Top-down view of drained boiled peanuts served in a large bowl, ready to eat.

Southern Comfort in a Pod: The Pressure-Cooked Peanut Phenomenon

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Boiled peanuts have always been a road-trip staple in my family, a salty, tender snack we’d pick up from roadside stands in the South. The kind of snack you can’t help but keep going back for, one salty, savory bite at a time. But when I discovered you could make them at home in the Instant Pot—no slow simmering required—I knew I had to give it a try.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The Instant Pot takes what used to be an all-day process and turns it into a quick, hands-off method that delivers perfectly soft, flavorful peanuts in under two hours.

The aroma of warm, salty peanuts fills the kitchen, inviting you to grab a handful as soon as they’re done. Whether you like yours plain or with a kick of spice, the Instant Pot guarantees they’re cooked to perfection every single time.

If you’re in the mood for a Southern pairing, try serving these boiled peanuts with a Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail—perfect for summer get-togethers or game day snacking!

Top-down view of drained boiled peanuts served in a large bowl, ready to eat.

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

Craving a Southern snack? These Instant Pot boiled peanuts are the perfect savory treat, ready in a fraction of the time. With just peanuts, salt, and water, you'll have tender, salty goodness in under an hour. Ideal for game day!
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Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 people
Calories 162 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant pot
  • Strainer
  • Measuring spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 11 cups Water
  • 1 lb Raw peanuts in the shell
  • ½ tbsp Liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1½ tbsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Place the peanuts and water into your Instant Pot.
    Top-down view of raw peanuts in their shells, salt, and liquid smoke measured out and placed beside an Instant Pot on a white marble countertop.
  • Add salt and liquid smoke, stirring to combine.
    Top-down view of peanuts, water, salt, and liquid smoke being added to the Instant Pot. The ingredients are being stirred before sealing the lid.
  • Secure the lid, ensuring it’s set to the sealing position, and cook on manual high pressure for 80 minutes.
    Top-down view of the Instant Pot display set to high pressure with 80 minutes on the timer, showing the cooking process for boiled peanuts.
  • Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  • Once done, drain the peanuts and enjoy!
    Top-down view of drained boiled peanuts served in a large bowl, ready to eat.

Notes

  • Use raw, unshelled peanuts for the best texture and taste.
  • If you like softer peanuts, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories162 kcal
Carbohydrates4 g
Protein7 g
Iron1 mg
Calcium35 mg

What to Serve With Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts?

Helpful Tips For You!

Tip 1: Stir halfway

If you want evenly cooked peanuts, pause halfway through and give the peanuts a stir, ensuring they all get the same pressure.

Tip 2: Marinate after cooking

Let the peanuts sit in the brine for an hour after cooking to absorb more flavor before draining.

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