Perfect Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy, Savory Snack

Craving a delightful, wholesome snack that’s both flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than these amazing Instant Pot boiled peanuts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a foolproof method to achieve perfectly cooked, tender, and savory peanuts with minimal effort. Whether you’re a long-time fan of this Southern classic or new to the experience, our recipe ensures a delicious outcome every time. Prepare a generous batch at the start of your week, and you’ll have a nutritious and satisfying snack ready to enjoy all week long.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Boiled Peanut Recipe

This method for making boiled peanuts stands out for several compelling reasons. It combines simplicity with exceptional results, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a convenient and healthy snack.

• Unrivaled Ease: Forget lengthy stovetop cooking times. The Instant Pot transforms the process into a hands-off experience. Simply combine your ingredients, set the pressure cooker, and let it do all the heavy lifting. You’ll return to perfectly tender, savory peanuts without constant monitoring. It’s truly the most effortless boiled peanut method available.
• A Powerhouse of Nutrition: Beyond their delicious taste, boiled peanuts are an incredibly healthy snack. Studies have shown that the boiling process significantly increases their antioxidant content, with boiled peanuts boasting nearly four times more antioxidants than their roasted counterparts. They are also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them an excellent choice when you need a satisfying and good-for-you treat.
• Irresistibly Savory Flavor: This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced savory flavor profile. The precise amount of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the peanuts, creating an addictive combination that will keep you coming back for more. We must warn you, these peanuts are highly addictive, but fortunately, they’re also healthy!
• Perfect Texture Every Time: The controlled pressure cooking environment of the Instant Pot ensures that each peanut reaches an ideal, soft, and slightly creamy texture without becoming mushy. This consistent result is one of the key advantages of using a pressure cooker for this classic snack.

The Health Benefits of Boiled Peanuts

While all peanuts offer nutritional value, boiled peanuts provide a unique advantage. The boiling process helps to unlock and boost the bioavailability of certain nutrients, making them even healthier. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These elements contribute to satiety, aid in digestion, and support heart health.

Perhaps the most significant health benefit of boiled peanuts is their exceptionally high antioxidant content. Specifically, they contain a greater concentration of polyphenols like resveratrol, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting properties. Boiling peanuts, unlike roasting or frying, preserves and enhances these beneficial compounds, making them a superior choice for a healthy lifestyle. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods can help combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Boiled Peanuts

Achieving the best Instant Pot boiled peanuts requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Understanding each component is crucial for customizing the recipe to your taste.

Raw Peanuts

The type of peanuts you choose is paramount. For authentic boiled peanuts, you absolutely need raw peanuts with the shell on. This is non-negotiable, as roasted, shelled, or salted peanuts will not yield the desired texture or flavor.

• Green Peanuts: Ideally, you would use “green” peanuts, which are freshly harvested, raw, and undried. These have a higher moisture content and cook faster, resulting in an exceptionally tender product. If you live in a region where green peanuts are available seasonally, we highly recommend them!
• Dried Raw Peanuts: If green peanuts are not accessible (as is often the case for many), dried raw peanuts are an excellent alternative. While they require a slightly longer cooking time, they still produce delicious results. Many grocery stores, health food stores, or online retailers carry raw, in-shell peanuts. Just ensure they are explicitly labeled as “raw” and “unsalted.”

Important: Always double-check that your peanuts are raw, unsalted, and still in their shells. Pre-shelled peanuts or those that have been roasted will not soften correctly, and salted peanuts will become excessively salty when boiled with additional salt.

Salt

Salt is not just for seasoning here; it’s essential for the distinctive flavor and tenderizing effect of boiled peanuts. Boiled peanuts are traditionally quite salty, and this Instant Pot recipe embraces that savory tradition. We recommend starting with the specified amount, but you have full control to adjust it based on your personal preference.

• Recommended Amount: The recipe calls for ½ cup of salt per pound of peanuts, which provides that classic, robustly salty flavor.
• Adjusting Saltiness: If you prefer a less salty nut, you can reduce the amount of salt. Try cutting it by as little as half (¼ cup per pound) or even more, to find your perfect balance. Remember, you can always add more salt to the cooking water later if needed, but you can’t take it away once the peanuts have absorbed it.
• Type of Salt: Coarse sea salt or kosher salt are excellent choices, as their larger crystals dissolve more slowly and provide a consistent brine. Fine table salt works too, but you might need to slightly adjust the quantity due to its density.

Water

Simple tap water is all you need. Ensure you use enough water to completely submerge the peanuts in the Instant Pot, leaving enough headspace below the max fill line. The water acts as the medium for both cooking and infusing the peanuts with salt.

Essential Equipment for Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need just a couple of key pieces of kitchen equipment:

• Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): The star of the show! A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot works perfectly for this recipe. Its ability to cook under pressure significantly reduces the time it takes to tenderize the peanuts.
• Trivet: Most Instant Pots come with a metal trivet. You’ll use this to place a heatproof bowl on top of the peanuts.
• Heatproof Bowl: A small, heavy, heatproof bowl (like a ceramic or stainless steel bowl) is essential. This bowl sits on the trivet and weighs down the floating peanuts, ensuring they remain fully submerged in the salty water throughout the cooking process. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures all peanuts absorb the delicious brine.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Boiled Peanuts

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Instant Pot boiled peanuts turn out perfectly every single time.

• Embrace Natural Pressure Release: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to pressure cooking. Once the 80 minutes of cooking time are up, resist the urge to quick-release the pressure. Allow the steam to naturally release from these Instant Pot boiled peanuts. This process typically takes about 20 minutes for a 6-quart pot. Natural release not only prevents foaming but also allows the peanuts to slowly absorb more of the flavorful brine and continue to tenderize gently. You’ll know the lid is ready to be removed once the pressure valve has dropped down to its starting position, indicating all pressure has been released.
• Adjusting the Recipe Size: This recipe yields a generous batch of approximately 12 servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. However, you can easily half this recipe if you’d like! If you’re looking for a smaller batch, simply use half a pound of peanuts instead. When halving the peanuts, remember to also half the salt – use just ¼ cup of salt. Maintain enough water to fully cover the peanuts, ensuring it does not exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line.
• Storage and Serving Versatility: Once cooked, carefully strain these Instant Pot boiled peanuts from their cooking liquid. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. The beauty of boiled peanuts is their versatility in serving temperature. You can enjoy these hot, at room temperature, or even cold – truly however you’d like! For reheating, a quick microwave session or a warm bath in their reserved brine works wonders.
• Achieving Optimal Tenderness: The 80-minute cook time is a general guideline for dried raw peanuts. If your peanuts are still a bit firm for your liking after natural release, you can pressure cook them for an additional 10-15 minutes, followed by another natural release. Green (fresh) peanuts will require less cooking time, typically around 45-60 minutes.
• Flavor Variations: While classic salted boiled peanuts are divine, feel free to experiment with flavorings. Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, a few cloves of crushed garlic, a sliced jalapeño, or a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the cooking water along with the salt for a different kick.

Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

Let’s break down the simple process for making these delicious boiled peanuts in your Instant Pot. The detailed recipe card below provides exact measurements and timings, but here’s a narrative overview to guide you.

1. Prepare Your Peanuts: Start by thoroughly rinsing your raw, in-shell peanuts under cold running water. This helps remove any dirt or debris. Once rinsed, transfer them to your Instant Pot inner pot.
2. Add Salt and Water: Sprinkle the specified amount of salt over the peanuts. Then, add enough cold water to completely cover all the peanuts. Ensure the water level remains below the Instant Pot’s “Max Fill” line. This is crucial for safe operation.
3. Submerge with a Trivet and Bowl: Place the metal trivet (that usually comes with your Instant Pot) on top of the peanuts. Then, carefully place a heavy, heatproof bowl (like a smaller stainless steel or ceramic bowl) on top of the trivet. This setup will weigh down the peanuts, preventing them from floating and ensuring they remain fully submerged in the salty water during pressure cooking. This guarantees even cooking and flavor absorption.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 80 minutes on high pressure.
5. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep and then automatically switch to “Keep Warm” mode. Do NOT attempt a quick release. Allow the pressure to release naturally. This typically takes about 15-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s safe to open the lid when the float valve drops down.
6. Drain and Enjoy: Carefully open the lid. The peanuts will be soft and ready. Using a colander, drain the peanuts from their salty cooking liquid. You can serve them immediately while warm, or let them cool to room temperature.

For best flavor, some people like to let the peanuts sit in the cooling brine for an hour or two after draining, allowing them to absorb even more salty goodness before serving. Experiment to find your preferred method!

More Simple Instant Pot Recipes to Explore

If you’re loving the convenience and efficiency of your Instant Pot, be sure to check out these other easy and healthy recipes. The Instant Pot truly makes quick work of nutritious meals and snacks!

• Instant Pot Asparagus: Perfectly steamed asparagus in minutes.
• Instant Pot Broccoli: Tender-crisp broccoli, ideal for a healthy side dish.
• 20 Keto Instant Pot Recipes: A collection of low-carb, high-flavor meals.
• Instant Pot Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots with minimal effort.
• Instant Pot Oatmeal: Start your day right with creamy, hands-off oatmeal.