Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts in a bowl on a white background.

5 from 1 vote

This Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts recipe brings the traditional roadside stand snack into your kitchen, offering a salty, spicy, and super satisfying treat perfect for game day or any day.

Prep Time5

Cook Time1 15

Natural Pressure Release10

Total Time1 25

Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: boiled peanuts, cajun, easy, instant pot, instant pot boiled peanuts, quick

Servings: Servings

Calories: 139kcal

Author: Bethany Galloway

Ingredients

1 pound raw peanuts in their shells
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
5 dried chilis
4 garlic cloves halved
3-4 tablespoons salt
8 cups water

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to the instant pot and give them a good stir.
1 pound raw peanuts in their shells, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning, 5 dried chilis, 4 garlic cloves, 3-4 tablespoons salt, 8 cups water
Place a heat-proof bowl or dish over the peanuts and fill it with water. The dish should cover most of the surface area. I used a springform cake pan.
Close the instant pot lid, and set the release valve to the "sealing" position.
Press the "High Pressure" button and set the timer to 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes).
When the timer is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, before releasing the valve to the "Venting" position.
Remove the dish with tongs, stir the peanuts, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

1. Natural Release is Key: Allowing the electric pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes after cooking is crucial. It helps in finishing the cooking process and ensures the peanuts are perfectly tender.
2. Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and dried chilis according to your spice preference. Making it your own is half the fun!
3. Water Level: Make sure there's enough water to completely submerge the peanuts. This might vary depending on the size of your Instant Pot, but generally, a couple of inches above the peanuts should do the trick.
4. Sealing Position: Double-check that the release valve is set to the "sealing" position before starting the pressure cooking process to ensure proper cooking.
5. Serving Suggestion: These peanuts are best enjoyed warm, right out of the pot. However, they're also surprisingly good at room temperature, making them a versatile snack for any occasion.
6. Leftovers: Boiled peanuts can be stored in their cooking liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator, extending their shelf life and flavor.
7. Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to add other seasonings like Old Bay, curry powder, onion powder, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Storage Instructions

- Cool Before Storing: Let the peanuts cool to room temperature before you store them.

- Keep the Brine: When storing leftover boiled peanuts, keep them in their cooking liquid. This brine is packed with flavor and helps keep the peanuts moist and delicious.

- Airtight Container is a Must: Transfer the peanuts and their liquid into an airtight container.

- Refrigerate or Freeze: Boiled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the microwave or stove when you're ready to enjoy them again.

Nutrition