Instant Pot Green Beans

I’m a green bean girl whichever way they’re cooked, but when I’m looking for a simple and fresh preparation, I look to Instant Pot green beans. Of all the ways to prepare green beans, this recipe is on the simpler side. The green beans come out perfectly cooked every time, with just the right amount of crunch to them. And the best part is that you barely have to lift a finger (except to press start!).

For these pressure cooker green beans, you’ll quickly cook them in your Instant Pot then mix them with lemon juice, butter and herbs, and serve them topped with chopped walnuts. They’re easy enough for a weeknight side dish, or you can whip them up when you’re busy using the stove and oven for big weekend feasts.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Green Beans

• Green beans: Fresh green beans are available all year long, and the the effort it takes to clean them is minimal. Just pick off the stem side and they’re ready to cook.
• Herbs: Use fresh parsley and chives to give these green beans a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Butter: The green beans are tossed in melted butter at the end for a restaurant-style finish.
• Lemon juice: A little lemon juice rounds everything out with its tangy kick.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are all these simple green beans need for seasoning.
• Walnuts: Chopped-up toasted walnuts offer some more crunch and a nutty layer of flavor, which elevates this humble dish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the green beans

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Place a steamer basket and 1 cup of water in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot.

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Set the green beans in the basket.

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Lock the lid, and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook the beans on high for one minute.

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When they’re done, carefully quick-release the pressure, then drain the water.

Step 2: Season the green beans

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Return the cooked beans to the pressure cooker. Add the parsley, butter, chives, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Serve sprinkled with chopped walnuts.

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Instant Pot Green Beans Variations

• Add other seasonings: Try cooking these green beans in the Instant Pot with other seasonings. Add minced or sliced garlic and a splash of white wine, or toss them in a vegetable seasoning blend before pressure cooking them.
• Change up the toppings: Top these green beans with dried cranberries or currants, or some crispy shallots. Or, change up the nuts and use sliced or chopped almonds or hazelnuts instead.
• Make them meaty: Add some cooked chopped bacon or pancetta to the Instant Pot along with the green beans to give them a heartier, meatier flavor. Or cook the recipe as-is and serve the green beans with bacon crumbles sprinkled on top.

How to Store Instant Pot Green Beans

Green beans in a pressure cooker are super easy to make and store. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.

How long do Instant Pot green beans last?

These Instant Pot green beans will last for up to four days when stored in the fridge.

How do you reheat Instant Pot green beans?

To reheat the green beans, pop them in the microwave for a couple of seconds, or heat them on the stovetop for a minute to take the chill off. I personally love eatting them straight from the fridge for a little snack!

Instant Pot Green Beans Tips

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Can you use canned green beans instead of fresh green beans?

Fresh green beans will work best here, but you can definitely use canned green beans or even frozen green beans if needed. They might have a slightly different texture than they would if you were using fresh.

What else can you serve with Instant Pot green beans?

Instant Pot green beans work great as a side dish that can add some green to pretty much any entree. Try them with herby chicken or lamb chops. You can also serve them alongside our favorite Instant Pot recipes, like this Instant Pot whole chicken.