How To Cook Garbanzo Beans In An Instant Pot

You can cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot in about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on whether you soak them first.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot without babysitting a pot on the stove, this is honestly the easiest method out there.
 
No soaking overnight if you don’t want to, no stirring, no guessing when they’re done.
 
You just add dried chickpeas, water, and a little salt, then let the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot, from unsoaked to soaked, plus seasoning tips and storage advice so nothing goes to waste.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Cooking Garbanzo Beans in an Instant Pot Works So Well

Cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot works so well because pressure cooking forces heat and moisture into the bean faster than any stovetop method.
 
Here’s why this method beats the old-school way:
 

1. It Cuts Cooking Time Dramatically

On the stove, dried garbanzo beans can take two to three hours to soften.
 
When you cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot, that same batch is done in under an hour.
 
That’s a huge win on busy weeknights when you want hummus or a curry without planning hours ahead.
 

2. No Soaking Required (But You Can)

One of the best things about how to cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot is that soaking is optional.
 
Unsoaked beans just need a little more time and water, but they still come out creamy and tender.
 
If you do soak them, you’ll shave off cooking time and get an even softer texture.
 

3. Consistent Results Every Single Time

The Instant Pot locks in steam and pressure, so every garbanzo bean cooks evenly.
 
No more crunchy centers or mushy outsides like you sometimes get on the stove.
 
Once you nail the timing, cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot becomes second nature.
 

How to Cook Garbanzo Beans in an Instant Pot (Step by Step)

Here’s the exact process for cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot, whether you soak them or not:
 

1. Rinse and Sort the Beans

Start by pouring your dried garbanzo beans into a colander and rinsing them under cool water.
 
Pick out any shriveled beans or small stones while you’re at it.
 
This step takes two minutes and makes a real difference in the final texture.
 

2. Add Beans, Water, and Seasoning

For every 1 cup of dried garbanzo beans, add 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
 
Toss in a bay leaf, a clove of garlic, or a piece of kombu if you want extra flavor.
 
Hold off on the salt for now, since adding it too early can toughen the skins.
 

3. Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure

Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
 
For unsoaked garbanzo beans, cook on high pressure for 50 minutes.
 
For soaked garbanzo beans, cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
 

4. Let the Pressure Release Naturally

Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 15 to 20 minutes.
 
Quick-releasing too soon can cause bean skins to split and foam to sputter out of the valve.
 
After the natural release, open the valve carefully and remove the lid.
 

5. Test, Season, and Drain

Scoop out a bean and taste it.
 
If it’s tender all the way through, you’re done cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot.
 
If it’s still a bit firm, cook for another 5 to 10 minutes on high pressure.
 
Now stir in your salt, drain the beans, and they’re ready to use.
 

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Garbanzo Beans Every Time

A few small tweaks make a big difference when you cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot:
 

1. Don’t Overfill the Pot

Beans expand as they cook, so never fill the Instant Pot past the halfway mark.
 
This keeps foam from clogging the valve and prevents a messy cleanup later.
 

2. Add Salt After Cooking

Salt added at the start can keep bean skins tough, even after long pressure cooking.
 
Season after the beans are tender, or stir salt in right before you drain them.
 

3. Save the Cooking Liquid

That starchy water left behind, called aquafaba, is liquid gold.
 
Use it to thicken soups, or whip it into vegan meringue or mayo.
 
It’s one more reason cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot beats buying canned.
 

4. Store Them Properly

Cooked garbanzo beans keep in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days in an airtight container.
 
For longer storage, freeze them in 1 ½ cup portions, which equals one can.
 
That way you always have ready-to-use beans on hand for any recipe.
 

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

You cook garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot by rinsing them, adding 3 cups of water per cup of beans, and cooking on high pressure for 50 minutes unsoaked or 35 minutes soaked.
 
Then let the pressure release naturally, season with salt, and drain.
 
It’s faster than the stove, cheaper than canned, and the texture is unbeatable.
 
Whether you’re making hummus, curry, or a simple salad, cooking garbanzo beans in an Instant Pot is a skill worth having in your back pocket.
 
Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought cans again.