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How to Steam Green Beans in the Ninja Foodi: Unlock a simple, healthy side dish. Craving a quick and easy way to elevate your meals with a healthy side? Steaming is a fantastic technique to unlock the vibrant color, crisp texture, and natural sweetness of fresh green beans.  This fuss-free method takes just minutes in your Ninja Foodi, making it the perfect complement to any main course.  Whether you’re a seasoned pro in Ninja Foodi recipes or simply looking to expand your green bean recipes repertoire, this guide provides a simple and delicious solution.

This easy green bean recipe makes a perfect side dish and can be adjusted in many ways to suit your personal taste. It is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a versatile option for any dietary restrictions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blend or garnish to create a unique flavor profile that complements your meal.

What You Need to Make the Best Ninja Foodi Steamed Green Beans

This simple recipe serves as a blank canvas for your steamed green beans. Enjoy them simply seasoned with salt and black pepper, or dress them up with a different spice blend, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.  Get creative with crushed red pepper flakes, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese – this is just the starting point for your flavorful green bean masterpiece. These will get you started:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup of water 
• ​1 Tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

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This recipe is designed for the amazing Ninja Foodi, a multi-functional all-in-one countertop appliance that tackles almost any mealtime challenge. This 9-in-1 powerhouse boasts a generous 6.5-quart capacity, perfect for whipping up delicious meals for the whole family. Pressure cook, broil, dehydrate, slow cook, air fry, and more – the Foodi does it all.

Feel free to follow these same steps to steam green beans in a different Ninja Foodi model, or even another steamer you might have. This recipe provides a fantastic base for perfectly steamed green beans, regardless of your specific appliance.

How to Steam Green Beans in a Ninja Foodi

First, prepare the green beans. I am using plain old regular green beans, also known as Haricots Verts. You can grab a bag of ready-to-cook prewashed and trimmed, or clean and trim the beans yourself. Make sure to use fresh vegetables and not frozen. 

Next, toss the green beans in a large bowl with a little bit of olive oil and your preferred seasoning.

Then pour the water into the Ninja Foodi. For this green beans recipe, I am using the air fryer basket that I use for most of my air fryer vegetable recipes, and that came with my Foodi. You can use this or grab a silicone steamer basket online. The key feature of steaming is that it has holes throughout to allow steam to circulate and cook the food evenly.

Then pour the prepared green beans into the Foodi. Unlike many air fryer recipes, you don’t have to worry so much about arranging the green beans in a single layer. 

Next, secure the Ninja Foodi lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to “VENT.” Remember, we’re using the steamer function, not pressure cooking. Unlike pressure cooking, the steam function on the Foodi does not use high pressure. Its cooking process is specifically designed to allow steam to escape continuously while cooking, creating a gentler environment for delicate foods like vegetables.

How Long to Steam Green Beans in the Ninja Foodi

First, select the steam function on the front of the Foodi.

Next, set the cook time for 4 minutes, and press Start.

Once the cooking time for your green beans is finished, simply remove the lid from your Ninja Foodi.

Unlike pressure cooking, there’s no built-up pressure to release, so you can enjoy your perfectly steam-cooked green beans right away.

The Ninja Foodi basket is very hot, so you may need a moment before removing the tender green beans.

Use a pair of tongs to remove the green beans, or even these silicone orange heat-resistant gloves to remove the entire basket.

Ninja Foodi Steamed Green Beans

Plate your perfectly steamed green beans and enjoy them as a delightful low-carb and delicious side dish. 

Remember, the best part? This easy recipe is just the beginning. Experiment with your favorite spice blends, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to create a unique flavor profile that complements your favorite main dish. Get creative and let your culinary imagination run wild.

Once you’ve enjoyed your perfectly steamed green beans, any leftovers can be stored for later. Simply transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. This will help them retain their moisture and crispness for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy them chilled or reheat them gently for a quick and easy side dish anytime.

What to Put on Cooked Green Beans

For a Savory Boost:

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, dill, or basil add a burst of freshness and aroma.
• Garlic and Onion: Sautéed minced garlic and onion add a classic savory touch.
• Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast add a cheesy, umami flavor. (*if you are ok with dairy)
• Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds provide a delightful crunch and richness.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds heat.
• Bacon Bits: Crumbled cooked bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor.

Brighter Flavor:

• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A simple but effective way to enhance the natural flavor of the green beans.
• Balsamic Glaze: A reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy touch.

Fruity Twist:

• Dried Cranberries or Cherries: Chopped dried cranberries or cherries add a touch of sweetness and tartness.
• Fresh Berries: A sprinkle of fresh blueberries or raspberries adds a vibrant burst of flavor.

Bonus Tip:

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds richness and helps other flavors meld together.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and create your own signature tasty side dish.

More green bean recipes:

• Ninja Foodi Green Beans
• 20+ Air Fryer Green Bean Recipes

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