Instant Pot Chickpeas

Instant Pot chickpeas are the easiest way to cook dried chickpeas until tender and creamy, with or without soaking. In this guide, I’m sharing soaked and no-soak cooking times, the best water ratio, the right pressure release method, and exactly how to get the chickpeas texture you want for using chickpeas in salads, curries, or hummus.

So, I am sharing here soaked chickpeas and no soak chickpeas cooking times, the best water ratio, the right release method, and a fast canned chickpeas shortcut for weeknights. How to long to cook chickpeas in instant pot

How to Cook Instant Pot Chickpeas

To cook chickpeas in an Instant Pot, rinse dried chickpeas, add water, and pressure cook until tender. Soaked chickpeas cook faster than no soak chickpeas. For best texture, use natural release and avoid quick release because chickpeas can foam. If you are short on time, use canned chickpeas to make quick chana masala or chickpea bowls.

Why I love This Instant Pot Chickpeas cooking Method

• Soaked chickpeas cook faster and more evenly.
• No soak chickpeas work, but need more time.
• Natural release gives the best texture and reduces foam.
• Cook a batch and freeze in portions for fast meals.
• Canned chickpeas are perfect for same day recipes.

Soaked vs no soak chickpeas

You can cook soaked chickpeas as well no soak chickpeas in instant pot. Soaked chickpeas are best if you want:

• Creamy chickpeas for curry
• Even texture for meal prep
• Less cooking time

But if you forgot to soak chickpeas no worry you can make Instant pot without soaked chickpeas.

• Last minute cooking
• Pantry based cooking
• You do not mind a longer cook time

Tip: Old chickpeas take longer. If your dried chickpeas have been sitting in the pantry for months, plan extra time.

Instant Pot chickpeas cooking times and water ratio

Use this chart as your starting point. Times can vary by altitude, chickpea age, and Instant Pot model.

Instant Pot Chickpeas time chart

Chickpeas type	Texture goal	Pressure cook time	Release method
Soaked chickpeas Instant Pot time	Firm for salad	10 to 12 min	Natural release 10 min, then vent
Soaked chickpeas Instant Pot time	Tender for bowls	14 to 16 min	Natural release 15 min
Soaked chickpeas	Very soft for hummus	18 to 20 min	Full natural release
chickpeas Instant Pot No soak	Tender for bowls	35 to 40 min	Full natural release
No soak chickpeas in instant pot	Very soft for hummus	45 to 50 min	Full natural release

Water ratio

• Dried chickpeas: 1 cup chickpeas + 3 cups water
• If you want extra soft chickpeas, use 3.5 cups water

Do not fill above the max line. Chickpeas expand.

Soaked chickpeas and no soak chickpeas cooking times, the best water ratio, the right release method, and a fast canned chickpeas shortcut for weeknights. How to long to cook chickpeas in instant pot

Step by step: How to Cook Chickpeas in Instant Pot

1. Rinse and sort

Rinse chickpeas under running water. Pick out small stones or broken pieces.

2. Soak (optional, but recommended)

Soak 8 to 12 hours in plenty of water. Drain and rinse. No time to soak? Jump to the no soak method below.

3. Add to Instant Pot

Add chickpeas and water.

4. Add flavourings

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

5. Pressure cook

Seal the lid. Set valve to Sealing. Pressure cook for 20 minutes.

6. Natural release

Let pressure drop naturally. This improves texture and reduces foaming.

7. Drain and store

Drain chickpeas and cool fully before storing.

Instant Pot chickpeas Without Soaking

This is the No soak chickpeas method, The drawback of this method is the longer cooking time:

1. Rinse chickpeas.
2. Add 1 cup chickpeas + 3 cups water.
3. Pressure cook 35 to 40 minutes.
4. Use full natural release.
5. Drain and store.

Tip: If chickpeas are not tender, add 5 minutes pressure cook and natural release again.

Instant Pot chickpeas Without Soaking

Quick soak is a good middle option:

1. Add chickpeas and water.
2. Pressure cook 5 minutes.
3. Natural release 10 minutes.
4. Drain and rinse.
5. Cook again using the soaked chickpeas chart.

Best release method for chickpeas

For chickpeas, natural release is best. Why:

• Chickpeas can foam, especially no soak batches
• Quick release can force foam into the valve
• Natural release gives better texture

If you must vent, do a timed natural release first, then vent slowly. More Detailed Read: Natural Release vs Quick Release

Common mistakes and fixes Which Cooking Chickpeas in Instant Pot

Chickpeas are still hard

• Chickpeas may be old. Add 5 to 10 minutes and cook again.
• Do not add acidic ingredients while cooking. Add tomatoes and lemon later.

Too mushy

• Reduce cook time by 2 to 4 minutes.
• Use a shorter natural release.

Foam or sputtering

• Use full natural release.
• Rinse chickpeas very well before cooking.

How to use cooked chickpeas

• Make Instant Pot Chana Masala Zero Oil
• Add to grain bowls with rice or quinoa
• Toss into salads
• Blend into hummus
• Add to soups

Storage, freezing, reheating

• Fridge: You can store chickpeas in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in 1 to 1.5 cup portions for up to 3 months.
  Tip: freeze some chickpeas with a little cooking liquid to prevent dryness.

Reheating Chickpeas

• Microwave with a splash of water
• Warm in a skillet with spices
• Add directly to soups and curries

FAQs

More From Instant Pot Series

• All About Instant Pot
• Beginner guide
• Natural Release vs Quick Release
• Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet (Free Printable)
• 10 Instant Pot Mistakes to Avoid
• Instant Pot Zero Oil Chana Masala
• Best Instant Pot Accessories (What’s Actually Worth Buying)
• Instant Pot Meal Prep: Cook Once, Eat All Week

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