How Long To Cook Black Beans In An Instant Pot

The answer to how long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot is simple: it takes about 25 to 30 minutes at high pressure for unsoaked beans, or 20 to 25 minutes if you’ve soaked them first.
 
Once the cooking time is up, you’ll also need to factor in a natural pressure release, which usually adds another 15 to 20 minutes.
 
So the total time from pressing start to opening the lid lands somewhere around 45 to 55 minutes.
 
That’s a whole lot faster than the hours it takes on the stovetop, and it’s one of the main reasons people love cooking black beans in an Instant Pot.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot, the difference soaking makes, and a few tips so your beans turn out tender every single time.
 
So, how long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot? Let’s get into it.
 

How Long to Cook Black Beans in an Instant Pot

How long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot depends mostly on whether you soaked them ahead of time.
 
Here’s the quick breakdown so you can get started right away.
 

1. Unsoaked Black Beans: 25 to 30 Minutes

If you’re cooking dried black beans straight from the bag, set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 25 to 30 minutes.
 
This is the most convenient route because there’s no planning ahead required.
 
Just rinse the beans, toss them in, and let the pressure cooker do its thing.
 

2. Soaked Black Beans: 20 to 25 Minutes

When you soak black beans overnight or with a quick-soak method, the cooking time drops to about 20 to 25 minutes at high pressure.
 
Soaking softens the beans and helps them cook more evenly, which can also make them easier to digest.
 
If you’ve got the time to soak, it’s worth it.
 

3. Don’t Forget the Natural Release

No matter which route you take, let the pressure release naturally for 15 to 20 minutes after the cooking cycle finishes.
 
This extra time is part of how long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot, so don’t skip it.
 
A quick release can cause the beans to split and the skins to burst, so patience here really pays off.
 

Why Cooking Black Beans in an Instant Pot Works So Well

Cooking black beans in an Instant Pot works so well because the sealed environment traps steam and heat, which cooks beans faster and more evenly than almost any other method.
 
Here’s why this approach has become a favorite for home cooks.
 

1. It’s Way Faster Than the Stovetop

On the stove, unsoaked black beans can take two to three hours of simmering.
 
An Instant Pot cuts that down to roughly 25 to 30 minutes of actual pressure cooking.
 
That’s a huge time saver on busy weeknights.
 

2. No Presoaking Required

You can cook black beans in an Instant Pot without soaking them at all, which is a game changer when you decide at the last minute to make a pot of beans.
 
Just rinse, add water, and go.
 

3. The Flavor Stays Locked In

Because the Instant Pot is sealed, the flavors from garlic, onion, bay leaves, and cumin stay in the pot instead of evaporating into the air.
 
That means cooking black beans in an Instant Pot gives you beans that taste rich and well-seasoned every time.
 

Tips for Perfect Black Beans in an Instant Pot

Getting the timing right is important, but a few small tips will make your black beans in an Instant Pot even better.
 

1. Use the Right Water Ratio

Cover your beans with about 3 to 4 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of dried beans.
 
Too little liquid means the beans won’t cook properly, and too much leaves you with watery results.
 

2. Skip the Salt Until the End

Adding salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes early on can keep the beans from softening.
 
Wait until the beans are fully cooked, then season to taste.
 

3. Add Aromatics for Flavor

Toss in a halved onion, a few garlic cloves, and a bay leaf before you seal the lid.
 
These simple additions make the beans taste like they’ve been simmering all day.
 

4. Test for Doneness

After the natural release, open the lid and taste a bean.
 
If it’s still firm, cook for another 5 minutes at high pressure, then do another natural release.
 

So, How Long to Cook Black Beans in an Instant Pot?

The answer to how long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot comes down to 25 to 30 minutes for unsoaked beans and 20 to 25 minutes for soaked ones at high pressure.
 
Add a natural release of 15 to 20 minutes, and you’ve got perfectly tender black beans in under an hour.
 
Whether you’re cooking black beans in an Instant Pot for a big batch of soup, a burrito bowl, or a simple side dish, this method takes the guesswork and the long wait out of the equation.
 
Now that you know how long to cook black beans in an Instant Pot, go ahead and give it a try.
 
Your future self, with a warm bowl of seasoned beans ready in no time, will thank you.