Name: Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 125 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs raw peanuts; 1/3 cup salt; 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

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Instant Pot boiled peanuts give you the classic Southern snack much faster than the traditional method. With a zesty blend of spices, these Cajun boiled peanuts will satisfy any salty, spicy, snack craving.

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Boiled peanuts are a Southern classic.

I grew up going to peanut boils and eating them every summer.

Now, I make them myself for snacking whenever the urge strikes.

What’s so special about boiled peanuts?

Boiled peanuts are boiled in salty water and the shells turn soft so they are super easy to remove.

The cooking process gives the peanuts a briny, fresh legume taste sort of similar to a chickpea.

And even better?

All the good for you stuff that’s in raw peanuts is even more abundant in boiled peanuts, making them a snack you can feel great about eating.

Ingredients

To make these, you’ll need:

Raw peanuts– Try to use raw peanuts instead of green peanuts.
Spices– Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt
Water

How to Make

Using the Instant Pot to make boiled peanuts takes an already easy snack and makes it even easier to make.

Start by adding the peanuts to a large mixing bowl and fill the bowl with water, just until it covers the peanuts.

Weigh the peanuts down so they remain submerged, and let them soak overnight.

After you have soaked the peanuts overnight, it’s time to get ready to pressure cook the peanuts.

Drain the soaked peanuts completely, then transfer them to the inner liner of the pot.

Add water to the pot, just until the peanuts are covered. Add the salt, red pepper flakes, and Cajun seasoning.

Give it a quick stir just to incorporate the salt and distribute the seasonings.

Secure the lid on the pot and set the vent valve to the sealed position.

Pressure cook the peanuts on HIGH for 90 minutes.

Then let the peanuts naturally release for 30 minutes, then carefully open the vent valve to release any remaining pent up steam.

Remove the boiled peanuts with a strainer spoon and transfer them to a waiting bowl.

Allow them to cool, and then enjoy!

How To Store

If you have extra boiled peanuts leftover, or want to make an extra batch to enjoy later- these are easy to store.

Store the cooled, cooked peanuts in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy a few whenever the mood strikes!

Freezing Boiled Peanuts

For longer storage, allow the peanuts to cool to room temperature. Then freeze them in ziplocking bags, in desired portions.

Pull out a bag when a craving strikes, and let it thaw completely. Freezing & thawing won’t affect the texture or taste.

You can then enjoy them cold, at room temperature, or reheated.

You can put them in a microwave save dish and reheat, or even re-boil.

Where Can I Find Raw Peanuts?

While Instant Pot boiled peanuts can be made with either raw or green peanuts, I don’t use green peanuts.

Green peanuts cook quicker, but can be incredibly hard to find unless you have a local source.

Peanut harvesting season usually lasts from July through November in the South, which isn’t very long to use fresh green peanuts.

Raw peanuts are still ‘green’, but have been dehydrated immediately after harvesting so they can be stored and enjoyed year round.

In season I can usually find them in my local grocery store’s produce section. The will be prepackaged.

If you aren’t having any luck finding them in the stores, you can always order raw peanuts in the shell.

Can you overboil peanuts?

You can over-soak them after boiling them for too long.

If you do that, the peanuts will get sort of slimy and soggy.

That’s why I recommend only doing a 30 minute natural release.

Are these boiled peanuts spicy?

Heads up, this is a spicier version!

For a milder version, omit the pepper flakes and Cajun season or use less of it.

How to Eat a Boiled Peanuts

The art of eating a boiled peanut is part of the fun.

To do it, pinch the peanut at the seam and drink the brine from the shell.

Then, crack the shell and wiggle the insides until it comes loose.

Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

I wouldn’t add more salt to the recipe. It will be overkill.
If not soft enough to your liking, close the lid and vent valve, and pressure cook longer.
Some recommend adding 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar- it doesn’t affect the taste, but they swear it enhances the flavor.
Omit the seasonings, and just use salt for the original boiled peanut.
This batch was made in an 8 quart Instant Pot. We have also made them in a 6 quart pot, but a 3 quart would be too small.

Other Southern Snacks

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are a yummy Southern snack we love to enjoy. Make them today and get your snack on!

Looking for other Southern snacks? Try these:

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