• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Powell Family Cooking
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Shop
  • eCookbooks Coming Soon!
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Shop
  • eCookbooks Coming Soon!
  • About Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • Shop
    • eCookbooks Coming Soon!
    • About Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Recipes / Instant Pot

    Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts (Spicy)

    📋 Modified: Jul 30, 2023 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Craving a taste of the South? You've found the right place! In this blog post, we will show you how to make Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts, a classic Southern snack with a spicy kick. For any occasion, be it a game day, a road trip, or a simple craving for a salty treat, these spicy boiled peanuts are the perfect answer. Don't forget to check out some other amazing recipes on our blog!

    Instant pot boiled peanuts hero shot 1 cracking open peanut

    Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are a Southern salty snack favorite made from raw peanuts boiled in salty water until they become tender and flavorful. Boiled peanuts are often seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices, providing a spicy profile that appeals to die-hard Southerners.

    The traditional method of boiling peanuts on the stovetop can take hours, but with the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this healthy snack in a fraction of the time.

    If you like this Southern recipe, you may also love our Smothered Potatoes Recipe or our Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole.

    Why we love this recipe:

    • It's quick - Whip up a batch of delicious boiled peanuts in no time.
    • It's addictive - The spicy flavor and soft shells will keep you coming back for more.
    • It's nostalgic - This traditional Southern delicacy brings back memories of childhood.
    • It's versatile - You can experiment with various spice levels and ingredients
    Jump to:
    • WHY INSTANT POT BOILED PEANUTS?
    • HISTORY OF BOILED PEANUTS
    • INGREDIENTS
    • INSTRUCTIONS
    • SUBSTITUTIONS
    • VARIATIONS
    • EQUIPMENT
    • STORAGE
    • TOP TIPS
    • MORE RECIPES
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FOOD SAFETY
    • 💬 Comments

    WHY INSTANT POT BOILED PEANUTS?

    Using an Instant Pot for this recipe offers the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. By leveraging high pressure and natural release, the Instant Pot helps flavor the peanuts with all the delicious seasonings while ensuring a tender and juicy peanut. It is the easiest way to enjoy these tasty peanuts.

    HISTORY OF BOILED PEANUTS

    Boiled peanuts have a history in Southern culture, especially in states like Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. This classic Southern snack is readily available in roadside stands, farmers' markets, gas stations, and local grocery stores.

    The tradition of boiling peanuts goes back generations, and for many Southerners, it's a taste that brings back childhood memories of family get-togethers and road trips.

    INGREDIENTS

    • Raw peanuts - Fresh and unroasted peanuts that will become tender and flavorful during the boiling process. (Make sure not to fill over the maximum line in the Instant Pot).
    • Beer - Choose your favorite beer to add a delightful depth of flavor to the boiled peanuts.
    • Water - Essential for cooking the peanuts and infusing them with savory and spicy seasoning.
    • Cajun or Creole seasoning - A zesty blend of spices that brings a Cajun kick to the boiled peanuts.
    • Kosher salt - Enhances the peanuts' natural taste and balances the seasoning.
    • Cayenne - Adds a fiery heat to the boiled peanuts, adjust according to your spice preference.
    • Granulated garlic - Provides a subtle garlic flavor to complement the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
    • Liquid smoke - Adds a tempting smoky aroma to the boiled peanuts.
    • Jalapeño pepper, sliced - For an extra layer of spiciness and a pop of color in the boiled peanuts.

    Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

    Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts Process Shot 1 Pour in the peanuts.
    Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts process shot 2 add beer.
    Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts process shot 3 add spices and water.
    Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts process shot 4 cooked and removing pepper

    INSTRUCTIONS

    How to Make Spicy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

    STEP ONE: Prepare the Peanuts

    Rinse the raw peanuts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

    Place the cleaned peanuts in the Instant Pot's inner pot.

    STEP TWO: Add the Seasoning

    Pour the beer and 7-8 cups of water into the Instant Pot on top of the peanuts. Be careful not to fill beyond the maximum line.

    Sprinkle the cajun seasoning, kosher salt, cayenne, and granulated garlic over the peanuts, distributing the seasonings evenly. Add the liquid smoke to infuse the peanuts with a smokiness. Toss in the sliced jalapeño pepper.

    STEP THREE: Pressure Cook

    Securely close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring that the steam release handle is in the sealing position.

    Select the "Pressure Cook" function and set the cooking time to 120 minutes.

    STEP FOUR: Natural Pressure Release and Serve

    Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After the natural release, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and give the boiled peanuts a final stir to distribute the flavors.

    Serve the spicy Cajun beer-boiled peanuts warm and enjoy this delicious Southern snack.

    SUBSTITUTIONS

    • Spice - For a milder version, replace cayenne with your favorite mild seasoning blend, or do not include it in the recipe.
    • Peanuts - If you want a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture, opt for fresh green peanuts during their seasonal availability (late summer to early fall).

    VARIATIONS

    • Flavor - For classic boiled peanuts omit the spicy seasonings.

    EQUIPMENT

    This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    • Instant pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
    • Slotted spoon

    STORAGE

    Store any leftover fresh boiled peanuts in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

    This dish is freezer friendly.

    Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

    TOP TIPS

    To enhance the flavor, let the boiled peanuts sit in the seasoned water for a few hours before cooking.

    For a tastier snack, allow the boiled peanuts to cool down slightly before enjoying them.

    To reheat boiled peanuts, use the stovetop or microwave method. On the stovetop, heat peanuts in a saucepan with enough water or broth to cover until warmed. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl with water, cover, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.

    MORE RECIPES

    Have leftover ingredients?

    • Roast leftover peanuts and include them in a trail mix.
    • Use the leftover spices to season roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.

    In the mood for a similar dish?

    Try these other snack ideas:

    • Triscuit Pizza
    • Spicy Fire Crackers
    • Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    More lunch recipes you will love:

    • Spicy Cucumber Salad Close Up Feature Image
      Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe (Spicy)
    • Creamy Cucumber Radish Feature Image
      Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad Recipe (with Video)
    • Village Salad Feature
      How to Make the Best Village Salad
    • Close up of Nashville hot chicken salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing in a white bowl
      Nashville Hot Chicken Salad Recipe

    FAQ

    What are boiled peanuts?

    Boiled peanuts are raw peanuts cooked in salty water until they become tender and infused with delicious flavors, making them a popular Southern snack.

    Can I use a slow cooker or crock pot to make boiled peanuts?

    Yes! You can use a slow cooker to make boiled peanuts. Cook them on high for about 6-8 hours until they reach the desired tenderness.

    Are boiled peanuts a healthy snack option?

    Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium. Additionally, boiled peanuts are lower in calories compared to some traditional snacks like chips or candy. However, it's essential to moderate the amount of salt added during the boiling process, especially for those watching their sodium intake.

    What's the difference between raw and green peanuts for boiling?

    Green peanuts are freshly harvested and haven't undergone the drying process, resulting in higher moisture content. As a result, green peanuts are naturally more tender and cook faster when boiled versus raw peanuts.

    Instant pot boiled peanuts feature image cooked with slotted spoon

    📖 Recipe

    Instant pot boiled peanuts feature image cooked with slotted spoon

    Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts (Spicy)

    Jami Powell
    Craving a taste of the South? You've found the right place! In this blog post, we will show you how to make Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts, a classic Southern snack with a spicy kick. For any occasion, be it a game day, a road trip, or a simple craving for a salty treat, these spicy boiled peanuts are the perfect answer. Don't forget to check out some other amazing recipes on our blog!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Slow Cook (Optional) 1 hour hr
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American, Southern
    Servings 8
    Calories 592 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Slotted spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.75-2 lbs raw peanuts unshelled
    • 12 oz beer
    • 7-8 cups water (Do not fill above the max line in your Instant Pot)
    • 3 tablespoon cajun or creole seasoning
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
    • 1 qty jalapeño pepper halved

    Instructions
     

    • Thoroughly wash the raw peanuts in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
    • In your Instant Pot, combine the washed peanuts, beer, water, Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, liquid smoke, and sliced jalapeño pepper. Mix well to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
      Note: If you are using a 6-quart Instant Pot, ensure not to fill it above the max line to avoid any potential issues during the cooking process.
    • Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the steam release valve to the "Sealing" position.
    • Select the "Pressure Cook" function and set it to high pressure for 2 hours. The Instant Pot will take some time to come up to pressure before the cooking process begins.
    • Once the 2-hour pressure cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural release for 10 minutes. To do this, leave the Instant Pot undisturbed after cooking.
    • After the natural release, carefully switch the steam release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining pressure.
    • Check the tenderness of the boiled peanuts. If they have reached your desired level of softness, you can proceed to serve them. However, if they are not as tender as you'd like, continue with the following step.
    • Switch the Instant Pot to the "Slow Cook" function and cook the peanuts for an additional 1 to 3 hours, depending on how soft you prefer them. Keep an eye on the tenderness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
    • Carefully transfer the boiled peanuts to a serving bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving behind any excess liquid. Serve the Southern Cajun-style boiled peanuts while they're still warm.

    Video

    Notes

    Storage Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
    Freeze This dish is freezer friendly.
    Reheat To reheat boiled peanuts use the stovetop or microwave method. On the stovetop, heat peanuts in a saucepan with water or broth until warmed. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl with water, cover, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. 
    Substitutions
    • Spice - For a milder version, replace cayenne with your favorite mild seasoning blend, or do not include it in the recipe.
    • Peanuts - If you want a quicker cooking time and a more tender texture, opt for fresh green peanuts during their seasonal availability (late summer to early fall).
    Nutrition The provided nutrition information is only an estimate.
    Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 592kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 26gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gSodium: 109mgPotassium: 797mgFiber: 10gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 886IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 4mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

    Remember to explore our website and follow us on social media to stay updated with our latest creations. Now, it's time to enjoy your homemade Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts recipe and create wonderful memories with family and friends. Happy cooking!

    FOOD SAFETY

    Comply with the safety instructions prescribed by the Instant Pot manufacturer. Do not fill the pot above the max line.

    • Wash hands and create a clean work area.
    • Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
    • Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
    • Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov

    More Recipes To Love:

    • Healthy Pasta Primavera with Pesto feature image
      Healthy Pasta Primavera Recipe with Pesto
    • How to Make Perfectly Seasoned Instant Pot Basmati Rice
    • Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe in the Instant Pot
    • close up of salad with bacon and eggs
      Soft Boiled Egg and Avocado Salad (with Bacon and Everything Bagel Seasoning)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there!

    Portrait photo Jami Powell

    Welcome to Powell Family Cooking! Our family enjoys creating delicious meals with healthy ingredients that can be shared by many. Our goal is to provide simple, elegant dish ideas for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Many of the recipes on our website have been passed down from family and friends. We hope you are inspired to do the same.

    Powell Family Photo

    This is us. ♥️
    We began this journey together in 2020, not really knowing which direction to take. Much has changed over the years, but we remain dedicated to this endeavor. We hope you continue to visit.

    More about us →

    • air fryer pasta chips with parmesan and marinara close up
      Crunchy Air Fryer Pasta Chips (Viral Recipe)
    • halloumi side salad
      Halloumi Side Salad
    • prosciutto caprese sandwich open faced with all of the fixings.
      Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich with Arugula
    • cajun andouille sausage and shrimp sheet pan
      Cajun Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Sheet Pan

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! (coming soon!)

    Contact

    • Email

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Powell Family Cooking

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT