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Craving a salty, satisfying snack with a twist? These Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are the perfect answer! A beloved Southern tradition, boiled peanuts are tender, flavorful, and incredibly addictive. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this classic snack without the long cooking times. Whether you’re hosting a party, heading on a road trip, or just looking for a quick protein-packed bite, this recipe is your new go-to for snack time bliss.

Salty, delicious boiled peanuts are seriously addictive! This recipe for Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts takes a classic Southern favorite and makes it easier than ever to make using your Instant Pot!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

Quick and Easy: Forget hours of simmering on the stovetop—your Instant Pot makes boiled peanuts faster and simpler than ever. Just prep, cook, and enjoy!
Full of Flavor: These peanuts are infused with a salty, savory brine and optional taco seasoning for an extra kick. You can customize the flavors to suit your taste.
Healthy Snack Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, boiled peanuts are a nutritious alternative to chips or other processed snacks.
Portable and Versatile: Perfect for road trips, lunchboxes, or as a party snack, these peanuts are easy to take with you and share with others.
Authentic Southern Charm: Boiled peanuts are a true Southern classic, and now you can recreate this traditional treat in the comfort of your kitchen.

Have you ever tried boiled peanuts? If you haven’t, this is your chance! This authentic Southern favorite is a popular snack for many families. With one handful you’ll be addicted to the tasty flavor! I love to keep these on hand in my purse for when I am busy running around and need a quick snack. Portable and tasty, these Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts are delicious and a much healthier option than grabbing a bag of chips!

Ingredients For Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

Raw Peanuts – These are the unroasted, unsalted peanuts you’ll need to make this recipe. They can be in their shells or shelled.
Salt – Essential for that classic salty brine flavor. Adjust the amount if you prefer more or less saltiness.
Taco Seasoning (Optional) – Adds a bold, spicy twist to the traditional recipe. Feel free to skip this or use your favorite spices instead.
Water – Needed to cook the peanuts and create the flavorful brine. Use enough to fully cover the peanuts in the Instant Pot.

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

I love that this recipe is only five steps, low in carbs, and provides protein to keep you full. The fact that it uses my instant pot is an added bonus! Any time I get to make a recipe easier and faster than ever before using the Instant Pot is a good day. Even though they are in the Instant Pot for an hour the hands-on time is so minimal you won’t believe it. To make these peanuts you only need a pound of peanuts, some salt, taco seasoning, and water. With these easy to find ingredients and your instant pot, you can get started on this delicious recipe!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

Instant Pot – This is the magic tool that makes boiled peanuts quick and effortless.
Trivet – Keeps the peanuts submerged during cooking for even brining.
Bowl or Plate – Acts as a weight on top of the peanuts to prevent them from floating.
Measuring Cups – For accurately measuring the salt, taco seasoning, and water.

How To Make Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

Rinse the raw peanuts to remove any dirt or debris.
Add the peanuts to the Instant Pot and pour in enough water to fully cover them.
Sprinkle in the salt and taco seasoning, if desired, then stir everything together.
Place a trivet over the peanuts and set a bowl or plate on top to keep them submerged.
Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the Sealing position, and select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode. Cook on High pressure for 1 hour.
Once the cooking time is done, quick release the steam.
Drain the peanuts, let them cool slightly, and serve as a salty, satisfying snack.

To make these mouthwatering Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts, you start by putting a pound of raw peanuts in the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts along with your salt and taco seasoning. I know, I know… you’re thinking, taco seasoning?! Just trust me on this one. It is delicious! (Of course, you can use other spices or omit the seasoning at all if you’d like).

Put a trivet on top of the peanuts and a bowl or plate on top to keep the peanuts from floating up. On the picture below, I’m using my Instant Pot Pyrex Dish as a weight on top of peanuts.

Close the lid and turn the valve to a sealed position and press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button. Set the time to one hour on High pressure. When your peanuts are done cooking, quick release the steam. After draining your peanuts, they are ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

Serve boiled peanuts warm for the best flavor and texture. They’re perfect as a snack for movie nights, game days, or casual gatherings.
Pair them with cold beverages like sweet Refreshing Iced Green Tea, Classic Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, or your favorite soda for a refreshing combination.
Include them as part of a charcuterie board or picnic spread for a Southern twist.
Pack them in small bags for on-the-go snacks during road trips or outdoor adventures.
Enjoy them alongside other classic Southern dishes like Fluffy and Moist Cornbread, Tender and Flavorful Collard Greens in the Instant Pot, or Easy Homemade Egg and Flour Fried Chicken.

Tips For Success

Choose the Right Peanuts: Make sure to use raw peanuts, either in the shell or shelled. Avoid roasted or salted peanuts as they won’t yield the same texture or flavor.
Adjust the Salt: If you prefer a less salty snack, start with a smaller amount of salt and taste the peanuts after cooking. You can always add more salt to the brine and let the peanuts soak for additional flavor.
Use a Trivet: Keeping the peanuts submerged during cooking is essential for even brining. A trivet with a bowl or plate on top works perfectly to weigh them down.
Experiment with Flavors: Taco seasoning adds a bold kick, but you can try other spices like Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or even garlic powder for variety.
Check for Doneness: If you prefer softer peanuts, you can add an extra 10–15 minutes of pressure cooking time. On the other hand, for firmer peanuts, stick to the 1-hour cooking time.
Storing in Brine: For maximum flavor, store your boiled peanuts in their brine in the fridge. This helps them stay moist and flavorful for longer.
Reheat Gently: Warm boiled peanuts in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving for the best experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice It Up: Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce in the brine. For even spicier peanuts, use Cajun or Creole seasoning instead of taco seasoning.
Go Sweet and Salty: For a unique flavor, sprinkle in a bit of brown sugar or honey along with the salt for a sweet-savory twist.
Herbaceous Flavor: Add bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary to the cooking water for a subtle, aromatic touch.
Lemon Garlic Style: Add sliced lemon and a few cloves of garlic to the Instant Pot for a zesty and garlicky flavor infusion.
Plain and Simple: Skip the taco seasoning altogether and increase the salt to 1/3 cup for a traditional boiled peanuts recipe.
Low-Sodium Option: Reduce the salt and use a sodium-free spice blend to make a heart-healthy version.
Different Nut Varieties: While peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with raw cashews or almonds for a unique take on boiled nuts.

How To Store Boiled Peanuts

You can store boiled peanuts either in the brine or drained. They will keep in a refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 1 year. If you freeze them, it makes more sense to freeze them without brine – this way you can take out as many as you need, while keeping the rest frozen.

If you are looking for a delicious snack recipe that also uses your instant pot, look no further than this delicious recipe. These peanuts are easy to prepare and so yummy. You’ll love these Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts as much as I do, I am sure of it! Salty, crunchy, and easy to make, this recipe is snack time perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts for this recipe?

No, this recipe is specifically designed for raw peanuts. Roasted peanuts have already been cooked and won’t achieve the soft, tender texture that boiled peanuts are known for.

Do I need to soak the peanuts before cooking them?

There’s no need to soak the peanuts when using an Instant Pot. The pressure cooking process softens them perfectly without the extra step of soaking.

Can I use shelled peanuts instead of peanuts in the shell?

Yes, shelled peanuts will work. However, keep in mind that peanuts in the shell absorb the brine differently and give you the authentic boiled peanuts experience.

How do I know when the boiled peanuts are done?

The peanuts are ready when they’re soft and easy to chew. If they’re not soft enough after the initial cooking time, you can pressure cook them for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Are boiled peanuts healthy?

Yes! Boiled peanuts are a great snack option as they’re high in protein and fiber while being relatively low in carbs. Just watch the salt content if you’re on a low-sodium diet.

Can I customize the seasonings in this recipe?

Absolutely! Taco seasoning is just one flavorful option. You can use Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Old Bay, or even make them plain with just salt.

What’s the best way to eat boiled peanuts?

Simply crack open the shell with your fingers or teeth, eat the tender peanut inside, and discard the shell. They’re meant to be messy, so have napkins ready!

If you like Instant Pot boiled peanuts, you will also love these easy recipes:

Instant Pot Baked Apples – stuffed with cinnamon and raisins, these baked apples are mouthwatering!

Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes – made completely in the Instant Pot, no oven needed!

Instant Pot Collard Greens – another authentic Southern favorite cooked in the Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Pie – it tastes amazing and the texture is perfect!

Instant Pot Cornbread – so golden, tender and fluffy!

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