Boiled Peanuts Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Oct 20, 2025 
How to Make Boiled Peanuts in the Crock Pot, Instant Pot, or on the Stovetop! This EASY Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe is so zesty and fabulous, you’ll fall in love with southern boiled peanuts all over again.
Cajun Boiled Peanuts – The Snack of the South
If you aren’t from the South, you might be asking yourself, what are boiled peanuts? Boiled peanuts are a method of preparing raw peanuts that infuses them with a salty, flavorful brine, making them chewy and addictive. In comparison with roasted peanuts, the taste and texture are slightly different. Boiled peanuts are softer and chewier, and packed with loads of flavor!
Boiled peanuts are a nostalgic classic that has remained popular in the South for generations. They are a great snack for casual parties and events, especially on game days! You will see boiled peanuts at get-togethers in different states, including Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Mississippi, among others. They are truly a Southern delicacy. They are the official state snack of South Carolina!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Boiled Peanuts… Pronounced “bold” peanuts here in the south.
A good boiled peanut recipe is easy to make, and includes spices and herbs to complement the flavor of the softened peanuts. Today I’m sharing my favorite version of boiled peanuts, a recipe that can be made on the Stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a Slow Cooker.
You can make the Instant Pot Boiled Recipe when you are in a hurry. Make the Stovetop Boiled Peanuts when you plan to hang around the house all day. Or make Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts when you want to set and forget them overnight.
Ingredients You Need
Although you can make this boiled peanuts recipe with just peanuts and salted water, they are SO much better with a few added spices. Here’s what you will need:
- Raw or Green Peanuts
- Kosher Salt
- Cajun Seasoning (or Creole Seasoning) – A great way to add a lot of herbs and spices with one ingredient!
- Crushed Red Pepper – For some spice!
- Garlic Powder
- Liquid Smoke – My secret ingredient to create a fabulous old-school open-flame flavor. If you don’t have this on hand, it is okay to omit it!
- Water – You will need at least a gallon of water, if not more!
What’s the Difference Between Green Peanuts vs Raw Peanuts?
There are two kinds of in-shell peanuts you can use to make boiled peanuts.
Green Peanuts are “fresh from the farm” peanuts. They take less time to cook, but are perishable. So if you buy them more than a day before cooking, you will need to refrigerate them.
Raw Peanuts are raw but dried, so they are safe to sit out for a week or two at room temperature. Yet they can take up to double the amount of cooking time, depending on the method you use.
Is one better than the other? No. They both produce soft plump boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or on the stovetop.
How To Make Boiled Peanuts – 3 Ways!
You can make boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker.
Find the full cajun boiled peanuts recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Tips & Tricks
- To determine if your cajun boiled peanuts are done cooking, the shell should be soft and plump, but not mushy! The shell should come off pretty easily when you apply pressure, too. The peanuts inside will be tender! You can cook them until they are your desired texture.
- If you love spicy snacks, you can add some jalapeños or habanero peppers to the cooking liquid!
- Don’t eat the raw peanuts before cooking them! Raw peanuts need to be cooked to kill any potential bacteria or a mold called Apergillus flavus. Once cooked by either roasting or boiling, they are safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
This boiled peanuts recipe is perfect to feed a crowd! It is a great snack to have at any gatherings, like football game viewing parties or holiday barbecues. You can also serve them with other dishes and snacks for a variety of options! Here are some of my favorites to pair them with:
- Southern Comeback Sauce and Cajun Fries
- Hot Shrimp Dip
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Hushpuppies
- Lemon Pepper Wings
Frequently Asked Questions
Boiled peanuts are just that, peanuts that have been boiled! Peanuts are legumes that taste a whole lot better after cooking them. Instead of roasting them, it is common to boil them, especially in the Southeastern United States. Boiled peanuts can be made simply with just water and salt, or you can add different flavor combinations to infuse them with more flavor.
If you’ve never tried boiled peanuts before, you should know they are pretty soft in texture and they have a lovely taste thanks to the salty, flavorful brine. You should cook them according to your preference for texture. Old-timers usually like them to be very swollen and soft, like overly cooked beans popping out of their skins. However, I prefer them to be a little more firm, like the texture of a cooked chickpea. Really, it’s up to you! Try them at different stages of cooking and decide for yourself.
Nope! You do not need to soak the peanuts before cooking them since you will be cooking them for a pretty long period of time in each cooking method.
I don’t recommend eating the shell of a boiled peanut. While I don’t think it would do you harm, it isn’t the delicious part of the peanut! Tear the shell apart first to get to the kernels!
The texture of boiled peanuts is all about personal preference. Some people like them very soft and plump. However, I prefer them to be slightly more firm. You can always add a little more water to the Instant Pot, then cover and set on Pressure Cook High (again) for 5-8 more minutes. If you do this, the second time, perform a quick release.
One serving of boiled peanuts is 333 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 11 grams of carbohydrates. Boiled peanuts are packed with protein and fiber, so I wouldn’t say they are unhealthy as long as you eat them in moderation! We provide full nutritional facts in the recipe form below.
Yes, as long as the cajun seasoning you buy is gluten-free, the whole recipe is as well.
Yes, you can serve boiled peanuts warm or at room temperature.
If left submerged in the briny liquid, boiled peanuts with last for weeks and weeks in the fridge in a sealed container. Yet if you drain off the liquid, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
More Southern Recipe Favorites
Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe (3 Ways!)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw peanuts in shells (or green peanuts)
- 1/3 cup kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning (or creole seasoning)
- 1-3 teaspoons crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4+ quarts water
Instructions
- INSTANT POT BOILED PEANUTS: (77-93 Minutes) Place the peanuts in a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot. Add the salt, cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, liquid smoke, and garlic powder. Pour in 4 quarts water… Or enough to cover the peanuts when you push them down.
- Lock the lid into place. Set on Pressure Cook High for 77 minutes for green peanuts or 93 minutes for raw peanuts. Once the timer goes off, perform a natural release. Once the steam button drops it's safe to open the Instant Pot.
- STOVETOP BOILED PEANUTS: (2-8 Hours) Place a large 6-8 quart dutch oven over high heat. Add the peanuts, salt, cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, liquid smoke, and garlic powder. Pour in 4+ quarts of water, or enough to cover the peanuts when they are pushed down.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir well, then lower the heat to a mild simmer. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours for green peanuts or 6-8 hours for raw peanuts. Check the water level every hour and add warm tap water if needed.
- CROCK POT BOILED PEANUTS: (22-38 Hours) Set out a large 6+ quart crock pot. Add the peanuts, salt, cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, liquid smoke, and garlic powder. Pour in 3-4 quarts water, or enough to cover the peanuts when they are pressed down.
- Cover the crock pot and set on low. Cook for 22-24 hours for green peanuts, and 36-38 hours for raw peanuts. Add water every 8 hours if needed.
I’ve never had boiled peanuts and have always been super curious about them. They were so easy to make, and absolutely delicious!
Spicy, salty, and just plain delish! The recipe was so simple too!
this is the first boiled peanuts I have ever tried, and they are actually soooo good!
These are phenomenal! I made them first in the crockpot and might have added a bit too much water as the hours passed, as the finished peanuts were spicy but somewhat weaker-flavored than I expected. Planning to make a batch in the instant pot in the morning!
I’ve heard you can soak your raw peanuts prior to boiling to reduce cooking time. Does anybody have an idea of how long you should do that for? Thanks in advance!
Does the Cajun seasoning you use have salt in it? Mine does, so I’m wondering if I should make some homemade cajun seasoning that is salt free, or lower the amount of salt I use in your recipe.
Hi Jennifer,
Most cajun seasonings do have salt in them. You can use our blackened seasoning as a base and remove the salt if you like. :)
First time boiling peanuts, used raw peanuts in my instant pot. Followed the recipe but used less peanuts and cut down on the spices accordingly. Came out really good. I like mine a little saltier so may up that next time. Used Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning and it left a nice spice in my mouth. Couldn’t stop eating them. May try it on the stove top next time. Great recipe!
I just had to let you know I laughed when I read “bold” peanuts because it is so so true! Thank you for the smile – I definitely needed it. I look forward to using your recipe and I will share my comment after!
FANTASTIC! I used fresh garlic and Mesquite liquid smoke.
I served in the submarine service (USS Narwhal) out of Charleston, SC. in the 1980’s. Boiled peanuts were new to me. As you said, there were everywhere. Gas stations, road side stands, convenience stores, etc. They are a delicacy and I now make my own. So easy to make and addictive. I hate to quibble, but they are pronounced “bald” peanuts.
Hi James,
LOL! Thanks for sharing. :)
I was a Narsailor (87-92). These are better than the ones you get on Sullivan’s Island. There was a guy who used to sell them on the side of Hwy 61. They were as good as these.
I was stationed on the USS Frank Cable 1991-1996 and we worked on your special sub with the hump! Had my first boiled peanuts in Charleston also! Hated them at first but grew to love them! Went to Hawaii from 1996-1999 and have returned home to Cincinnati where I pressure can them and can have anytime I want! Can’t wait to try this recipe as I’ve never put liquid smoke in them.
Chick peas cooked in boiled peanut brine are just as good and you don’t have to mess with the shells. I’ll also soak canned chick peas in leftover peanut brine in the crockpot.
The Cajun boiled recipe is amazing!!! I questioned the liquid smoke ingredient, but it was perfect.