Ninja Foodi pressure cooker fresh beets for the win! Fresh beets in under 30 minutes — it’s never been easier to cook them.
Until recently I had only used canned beets. After trying fresh beets in the pressure cooker, I can’t go back. The flavor and texture are far superior to canned, and my family agreed.
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Fresh Beets (or Instant Pot)
One supermarket had bunches of beets for $0.99, so I decided to experiment. Mixing red and golden beets makes a more colorful side dish and adds variety to flavor and presentation.
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are nutrient-dense: good sources of potassium, betaine, magnesium, folate, vitamin C and fiber. They may support digestion, help reduce inflammation, and contribute to healthy blood pressure when included in a balanced diet.
Does Size Matter for Cooking Times?
Yes. Beet diameter affects how long they need under pressure. The beets shown are about 3 inches across. Smaller beets take less time; see the recipe notes below for suggested cook times by size.
Try to buy beets that are similar in size for even cooking. If needed, cut larger ones to match the others.
How to Cook Fresh Beets in an Electric Pressure Cooker
Trim the beets, leaving about 1/2 inch of stem and root. This reduces bleeding during cooking and makes peeling easier afterward.
Save the beet greens — they’re edible and delicious. You can cook beet greens in the Ninja Foodi in just a few minutes.
This method works in an Instant Pot as well using the same cooking times.
Wash and scrub the beets thoroughly. Peeling before cooking is optional; the skins usually slip off more easily after pressure cooking.
Place the rack in the pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Arrange the prepared beets in a single layer on the rack.
Lock the pressure cooking lid in place and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure, press start, and cook. For medium beets (around 3 inches) I cooked for 30 minutes.
I didn’t add salt or pepper and found they were delicious as-is, though you can season after cooking if you prefer.
When cooking finishes, turn off the Foodi and carefully do a manual steam release by moving the pressure release control to vent. Test doneness by piercing a beet with a sharp knife — it should give with little resistance. If they’re too firm, pressure cook for 2–5 more minutes.
How to Peel Cooked Beets
Allow beets to cool until they’re safe to handle. Wearing latex or rubber gloves helps prevent staining.
Trim both ends, then remove the skins using one of these methods:
- Slip the skins off with your hands under running water.
- Gently peel with a paring knife.
- Wrap the beet in a paper towel and rub to remove the skin.
Slice the beets, plate them, and enjoy the bright, natural flavor of fresh, unprocessed beets.
Place cooled beets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
You can pressure cook beets in an Instant Pot using the same cooking times and following the appliance manual.
More Delicious Recipes
- Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans
- Ninja Foodi Mexican Pinto Beans (Charro Beans)
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Fresh Beets Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 beets medium, about 3 inches in diameter
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Kosher salt optional
- black pepper freshly ground, optional
Instructions
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Trim the beets, leaving about 1/2 inch of stem and root. Wash and scrub thoroughly.
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Place the rack in the pot and pour in 1 1/2 cups of water. Lay the beets in a single layer on the rack.
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Lock the pressure lid and set the valve to sealing.
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Set to high pressure, press start, and cook for the time appropriate to your beet size (see notes).
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When the timer ends, turn off the cooker and manually release the steam to vent. Test with a knife; if needed, cook 2–5 more minutes.
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Allow the beets to cool enough to handle. Trim both ends and remove the skins under running water or with a paring knife.
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Slice and serve.
Notes
- 1″–2″: 10–15 minutes
- 2″–3″: 15–20 minutes
- 3″ or larger: 25–30 minutes
Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 8 g
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Protein: 1 g