How Long Do You Cook Beans In An Instant Pot

You can cook beans in an Instant Pot in about 20 to 45 minutes depending on the type of beans you’re using.
 
That’s a whole lot faster than the 2 to 3 hours you’d spend babysitting a pot on the stove.
 
And the best part is you don’t even have to soak them overnight if you don’t want to.
 
If you’ve been wondering how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, the answer really comes down to the variety, whether they’re soaked, and how soft you like them.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the exact cook times for the most common beans, plus a few tips to get them perfectly tender every single time.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Long Do You Cook Beans in an Instant Pot?

The short answer is that most beans cook in an Instant Pot in 20 to 45 minutes at high pressure, followed by a natural release.
 
But here’s what most people don’t realize: the time you cook beans in an Instant Pot varies quite a bit from one bean to the next.
 
So let’s look at the specific times so you’re not guessing.
 

1. Black Beans and Pinto Beans

If you’re cooking black beans or pinto beans in an Instant Pot, plan for about 25 to 30 minutes on high pressure for unsoaked beans.
 
If you soaked them overnight, you can drop that down to 20 to 25 minutes.
 
These are two of the most forgiving beans, so they’re perfect if you’re new to cooking beans in an Instant Pot.
 

2. Kidney Beans and Chickpeas

Kidney beans and chickpeas take a little longer when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 
For unsoaked kidney beans, you’re looking at 35 to 40 minutes.
 
Chickpeas are similar, running about 35 to 45 minutes if they haven’t been soaked.
 
Soaking chickpeas overnight can knock that down to around 25 to 30 minutes.
 

3. Navy Beans and Great Northern Beans

Smaller white beans like navy and Great Northern cook a bit quicker.
 
When you cook beans in an Instant Pot, these usually need only 20 to 25 minutes unsoaked.
 
So if you’re in a hurry, these are great choices.
 

4. Lentils and Split Peas

Technically legumes, but worth mentioning since they cook in an Instant Pot too.
 
Lentils take just 8 to 10 minutes, and split peas run about 15 minutes.
 
So when people ask how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, the answer can be as short as 8 minutes if lentils are on the menu.
 

5. Always Add a Natural Release

No matter which beans you cook in an Instant Pot, always let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
 
A quick release can cause the beans to split and the skins to burst.
 
So factor that into your total time when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

Do You Have to Soak Beans Before Cooking Them in an Instant Pot?

You don’t have to soak beans before you cook them in an Instant Pot.
 
That’s one of the biggest perks of using this gadget.
 
But soaking does help in a few ways.
 

1. Soaking Cuts Down Cook Time

Soaked beans cook faster, so you’ll spend less time waiting when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 
Usually, you can shave off 5 to 10 minutes.
 

2. Soaking Improves Texture

Soaked beans tend to cook more evenly and hold their shape better.
 
That matters if you’re using them in salads or dishes where you want whole, intact beans.
 

3. Soaking Helps Digestion

Soaking also reduces the compounds that cause gas, which is a nice bonus.
 
Just rinse them well before you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

4. Unsoaked Beans Still Work Great

If you forgot to soak, don’t sweat it.
 
You can still cook beans in an Instant Pot without soaking, you’ll just add a few extra minutes.
 

Tips for Cooking Beans in an Instant Pot

Getting perfect beans every time is mostly about a few simple habits.
 

1. Use the Right Bean-to-Water Ratio

For every cup of dried beans, add 3 cups of water or broth.
 
This keeps them covered and gives them room to swell as you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

2. Add Fat and Aromatics

A drizzle of olive oil, a bay leaf, or a bit of onion adds great flavor.
 
Just skip the salt until after cooking, since salt can toughen the skins when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

3. Don’t Overfill the Pot

Never fill your Instant Pot past the two-thirds mark when cooking beans.
 
Beans foam up, and that foam can clog the valve.
 

4. Taste Before You Stop

If your beans still feel firm after the natural release, seal the lid and cook them for another 5 minutes.
 
It’s better to add time in small increments when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

So, How Long Do You Cook Beans in an Instant Pot?

You cook beans in an Instant Pot for about 20 to 45 minutes at high pressure, depending on the type.
 
Black beans and pinto beans take around 25 to 30 minutes, while kidney beans and chickpeas need closer to 35 to 45 minutes.
 
Always finish with a natural release so your beans stay whole and creamy.
 
And remember, soaking is optional, but it can shave off time and improve texture.
 
Now that you know how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, you can whip up a batch anytime without the guesswork.
 
Enjoy your beans.