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 fryer 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)
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Broccoli Recipe
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.
Ingredients
- Head of broccoli cut into florets
- Water or chicken broth will give it a bit more flavor
- Salt and pepper are a given and we melt butter or a bit of olive oil on top
- Some prefer some grated parmesan cheese when served or some melted cheese
with 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 Frozen Air Fryer 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.
You are going to use the air fryer basket with the holes in the bottom that came with it, or a vegetable steamer basket works inside too. The biggest thing to remember is that you want the food to not sit in the liquid or it will get soggy.
How to Steam Broccoli in Ninja Foodi
You can use the steam button instead if you prefer but the cooking time 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……
That depends on the outcome you want. If you want your vegetables to be very soft and tender then pressure cook broccoli. If you want the edges to be crispy, you’d want to use the lid that is attached to air crisp instead.
Add cheese!! If you pressure cook, drizzle some melted velveeta on the top when done. When air frying you can sprinkle some grated parmesan on the top for the last few minutes to melt and crisp up a bit. Butter and salt are another option of course.
That depends. If you want to pressure cook, use the lid that is not attached. To use the air fryer function you will use the lid that is attached instead which will give you a crispy texture to them.
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’ll love
- You can combine grains and veggies together with Instant Pot 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
Jump to recipe card below and let us know what is your favorite way of making this easy side dish with your meals this week!
Ninja Foodi Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 ninja foodi
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
