Discover the foolproof and efficient way to make perfect hard-boiled eggs with this Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe. Using simple ingredients like large eggs and water, you’ll achieve delicious and protein-packed eggs every time in under 10 minutes. Whether using the Instant Pot or stovetop method, this guide is perfect for busy mornings.
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Updated March 2023
Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Craving a protein-packed snack or the perfect addition to your salads and sandwiches? Look no further than this foolproof Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe! Whether you’re an Instant Pot enthusiast or a stovetop traditionalist, we’ve got you covered with two methods to achieve perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time. No matter which method you choose, say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked eggs. With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll have delicious hard-boiled eggs ready to enjoy in various dishes or as a quick and healthy snack.
And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Hard Boiled Eggs?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized cooking by providing a quick and efficient way to prepare meals. When it comes to hard-boiled eggs, the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of the equation. It ensures consistent results, making peeling a breeze and giving you perfect hard-boiled eggs every time. No more struggling with inconsistent stovetop boiling times! These eggs cook up in about 7 minutes, and there’s no need to loiter by the stove and wait for the water to boil. Your Instant Pot takes care of everything!
What You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are insanely simple. You literally just need eggs and water!
- Large Eggs: The star of the show. If you use small or extra large eggs instead, the cook time will vary. Eggs provide a rich source of protein and essential nutrients that are perfect for a healthy and satisfying snack.
- Water: Adding water to the Instant Pot is crucial for creating the steam necessary to cook the eggs to perfection.
How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
This easy recipe is great for people who are just getting to know how to use the Instant Pot. Here’s what you’ll have to do:
- Prepare Instant Pot: First, insert the steamer rack that came with your Instant Pot or this other handy steamer / egg rack I got from Amazon. Next, pour one cup of water into the bottom of the inner pot.
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- Cook on High: Close and lock the lid and turn the valve to sealing. Press the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button on HIGH. Allow 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, then cook the eggs for 7-9 minutes.
- Release Steam: Immediately do a quick release by using a long spoon and push the valve to venting – allow all the steam to release. Carefully unlock and open the lid.
- Soak Eggs in Ice Water & Peel : Using tongs, transfer the eggs to a large bowl with ice cold water and keep running the cold water into the bowl until the water stays cool. Allow the eggs to sit in the cold water until completely cool (I leave mine for about 8-10 minutes). Once the eggs are cool, gently crack and peel them.
Tips for Success:
For more advice on making hard boiled eggs in your pressure cooker, check out the tips below!
- Steamer rack: Placing a steamer rack inside the Instant Pot elevates the eggs above the water, preventing direct contact and reducing the risk of cracking.
- Use Large Eggs: You can boil any size eggs in the Instant Pot, but the cook time for this recipe is for large eggs, so keep that in mind and adjust accordingly.
- Avoid Using Farm Fresh Eggs: I find that grocery store (aged) eggs are usually much easier to peel after being boiled. Fresh eggs from backyard chickens or eggs that you purchase from farms and farmer’s markets are usually more alkaline, so the shells tend to stick to the eggs and make them tougher to peel.
- Quick release: Performing a quick release immediately after cooking prevents the eggs from overcooking and helps maintain the desired yolk texture.
- Ice bath: Transferring the eggs to an ice-cold water bath stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier by shrinking the egg whites from the shell.
- Peel From the Bottom Up: It’s easiest to start peeling your eggs from the bottom and work your way up. Be sure to crack and peel them gently so the shells come off nice and clean.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Cook Times: Adjust the cooking times based on your preference for yolk consistency. For runny yolks, cook for 2-3 minutes in the Instant Pot or 4-6 minutes on the stovetop. For medium boiled eggs with slightly soft yolks, try 4 minutes in the Instant Pot or 8-12 minutes on the stovetop.
Cook Times for Soft Boiled Eggs
Want to make soft or medium boiled eggs instead? Go for it!
- Runny – Partially Cooked Yolk: 2-3 minutes
- Medium boiled eggs: 4 minutes
- Almost cooked but slightly soft yolks: 5-6 minutes
- Hard boiled: 7-9 minutes
How to Store Hard Boiled Eggs
- Refrigeration: Once the eggs are cooled and peeled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They will last for up to 1 week! Perfect for meal prep.
- Freezing: If you have extra hard-boiled eggs, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Q1: How long do I cook the eggs in the Instant Pot for hard boiled eggs?
A1: The cooking time for hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is 7-9 minutes on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (high) setting, depending on your preferred yolk consistency.
Q2: Can I use the Instant Pot for other egg consistencies, like soft-boiled eggs?
A2: Yes! You can adjust the cooking time for soft-boiled eggs (2-3 minutes) or slightly soft yolks (5-6 minutes) using the Instant Pot method.
Q3: How do I prevent the eggs from cracking during cooking in the Instant Pot?
A3: To prevent cracking, place the eggs on a steamer rack above the water and ensure they are not touching the bottom or sides of the pot.
Q4: What size eggs to use for Instant Pot Eggs?
A4: In this case, the size of the egg matters. We used large eggs when we were testing the timing for these methods, so it’s important that you also use large eggs to ensure the same results.
Q5: How do I peel the hard-boiled eggs easily?
A5: After cooking, transfer the eggs to an ice-cold water bath to cool. This will create a temperature shock, making the eggs easier to peel.
Q6: Do you use fresh or aged eggs for hard boiling?
We typically purchase our eggs from the local grocery store so that means they are at least a few weeks old. We find that grocery store (aged eggs) are usually much easier to peel when making Instant Pot eggs.
Fresh eggs from backyard chickens or eggs that you purchase from farms and farmer’s markets are usually more alkaline so the shells tend to stick more to the eggs making them tougher to peel
Q7: Can I make a large batch of hard-boiled eggs at once?
A7: Yes, you can make multiple eggs in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop by ensuring they are evenly spaced and have enough room to cook and cool properly.
How to Eat Hard Boiled Eggs
There are plenty of different ways to serve hard boiled eggs. Eat them for breakfast or any time you need a healthy protein-packed snack – particularly after a run or a high-intensity workout. Here are a few fun ideas:
- As a snack: Enjoy the hard-boiled eggs as a convenient snack on their own, sprinkled with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Make Egg Salad: My easy Avocado Egg Salad is an excellent lunch or snack option that’s sure to satisfy!
- Turn Them Into Deviled Eggs: Transform basic hard boiled eggs into an ultra flavorful treat by making Deviled Eggs for your next Easter brunch or any spring or summer occasion. Our recipe includes a dozen delicious variations!
- As a Topping: Hard boiled eggs are a great addition to salads or avocado toast. Slice them up and put them on whatever you’d like!
- In a Sandwich: Add sliced hard boiled eggs to your sandwiches for a protein-packed twist.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Want to try out more recipes in your pressure cooker? Start with these simple dishes!
This easy recipe for Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs is a lifesaver on busy mornings and last-minute Easter celebrations. Learn how to make perfect soft boiled or hard boiled eggs in under 10 minutes!
- 9 large eggs
- 1 cup water
Insert a steamer rack in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Pour water inside.
Place the eggs on top of the steamer rack. Close and seal the lid. Switch valve to sealing.
Press the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (high) button and adjust the time to 7-9 minutes.
Allow 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. After the eggs are cooked, immediately do a quick release by using a long spoon and push the valve to venting - allow all the steam to release. Carefully unlock and open the lid.
Using tongs, transfer eggs to a large bowl with ice cold water and keep running the cold water into the bowl until the water stays cool. Allow eggs to sit in the cold water until completely cool (I leave mine for about 8-10 minutes). Once the eggs are cool, gently crack and peel them.
- Place the eggs in a medium-large (depending on how many you make) pot and cover with cold water.
Cover with lid and set the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
As soon as the water comes to a boil, immediately remove the pot from the heat and allow it to sit, covered, for 16-18 minutes.
Using tongs, transfer the eggs to a large bowl with ice cold water and keep running the cold water into the bowl until the water stays cool. (Alternatively, you can also place the eggs in an icebath). Allow eggs to sit in the cold water until completely cool (I leave mine for about 8-10 minutes). Once the eggs are cool, gently crack and peel them.
Other Cook Times for Instant Pot Boiled Eggs
- Runny Yolks: 2-3 minutes.
- Medium Boiled Eggs: 4 minutes.
- Slightly Soft Yolks: 5-6 minutes.
Other Cook Times for Stovetop Eggs
- Soft Boiled Eggs: 4-6 minutes.
- Medium Boiled Eggs: 8-12 minutes.
Please note that the size of your eggs will affect the cooking time. I used large eggs to determine all of these cooking times.
nancy -
these came out perfect! love how easy, thanks!
Jessica -
These came out so good and easy to peel. Thanks!