How to Cook Green Beans in an Electric Pressure Cooker

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Cooking green beans in the pressure cooker is possibly the simplest way, and the fastest, to prepare this vegetable.

Vertical image of a white bowl of seasoned vegetables, with text in the middle and on the bottom of the image.

It doesn’t matter if you like them crisp tender or cooked until they’re soft all the way through, you can accomplish both by making them with this method.

It takes just a handful of minutes, and the green beans always turn out perfectly every time.

I used to make them on the stovetop, sauteing them with butter and garlic or boiling them in water, thinking this was the easiest way to do it.

Who knew that I had been putting far too much work into this simple kitchen task?

All I needed to do was whip out my trusty electric pressure cooker.

I love the convenience of being able to make amazing side dishes right in the Instant Pot, or whatever brand of appliance you might have.

Plus, you just can’t beat how quickly you can get dinner on the table by using one of these.

In this how-to guide to making green beans in an electric pressure cooker, you will learn how to steam your vegetables, as well as how to make them without a steamer basket.

Essentially, the latter method involves boiling them, but I think they come out just as tasty this way, not to mention just as quick.

The best part is, this simple veggie side goes with everything. My husband and I are actually obsessed with green beans, and we try to eat them at least a few nights a week when they’re in season.

Again, I’ve gotta say that I am kicking myself a bit for hopping on the Instant Pot train only recently when it comes to preparing this vegetable. All that wasted time, you know? It could have been spent napping, drinking wine, reading, and so much more…

Now I know that things really can be easier.

I hope this guide helps you to achieve green bean perfection every time. Who knows, maybe you’ll never make them without this appliance again.

Here’s what’s to come in this article:

Tips to Make the Best Green Beans in an Electric Pressure Cooker

Want to go a little off book? What if you want crisper veggies as opposed to soft ones, added flavorings, a bigger batch, or parcooked beans?

Vertical top-down image of a white bowl with seasoned cooked vegetables on a gray and white towel.

Try these tips:

  • If you are doubling the quantity of beans, you will want to double the time spent pressure cooking the vegetables. I will go into this more at the end of this article – keep reading to get the details there!
  • For those of you who like a crisp exterior, you can saute the vegetables in olive oil or butter after preparing them in the appliance, in a frying pan, or using the saute/sear function.
  • This is a fantastic technique to use for any dish that requires parboiling green beans before proceeding with the recipe. In this case, use the suggestion described below to set the pressure cooker to zero minutes on high pressure.

Serving and Seasoning Suggestions

You can season these cooked vegetables in any way you prefer.

Vertical image of a white bowl of seasoned vegetables on top of a gray, black, and white towel.

The options are honestly endless, but here are some simple favorites to try:

  • Butter, salt, and pepper
  • Olive oil, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and pepper
  • Olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and minced garlic
  • Butter, salt, pepper, and lemon juice and/or zest

You can also toss them in vinaigrette, like we do for our classic Nicoise salad. Or toss them with fresh herbs and other fresh produce, similar to these thyme-seasoned green beans with tomatoes.

Remember that you can adjust the quantities of the flavor add-ins however you like, depending on your tastes.

How to Steam Green Beans in an Electric Pressure Cooker

Ready to get into the details? Here’s how to steam the perfect green beans every time, in your Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooking appliance.

Step 1 – Measure Ingredients

Measure out 1 pound of fresh green beans. Wash them well, drain them in a colander, and trim the ends.

Horizontal image of raw green beans in a colander.

Measure 1 cup of cold water.

Step 2 – Place Inside

Add the water to the insert. Place your steamer rack or basket in position.

The House Again Original Sturdy Steamer Basket is easy to use in the Instant Pot. It’s available on Amazon in three sizes.

House Again Original Sturdy Steamer Basket, available on Amazon

Or you can opt for a steamer rack like I have instead, with heat resistant handles. Try this one from HapWay. It’s convenient to use with either 6-quart or 8-quart electric pressure cookers.

HapWay Steamer Rack Trivet, available on Amazon

Place the prepped and drained veggies on top of the steamer rack, or in the basket.

Place the lid on top and secure it. Make sure the valve is set to the sealed position.

Step 3 – Steam

Pressure cook on Low for 0 to 5 minutes (0 minutes for crisp tender, 2 minutes for softer with a slightly firm texture, or 5 minutes for a soft texture, without being mushy).

Horizontal image of seasoned cooked green beans in a white bowl on a gray and white towel.

Quick release the pressure.

Use oven mitts to carefully remove the steamer insert and transfer the prepared vegetables to a large bowl. Add seasonings as desired, and toss to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to before serving.

How to Cook in an Electric Pressure Cooker Without a Steamer Basket (Boiling)

Don’t have a steamer basket? Try this technique. Essentially boiling but with a small quantity of liquid that quickly turns to steam, this option allows you to season your veggies during the cooking process.

Step 1 – Measure Ingredients

Measure out 1 pound of green beans. Wash them well, and drain them in a colander. Trim the ends.

Horizontal image of raw and prepped green beans.

Measure 1/2 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee.

Step 2 – Place Everything Inside

Add the green beans, water, and butter or ghee to the insert of your appliance.

Horizontal image of raw vegetables in the bowl of an Instant Pot.

If you want, you can add seasonings at this time, such as minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs.

Place the lid on top and secure it. Make sure the valve is set to the sealed position.

Step 3 – Cook

Pressure cook on Low for 0 to 5 minutes (0 minutes for crisp tender, 2 minutes for softer with a slightly firm texture, and 5 minutes for a soft but not mushy texture).

Horizontal image of a small pile of cooked veggies on a square plate with a red napkin.

Quick release the pressure.

Use oven mitts to carefully remove the steamer insert and transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving bowl. Taste and add additional seasonings if desired, and toss to coat.

Can I Double the Recipe?

If you are cooking green beans for a crowd, or perhaps parboiling them for a green bean casserole for the holidays, you may feel the need to double this recipe.

Horizontal image of three square white plates with piles of green beans made in difference methods.

Doubling is 100% doable, assuming your electric pressure cooker is large enough to accommodate a larger volume of vegetables. My own Instant Pot has a 6-quart capacity.

Make sure to double the time when you’re making a double batch. If you like crisp-tender beans, that means upping the time from zero minutes to 1 minute.

For more electric pressure cooker tutorials to experiment with and make your meal complete, check out the following next:

What will you serve these delish veggies alongside? Tell us in the comments below!

Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details.

About Meghan Yager

Meghan Yager is a food addict turned food and travel writer with a love for creating uncomplicated, gourmet recipes and devouring anything the world serves up. As the author of the food and travel blog Cake 'n Knife, Meghan focuses on unique foodie experiences from around the world to right at home in your own kitchen.

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