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!
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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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

I'm Archie Johnson, a chef and close friend of Noah Baker. Together, we're reshaping the culinary landscape by sharing our cooking tips and delicious recipes on The Fresh Man Cook. Join us as we explore new flavors and inspire food enthusiasts worldwide.

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