Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Transform a humble bag of black eyed peas into a Southern masterpiece with this Instant Pot recipe! Forget hours of soaking and stirring—this foolproof method delivers perfectly tender, flavorful peas in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, these black eyed peas will hit the spot every time.

This Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe makes southern black eyed peas that are delicious, easy to prepare and full of flavor!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

• Effortless and Quick: With the Instant Pot, you can skip the soaking and hours of stove cooking. Just set it and forget it—perfectly cooked black eyed peas in only 30 minutes!
• Customizable Flavor: Whether you prefer them plain, cooked in broth, or spiced up with bacon or ham, this recipe is versatile and fits any taste.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with protein and fiber, black eyed peas are a wholesome choice for side dishes or even a main component in vegetarian meals.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, inexpensive ingredients, this recipe is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These peas are a fantastic side dish for holiday dinners, casual weeknights, or traditional Southern spreads with cornbread and greens.

Black eyed peas from scratch are one of my favorite side dishes. They are so delicious and make a great addition to any meal. I love them with bacon or ham thrown in, but they are incredible prepared on their own, too!

Ingredients For Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

• Black eyed peas – A Southern staple, they cook up tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the peas.
• Water – The base liquid for cooking; can be swapped with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.

For exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

With this recipe for Instant Blacked Eyed Peas, you can enjoy a classic southern side dish made from scratch without the fuss. This preparation method is so simple, but comes out perfectly every single time.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

• Instant Pot – The key to cooking these peas quickly and perfectly.
• Measuring cups – To measure the water and peas accurately.
• Measuring spoons – To ensure the right amount of salt is added.

Using your Instant Pot, this take on southern blackeye peas will leave you speechless! The Instant Pot makes everything easy to prepare, and these black eyed peas are no exception. With just three simple ingredients, your Instant Pot, and two quick steps, you have a side dish fit for royalty. No need for standing over a hot stove or time stirring and stirring. No need for secret ingredients and long preparation time. These Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are as yummy as they simple to prepare.

How To Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

• Rinse the black eyed peas to remove any dirt or debris.
• Add the peas, salt, and water to the Instant Pot.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
• Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, and cook on High pressure for 30 minutes.
• When the timer goes off, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release of steam.
• Once the steam has fully released, open the lid and give the peas a gentle stir before serving.

All you need for this recipe is a pound a black eyed peas, two teaspoons of salt, and six cups of water. Put all of your ingredients in the Instant Pot before closing the lid and turning the valve to Sealing position. Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button, then set the time to thirty minutes on High pressure. Your hands-on time is done! When the timer goes off, quick release the steam and your Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are ready for the dinner table!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a classic Southern side dish alongside Classic Cornbread and Vegan Collard Greens in Instant Pot for a comforting meal.
• Pair with Quick and Easy Instant Pot Rice and a dash of Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce for a simple, hearty dish.
• Use as a topping for Fluffy Sweet Potatoes, adding a savory twist to a vegetarian entrée.
• Incorporate into Refreshing Shirazi Cucumber Salad or Healthy Shrimp and Asparagus Quinoa Bowl for added protein and texture.
• Serve with your favorite Tender Air Fried BBQ Pork Chops for a complete and satisfying dinner.

These black eyed peas are delicious served as is, but can also be spiced up with whatever variation sparks your fancy. Adding in bacon or ham is a great way to add some flair to this dish, or try cooking in chicken broth instead of water. They are perfect no matter which variation you try! These Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are so delicious you will want to try every variation under the sun. Get super creative and come up with a variation of your own! I promise you are going to eat these peas up and enjoy this easy recipe over and over again!

Tips For Success

• Rinse and Sort the Peas: Before cooking, give the black eyed peas a good rinse to remove any dust or debris. Sorting ensures you catch any small stones or broken pieces.
• Adjust the Salt: If you’re using broth instead of water, reduce the amount of salt to avoid an overly salty dish. You can always add more seasoning after cooking.
• Quick Release Carefully: When performing the quick release, use a long utensil to turn the valve to avoid the hot steam. This keeps your hands safe from burns.
• Don’t Overfill the Instant Pot: Ensure the ingredients stay below the max fill line to prevent any issues with pressure building.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Bacon, ham, or kielbasa can be added directly to the pot for extra flavor. Cooked greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in after cooking for a nutritious boost.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use Broth Instead of Water: Swap the water for chicken, vegetable, or beef broth to enhance the flavor of the black eyed peas. This simple change adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Add a Protein: Stir in diced ham, crumbled bacon, or slices of kielbasa before cooking. These additions create a hearty, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick. You can also include garlic and onion for more depth.
• Make It Vegan: Use vegetable broth as the cooking liquid and skip the meat additions. Add nutritional yeast or a touch of liquid smoke for extra umami.
• Try Different Beans: If you’re out of black eyed peas, this recipe works well with other legumes like navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans. Adjust the cooking time slightly for different beans.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Place cooled peas in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: Transfer the peas to a saucepan, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen them up. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place the peas in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Prevent Overcooking: Reheat gently to avoid making the peas too soft or mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip rinsing the black eyed peas before cooking?

Rinsing the black eyed peas is recommended to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. It’s a simple step that ensures your dish is clean and safe to eat.

Do I need to soak the black eyed peas before cooking in the Instant Pot?

No soaking is necessary when using the Instant Pot! The pressure cooking method softens the peas perfectly without the need for pre-soaking, saving you time.

What if my peas come out too firm?

If the peas are firmer than you like, seal the lid again and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes on High pressure. Always make sure there is enough liquid in the pot before restarting.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! These black eyed peas store and reheat well, making them a great option for meal prep. Refrigerate or freeze them for easy use throughout the week.

How do I add meat to this recipe?

You can add diced ham, bacon, or even kielbasa directly into the Instant Pot with the peas. They will cook together, infusing the dish with a rich, smoky flavor.

Can I use frozen black eyed peas?

Yes, frozen black eyed peas work just as well. There’s no need to adjust the cooking time, but you may want to reduce the liquid slightly to avoid excess broth.

What can I serve with black eyed peas?

Pair them with classic Southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, or rice. They’re also delicious served with roasted or grilled meats for a complete meal.

Also, check out these Southern Instant Pot recipes:

• Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
• Instant Pot Sweet Potato Pie
• Instant Pot Collard Greens
• Instant Pot Cornbread

If you like Instant Pot black eyed peas, you will also love these easy Instant Pot recipes:

• Instant Pot Pinto Beans – no soaking needed, just add a bag of dry beans, water and salt and press the button!
• Instant Pot Kidney Beans – Instant Pot is perfect for cooking any kind of beans, and these are no exception!
• Instant Pot Refried Beans – once you try homemade refried beans, you’ll never want the ones from the can! These are as good as in a restaurant!
• Instant Pot Lentil Soup – this soup is so filling and comforting! Just dump the ingredients in the Instant Pot and come back to a thick comforting soup, so good!
• Instant Pot Chili – this is the easiest chili ever!  Perfect for weeknight dinners!

Browse my whole collection of Instant Pot recipes – there is something there for everyone :)