How to cook black beans in an Instant Pot. Simple steps on how to make perfect black beans using an electric pressure cooker.
This recipe can also be used with other dried beans.

I received an Instant Pot for Christmas! Well, actually I bought myself an Instant Pot for Christmas! Now I've been busy trying out different recipes.
These Instant Pot Black Beans are one of my first things to try. They turned out beautifully. Some other Instant Pot recipes you might want to try are Bone Broth and Hard Boiled Eggs.

I use a lot of black beans in cooking, but often I just used canned black beans. Sometimes I would cook up a batch, but it always took 2-3 hours and then sometimes they still didn't seem perfectly tender.
The black beans in the pressure cooker turned out perfectly. They are completely cooked through and can be used in all my favorite recipes.
Tips for using pressure cooker
- Plan extra time - the actual cook time for these beans is 20 minutes. It takes 20-30 minutes for the pot to come to full pressure and about 40 minutes for it to release it's pressure naturally.
- Do not use the quick release when making beans. The cool down is needed to continue cooking the beans.
- Do not overfill your pot. The beans expand! I used a one pound bag of dried beans.
- No need to soak your beans before cooking. You can if you'd like, but it's one of those things I always forget to do and it's not needed!
- Wait for the float valve to drop and your pot turns to Keep Warm before opening lid.
- Open the lid carefully. Tilt the lid away from you when opening.
- I didn't add any seasoning or salt prior to cooking my beans.
These beans can be used in any of your favorite dishes.
Recipes with black beans
- Black Bean Pumpkin Chili
- Black Bean Taco Cups
- Spaghetti Squash Boats with Black Beans
- Black Bean Burrito Bowls
- Quinoa Enchilada Bake
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Black Beans and Rice
- Three Bean Salad
If you are looking for a pressure cooker, this is a great one - Instant Pot
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my Vegetable Recipes!
Instant Pot Black Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound black beans
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Sort through beans making certain there isn't any foreign debris or shriveled beans.
- Add beans to Instant Pot. Add water.
- Close lid. Turn the steam release valve to sealing.
- Set pressure cooker to High Pressure Cooking for 20 minutes.
- Allow pressure cooker to natural release - do not use quick release. This can take up to 40 minutes. The float valve will drop back down when all the pressure has been released.
- Open lid carefully.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
David @ Spiced says
I'm pretty sure I'm the only food blogger in the world who doesn't own an Instant Pot. Haha! But I keep thinking about getting one. Perhaps one day! These black beans look amazing, and I do love black beans. Interesting tip about not using the quick release here...I had no idea! Well done, my friend!
Kathy says
I was a bit late to the Instant Pot party, but now that I'm here I'm hooked!
Cheryl says
I've made black beans quite a few times in my Instant Pot. And pinto beans, and garbanzo beans, and kidney beans.... It's amazing for cooking beans, pretty much a mainstay for vegetarians. The black beans keep in the fridge for a few days, and they also freeze well. Nice video!
Kathy says
Thanks, Cheryl! I've been freezing beans too. So convenient when you just need a small amount.
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Hi Kathy - lucky you to have an instant pot! I still don't have one yet but friends keep telling me it's a must! This simple black bean recipe is proof. Anything that saves this much time with such a great result has gotta be good. The beans look great and I use them in recipes all the time too. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Kathy says
I actually prefer them cooked in the pressure cooker rather than on the stove.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Still have joined the Instant Pot craze, but I'm thinking I should. lots of delicious recipes out there! And we love black beans!
Kathy says
I held off for a long time - I'm so glad I've got one now! I'm cooking all sorts of amazing dishes. 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Ohh! I love this! I think it's time I get myself an Instant Pot!! 🙂
Kathy says
I think it's time! 🙂