What if you could skip the overnight soak and still get perfectly tender chickpeas in under an hour?”
Thanks to the Instant Pot, cooking dried chickpeas is no longer a slow, day-long commitment. You get all the creamy texture and nutty flavor of home-cooked legumes — minus the prep and patience. Whether you’re meal prepping, making hummus, or just trying to ditch the canned stuff, Instant Pot chickpeas are your secret shortcut to better beans.
🫘 Instant Pot Chickpeas (No Soak + Soaked Options)
🔸 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🔸 Cook Time: 35–40 minutes (unsoaked)
🔸 Natural Release Time: 15–20 minutes
🔸 Total Time: ~1 hour
🔸 Yields: ~3 cups cooked chickpeas (from 1 cup dried)
✨ Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 to 1 tsp salt (optional — add after cooking for softer beans)
- Optional:
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 garlic cloves
- A pinch of cumin or turmeric for flavor
- 1 tsp olive oil (helps reduce foaming)
🍽️ Instructions
📌 Option 1: No-Soak Method (Quick & Easy)
- Rinse chickpeas under cold water and drain.
- Add rinsed chickpeas and water to the Instant Pot.
- Optional: Add garlic, bay leaf, spices, or oil.
- Seal the lid and set valve to “Sealing.”
- Pressure cook on High Pressure for:
- 35 minutes for firm beans (salads, curries)
- 40–42 minutes for soft beans (like for hummus)
- Let the pressure naturally release for 15–20 minutes.
- Open the lid, drain excess water (or save it as aquafaba!), and use as desired.
📌 Option 2: Soaked Chickpeas (Faster Cook Time)
- Soak dried chickpeas in plenty of water for 8–12 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse well.
- Add soaked chickpeas + 3 cups fresh water to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook on High Pressure for:
- 12–15 minutes for firm
- 18–20 minutes for soft
- Natural release for 15 minutes, then open and drain.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Don’t add salt before cooking if you want softer beans — add it after.
- Freeze extras! Cooked chickpeas freeze well in zip-top bags or containers (1½ cups = 1 can).
- Flavor tip: Add veggie broth instead of water for richer taste.
- Save the cooking water (aquafaba) to use in vegan baking or creamy soups.
🥗 How to Use Instant Pot Chickpeas
- Make homemade hummus
- Add to salads, grain bowls, or wraps
- Stir into curries, stews, or chili
- Roast for a crispy snack
- Blend into veggie burgers or falafel
To discover more amazing recipes like Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe, check out our previous article for more delicious food ideas!
