Pour the oats and water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. You can add a pinch of salt if you want to at this point, but don't add any other seasonings until after the oats are cooked.
Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook button to cook at high pressure for zero minutes. (Yes, zero is a real setting!)
When the cooking cycle is compete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. When the screen reads L0:10, you can move the steam release valve to Venting, to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve in the lid drops, it's safe to remove the lid.
Serve the oatmeal warm, with your favorite toppings. I usually add some almond milk to help loosen the texture at this point, along with maple syrup and cinnamon, to taste.
Method #2: Pot-in-Pot Cooking
Pour 1 extra cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot, and place a trivet over that.
In an oven-safe bowl that is 7-inches in diameter or less, stir together the oats and water. (You can use milk for this method, if you prefer.) Place the bowl on top of the trivet, then secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook button to cook at high pressure for 1 minute.
When the cooking cycle is compete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. When the screen reads L0:10, you can move the steam release valve to Venting, to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve in the lid drops, it's safe to remove the lid.
Use oven mitts to remove the bowl of cooked oatmeal, as it will be very hot. Transfer the oatmeal to a serving bowl, so you don't have to worry about burning your hands, then add your favorite toppings and serve warm.
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Notes
Nutrition information is for 1 of 2 servings. This information is automatically calculated, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee. Toppings are not included.If you're using Method #1, do not replace the water with milk, as it may trigger a burn error. You can usually replace up to half of the water with milk, if you'd like more creaminess, but you can also add milk to the oatmeal after the oats are cooked, to loosen the texture. You can cook the oats in 100% milk with Method #2 if you'd like to, since the oats will be cooked in a separate bowl, but you'll still want to use only water on the bottom of the pot for that method.