Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts—a salty, addicting snack of soft peanuts is easy to make at home in your Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stove.
Note: The SLOW COOKER boiled peanuts recipe is included in the recipe card below
Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Each week in 2020 I’m sharing a recipe inspired by one of the 50 states. So far I’ve covered…
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Utah
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Hawaii
- South Carolina
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Alaska
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- South Dakota
- Pennsylvania
Today’s recipe comes from the the Empire State of the South or the Peach State–Georgia. And now I’m wondering why I didn’t do a peach recipe for Georgia 🤦♀️. Next time, next time. Peaches aren’t exactly in season this time of year, anyhow.
Besides peaches, Georgia is famous for peanuts! The peanut is Georgia’s official state crop. Georgia produces close to half of the peanuts produced in the Unites States. U.S. president Jimmy Carter, and his family, raised the crop for decades in Georgia.
That’s why I decided to try out boiled peanuts for Georgia’s recipe! Boiled peanuts are best when made with “green” peanuts. Green is not talking about the color but the fact that they are freshly harvested and undried peanuts that must be refrigerated. Of course living in Utah I don’t have access to green peanuts so I just used a bag of shelled unsalted peanuts from my grocery store. (P.S. they were still amazing!).
The peanuts are boiled in salty water and become softer with a long cooking time. The Instant Pot can speed up this usually long process of boiling the peanuts! After the peanuts are boiled the texture is more like a pea or a bean. Which makes sense because the peanut is not a true nut but a member of the legume family.
Side note: I could have chosen this boiled peanuts recipe for South Carolina since boiled peanuts are SC’s state snack food. But instead I shared a shrimp and grits recipe for South Carolina.
What do boiled peanuts taste like?
The peanut is not a true nut, it’s a member of the legume family. So when peanuts are boiled they remind me of the texture of a chickpea or edamame. They are also salty because they are boiled in salty water.
Do you eat the shell on boiled peanuts?
Although there are probably people that do eat the shell on boiled peanuts I do not. I use my fingernails to pry open the shell and then eat the goodness inside. It’s helpful to have a second bowl on hand for shells.
Do you eat boiled peanuts hot or cold?
Boiled peanuts are tasty hot out of the pot (be careful, they will be really hot!), at room temperature or even after refrigerating.
Do you drain boiled peanuts?
After you’re done boiling the peanuts you can pour them into a strainer and drain out the water. Some water will remain in the shells and that is okay.
Can you reheat boiled peanuts?
If you like your boiled peanuts hot you can reheat them in the microwave. Place the peanuts in a glass bowl and cover with a paper towel. Microwave for about 30 seconds and then eat and enjoy.
How do you store boiled peanuts?
Boiled peanuts are good for about 24 hours at room temperature. After that you’ll want to refrigerate or freeze them. Store them in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. I made a full pound of peanuts but if you have less people to eat them I would make less. If you halve the recipe use the same cooking time.
How to you make boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot?
Making boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot is the fastest way to do it. You add water, salt and peanuts to the Instant Pot. Cover and pressure cook for 65 minutes with a 30 minute natural pressure release. Although this is a “long” time for the pressure cooker it’s much faster than boiling them on the stove.
How do you make boiled peanuts in a slow cooker?
You can add salt, water and peanuts to a slow cooker, turn it on high and walk away for 12 hours. Do this overnight or start it early in the morning.
How to you make boiled peanuts on the stove?
In large pot, add peanuts, salt and water and bring to boil. Cover and turn the heat to low. Simmer the peanuts for 3 ½ hours or until peanuts reach your desired tenderness.
Try these other recipes too!
Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
What Pressure Cooker Did You Use?
To make I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. I love this Instant Pot because it has the yogurt making function which I use almost weekly. It has two pressure settings (high and low), and there are also little slots in the handles so that you can rest the lid there instead of putting it down on your counter-top.
Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes (plus 30 minute NPR)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Description
A salty, addicting snack of soft peanuts is easy to make at home in your Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stove.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of raw unsalted peanuts
- 1/2 cup sea salt (or table salt)
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Add peanuts to a colander and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add peanuts to the Instant Pot, slow cooker or a large stock pot.
- Add in the salt and the water.
- Instant Pot: Place a steamer basket or trivet on top of the peanuts to force them under the water. Cover the pot and lock lid into place. Turn valve to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 65 minutes. When time is up let the pot sit for at least 30 minutes before removing the lid. The longer they sit the more tasty they’ll be. Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 12 hours. Stove: Bring water to a boil and then turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let the peanuts simmer for 3 ½ hours.
- Pour the peanuts into a colander in your sink and drain the water.
- Shell the peanuts with your fingers or teeth, eat and enjoy.
- Store leftovers in and airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes
I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*.
*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Wow! That ended up way overcooked (i like it a bit crunchy, will reduce cook time next time) and way to salty with half cup of salt. Any ideas to extract excess salt from this?
I like mine firm too! I found that with 1# of peanuts & enough water to cover (about 8-10 cups), cooking it on High pressure (30 min), Quick Release, stir peanuts, cook on High pressure for another (30 min), Quick Release works perfectly! I like to use 3Tbsp of sea salt but I see a lot of people use 1/3 cup. Just adjust to your likin 🙂
I have the same instant pot as you and I love it! Do you keep the “keep warm” setting on?
yes I do 🙂
I’ve been experimenting with boiled peanuts by making them into “VEGAN” patties.
Peanuts
Barley, for a meaty texture
Vege chicken stock
Ground Flax, chia seeds
A ton of cremini mushroom
Celery
Chives
Garlic
Nutritional yeast
Sea salt
Pepper
Paprika.
Absolutely delicious. However, I need to figure out how to get them to stick together better. Ha ha
Wow! You are very innovative! Would never have thought of that.
Did I read that right? It takes 10 cups of water for this recipe? Love boiled peanuts but hate the time it takes to cook them. I can’t wait to try them in my Instant Pot.
Yes that’s what I used!
Well, they were cooked, but the shells were much more difficult to open, and the peanuts were too hard. I cooked them according to the recipe, then had to add two hours on the slow cooker setting (high). Nope. So, I took them out and put them in a pot on the stove. Better, but not the same as just cooking them overnight in my crockpot. I need them to be soft so that I can use them in hummus. They are edible, but for a Southerner, nah. I’ll just do it the long way. Every other recipe I have used in the Instant Pot has been wonderful. Just not boiled peanuts…for my taste.
★★
I like to “pop” the peanuts open before cooking so they get really juicy inside. I let them sit in a quart of beer overnight, and add salt the next day when the beer is flat. The alcohol cooks off, but the beer adds a nice flavor. While we eat them in all sorts of flavors, I like the garlic and/or Italian seasoning. Kids don’t like them too spicy so any peanuts I cook with hot spices are just for me! I’ve also made them with a couple of packs of dry Ranch seasoning which goes over very well They are fun to experiment with, they never go to waste in this house!
★★★★★
Awesome ideas Sandra! Thanks for sharing.
We used raw peanuts and soaked them overnight. Cooked with crab boil pouch and salt for 60 minutes with natural release, then added more cajun and cooked 30 minutes more because they didn’t have enough kick. Don’t think we will presoak next time. These were good and we will try again with hot peppers.
★★★★
Love those ideas!
One thing I noticed is that the time stated in this recipe doesn’t get the flavor infused into the peanuts very well. I let them sit in the instant pot (I have a different one) for at least an extra 2 hours after the 30 minute natural pressure release. This allows enough time for the flavors to soak in.
Thanks for the tip Sam!
I bought an 8-quart Instant Pot. I want to boil peanuts but want to do more than 1lb. Do I need to adjust the time for and salt for doubling the recipe?
You can double the ingredients and just keep the same cooking time.
Karen you made my mom so very happy!!! We love boiled peanuts and get them out of the field on our farm. I do not like boiling them outside as it takes so long and have to watch the water level, etc. I tried some in my instant pot and my mom said they were the “best she had” since our dad passed 18 years ago. She is 86 years young and placed an order for 6 quarts for her freezer and 3 quarts for now. Glad I found this and tried it. ONLY way we will cook them now.
Ahhh that makes so me so happy Deborah! Thanks for sharing. 😊
Deborah, what do you mean when you say you do not like boiling peanuts outside?!
Thanks! Evelyn
Hello, Karen! I love what you are doing here. On a smaller scale I am doing the same thing with my dog! We had some really unexpected detours, but miraculously, we are back up and at ’em! So, as an educator, I am trying to highlight our nation and its positive aspects–your diligence and dedication is the type of highlighting that we are seeking with every little paw print as we travel the nation. So, I added your link to my short on going through GA. If students want to make soft-boiled peanuts while home, maybe they will find more American tradition on your website. Thanks for the great work–find your link here https://www.mikeandspike.com/2020/09/20/mississippi-horse-park/ (You can also see our journeys under our gallery section or Facebook.com/spikeymou)
Cool! Thanks! That’s so fun!
Thank you, Karen.
Dear Lord, I had to re-read this comment twice before I recognized that you were not putting your dog in the pressure cooker! Peanuts, yes; puppies, absolutely not…at least not in this country. I apologize for my dark humor.
Trying my instant pot for these now. Had always used a turkey fryer to boil them outside and it took forever. This will be so much easier and quicker! We add a crab boil seasoning bag and a jar of jalapenos to give ours a little kick.
That sounds fantastic Sharon!
I seen where someone said I should soak the raw peanuts overnight. Do I need to do that?
I didn’t but if you want to I bet it would be good!
I soak mine overnight. It makes the flavor better!
Is it on high pressure?
Karen,
Just a note on Green Raw Peanuts, you are correct they are just harvested and have higher moisture content.
They control the drying and store them in cool place, where they become just Raw Peanuts. We sometimes call them last season’s peanuts. They are bagged in the same bulk bags. As long as they are Raw it won’t matter whether field fresh Green or just Raw Peanuts… both make excellent boiled peanuts. The harvest time isn’t all year so you won’t every have Green all year long, but fresh Raw. If they have been roasted they aren’t a good bet for boiled peanuts, although some claim to have used the dry roasted in the shell peanuts and cooked them and reconstituted them to be what they call boiled. Being from South Georgia where we grew up boiling peanuts and selling little bags on the street and in the park as a kid, we know our boiled peanuts. The road side stands and markets are the best. Pass up anyplace that has them in a crock-pot because 9 times out of 10 they are from a can and not fresh boiled.
★★★★★
Thanks for this info!!!! I love hearing from someone who knows!
I made this today and these peanuts are ADDICTIVE!! We live in Georgia and love boiled peanuts! My husband can’t stay out of them! I purchased a pound bag of raw peanuts from Walmart in the produce section. I always thought that you had to use green peanuts for boiled peanuts, but these raw peanuts turned out perfectly! They were some of the best I’ve had (and we know our boiled peanuts here in GA! Thanks for the recipe, Karen!!
Wow this is so fun for me to read! Thanks for sharing your experience Carol! I’m glad you and your husband both loved them.
Use Tony Cachere’s or other Cajun seasoning in place of some or all of the salt for Cajun peanuts.
YUM!!
Hello karen
Do i use the raw peanuts in the bags or do i use the green peanuts?
Raw peanuts from produce. They should be in shell and never cooked or roasted.
Green for boiled peanuts. Raw peanuts are for roasting. Enjoy!
Raw or green can be used for boiled peanuts. As long as they are uncooked they will work. I’m from middle Georgia and have been eating boiled peanuts since before I had teeth. I cook these all the time in my instant pot, its the main thing I use it for and they only have to be uncooked to use to boil. Although I highly recommend using a litte mire salt and water than the recipe calls for because if they arent salty and juicy then they just arent boiled peanuts.
Thanks for your tips!
How long do you pressure cook raw (but dried) peanuts? I got a couple pounds from Bertie County Peanuts, cooked them for an hour and a half in the Instapot and let them natural release for 2 hours. They were still very hard! I’ve also tried soaking these for 24+ hours and boiling them for several hours and still aren’t getting soft. Ugh!
Thanks!
Stir garlic powder into the salty water before you put the peanuts in. Amazing taste!
I will do that next time!!
Not sure where to purchase peanuts in bulk. Suggestions please. . .
I found mine at Winco 😊
★★★★★
Mitchell farms in Collins Ms. They have jumbo fresh out of field for 33$ for 30lbs. Fine peanuts
Diane, I found mine at our local Farmers Market. The grocery stores only had small bags of raw peanuts.
★★★★★
As. Daughter of the South, I can attest that these will freeze well so that they can be enjoyed year round, even when fresh raw peanuts are not available.
Thanks Kay!
★★★★★
I’m a Yankee through and through so when my husband was hired by the University of Georgia Experiment Station, it was quite a culture shock for me. One thing everyone kept telling us we needed to try was “bald” peanuts. This was really confusing for me, (clearly they were not talking about shelled peanuts) but I had already asked my new friends a bunch of dumb questions and so, kept my mouth shut. It wasn’t till we passed a road side stand advertising “boiled” peanuts that it clicked into place for me. We purchased a bag and, while I grew to love a lot of Southern cooking, I never did become a fan of bald peanuts!😂
Bald peanuts 😂😂😂 That is great!
That’s so funny! That’s just how we pronounce “boiled”. My kids make fun of me. By the way, we live 45 minutes from UGA! 😂
😂😂😂
I think a lot of the people who seem to not like boiled peanuts come into it with the wrong notion. Forget the “nut” part of the word, especially since peanuts are legumes and not nuts anyways. So don’t come into it expecting them to taste like nuts. Instead compare them to other legumes like soybeans or lentils. If you’ve ever had edamame, that is probably the closest thing I can think of in comparison to boiled peanuts.
And if you still don’t like them, well that’s ok too. That means more for me. 🙂
😊
😂😂😂 good one 😂😂😂
That is so funny! I guess our southern accent does confuse people sometimes. Glad you figured it out 😁
I understand Linda. My southern granny gave me a bag of boiled peanuts to eat on the 12 hour ride back to NY. I would eat one and then complain about them being mushy. I didn’t learn to love them with just that one bag, but they are now one of my favorite treats!