Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

If you’ve never tried this southern favorite before, you’re in for a treat! This easy way to make boiled peanuts takes what used to be an all-day process on the stove top and turns it into one of the easiest things you can make in your multi-functional pressure cooker. The result is perfectly tender, salty peanuts that taste just like the ones you’d find at roadside stands across North Carolina.

Looking for more Southern comfort foods? Try my Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs for another regional favorite, or my Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe that pairs perfectly with boiled peanuts on the front porch.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fraction of the time: This Instant Pot method is the fastest way to make boiled peanuts compared to traditional stove top methods. What used to take all day now takes just over an hour in your electric pressure cooker.
• Perfect southern authenticity: These taste just like the boiled peanuts you’d find at farmers markets or roadside stands across the south. The salty brine penetrates perfectly under high pressure for authentic flavor.
• Great snack for any occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual gathering, or just personal consumption, these salty southern snack treats are always a hit. They’re the official state snack of South Carolina for good reason!
• Customizable saltiness: Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so you can easily adjust the salt level. Start with the base amount and add more during the cooking process to get your perfect salty water concentration.

What are Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts?

Boiled peanuts are a beloved southern delicacy made by cooking raw peanuts in salty water until they become tender and flavorful. Unlike the crunchy peanuts you might buy in a paper bag at local grocery stores, boiled peanuts have a soft, almost bean-like texture with a wonderful salty flavor that soaks through the shell. This cooking method has been a tradition across the South for generations, often enjoyed on the front porch or at roadside stands.

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Raw Peanuts in Shell – You’ll need uncooked peanuts, not the roasted kind from stores. Look for bags of raw peanuts at farmers markets, asian markets, or local grocery stores. Fresh green peanuts work best when available, but regular raw peanuts are perfect for this recipe.
• Salt – The key to that perfect salty brine that makes these peanuts so addictive. Start with the recommended amount, but feel free to adjust to your taste preferences during the cooking process.
• Water – You’ll need enough water to cover the peanuts completely. The recipe uses cups of water in stages to ensure even cooking and prevent your pressure cooker from throwing error codes.

Substitutions and Additions

• Spicy version additions – Add red pepper flakes, cajun seasoning, or creole seasoning to create a spicy flavor variation. Old Bay seasoning also makes an excellent addition for a different regional twist.
• Flavor variations – Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite seasonings to the salty water for unique flavor profiles. Some people even add dill pickle juice for a tangy twist.
• Different peanut types – While this recipe works best with fresh green peanuts when available, regular raw peanuts from local grocery stores work perfectly. Avoid using roasted or salted peanuts as they won’t absorb the flavors properly.
• Slow cooker alternative – If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make these in a crock pot, though the cook time will be much longer using the traditional method.

How to Make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Start by examining your raw peanuts and removing any bad ones, pieces of shell, or debris. Rinse the peanuts thoroughly under cold water. For best results, soak them in room temperature water for about 30 minutes, then drain completely. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Place the cleaned peanuts in your electric pressure cooker and sprinkle the salt evenly over the top of the peanuts. This helps ensure even seasoning distribution throughout the cooking process. Add the first portion of water to your Instant Pot and secure the lid according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure your pressure valve is set to the sealing position. (Photos 2 & 3)

STEP 3. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 40 minutes. When the first cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release to safely open the pot. Carefully test one peanut to check the texture and saltiness level – this helps you determine the remaining cooking time needed.

STEP 4. Stir the peanuts well, bringing those from the bottom to the top for even cooking. Add the remaining water and additional salt if desired for a saltier flavor. Based on your taste test, cook for another 20-40 minutes on high pressure. If you prefer very soft peanuts, go with the longer cooking time. After the second cycle, use natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. (Photo 4)

STEP 5. Drain the excess cooking liquid and let them cool slightly before serving. The peanuts will continue to absorb flavors as they cool to room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Test for doneness: Everyone’s texture preference is different when it comes to boiled peanuts. Testing a peanut halfway through ensures you get exactly the softness level that makes your taste buds happy.
• Don’t skip the stirring: Stirring at the halfway point and adding more water ensures even cooking and prevents your Instant Pot from showing error codes due to low water level.
• Adjust salt to taste: Start with the recommended salt amount, but don’t hesitate to add more during the cooking process. Most people prefer these on the saltier side.
• Natural release matters: Allowing some natural release time after cooking helps the peanuts absorb more flavor from the salty brine.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Store your finished boiled peanuts completely drained in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
• Refrigerator: Keep leftover boiled peanuts in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure they’re well-drained and not sitting in any cooking liquid to prevent spoilage.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing boiled peanuts as the texture changes significantly when thawed, becoming mushy and losing their appealing consistency.
• Reheating: For next time enjoyment, you can reheat refrigerated boiled peanuts in the microwave or eat them cold – both ways are delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot boiled peanuts are perfect for game day gatherings alongside other Southern favorites. Serve them with my Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels and Spicy Alabama Fire Crackers for a complete snack spread.

For a true Southern experience, pair them with my Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe and Easy Homemade Garlic Bread for a front porch dining experience. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, try my The Best Party Snacks For Your Super Bowl Party roundup for more crowd-pleasing ideas.

Recipe FAQs