How to Cook Instant Pot Broccoli

Perfect Instant Pot Broccoli every single time! Our favorite steamed vegetable side dish can now be cooked in any pressure cooker, Crockpot Express or Ninja Foodi in no time at all. 

Steam Broccoli in the Instant Pot

I think this green vegetable is probably our favorite easy side dish. We have made it this way or as a frozen broccoli Instant Pot recipe. Turns out tender and perfect every day. We don’t need to smother it with cheese either to love it (though that is yummy too).

Don’t worry if you don’t have an IP specifically. All electric pressure cooker brands have the high pressure function and that is all you need. I use my Ninja Foodi a lot to do this too.

Broccoli in Instant Pot

Of course you can just enjoy it as is with a pinch of salt and pepper or amp it up with other things on top.

• Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top with a little butter and seriously I think we could eat 3 bunches between the 5 of us. My kids would choose vegetables over eating meat any day!

A wonderful and quick method of getting it really nice and tender if you are making a recipe out of it too. If you love making quiche and soup I will tenderize this way and then add it after. Takes a lot less time since it doesn’t have to cook down in your broth or cheese soup pot.

I don’t like a lot of the steams so I typically trim those off but leave 2″ or so on it. They are firmer than the top florets for sure. Do what you wish as far as that goes.

Ninja Foodi Broccoli

Why is pressure cooker broccoli better than using the stovetop? There is NO need to constantly check on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook when using a pressure cooker (1 min. too long for broccoli can mean a mushy mess and no veggies for that night).

• It won’t make your entire house smell like broccoli
  • It doesn’t particularly bother me but using a pot and steamer basket on the stovetop seems to emit the smell while it’s cooking and it isn’t always pleasant for everyone
• Cooking broccoli in a pressure cooker is just EASY once you know how long it takes, which I’m going to share with you below.

Steam Broccoli Instant Pot

You just throw it all in and walk away knowing your Instant Pot steamed broccoli will be perfect when the beeper goes off.

I use this Instant Pot vegetable cook times sheet to remind me of approximately how long each vegetable takes to cook/steam. Feel free to print it out yourself so you can keep it handy too!

How long does Instant Pot broccoli take to cook perfectly?

• Just like Instant Pot shrimp it is quick and easy. 1 minute is perfection for me but my daughters prefer 2 minutes so it’s VERY soft.
  • Yes it takes a few minutes until the pot comes to pressure too
• If you like it cooked but not super duper soft then 1 minute will do it
  • But if you love soft (but not mushy) steamed broccoli then set for 2 minutes
  • This comes down to personal preference and if it is your first go around I would set for 1 minute and test it out, if you want it a bit softer then you know 2 minutes is your time.
  • 0 minutes works well if you still like it firmer but cooked, totally up to you but 1 minute is perfect for us.Timing below is for 1 head of broccoli with the stalk removed and cut into florets (med. size pcs.)

Crockpot Express Broccoli

If you have 2 larger sized heads I’d increase the time by 1 minute. So if you cook for 1 min. normally I’d set for 2 min. for double the broccoli just remember as a general rule you shouldn’t fill your pot more than 3/4 of the way full. Make sure to immediately release the pressure or it will over soften quickly.

Broccoli in pressure cooker

These are the basics, I am not going to go all in to all the different things you could add to the top. I actually like the natural flavor of this produce so I don’t want to smother it with all the things to tone that down. If you have picky kids though you might want to drizzle on some cheese sauce too.

• Instant Pot vegetable steamer basket
• Head of broccoli
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cup of water
• Olive oil if you just want to drizzle that on the top vs. butter

Ninja Foodi Steamed Broccoli

1. Easy Instant Pot brussel sprouts will get you to LOVE this underrated veggie
2. Instant Pot cauliflower with a cheese sauce is fabulous
3. If you don’t have a pressure cooker you can try this easy air fryer broccoli recipe

Pressure cooker broccoli cheese soup should be next!

How to Cook Broccoli in Pressure Cooker

If you need to make this steamed broccoli recipe in this pot you will follow the same instructions below. Use your pressure cooker lid (the one that isn’t attached), press the pressure cook button high for 1 minute then quick release!

• BUT you can go a step further with this machine too!
• You can add parmesan to the top when done and close air crisp lid to melt.
• OR use your air fryer separately at the end.

Crockpot Express works the same as an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Follow same instructions below for that brand or any other.