Instant Pot Bone Broth is a comforting and nourishing staple that’s perfect for any kitchen. Its rich aroma and silky texture can warm both the body and soul, with every spoonful telling a story of hearty goodness. Unlike store-bought versions, which can often be bland or filled with preservatives, homemade bone broth packs a nutritional punch, full of vitamins and minerals thanks to the carefully selected bones and beneficial ingredients. Plus, the convenience of making it in an Instant Pot transforms this traditional method into a quick and easy process.
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If you’ve ever been curious about making bone broth but felt intimidated by the long cooking times, you’re in for a treat! This Instant Pot version delivers all the flavor of a slow-simmered broth in a fraction of the time, allowing you to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of garlic and spices in just over two hours. Whether you’re sipping it straight, using it as a base for soups, or incorporating it into risottos and sauces, this bone broth is bound to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try this healing, delicious homemade Instant Pot bone broth that will invigorate your kitchen and nourish your spirit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 2.5 hours, it’s an easy fix for comforting nutrition.
- Irresistible Flavor: Full-bodied, savory warmth perfect for sipping or cooking.
- Flexible Serving: Great as a base for soups or sauces, or simply enjoyed on its own.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses bones that are often leftover from other meals, making it economical.
- Healthy Benefits: Packed with nutrients and especially beneficial for gut health.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3-3½ pounds assorted bones: Choose from chicken, beef, or a mix for depth of flavor. Look for bone-in cuts like necks, shanks, and feet for the richest broth.
- 4-5 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances flavor; start with less and adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This helps draw the nutrients out of the bones, creating a richer broth.
- 8-10 peppercorns: Whole peppercorns provide warm, spicy undertones without being overbearingly hot.
- 5 cloves garlic: Adds a wonderful depth and savory character to the broth.
- 1 bay leaf: A fantastic aromatic that elevates the entire flavor profile of the broth.
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut in half, skin and roots attached: The onion skin lends a lovely color and a slight sweetness.
- Optional Veggies/Herbs (1-2 carrots, 1-2 celery stalks, thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc.): Feel free to customize with whatever you have on hand for an extra flavor boost.
How to Make Instant Pot Bone Broth
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Optional Roast: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Arrange the assorted bones on a baking sheet (you can line it with foil for easy cleanup). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon avocado oil and sprinkle 2 teaspoons kosher salt over the top. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they’re beautifully golden and fragrant.
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Pressure Cook: In the Instant Pot, add the peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves into a mesh bag or wrap with kitchen twine (this makes straining easier later). Add the roasted bones, 2 teaspoons salt, apple cider vinegar, onion halves, and any additional veggies or herbs you like. Cover everything with water, just below the max fill line. Secure the lid, seal the vent, and set the timer to manual high pressure for 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours.
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Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for about 20-30 minutes. After this, carefully turn the steam release knob to let out any remaining pressure.
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Let Cool: Allow the broth to cool uncovered for several minutes. Discard the used bones and strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Pour the strained broth into airtight containers or mason jars for fridge storage, or freeze in pints or ice cube trays for future use.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bone broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or, freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for individual servings. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. Keep in mind that the texture may thicken slightly upon refrigeration; you can add a touch of water to refresh it when reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Over-Salting: Always taste before adding more salt; it’s easier to add than to take away.
- Use Quality Bones: The best bone broth starts with high-quality, grass-fed or organic bones, which can greatly enhance the nutritional profile.
- Multi-Use: Don’t throw away the remnants; you can top off the broth with more water and pressure cook again for a lighter second batch.
- Add Aromatics: Experiment with different herbs in your broth to perfectly tailor it to your palate.
- Broth Consistency: If it turns out too oily, skim off any excess fat that rises to the top once cooled.
The hearty, nutritious benefits of homemade bone broth are hard to resist! With its versatility and nourishing qualities, you will surely find yourself reaching for it time and again. Whether you are seeking comfort during a chilly evening or want a robust base for your favorite recipes, this Instant Pot bone broth ticks all the boxes. Enjoy the soul-warming magic of your creation and feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your own taste!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen bones for Instant Pot bone broth?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen bones! Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re completely frozen. This will ensure they cook through adequately for a rich, flavorful broth.
How do I know when my broth is done cooking?
After the pressure cooking time is complete and you’ve allowed for a natural release, you should have a dark, fragrant liquid with a depth of flavor. Taste test to ensure it meets your expectations, and remember, it’s all about personal preference!
Can I use vegetable scraps in my broth?
Definitely! Using leftover vegetable scraps like carrot tops, onion skins, and celery leaves is a fantastic way to minimize waste and add flavor to your broth. Just ensure any scraps are clean and mold-free.
How can I make my broth more gelatinous?
To achieve a thicker consistency, select bones that contain collagen, such as knuckles or joints. You can also include additional skin or connective tissues when roasting your bones to enhance the gelatin quality of your broth.
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Instant Pot Bone Broth
This Instant Pot Bone Broth delivers rich flavor with simple prep, utilizing assorted bones and fresh ingredients. Ideal for nourishing soups or sipping on its own, it’s a quick solution for anyone looking for comforting homemade recipes.
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–3½ pounds assorted bones (chicken, beef or combo)
- 4–5 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 8–10 peppercorns
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 medium yellow onion (cut in half, leave the skin and roots attached)
- Optional Veggies/Herbs (1-2 carrots, 1-2 celery stalks, thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc.)
Instructions
- OPTIONAL ROAST: Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Place the bones on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon avocado oil and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Roast for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- PRESSURE COOK: Add peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves to a mesh bag. Add bones, 2 teaspoons salt, vinegar, the mesh bag, yellow onions, and any veggies to the Instant Pot. Fill with water to just below the max fill line. Seal the lid, set to manual high pressure for 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
- RELEASE PRESSURE: Allow a natural pressure release for 20-30 minutes, then switch to release the remaining steam.
- LET COOL: Cool for several minutes, then discard the bones. Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Store in an airtight container or mason jars in the refrigerator, freezer-safe containers, or freeze in ice cube trays.
Notes
Roasting the bones enhances the flavor but is optional.
Ensure to cool the broth before storing to avoid condensation in the jars.
Use the broth within a week if refrigerated, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 400 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg






