Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts (Spicy)

A photo of boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot.

5 from 1 vote

Easy Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts (Spicy)

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are the ultimate Southern snack—soft, salty, and packed with bold Cajun heat. Made with raw peanuts, spicy seasoning, and pressure-cooked for maximum flavor, this easy recipe gives you tender, flavorful boiled peanuts in a fraction of the time.

Prep Time5

Cook Time2 10

Slow Cook (Optional)1

Total Time2 15

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings:

Calories: 592kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Instant Pot
Slotted spoon

Ingredients

24 ounces raw peanuts Hampton Farms
12 ounces beer
7-8 cups water below the max line in your Instant Pot
3 tablespoons cajun or creole seasoning
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 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