Simple Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Introduction

You can say goodbye to guesswork and cracked shells with this foolproof method. Using your Instant Pot delivers consistently perfect hard boiled eggs with shells that slip right off every single time. It’s the easiest way to meal prep a protein-packed snack for the week.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes (includes pressurizing & ice bath)

Servings: 6 eggs

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup water
• Ice

Instructions

1. Pour the 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
2. Place the metal trivet that came with the pot inside.
3. Carefully arrange the 6 eggs in a single layer on top of the trivet.
4. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting. Set the timer for 5 minutes on High Pressure.
5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
6. While the pot is depressurizing, prepare a large bowl filled with ice and cold water.
7. Immediately use tongs to transfer the hot eggs into the ice bath. Let them cool completely for at least 5 minutes before peeling.

Variations

• Softer or Firmer Yolks: For a jammy, soft-boiled egg with a set white and runny yolk, reduce the cook time to 3-4 minutes. For a very firm, pale yolk, increase to 6-7 minutes.
• Sliced or Deviled: Once cooled, slice eggs for salads or sandwiches, or halve them to make classic deviled eggs.
• Pickled Eggs: After peeling, submerge the whole eggs in leftover pickle brine or a quick vinegar solution and refrigerate for a tangy treat.
• Egg Salad: Chop or mash the peeled eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of salt for a simple egg salad.

Tips for Success

• Using eggs that are closer to room temperature can help prevent cracking from a sudden temperature change.
• The ice bath is non-negotiable for easy peeling—it stops the cooking process and contracts the egg inside the shell.
• Always use the trivet to keep the eggs elevated above the water; placing them directly in the water will cause them to bounce and crack.
• If an egg cracks during cooking, it’s still perfectly safe to eat, though the white may bubble out slightly.

Storage & Reheating

Store unpeeled hard boiled eggs in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best quality, peel just before eating. To reheat a peeled egg, place it in a bowl of very warm water for a few minutes.

FAQ

1. Why do Instant Pot eggs peel so easily?

The rapid pressure cooking and the immediate ice bath create a gap between the egg white and the shell, making the peel slide right off.

2. Can I cook more or fewer than 6 eggs?

Yes, as long as the eggs are in a single layer on the trivet. The 1 cup of water and 5-minute cook time remain the same.

3. What if I don’t have ice?

A very cold water bath will work, but ice is highly recommended as it keeps the water temperature low enough to effectively stop the cooking.

4. Do egg sizes matter?

This recipe is tested on standard Large eggs. For extra-large or jumbo eggs, you may want to add 1-2 minutes to the cook time.

5. Can I double the recipe and stack eggs?

It’s best not to stack them, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches or use a stacking steamer basket designed for the Instant Pot.

6. Why do you put the water in first?

Adding the water first prevents you from accidentally cracking the eggs while pouring water around them on the trivet.