How Long Do You Cook Beans In An Instant Pot

You cook beans in an Instant Pot for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of bean and whether you’re using dry or soaked beans.
 
The Instant Pot has completely changed the way home cooks handle beans because it cuts the cooking time dramatically compared to stovetop methods.
 
If you’ve been wondering how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, the answer really comes down to the variety you’re working with and your personal texture preference.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook beans in an Instant Pot, plus give you tips so your beans turn out perfectly tender every single time.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Long Do You Cook Beans in an Instant Pot?

The time you cook beans in an Instant Pot depends entirely on the type of bean you’re using.
 
Here’s a quick rundown so you know exactly how long to cook beans in an Instant Pot for each common variety.
 

1. Black Beans

You cook beans in an Instant Pot like black beans for about 20 to 25 minutes on high pressure when they’re dry.
 
If you’ve soaked them overnight, you can cook beans in an Instant Pot for just 8 to 12 minutes.
 
Black beans come out creamy and hold their shape well when you cook beans in an Instant Pot at these times.
 

2. Pinto Beans

When you cook beans in an Instant Pot like pinto beans, aim for 25 to 30 minutes on high pressure for dry beans.
 
Soaked pinto beans only need about 10 to 15 minutes when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 
Pinto beans tend to break down a bit more, which makes them perfect for refried beans.
 

3. Kidney Beans

You cook beans in an Instant Pot like kidney beans for 25 to 30 minutes if they’re dry.
 
Important note here: you must boil kidney beans before you cook beans in an Instant Pot because raw kidney beans contain a toxin called phytohemagglutinin.
 
A quick boil on the stove or a sauté function in your Instant Pot for 10 minutes handles this before you cook beans in an Instant Pot under pressure.
 

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas take the longest, so you cook beans in an Instant Pot like chickpeas for 35 to 45 minutes on high pressure.
 
If you soak them first, you cook beans in an Instant Pot for about 15 to 20 minutes.
 

5. Navy Beans and Great Northern Beans

For these smaller white beans, you cook beans in an Instant Pot for 20 to 25 minutes when dry.
 
Soaked, you cook beans in an Instant Pot for just 8 to 10 minutes.
 

Factors That Affect How Long You Cook Beans in an Instant Pot

Several things influence how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, and knowing them helps you nail the timing every time.
 

1. Soaked vs. Unsoaked Beans

The biggest factor in how long you cook beans in an Instant Pot is whether you soaked them beforehand.
 
Soaking cuts the time roughly in half, so if you plan ahead, you cook beans in an Instant Pot much faster.
 

2. Altitude

If you live at a high altitude, you’ll need to cook beans in an Instant Pot for a few extra minutes.
 
The lower air pressure means liquids boil at lower temperatures, so you cook beans in an Instant Pot longer to get them fully tender.
 

3. Bean Freshness

Older beans take longer to soften, so you cook beans in an Instant Pot for extra time if your beans have been sitting in the pantry for over a year.
 

4. Your Texture Preference

Some people like firm beans, while others want them falling-apart soft.
 
That personal preference directly affects how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot for your taste.
 

How to Cook Beans in an Instant Pot Perfectly

Here’s a simple method so you cook beans in an Instant Pot like a pro.
 

1. Rinse and Sort

Always rinse your beans and pick out any stones or shriveled pieces before you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

2. Add the Right Liquid Ratio

Use 3 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of dry beans when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

3. Add Flavor

Toss in onion, garlic, bay leaves, or a ham hock to give flavor while you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 
Just skip the salt until after cooking, since salt can toughen the skins when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
 

4. Natural Release Matters

After the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before you cook beans in an Instant Pot any further.
 
This natural release finishes the cooking process gently and keeps the beans intact.
 

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

You cook beans in an Instant Pot for 20 to 45 minutes depending on the bean type, and soaked beans take about half that time.
 
The Instant Pot makes cooking beans from scratch incredibly easy, and once you know how long to cook beans in an Instant Pot for your favorite varieties, you’ll never go back to canned beans again.
 
So grab your dried beans, fire up that Instant Pot, and enjoy perfectly tender, flavorful beans any night of the week.