If you enjoy fresh steamy boiled peanuts but don’t have the time for the long boiling process, then try Instant Pot boiled peanuts. Discover the convenience of Instant Pot boiled peanuts—a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic southern snack.
Whether you prefer a salty flavor or crave some heat and spice, Instant Pot boiled peanuts have got you covered. So grab your brown paper bags, and let’s get started!
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.
What do boiled peanuts taste like?
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.
How do I make boiled peanuts?
They’re super simple to make, and the Instant Pot is the fastest way to cook up a batch of boiled peanuts! If want an easy set it and forget it way to make boiled peanuts be sure to try my Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts Recipe.
If you love canning, you can make quart jars of canned boiled peanuts to store for later on! You must use a pressure canner (NOT AN INSTANT POT) because peanuts are a low-acid food.
Great reasons to make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
- Super easy method: Cooking boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot is the easiest way to get soft salty peanuts. Stove top and out side cooking in a cast iron kettle take a lot longer time.
- Great flavor and taste: Instant Pot peanuts are 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 this will be a great snack that’s out of the ordinary!
- Quick cooking: The boiled peanuts instant pot method takes a fraction of the time as the traditional method.
Looking for more Southern favorites to serve up? Then you’re going to love these pimento chees spread, famous pound cake, pimento cheese crackers, and these lobster and corn fritters!
What Is the best variety of peanuts for boiling?
David West from the Georgia Peanut Commission shares that while there are several varieties of peanuts grown in the US, the two that are used frequently for boiling are the Valencia and Runner varieties. While Valencia is considered the gourmet variety for sweetness, the Runner is far better for boiling, especially when available green, straight from the field!
🛒 Ingredient Notes
There’s not much you need to make pressure cooker 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. You can use these peanuts however, they take a little longer to cook. Be sure and process them 15 minutes longer in order for them to soften properly.
Raw Peanuts
How to Make Boiled Peanuts In Instant Pot
It’s easy to learn how to boil peanuts in a pressure cooker. Using your Instant Pot is the quickest 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!
1 Prep and clean 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.
2. Place the peanuts in the Instant Pot and then add water, vinegar, seasonings, and salt. Be sure to add enough water to cover the peanuts. You might need to adjust the water amount a bit, depending on the size of your pressure cooker.
*Don’t be surprised when to add salt to boiled peanuts. The key to great boiled peanus is boiling them in strong saltwater. The saltwater will penetrate your peanut shells and give a nice salty flavor to the peanuts inside.
3. Lock the cover on your pressure cooker. Set the Instant Pot on high pressure and the cook time for 65 minutes 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
How To Make Spicy Boiled Peanuts
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 to the cooking liquid.
My favorite spice for boiled peanuts is Cajun seasoning. I like using Old Bay Seasoning and Tony Chachere Seasoning Blends for infusing spicy heat.
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. Check out more details on the best way to freeze boiled peanuts.
What To Do With Canned Boiled Peanuts
If you happen to have 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. It’s a delicious snack!
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.
Tips for Making Boiled Peanuts Instant Pot
- 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.
- Use salty 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.
Boiled Peanut Tips
Boiled peanuts are a unique southern snack. Here are a few questions and answers that you might have if you have never tried eating a boiled peanut.
How To Eat Boiled Peanuts
Eating boiled peanuts is pretty similar to other peanuts in the shell. Simply pull apart the soft shells with your hands. Some people just pop the whole peanut into their mouth, crack it open with their teeth, extract the nut, and spit out the shell.
This way takes talent. Don’t forget about those die-hard Southerners that eat the whole thing, shell and all. Serve up this salty snack with your favorite southern beverage, such as sweet tea or an Arnold Palmer.
Why are my boiled peanuts slimy?
Here are a few possible reasons why your boiled peanuts may turn out slimy:
- Insufficient cooking time: Boiled peanuts require a lengthy cooking process to achieve the desired softness. If they are undercooked, they may retain a slimy texture. Make sure to boil them for a sufficient amount of time until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Low-quality or old peanuts: The quality of the peanuts used can impact the texture of the boiled peanuts. Older peanuts or those of lower quality may be more prone to becoming slimy when boiled.
- Over-soaking the peanuts: Pre-soaking raw peanuts before boiling can help reduce the overall cooking time. However, if the peanuts are soaked for too long, they can become slimy. Try reducing the soaking time or skip the soaking step altogether.
- Insufficient rinsing: After soaking the peanuts, it is important to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Failure to rinse them adequately may contribute to a slimy texture.
- Bacterial growth: In some cases, sliminess can be a result of bacterial growth. Make sure to cook the peanuts at a high enough temperature and store them properly to prevent bacterial contamination.
Do you eat boiled peanut shells?
Boiled peanuts have soft shells because of the long boiling process, so you can definitely eat them like a hardcore Southerner. But I find most people discard them after picking out the peanuts.
Do you eat boiled peanuts, hot or cold?
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.
How To Reheat Leftover Boiled Peanuts?
To eat leftover boiled peanuts, pour the leftover peanuts and the juice they were cooked in into a saucepan. Place them on medium heat and bring to a hard simmer.
If the peanuts are dry and you do not have leftover cooking juice, it is best to use a microwave to heat them. Simply place the peanuts in the shell in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir the peanuts into the salt water.
Lay a damp paper towel over the bowl. Heat them on high in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds. Repeat until they are warm.
Southern Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts Easy Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound peanuts, green raw
- ½ 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.
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.1 pound peanuts
- Add salt, vinegar, peanuts, and water into the Instant Pot½ cup salt, 10 cups water, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 pound peanuts
- Add seasoning, if you want them a little spicy. Stir1 tablespoon Seasoning
- 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.
Equipment
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.