If you enjoy fresh steamy boiled peanuts but don't have the time for the long boiling process, then try Instant Pot boiled peanuts.
They're the perfect southern snack that can be salty flavored or hot and spicy. Grab your brown bags and serve up hot cooked peanuts in the shell at the next game day or outdoor party.
No road trip across the Southeast U.S. would be complete without stopping for boiled peanuts at roadside stands or gas stations along the way. Boiled peanuts, a southern delicacy, are definitely an acquired taste but southerners take this traditional snack seriously.
They have a smooth creamy flavor similar to chickpeas. Some like their boiled peanuts mild and salty while others like spicy peanuts with cajun flavors.
When you crack open the shell and pop out the peanuts, they are slightly slimy in texture and very soft. Be sure and have a napkin nearby because the peanut juice tends to run down your arms to your elbows.
Looking for more southern favorites to serve up? Then you're going to love these pimento cheese crackers and these lobster and corn fritters!
😊 Why This Recipe Works
- Easy method. Cooking boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot is much easier than on the stovetop!
- Great flavor and taste. A delicious combination of savory, salty and creamy! They make the perfect salty snack!
- An unusual snack or party food. Tired of serving up the same old recipes? Unless you're from the South I am sure these will a great snack that's out of the ordinary!
- Quick cooking. The instant pot method takes a fraction of the time as the traditional method.
🛒 Ingredient Notes
There's not much you need to make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts.
- Peanuts: You're going to want to use raw green peanuts. These are usually available in the late summer season. If you live in the South you may find them at your local farmer's market. You also order them off of Amazon in the off-season or if you don't live close to where peanuts grow.
- Seasoning: Salt and apple cider vinegar.
- Spicy: I suggest Old Bay or Tony's Chachere's for a little bit of spicy flavor. You can even double or triple the amount if you like it really spicy!!
See the recipe card for a complete list and quantities.
Are raw peanuts the same as green?
No, they aren't the same thing. Green peanuts are freshly picked peanuts. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place like a refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
On the other hand, raw peanuts are raw but air-dried, so they are safe to sit out for a week or two at room temperature. These peanuts take a little longer to cook, so be sure and process them 15 minutes longer to active softness.
Raw Peanuts
🔪 How to Make Boiled Peanuts
Using your Instant Pot is the quickest and easiest way to make a big batch of boiled peanuts. This method results in tender peanuts that are sure to be your new favorite salty treat!
- Prep the peanuts. Fill a big bowl or bucket with water, then dump in your peanuts. Pick out any stems or leaves as you run your hands through the peanuts and water. Rinse and do this several times until the water runs clear of dirt.
- Add the ingredients. Place the peanuts in the Instant Pot and then add water, vinegar, seasonings, and salt. Cover and use high pressure to cook for 65 minutes on high with a 30-minute natural pressure release.
This might seem like a long time on an instant pot, but it is much faster than using the stovetop method!
⭐ Hint: Any electric pressure cooker works but I really love my Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
✔️ Other Cooking Methods
There are a few other methods of cooking boiled peanuts that you may want to consider especially if you don't have an Instant Pot or another electric pressure cooker.
Pressure Canning
If you would like to make your own Canned Boiled Peanuts, it's very easy to do, but you must use a pressure canner (NOT AN INSTANT POT) because peanuts are a low-acid food.
For this reason, they need to be processed at a high temperature and pressure for 90 minutes.
The only thing else you will need for your canned boiled peanuts are green peanuts, figure one pound per quart jar, Canner Pressure Cooker, some canning salt, and spicy cajun seasoning if you want a kick to your boiled peanuts.
Slow Cooker
You can also make crockpot boiled peanuts. Cooking in the crock pot takes a lot longer, but they result in a similar flavor and taste comparable to instant pot boiled peanuts.
🔀 Spice Variations
Many boiled peanut vendors offer either traditional or Cajun. You can infuse flavor into your boiled peanuts by adding seasonings, spices, and even aromatic vegetables like jalapeño peppers. My favorite is Old Bay Seasoning and Tony Chachere Seasoning Blends.
But don't stop there! Here are some more ideas for adding flavor! You can also try them out with your favorite seasonings!
- Mexican Seasoning Blend: A combination of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a few more.
- Thai Spice Blend: A blend of turmeric, coriander, and paprika with a hint of cayenne.
- Spicy Jalapeno: Slice up fresh jalapenos and add them directly to the instant pot. The more you add, the spicier they will be. You could also chop a few of my Pickled Jalapenos and toss them for some sweet heat.
- Salt and Vinegar: Skip the spice and go with just salt and vinegar!
PRO TIP: Just make sure you add enough to flavor the cooking liquid. If you can’t taste it in the liquid, you won’t taste it in the peanuts.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Keep boiled peanuts at room temperature for no more than 24 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep them covered in the water they were cooked in. If not, they will dry out and not be as flavorful.
- Freezer: Cover the peanuts with their boiling juice a place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then you can heat up the peanuts and juice in a pan until they boil.
How do you reheat boiled peanuts?
Pour the peanuts and enough peanut juice to cover the peanuts in a pan. You might need to add a little water to cover the peanuts. If you do, I suggest adding a bit more salt and seasoning. Bring to a boil and then serve warm.
Peanut recipes using leftover boiled peanuts
Y’all are going to love this Boiled Peanut Hummus! A smooth, nutty flavor with a punch of lemon and garlic makes this a southern hummus-boiled peanut recipe you will make again and again.
💭 Tips for Making the Recipe
- Peanuts aren't tender? If you find your peanuts are a little firm after cooking, it may be because the peanuts had already started to dry out before cooking, or you did not cook them long enough. It is perfectly fine to pressure cook them again for another 10 minutes and then allow the pressure to slow release for 20 minutes or so.
- Use the right peanuts. You MUST use raw green peanuts. Dried or roasted peanuts will not work.
- Salt the water. Salt is the key to a good southern boiled peanut. It might seem like a lot in the recipe, but don't skimp, make it salty like the ocean. Don't worry, most of the salt will remain in the water.
- Properly store leftovers. Boiled peanuts need to stay moist so be sure to store them covered in the cooking liquid.
❓ FAQ
Some people crack the soggy shells open with their hands. They're also people that pop the whole peanut in their mouth, crack it open with their teeth, extract the nut, and spit out the shell. This way takes talent. Then there are those die-hard southerners that eat the whole thing, shell and all. Don't forget to serve it up with your favorite southern beverage, such as sweet tea or an Arnold Palmer.
Boiled peanuts have soft shells because of the long boiling process. A hardcore southerner might say you should eat the shell. However, most people discard them after picking out the peanuts.
Yes, they're a healthy snack! According to WebMD, lab tests on the peanut extracts show that boiled peanuts contain higher antioxidant levels than raw and roasted peanuts. When peanuts are boiled in their shell, the peanut kernel absorbs antioxidants in the peanut shells and skins. That can't happen with shelled, skinned peanut kernels, the researchers note.
Antioxidants, which come in many forms and are found in plants, may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, note the researchers.
Boiled peanuts are traditionally served warm in a paper bag. However, some people like them cold, right out of the fridge. If you like them warm, pour them into a pan and warm them up on the medium heat stovetop. Another way is to place the peanuts in a microwave-safe bowl and warm them that way.
More Instant Pot Recipes
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Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Note:
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound peanuts green raw
- 1/2 cup salt
- 10 cups water or more. The peanuts need to be covered with water.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Seasoning Old Bay or Tony's Chachere's. Double or triple if you like it really spicy.
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Instructions
- Fill a big bowl or bucket with water, then dump in your raw peanuts. Pick out any stems or leaves as you run your hands through the peanuts and water. Rinse and do this several times until the water runs clear of dirt.
- Add salt, vinegar, peanuts, and water into the Instant Pot
- Add seasoning, if you want them a little spicy. Stir
- Cover the pot and lock the lid into place. Turn valve to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 65 minutes on high.
- When time is up let the pot sit for at least 30 minutes before removing the lid. The longer they sit the more they will absorb the salt and seasoning.
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Notes
- Peanuts aren't tender? If you find your peanuts are a little firm after cooking, it may be because the peanuts had already started to dry out before cooking, or you did not cook them long enough. It is perfectly fine to pressure cook them again for another 10 minutes and then allow the pressure to slow release for 20 minutes or so.
- Use the right peanuts. You MUST use raw green peanuts. Dried or roasted peanuts will not work.
- Salt the water: Salt is the key to a good southern boiled peanut. It might seem like a lot in the recipe, but don't skimp, make it salty like the ocean. Don't worry, most of the salt will remain in the water.
- Properly store leftovers. Boiled peanuts need to stay moist so be sure to store them covered in the cooking liquid.
Nutrition
Be sure to visit the instant pot boiled peanuts web story
This post was originally published in December 2020 and was republished in August 2022 with new content.
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