Learn how to cook beans from scratch in the Instant Pot. This failproof recipe is the easiest way to get tender beans, using dry or pre-soaked beans! This complete guide on Instant Pot beans contains an easy time chart for all kinds of beans, water-to-bean ratios, and commonly asked questions.
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Jump to:
- Why Cook Beans in the Instant Pot
- How to Cook Beans In An Instant Pot
- How to Store Cooked Beans
- Beans Conversion- Dried, Cooked and Canned
- Do I need to soak beans before pressure cooking?
- Cooking Times for Different Beans
- Bean Cooking Tips & Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Easy Instant Pot Beans Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
Beans and chickpeas are inexpensive pantry staples filled with plant-based protein, fiber, and other vitamins. They are an easy way to add nutrients to your family's diet.
In this post, I show you how easy and convenient it is to cook beans using the Instant Pot.
Once you've made beans from scratch, you'll agree with me that dried beans taste much better than canned ones. They are more creamy and flavorful, and the best part is that you know exactly what went into making them.
Why Cook Beans in the Instant Pot
I prefer to cook my beans and chickpeas in the Instant Pot rather than using other methods because:
- It's quick and easy! Rather than hovering over a stovetop for long periods of time, using a pressure cooker allows you to cook your beans virtually hands-free.
- Your beans and chickpeas can be cooked with or without soaking them first. Both dry and pre-soaked beans work well in the Instant Pot.
- The beans always end up perfectly tender.
- You get to control the salt and add other flavors in the beans.
Check out these easy and delicious 15+ Instant Pot Bean Recipes!
You Might Also Like: Complete Guide on Instant Pot Lentils
How to Cook Beans In An Instant Pot
- Rinse beans well: Rinse your beans over cool water in a strainer, removing any particles or pebbles.
- Add beans and water: Add beans and water to the Instant Pot and any seasonings or additional vegetables. (2 cups water for 1 cup soaked beans, or 3 cups water for 1 cup unsoaked beans)
- Set cooking time: Close the lid and set the steam valve in the sealing position. Using the above cheat sheet, set the cooking time at High Pressure.
- Let Instant Pot naturally release: Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure (NPR). Open the lid once the pin drops. If in a rush, wait for at least 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
How to Store Cooked Beans
You may find that you have leftovers after cooking beans in the Instant Pot. You can store your beans using one of the following methods:
- Refrigerate: Keep your Instant Pot beans in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for 5-7 days.
- Freeze: Cooked beans can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Beans Conversion- Dried, Cooked and Canned
Dried beans double in volume after cooking. This conversion chart will show you how many dried beans you need to make enough cooked ones, as well as how many cans you need if you choose that option.
| Dried Beans | Cooked Beans | Canned Beans |
| 2 cups | 6 cups | about 3 (15.5-ounce) cans |
| ¾ cup | 1.5 cups | 1 (15.5-ounce) can |
Do I need to soak beans before pressure cooking?
Growing up, I watched my mom and grandma soak the beans overnight before pressure-cooking them. I followed the same practice but always wondered if it was necessary.
So, I researched and tried a few recipes a few years ago without soaking them beforehand. Here's what I found out:
- Soaking the beans before cooking reduces the cooking time since they have already been rehydrated during the soaking process.
- Beans contain sugars that the body cannot digest and cause flatulence. Soaking helps to remove some of those sugars and allows the beans to release some of their gases, making digestion easier.
- Soaking beans reduces their phytate content. Beans contain Phytic acid, which prevents the absorption of key minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium in the body. Soaking the beans gets rid of that, making nutrient absorption easy.
How to soak beans?
To soak your beans, rinse them first. Add them to a large bowl and cover them with water by 2 inches. Let them sit for 8-12 hours, or overnight, before rinsing again and cooking.
However, sometimes, you simply don't have time to allow your beans to soak. The Instant Pot is great for those times because, while cooking does take a bit longer, this method is still set-it-and-forget-it.
Cooking Times for Different Beans
If you're wondering how long it takes to cook beans in Instant Pot, refer to this easy cheat sheet for cook times. For each type of bean they were soaked overnight, cooked at High Pressure, and then the Instant Pot was naturally released.
Remember that while you will set your cooking time to the amount noted, actual cooking will take longer since the pressure cooker takes about 10 minutes to reach pressure.
| Beans | Pressure Cook Time – Soaked | Pressure Cook Time – No Soak |
|---|---|---|
| Chickpeas (Garbanzo) | 15 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Kidney Beans | 25 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Black Beans | 22 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Pinto Beans | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Lobia (Black Eyed Peas) | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Black Chickpeas (Kala Chana) | 20 minutes | 40 minutes |
Cooking Note: Beans take longer to cook when cooked with acidic ingredients, like tomatoes, vinegar, or lemon juice. For example, Chickpeas cooked in seasoned water are done in 15 minutes, but in a recipe like Chana masala, which contains tomato and other acidic ingredients, they take 45 minutes.
Bean Cooking Tips & Notes
- Soak: Soaking your beans dramatically reduces cooking time and makes them easier on your stomach.
- Salt: Beans soaked and cooked in salt water are more flavorful and tender without bursting out of their skins.
- Add enough water for soaking: Make sure you cover your beans by 2". This allows the beans to rehydrate and become more tender.
- Add more water for cooking unsoaked beans: Add an extra cup of water while cooking the beans that haven't been soaked.
- Add a pinch of baking soda while cooking - Baking soda creates an alkaline environment, which allows the beans to cook more quickly and turn soft and creamy from within.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the size of your Instant Pot, but for 2 cups (1 pound of dried beans), you will make 6 cups of cooked beans. A 6-quart Instant Pot will hold up to 24 cups of cooked beans at maximum.
Dried, unsoaked beans take much longer to cook than soaked beans. Sometimes, if the beans are too old, they take longer to become tender. In that case, it is better to toss those beans.
Certain foods, such as tomatoes, can keep beans from softening due to their acidic properties. Avoid adding tomatoes, wine, or lemon juice to your beans until they have already become tender.
Soaking removes flatulence, causing sugars and phytic acid in the beans. It is best to discard that water and use fresh water for cooking. And trust me, you don't lose any of that flavor.
Yes. Adding a pinch of baking soda creates an alkaline environment, which causes beans to soften more quickly, allowing them to cook faster.
You don't have to. That cooking liquid is well seasoned and can be used as stock to make curries or soups.
Check out more Instant Pot Bean Recipes & a similar detailed post on how to cook Instant Pot Chickpeas!
Easy Instant Pot Beans Recipes
- Creamy Black Beans Recipe
- Rajma in Instant Pot (Kidney Beans Curry)
- Instant Pot Chana Masala
- Bean Burrito • Instant Pot Burrito Bowl
- Moroccan Chickpeas Soup
- Black Bean Chili in Instant Pot
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Beans (Soaked & Unsoaked)
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried beans
- 2-3 cups water or broth (2 cup for soaked; 3 cups for unsoaked)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 1 pinch baking soda
Instructions
- Rinse beans well: Rinse your beans in a strainer, removing any particles or pebbles. Cover the beans by 2 inches water and soak them for 8 to 12 hours or overnight. Strain before cooking.
- Add beans and water: Add beans and water to the Instant Pot, as well as any seasonings or additional vegetables. Note: 2 cups water for 1 cup soaked; 3 cups water for 1 cup unsoaked)
- Set cooking time: Close the lid on sealing position. Using the above cheat-sheet, set the cooking time on High Pressure.
- Let Instant Pot naturally release: Allow the pressure cooker to natural pressure release (NPR). Open the lid once the pin drops.
Notes
- Soak - Soaking your beans dramatically cuts down on cook time, as well as makes them easier on your stomach
- Salt - Beans soaked and cooked in salted water are more flavorful and tender, without bursting out of their skins
- Add enough water for soaking - Make sure you cover your beans by 2" when soaking them. This allows the beans to re-hydrate and becomes more tender.
- Add more water for cooking unsoaked beans: Add an extra cup of water while cooking unsoaked beans.
- Add a pinch of baking soda while cooking - Baking soda creates an alkaline environment, which allows the beans to cook more quickly and turn soft and creamy from within.
Aron says
Greetings from Mexico. I've been cooking for 70 years now, but a few months ago my wife bought an Instapot. I had avoided pressure cookers previously because of problems with pressure valves, but this seems to work great with beans. I usually make up my recipes based on what I have on hand or is cheap in the stores, but besns of many varieties are always the base to start with. I keep this page in my favorites for reference on cooking times and soon I will probably start trying some of your recipes. One thing we have plenty of here in Mexico are chiles. I usually find a dozen different varieties, all with their own flavors. Thank you for a very useful site.
Aneesha Gupta says
Thank you for your sweet words, Aron! I'm so glad you like these recipes; I hope you try and enjoy more!
Blah says
Should put a chart
Aneesha Gupta says
Hi there, if you scroll down, there's a chart with some of the most common beans. Hope you find that useful.
Brad Ozerdem says
Perfect beans! Thank you.
Aneesha says
Thank you, Brad! I'm so glad you enjoyed the beans 🙂
Rochel Howe says
I didn't see how long you were supposed to pressure cook them for in the Instant pot
Aneesha Gupta says
Hi Rochel, the time varies with different beans. There's a chart you can follow for specific beans.
Chris says
I followed the direction to make soaked black eyed peas in the insta put. I used the same beans I've used on the stove pot for years. I ended up with a pot of baby food.
Aneesha Gupta says
Hi Chris, I'm sorry you had that issue. Unfortunately, the kind of beans is a big variable when using the Instant Pot. For next time, for the same variety of black-eyed peas you can reduce the pressure cooking time to 12 minutes for overnight soaked beans, or 25 mins for unsoaked beans.
Ann says
Outstanding recipe for cooking beans! I had about given up on beans but I got an instant pot and found your recipe. If soak the beans overnight, then sprout them until their tails are about half the length of the bean, and then cook then following your recipe my beans turn out excellent! My family has challenging digestions but this way we can eat beans. Thank you!!!
Aneesha says
That's great to hear Ann! Thanks for taking the time to rate the recipe ????????
Tracy McCallum says
Fabulous info - clear and comprehensive. Each time I make beans, following the specifics for each type of bean, it has worked out beautifully! Tender beans, holding their shape, and extra delicious. I'm new to Instantpot and am grateful for your experience!
Aneesha says
Thank you so much Tracy! I'm so glad you find this post helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback and ratings ????????
Jennifer says
Helpful! I've followed this recipe twice -- successful both times. Yum.
Aneesha says
Thats great to hear Jennifer! Thanks for taking the time to rate this recipe ????????
Shosh says
Thanks so much!
You helped me out for lack of planning/ soaking black soy beans.
It worked over 45 min. Previously, I have IP’d these over and over again to soften!
TY!
Aneesha says
Hi Shosh, you're welcome! I'm glad this recipe worked out for you. Thanks for taking the time to rate the recipe ????????
Aneesha says
You're welcome, Shosh, I'm glad to hear that. Thanks for taking the time to rate this recipe ????????