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How long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot depends on the type of beans you’re using, but most varieties cook in anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes under high pressure.
That’s the short answer, but there’s a little more to it if you want perfectly tender beans every single time.
If you’ve been wondering how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, the exact timing varies because different beans have different sizes and densities.
In this post, we’ll break down how long you cook beans in an Instant Pot for the most common varieties, plus a few tips to get them just right.
Let’s dig in.
How Long Do You Cook Beans in an Instant Pot?
How long you cook beans in an Instant Pot comes down to the bean itself, and here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Black Beans and Pinto Beans
When you cook beans in an Instant Pot like black beans or pinto beans, you’re looking at about 25 to 30 minutes on high pressure.
These medium-sized beans cook fairly quickly and turn out creamy without falling apart.
Add a little salt, garlic, and onion to the pot, and you’ve got a flavorful batch ready for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
2. Kidney Beans and Chickpeas
Larger beans like kidney beans and chickpeas take a bit longer when you cook beans in an Instant Pot.
Plan for around 35 to 40 minutes at high pressure for these.
Chickpeas especially benefit from the full 40 minutes because they’re dense and need that extra time to soften all the way through.
Kidney beans come out tender and hold their shape nicely at about 35 minutes.
3. Navy Beans and Great Northern Beans
Smaller white beans are quicker, so how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot for these?
About 20 to 25 minutes on high pressure does the trick.
They soften fast, so keep an eye on them if you like a bit of bite left in your beans.
4. Soybeans and Larger Varieties
If you cook beans in an Instant Pot like soybeans, expect closer to 45 minutes.
These bigger, denser beans need the full time to become tender enough to eat.
Do You Need to Soak Beans Before Cooking Them in an Instant Pot?
One of the best things about learning how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot is finding out you don’t have to soak them first.
The Instant Pot’s high pressure does the work that soaking would normally do.
That said, soaking beans overnight can shave a few minutes off the cook time and make them a little easier on your stomach.
If you do soak them, reduce the cooking time by about 5 to 10 minutes.
Either way, rinse your dry beans well before they go in the pot.
Tips for Cooking Beans in an Instant Pot
Getting the timing right is half the battle, but these tips help too:
1. Use the Right Liquid Ratio
When you cook beans in an Instant Pot, use about 3 cups of water or broth for every 1 cup of dried beans.
Beans absorb a lot of liquid, so don’t skimp here.
2. Add Fat for Less Foaming
A tablespoon of oil helps cut down on foam, which can clog the valve.
It also adds a little richness to the beans.
3. Season After Cooking
Salty and acidic ingredients like tomatoes can toughen bean skins during cooking.
So wait until the beans are done before adding those.
4. Let the Pressure Release Naturally
After the cook time ends, let the pressure come down on its own for about 10 to 15 minutes.
This extra time gently finishes cooking the beans without turning them to mush.
5. Check Doneness Before Serving
Every batch is a little different, so taste a bean or two before you serve them.
If they’re still firm, just cook them a few more minutes under pressure.
So, How Long Do You Cook Beans in an Instant Pot?
How long you cook beans in an Instant Pot depends on the type, ranging from about 20 minutes for small white beans to 45 minutes for soybeans.
Most common beans land somewhere between 25 and 40 minutes on high pressure.
Remember, you don’t have to soak them first, and letting the pressure release naturally gives you the best texture.
Now you know exactly how long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot, so grab your dried beans and get cooking.