Discover the simplicity of cooking Instant Pot Dried Beans. From Chickpeas to Black Beans, we'll show you how to achieve perfectly cooked legumes in no time. Get ready to cook beans in the pressure cooker with this easy method.
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Why This Recipe Works
- No Soaking Required: Instant Pot eliminates the need for overnight soaking of beans. We'll share both soaked beans and non soaking cooking times.
- Time Efficient: Cook dried beans to perfection in a fraction of usual time.
- Versatile Ingredient: These beans can be used in numerous dishes, from salads to stews.
📋 Ingredients
This depends on which beans you want to cook in the pressure cooker. We have instructions for pressure cooking the following beans:
- Adzuki Beans
- Anasazi Beans
- Black Beans
- Black Eyed Peas
- Chickpeas
- Cannellini Beans
- Gandules
- Great Northern Beans
- Green Lentils
- Brown Lentils
- Red Split Lentils
- Yellow Split Lentils
- Lima Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Haricot Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Green Split Peas
- Soya Beans
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Bean Variety Options: Experiment with different types of dried beans such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas to vary texture and flavor. You can even mix multiple varieties for a more complex dish.
- Soaking & Preparation Techniques: Choose between an overnight soak or the quick-soak method to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. For a no-soak version, adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly to ensure the beans become tender.
- Liquid & Seasoning Enhancements: Replace water with vegetable or chicken broth for added depth, and include aromatics like garlic, onion, bay leaves, or spices such as cumin and smoked paprika. A squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors.
🔪How To Cook Beans In The Instant Pot
When cooking beans in the Instant Pot there are a few rules and steps you need to follow.
- Rinse your beans and place into the Instant Pot.
- Add 3-6 cups of cooking liquid to your pot.
- Add any spices, bay leaves or flavorings.
- Pressure Cook According to cooking times below.
- Natural Release Pressure.
- Drain Liquid and Prepare Beans.
Dry Beans Cooking Times vs Soaked Beans Cooking Time
Here are the best cooking times from dry or from soaked for perfectly tender beans:
Instant Pot Adzuki Beans
Dried Adzuki Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 16-20 minutes.
Soaked Adzuki Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 4-6 minutes.
Adzuki beans are small, reddish-brown beans commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in desserts. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture. Adzuki beans are great for making sweet bean paste, red bean soup, and as fillings in pastries and dumplings.
Adzuki beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Anasazi Beans
Dried Anasazi Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 20-125 minutes.
Soaked Anasazi Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 5-7 minutes.
Anasazi beans are native to the Southwestern United States and are similar to pinto beans in flavor and texture. They have a rich, earthy flavor and are popular in dishes like chili, stews, and salads.
Anasazi beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Black Beans
Dried Black Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 20-25 minutes.
Soaked Black Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 4-6 minutes.
Black beans are a staple in Latin American cuisine. They have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Black beans are used in various dishes such as soups, stews, burritos, and salads.
Black beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
Dried Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot cooking time: 6-7 minutes.
Soaked Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot cooking time: 4-5 minutes.
Black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, are small, white beans with a distinctive black spot. They have a mild, nutty flavor and a firm texture. Black-eyed peas are often used in Southern and African cuisines, particularly in dishes like Hoppin' John, soups, and salads.
Black-eyed peas require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans
Dried Chickpeas Instant Pot cooking time: 35-40 minutes.
Soaked Chickpeas Instant Pot cooking time: 10-15 minutes.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. They have a nutty flavor and a firm, creamy texture. Chickpeas are the main ingredient in dishes like hummus, falafel, and stews like chana masala.
I prefer a dried garbanzo beans instant pot recipe to soaked!
Chickpeas require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
For dried garbanzo beans, use the same liquid-to-bean ratio as dried chickpeas.
Instant Pot Cannellini Beans
Dried Cannellini Beans Instant Pot cooking time : 25-30 minutes.
Soaked Cannellini Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 6-9 minutes.
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, have a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly in dishes like pasta e fagioli, minestrone soup, and bean salads.
Cannellini beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Gandules
Dried Gandules Beans Instant Pot cooking time 20-25 minutes.
Soaked Gandules Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 6-9 minutes.
Gandules, also known as pigeon peas, are a staple in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. They have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor with a soft texture. Gandules are used in dishes such as arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), soups, and stews.
Gandules require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking
Instant Pot Great Northern Beans
Dried Great Northern Beans Instant Pot cooking time : 25-30 minutes.
Soaked Great Northern Beans Instant Pot cooking time : 6-9 minutes.
Note: Adding a bay leaf to the pot is recommended.
Great Northern beans are large, white beans with a delicate flavor and creamy texture. They are commonly used in soups, stews, and casseroles. Great Northern beans pair well with herbs, spices, and vegetables, making them versatile for various recipes.
Great Northern beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Lentils French Green
- Dried Lentils Instant Pot cooking time: 4-6 minutes.
- No soaked lentil Instant Pot cooking required.
French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, are small and dark green with a peppery and earthy flavor. They hold their shape well when cooked, making them suitable for salads, side dishes, and hearty soups. French green lentils are commonly used in French cuisine.
French green lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 1.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Lentils Brown
Dried Brown Lentil sInstant Pot cooking time: 4-6 minutes.
No soaked lentil Instant Pot cooking required.
Brown lentils have a mild and earthy flavor with a soft texture. They are versatile and can be used in soups, stews, curries, and salads. Brown lentils are widely available and cook relatively quickly compared to other varieties.
Brown lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 2 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Lentils Red Split
Dried Red Lentils Instant Pot Cooking Time:1-2 minutes.
No soaked lentil Instant Pot cooking time required.
Red split lentils cook quickly and break down easily, resulting in a soft and creamy texture. They have a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Red split lentils are commonly used in Indian dal, soups, and purees.
Yellow split lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 1.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Lentils Yellow Split
Dried Yellow Split Lentils Instant Pot cooking time: 1-2 minutes.
No soaked lentil Instant Pot cooking time required.
Yellow split lentils, also known as moong dal, have a mild and slightly sweet flavor. They cook quickly and become soft and creamy. Yellow split lentils are used in Indian cuisine for dal, soups, and various dishes.
Yellow split lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 1.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Lima Beans
Dried Lima Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 12-14 minutes.
Soaked Lima Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 3-6 minutes.
Lima beans, also known as butter beans, have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. They are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles. Lima beans are a good source of protein and fiber.
Lima beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Kidney Beans Red
Dried Kidney Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 15-20 minutes.
Soaked Kidney Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 7-8 minutes.
Red kidney beans are large and kidney-shaped with a robust, earthy flavor. They are commonly used in chili, bean soups, and stews. Red kidney beans are popular in many cuisines, including Mexican, Caribbean, and American.
Red kidney beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Haricot Beans
Dried Haricot Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 20-25 minutes.
Soaked Haricot Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 7-8 minutes.
Haricot beans, also known as navy beans, have a delicate flavor and a creamy texture. They are commonly used in baked beans, stews, and casseroles. Haricot beans are a good source of dietary fiber and protein.
Haricot beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Dried Pinto Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 23-25 minutes.
Soaked Pinto Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 6-9 minutes.
Note: Great for making refried beans!
Pinto beans have a mottled beige and brown appearance with a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. They are commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, including dishes like refried beans, chili, and burritos.
Pinto beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Peas
Dried Peas Instant Pot cooking time: 16-20 minutes.
Soaked Peas Instant Pot cooking time : 10-12 minutes.
Peas, such as green peas or yellow peas, have a sweet and delicate flavor. They are often used in soups, stews, and side dishes. Peas are a versatile legume that can be enjoyed in various recipes.
Peas require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Soy Beans
Dried Instant Pot Soy beans cooking time: 35-45 minutes.
Soaked Instant Pot Soy beans cooking time: 18-20 minutes.
Soybeans, also known as edamame, are young and green soybeans that are commonly boiled or steamed and served as a snack or appetizer. They have a mild, buttery flavor and are a good source of protein and fiber.
Soybeans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Making Hummus With Chickpeas
- One of my favorite recipes to make using chickpeas is Hummus. You can cook chickpeas in the Instant Pot before making a selection of hummus flavors. We have two hummus recipes you may love to try:
- Try this Creamy Instant Pot Hummus with Garlic and Lemon. It's vegan, gluten-free, and a great appetizer for parties.
- You'll also love this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe. Pressure cooking has never been more fun!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Beans expand once they are soaked and cooked. It is super important to make sure you leave plenty of space in your inner pot for soaking and cooking your beans.
- To avoid an overflow and having liquid squirt out of the pot, make sure you only fill your pot at half capacity.
- When cooking your beans make sure you have plenty of water and liquid to cover the beans. Most cooked beans need 3-4 times as much cooking liquid when it comes to the beans and water ratio. That's the rule of thumb that I follow. Lentils however require much less liquid than other beans.
💭 FAQs
Cooking dry beans instead of buying canned beans can be a cost-effective way to feed your family. Dried beans are also healthier, as they often have more vitamins and minerals than the canned variety.
You don’t have to soak beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot—it’s totally optional! Instant Pot beans taste great whether you soak them or not. If you want to soak, just let the beans sit in water for a few hours.
Soaking helps reduce starch, making them easier to digest. Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to the water—it’s a little trick to make soaking even better! The only beans you must soak are kidney beans, as soaking removes toxins to make them safe to eat.
You can add the required cups of water to Instant Pot dried beans, however, I prefer to use vegetable stock as it adds depth and flavor to my beans.
Yes, I usually let the pressure release naturally when cooking beans in the electric pressure cooker. This prevents the liquid from spewing out of the top of my pot when doing a quick release.
You can store cooked beans in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure you store them with their cooking liquid so they don’t dry out.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Dried Beans:
- Add them to soups, stews, or chili for extra protein and texture.
- Use them as a base for a hearty grain bowl with rice, veggies, and your favorite spices.
- Mash them into dips or spreads to serve with chips or fresh vegetables.
Instant Pot Dried Beans
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Chickpeas or another bean of your choice
Instructions
- Rinse your beans and place into the Instant Pot.
- Add 3-6 cups of cooking liquid to your pot.
- Add any spices, bay leaves or flavorings.
- Pressure Cook According to cooking times below.
- Natural Release Pressure.
- Drain Liquid and Prepare Beans.
Notes
- Dried Adzuki Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 16-20 minutes. Adzuki beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Black Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 20-25 minutes. Black beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Black-Eyed-Peas Instant Pot cooking time: 6-7 minutes. Black-eyed peas require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Chickpeas Instant Pot cooking time: 35-40 minutes. Chickpeas require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Canellini Beans Instant Pot cooking time : 25-30 minutes. Cannellini beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Gandules Beans Instant Pot cooking time 20-25 minutes. Gandules require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking
- Dried Great Northern Beans Instant Pot cooking time : 25-30 minutes. Great Northern beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Brown Or Green Lentils: Dried Lentils Instant Pot cooking time: 4-6 minutes. French green lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 1.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking. Brown lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 2 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking.
- Yellow Spit Lentils or Red Dried Red Lentils InstantPot Cooking Time:1-2 minutes. Yellow split lentils require a liquid-to-lentil ratio of approximately 1.5 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried lentils when pressure cooking.
- Dried Lima Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 12-14 minutes. Lima beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Kidney Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 15-20 minutes. Red kidney beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Pinto Beans or Haricot Beans Instant Pot cooking time: 23-25 minutes. Pinto beans and Haricot beans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 3 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Peas Instant Pot cooking time: 16-20 minutes. Peas require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water or broth per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
- Dried Instant Pot Soy beans cooking time: 35-45 minutes. Soybeans require a liquid-to-bean ratio of approximately 4 cups of water per 1 cup of dried beans when pressure cooking.
Nutrition
More Recipes Using Beans
- There are lots of recipes you can add beans to from Vegetarian Chili to Instant Pot Taco Soup or Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice.
- I also love this Instant Pot Minestrone Soup which is packed with tasty cooked beans.
- Beans are great when you're on a budget and looking for meatless recipes or simply for high-protein dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Do you have a Charro Beans recipe I’ve tried every recipe but they’re Not Tasty I think there’s a seasoning out there I don’t know about that you might know
Thank You 🙏
I have not got one on the blog yet but will add it to my list of recipes to work on.
Lima Beans - Is there a difference in timing for the Large Lima Beans (Butter Beans) and the Baby Lima Beans?