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Boiled peanuts are a Southern favorite, but let’s be honest—they take forever to cook the traditional way. That’s why I love making them in the Instant Pot for a faster, foolproof version that’s just as flavorful. And here’s the game-changer—my secret ingredient takes them to the next level, adding the perfect balance of tang, spice, and just a hint of sweetness. Trust me, once you try them this way, you’ll never go back!
Boiled peanuts are a snack we Southerners cherish—whether it’s a cup full at a baseball game or a roadside stand serving them up hot and fresh. But if you’ve ever made them the old-fashioned way, you know they take forever. Enter the Instant Pot—no more waiting all day for that perfect, salty, tender bite!
With most recipes, I like to put my own twist on things to make them even more delicious, but I also love a good shortcut. And this one? It’s got both! My secret ingredient—pickled jalapeños—adds a tangy, briny kick (but not too hot), while the sweetness from the carrots balances out the flavors beautifully. The best part? The jalapeños and carrots come together in one jar, making this recipe as convenient as it is flavorful. Trust me, once you try them this way, there’s no going back!
What You’ll need for Pressure Cooker Boiled Peanuts
- Green Peanuts: These are freshly harvested and have a high moisture content. If you’re using dried peanuts (sometimes labeled “raw”), soak them overnight.
- Salt: Essential for that classic salty boiled peanut flavor.
- Pickled Jalapeños & Carrots: Add a subtle heat and sweetness without making the peanuts too spicy.
- Cajun Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you love heat, this is your ticket to spicy peanut heaven!
Variations & Substitutions - Classic Southern Style: Just peanuts, salt, and water for the most traditional version.
- Broth: Swap half of the water for chicken broth! This adds another layer of flavor!
How to Make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Step 1: Prep the Peanuts
Rinse the peanuts well to remove any dirt or debris. Green peanuts are fresh from the ground, so they need a good wash!
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Instant Pot
Place the peanuts in the Instant Pot. Pour in the entire jar of pickled jalapeños and carrots (brine and all!) along with the salt.
If you’re going for the spicy version, add the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cover with Water & Weigh Down
Add enough water to completely cover the peanuts. Place the Instant Pot steamer rack on top of the peanuts to keep them submerged while cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to Manual Pressure for 75 minutes.
💡 Note: If using dried (raw) peanuts, soak them overnight and pressure cook for 90 minutes instead of 75 for the best results.
Step 5: Natural Release & Resting Time
Once the cook time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 30 minutes. Then, carefully open the valve to release any remaining pressure.
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Step 6: Taste & Enjoy!
Give them a taste! If they’re not quite soft enough, you can pressure cook them for another 10–15 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
How to make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts SPICY
If you want a spicy cajun boiled peanuts well pour in the red pepper and cajun seasoning and set your heart on fire! Mmm! They are so so good!
It’s funny how many people I talk to that have not tried this southern delicacy! You need to try them at least once. I think you’ll be hooked!
Green vs Raw Peanuts for Boiling
When you can get them, I suggest using green peanuts. They are harvested early in the season and have some moisture in them. This allows them to cook faster.
I find them right in the produce section of my grocery store! We also have a local produce company where I can purchase frozen green peanuts, and I stock up on them to enjoy year-round.
You can also buy “raw” peanuts. They are air-dried and need a little longer to cook. You can also pre-soak these like you would dry beans to help them along in the cooking process.
How Long Do I Boil Peanuts in Instant Pot?
If you like a soft bite to the peanuts, cook them for 75 minutes, but you can go up to 90 minutes for ones that are super soft inside.
Cooking time for boiled peanuts also depends on whether you are cooking green or raw peanuts. If using raw peanuts I suggest soaking them in water overnight and cooking for 90 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use the Instant Pot Rack: Placing it on top of the peanuts helps keep them submerged, since peanuts are so light some float to the top. This allows for even cooking.
- Let Them Soak After Cooking: Leaving the peanuts in the warm cooking liquid for an hour or two enhances the flavor.
- Check for Doneness: The peanuts should be soft but not mushy. If they’re still firm, cook for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead: Boiled peanuts taste even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container with the cooking liquid for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Let the peanuts cool completely. This will keep the ice crystals from forming on the peanut. Place the peanuts in a keep a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Down here in the south, you find Boiled Peanuts enjoyed at professional and little baseball games, along the side on the road at your favorite produce stand, on game day, or just a good ole snack any day you want. Now you can make them at home for whenever you get a hankering.
Boiled Peanuts can be eaten when warm or enjoyed cold. The nice thing about the Instant Pot is you can leave them on warm and serve them right out of the pot, and they stay warm.
My favorite is warm, but I will take them any way I can! They are just downright delicious!
Southern Recipe Favorites You May Enjoy
- Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Easy Banana Pudding
- Best Ever Lima Beans
- Southern Fried Pork Chops
- Homemade Pimento Cheese
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How to Boil Peanuts in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds green peanuts
- ⅓ cup salt
- 12 ounce jar green pickled jalapeno peppers with carrots, (this gives flavor without a lot of heat)
For Spicy (Cajun) Boiled Peanuts
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Place washed peanuts in Instant Pot.
- Add jar of pickled jalapenos and salt. If you want spicy add in the red pepper flakes and cajun seasoning.
- Add water to cover the peanuts.
- Place the steamer rack for the Instant Pot on top of the peanuts to help weight them down.
- Place lid on Instant Pot, make sure the valve is closed or in sealing position.
- Set to Manual Pressure for 75 minutes.
- Once done cooking, let it natural release for 30 minutes. Then open the valve to release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
One of my favorite food to eat. Grew up on them.
Aren’t they the best! I love them too!
I love snacking on boiled peanuts but with everything in lockdown I can’t seem to find any at those cool stands on the side of the road. I never knew how to make them myself and so I decided to try. I have an instant pot and made them this weekend. Hands down, my new favorite snack!!! I made them a little bit spicy and have no regrets!!
I made these yesterday and WOW!! They are so good! I would have never thought to use my IP for boiled peanuts! Thank you!!
Our first time making boiled peanuts, it was so easy in the Instant Pot, they were delicious and fun to make!
I made these for my mom, so loves peanuts. The IP made it easy and they were done so fast. We will make this again. Very yummy.
I must admit I was team “what were you thinking” about boiled peanuts… UNTIL I tried this recipe! Now I get it…. they were just the right texture and loved the flavor of them!
You have to try them once to know right! The flavor is like no other! I am glad you went for it and loved them!