How to cook Ninja Foodi broccoli is easy and takes as little as 1 minute to get tender!! We will explain step by step directions on how to pressure cook, air crisp like our Ninja Foodi Parmesan Broccoli or steam to make this healthy vegetable side dish.
Ok so we have a lot of Ninja Foodi recipes on our blog, because we love how you can make everything in this multi-cooker device. All you need is the main star of the show and some water, then season to your liking with butter or cheese! (affiliate links present)
How to Pressure Cook Vegetables in a Ninja Foodi
I will say that my favorite way is How to Cook Broccoli in Pressure Cooker, it is just the ideal texture for us. I’m not gonna’ lie though, sometimes I do want a crunchy crisp on the outside with melted parmesan on the top which is easy to do right in the same pot!! Y’all…..you’re in for a real treat.
This isn’t the only way to cook produce perfectly though, you can cook potatoes and Ninja Foodi Carrots in there too. If you want to mix and match that is possible but they all need to cook at the same rate. What I mean is carrots and cauliflower are harder and take more time than squash or broccoli.
Ninja Foodi Frozen Broccoli
Can you cook from frozen?? Yep, and you wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference when it is done. The biggest difference between fresh and Frozen Broccoli in Pressure Cooker is that the latter are smaller pieces (typically) and softer no matter how you cook them.
You can fix that if you are a texture gal like me though with the instructions for Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. I would say that is the way to go if a bag out of the freezer is all you have on hand. During the Winter months I get it so it is nice to understand how both of them are done perfectly.
Ingredients
- Head of broccoli
- Water or chicken broth will give it a bit more flavor
- Salt and pepper are a given and we melt butter on top
You are going to use the basket with the holes in the bottom that came with it, or a vegetable steamer basket works inside too.
How to Steam Broccoli in Ninja Foodi
You can use the steam button instead if you prefer but it takes a bit longer. Cut into equal size pieces and put pieces into the basket with 1 cup liquid below. Put on the pressure lid. Make sure the valve is in the OPEN venting position. Select the STEAM function and set the time to 4 minutes for frozen or 3 minutes for fresh florets.
Essentially the pressure cook button on high pressure explained below really is steamed too and is faster so I don’t see the point in using that other option but to each their own……
Is it better to pressure cook or air fry broccoli?
That depends on whom you ask. If you need to know How to Cook Broccoli without a Steamer I have that here for you. With this machine you do need the basket that comes with it with the holes on the bottom or it won’t work. Alternatively you can buy or use the “old fashioned” vegetable steamer basket you’d use in a pot on the stovetop.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Broccoli better
Well if you are making a vegetarian meal you could just pair it with Ninja Foodi Rice or cauliflower rice with seasonings to just wow you!! Think outside of the box like curry powder, Old Bay or minced freshly roasted garlic. I mean melted Velveeta is a kid favorite, we prefer grated parmesan instead for a pop of flavor on top.
Other Ninja foodi Broccoli Recipes
- You can combine grains and veggies together with Pressure Cooker Chicken Broccoli Rice
- A high protein healthy dish would be our Pressure Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Or go with a comfort food like a bowl of Pressure Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
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Ninja Foodi Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli cut into florets, or 16 oz. frozen broccoli florets
- 1 c water or broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pressure cook – Pour 1 cup water into bottom pot. Cut broccoli into florets and place into steamer basket. Attach pressure cook lid (one that isn't attached) and seal vent valve to closed. Turn the machine on, press pressure button, set to 1 minute cook time and press start. Allow for a 1 minute natural release and then release the rest of the steam and lift lid. Serve with butter, salt and pepper on top.
- Air crisp – Pour 1/4 cup water into inner liner pot. Melt 2 tbsp butter in microwave and toss with florets, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F. for frozen or 400 F. for fresh for 5 minutes. Spray inside of air fryer basket with olive oil, pour broccoli inside in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes for frozen or 8-10 minutes for fresh florets tossing contents halfway thru or until as tender inside and browned outside as you'd like. You can sprinkle shredded parmesan on top the last 2 minutes to melt.
- Steam – Cut into equal size pieces and put pieces into the basket with 1 cup liquid below. Put on the pressure lid (one that is not attached). Make sure the valve is in the OPEN venting position. Turn machine on. Select the STEAM function and set the time to 4 minutes for frozen or 3 minutes for fresh florets and press start. Lift lid and serve immediately.