweet, savory, and tender.

The sauce perfectly glazes the chicken for a rich flavor.

It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for a Friday night.

Every bite is flavorful, soft, and comforting.

Instant Pot Beef Chili

Beef chili is hearty, spicy, and packed with flavor.

Ground beef, beans, and vegetables cook together under pressure to create a thick, satisfying chili.

A blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika enhances the taste.

Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes.
• Brown ground beef 4–5 minutes until cooked.
• Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• Quick release, stir chili, and adjust seasoning.

Beef chili is hearty, flavorful, and spicy.

The meat and beans absorb all spices for a rich taste.

It’s a perfect comfort meal for a Friday evening.

Every spoonful is savory, warming, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is creamy, earthy, and aromatic.

Arborio rice cooks quickly in the pressure cooker with mushrooms, onion, garlic, and broth.

The result is a rich, creamy texture that rivals traditional stovetop risotto.

Serve with fresh herbs or vegan parmesan for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
• Add rice and broth, stirring to combine.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Quick release, stir risotto, and season with salt and pepper.

Mushroom risotto is creamy, rich, and satisfying.

The mushrooms and rice absorb all flavors perfectly.

It’s a comforting, elegant dish for Friday dinner.

Every bite is hearty, aromatic, and delicious.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is tender, smoky, and flavorful.

Pork shoulder cooks under pressure with spices and a touch of liquid smoke, creating a soft, shreddable meat.

It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls on a busy Friday.

Serve with coleslaw or pickles for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sear pork shoulder 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
• Add onion, garlic, broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
• Quick release, shred pork, and stir in BBQ sauce.

Pulled pork is tender, smoky, and rich.

The sauce coats the meat for a flavorful, comforting meal.

It’s perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls on Friday night.

Every bite is juicy, savory, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Thai Green Curry

Thai green curry is creamy, aromatic, and spicy.

Vegetables or chicken cook in a fragrant coconut-based curry with green curry paste in the pressure cooker.

It’s a flavorful, quick dish perfect for a Friday dinner.

Serve with rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken or tofu, diced
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and ginger 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add curry paste, coconut milk, chicken/tofu, and vegetables.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Quick release and stir curry before serving.

Thai green curry is creamy, flavorful, and aromatic.

The coconut milk and curry paste create a rich, satisfying sauce.

It’s a quick, plant-based or chicken-based meal for Friday evenings.

Every bite is savory, spicy, and comforting.

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon

Lemon garlic salmon is tender, zesty, and full of flavor.

Fresh salmon fillets cook quickly in the pressure cooker with garlic, lemon, and herbs for a light, healthy meal.

Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of quinoa for a complete Friday dinner.

It’s a simple, elegant dish ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté garlic 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Place salmon fillets on top, season with dill, salt, and pepper, and lay lemon slices over the fish.
• Add broth, lock lid, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
• Quick release and serve immediately.

Lemon garlic salmon is tender, zesty, and aromatic.

The fish absorbs all flavors while staying moist and flaky.

It’s a light, healthy meal perfect for a Friday dinner.

Every bite is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Moroccan chickpea stew is hearty, spiced, and plant-based.

Chickpeas, vegetables, and aromatic spices cook together in the pressure cooker to create a rich, comforting stew.

It’s perfect for a cozy Friday evening or a nutritious plant-based meal.

Serve with couscous or rice for a complete dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight or canned
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers 3–4 minutes.
• Add chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices, stirring to combine.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (10 minutes for canned chickpeas).
• Quick release, stir stew, and adjust seasoning.

Moroccan chickpea stew is hearty, spiced, and full of flavor.

The chickpeas and vegetables absorb all spices perfectly.

It’s a nutritious and comforting meal ideal for Friday nights.

Every bite is warming, aromatic, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Teriyaki Tofu

Teriyaki tofu is savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender.

Firm tofu cooks in a rich teriyaki sauce in the pressure cooker, absorbing all flavors for a quick plant-based meal.

Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for a Friday evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat garlic and ginger 1–2 minutes.
• Add tofu, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and vegetable broth.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
• Quick release, stir in cornstarch mixed with water, and simmer until sauce thickens.

Teriyaki tofu is tender, savory, and flavorful.

The sauce perfectly coats each piece for a rich taste.

It’s a quick, satisfying plant-based meal for Friday nights.

Every bite is aromatic, soft, and delicious.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is creamy, sweet, and comforting.

The pressure cooker softens squash quickly while blending it with onions, garlic, and spices for a smooth, flavorful soup.

Perfect for a cozy, warming Friday dinner or starter.

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add butternut squash, vegetable broth, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release, blend soup until smooth, and adjust seasoning.

Butternut squash soup is creamy, sweet, and aromatic.

The squash and spices create a comforting, rich flavor.

It’s perfect for a cozy Friday meal or appetizer.

Every spoonful is smooth, warming, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Spicy Chicken Tacos

Spicy chicken tacos are bold, tender, and flavorful.

Chicken thighs cook quickly in a spicy tomato-based sauce in the pressure cooker, creating juicy meat perfect for tacos.

Serve with tortillas, fresh toppings, and a squeeze of lime for a complete meal.

It’s a fun and easy Friday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add chicken, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release, shred chicken, and serve in tortillas with toppings.

Spicy chicken tacos are tender, juicy, and flavorful.

The chicken absorbs all spices and sauce for a bold taste.

It’s an easy, fun meal perfect for Friday evenings.

Every bite is savory, slightly spicy, and satisfying.