Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs are the BEST and ONLY way to make PERFECT hard-boiled eggs. Eggs are cooked to perfection EVERY SINGLE TIME!
How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
I will never forget my first Easter I spent away from my family.
We were living in Georgia at the time and invited friends over for an Easter Egg hunt and Ham Dinner. While the ham and scalloped potatoes were delicious, the eggs were a complete disaster.
After coloring the eggs, our guests cracked a few open for a snack to find that they were not fully cooked!
But I used the same stove-top method for cooking hard-boiled eggs that I had for years. That method worked MOST of the time, but clearly, it was not fool-proof. And frankly, I became a bit fearful to ever cook hard-boiled eggs again--well at least for company!
By cooking eggs in my Instant Pot, I no longer have to worry about embarrassing accounts of under-cooked (or over-cooked) hard-boiled eggs. Pressure cooked hard boiled eggs are FOOL-PROOF. You will have golden, set centers without green rings, and these hard-boiled eggs peel like a dream!
5-5-5 Method for Cooking Hard Boiled Eggs
The perfect technique for cooking hard boiled eggs in the pressure cooker is the 5-5-5 method.
- 5 minutes to come to pressure
- 5 minutes cook time
- 5 minutes natural release
But to really get PERFECTLY cooked hard boiled eggs that peel like a dream, I have added another step:
- 5 minutes in a water bath.
So really, the PERFECT method for hard-boiled eggs is 5-5-5-5 method!
This means in 20 minutes, you will have hard-boiled eggs that peel perfectly and are perfectly set and bright yellow (no green rings here!!)
How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in Instant Pot
- Place 1 cup of COLD water in the inner pot of pressure cooker (liquid is ALWAYS needed for the pressure cooker to be able to reach pressure.)
- Place eggs in egg rack or carefully on top of the rack that the Instant Pot came with.
- Seal pressure cooker.
- Set cook time to 5 minutes (5 minutes on high pressure--push the manual button and adjust the timer to 5 minutes)
- After cook time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes (I suggest setting a timer that will beep at 5 minutes so you don't lose track of time. )
- Once 5 minutes has elapsed, release any remaining pressure in Instant Pot by using a wooden spoon or kitchen towel to knock vent knob to vent position.
- Carefully, remove eggs from the pressure cooker and place it in an ice bath. Eggs are VERY hot, so use potholder if your fingers aren't made of steel!
- After eggs have been in an ice bath for 5 minutes, remove eggs from the ice bath.
- Peel and enjoy your PERFECT hard-boiled eggs.
How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs are the easiest eggs to peel EVER!
- Once eggs have cooked and cooled in the ice bath, crack them open by rolling them on a kitchen counter.
- The peel will come right off--and will NOT take any egg white with it!
Storing Hard Boiled Eggs
- I find it is best to PEEL eggs before storing them in the refrigerator.
- Once eggs are peeled, place in a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If unpeeled, they can be stored for 7 days.
How Long are Hard Boiled Eggs Good For?
- Hard boiled eggs will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when peeled, 7 days if unpeeled.
- Hard boiled eggs will last for up to 2 hours at room temperature. So be sure that Easter Bunny doesn't leave the eggs hidden too long!
- Hard boiled eggs do not freeze well! Cooked egg whites will become rubbery.
- You can freeze the cooked egg yolks if desired by placing cooked yolks freezer bag and freezing for up to 3 months.
Are Fresh or Old Eggs Best for Hard Boiled Eggs?
Isn't this an age-old question?! While everyone has their theory, I can tell you I have tested older eggs and farm fresh eggs in my pressure cooker and both came out perfectly and peeled with the same ease.
Instant Pot Basic Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Breasts (Fresh or Frozen)
- Instant Pot Yogurt
- Instant Pot Quinoa
- Instant Pot Beans
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Egg Recipe
I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know. Or snap a picture and tag @amindfullmom on Instagram and hashtag it #amindfullmom
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- water for cooking
Instructions
- Place 1 cup of COLD water in the inner pot of Instant Pot for a 6 quart instant pot and 1.5 cups COLD water for an 8-quart Instant pot.
- Add in egg or steam rack and carefully set as many eggs as desired on or in the rack.
- Place lid on the pressure cooker and set for cook time for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cook time has elapsed, let the pressure release for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release and carefully remove eggs from Instant Pot and place in ice water bath.
- Let eggs sit in water bath for 5 minutes.
- Remove eggs from the water bath.
- Store in the fridge for up to 7 days unpeeled or peel and use within 3 days.
Equipment Needed
Notes
- You can use as few as 1 egg and up to 16 eggs in a 6-quart pressure cooker.
- I find it is best to peel eggs right from the water bath, the shell comes off beautifully every single time.
- To help prevent your eggs from cracking during cooking, let your eggs come to room temperature before pressure cooking.
- Be sure to use cold water, warm water or hot water will change the cooking time.
- If you live at high altitude, be sure to use Instant Pot Altitude Adjustments.
Ashley
This is the first time I’ve cooked eggs in an instant pot since I’ve purchased it last year! This is perfect, thank you! 5-5-5-5 worked for me perfectly. I used cold, straight from the fridge, eggs... and they didn’t crack! Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
It is WONDERFUL--isn't it?!
Glenda Vanatta
Tried to 5-5-5-5-5 method in my instant pot. Mine does not have a way to change pressure and did not know what to set it on. I used the rice button and they came out perfectly. I had always put my eggs in cold water after boiling for 10 minutes but this way the yolks taste so much better and when you crush the big end first and them roll the eggs crushing them on the cabinet tops. most of them just rolled out and not one of the eggs were damaged. I WILL NEVER DO HARD BOILED EGGS ANY OTHER WAY!!!
Suzanne
What would cause my yolks to have a gray coating or almost all gray?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Suzanne! That typically happens when eggs are overcooked. Be sure to use cold water and put into an ice bath immediately after releasing pressure. If you previously did that, change the cook time to 4 minutes. Just like stoves, pressure cookers can cook a bit differently from one to the next. This recipe is a great starting point but you may need to adjust for personal preferences. I hope that helps!
Donna
OMG...it was the greatest thing ever to be able to peel eggs so easily! I’m sold forever.
Kristen Chidsey
It is pretty incredible! 🙌😉
Robyn Robinson
I only see 5 5 5. 5 mins to cook, 5 mins natural release, and 5 mins in ice bath. Where is the other 5 mins??
Kristen Chidsey
I also included 5 minutes to come to pressure--give or take 🙂
Pam
I love this, it’s so easy and the eggs come out perfect! Most recipes don’t include the ice bath, it makes a world of difference as to how well done or overcooked the eggs get.
Kristen Chidsey
I would agree that the water bath makes a huge difference. Glad you had success Pam!
Teresa Phillips
Thank you, Mind “Full” Mom, for your guidance and tips for hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot. My mother and I just cooked a dozen and they came out great. Peeling was so much easier than ever before. Also the eggs were more tender than with the traditional stove method. We will never boil our eggs ever again!!!
Blessings and Full Bellies!
Teresa and Cecelia in Missouri
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you both had success Teresa! So happy this process will make making eggs easier for you! Blessings to you both as well!
Ally
I'm going to try doing this, but I was wondering can I still do this if I don't specifically have an egg steam basket insert? I just have the steam basket insert that comes with the IP. Let me know. Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Ally! Yes, I even have success simply placing the eggs right on the rack. Enjoy!
Karen
I just tried boiling eggs. Voila, they are perfect!! I'll never do it the old fashioned way again. Thank you. I've only used my Instapot twice now. The instructions leave something to be desired. I'm so glad I googled and got this website. I'll be anxious to get some more recipes, and maybe get some questions answered. Thank you, thank you. I'm going to Love this new toy.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! I am so excited you found my site as well Karen! I hope that you find many recipes here to enjoy! And always feel free to ask questions when they arise 🙂
Robin
The eggs were perfect! Thank you 😊
Kristen Chidsey
Yay! Love hearing another success story!
Dennis
I tried the 5-5-5 method and the eggs were way overcooked. A very large grey ring around the yoke and the eggs were discolored. There is nothing wrong with my instant pot. At my altitude, 2,500 feet above sea level 2-2-2 works perfect! Perfectly cooked yokes, and bright whites.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing what worked for you Dennis at higher altitude.
Sylvia
This worked perfectly for me! Thank you!
Natalie E Gallagher
Perfect hard-boiled eggs! Thank you.
Kristen Chidsey
So happy you had success Natalie 🙂
Donna M Shelton
Wow, it worked perfectly. They really were easy to peal. We tried it out for breakfast and the eggs were barely warm, but it would work great for eggs you want for a salad or Easter eggs.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you had such great success Donna. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Darby
Great recipe! They turned out perfectly except I had a few crack. Would that be because I didn’t get them to room temperature? Thanks for any guidance!
Kristen Chidsey
That is the most likely reason Darby. And sometimes it just happens, but getting eggs to room temperature really helps to prevent that.
Sunny
Love love love this!! Thank you follow it to the tee and exactly the perfect hard-boiled eggs they're beautiful!!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you have such great success with these hard boiled eggs Sunny! Thanks for leaving a review.
Pat
Why is it best to peel them before refrigerating? Are they hard to peel after they've been refrigerated? Thanks
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Pat! I find it a BIT easier to peel right away, but then they will only last for 3 days.
deb
You really don't have to remove the eggs from the pot. There's only 1/2 inch of hot water in the bottom. Just remove the metal pot from the cooker, set it in the sink, and run cold water into it. By the time the water level reaches the top, it's lukewarm water. Tip the pot to pour off half the water, add a bowl of ice, and that's it.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for that tip Deb!
sanlouee
Thank you for including 8 qt pot, which is what I own. Then you mentioned up to 16 eggs.
Again, I wanted a large batch so needed this info. Searched lots of sites and you were the only one that included these. For what it's worth, I want my yolks crumbly, not at all, gelatin-like, so I after the 5 min cook, I did 6 min quick release. It seemed to work for me. yolks how I want them and easy peel. Those I had upright in the trivet did make a funny spot for the yolk. Next time, I'll have to get a basket so they all fit laying down. Now, I'll make the deviled eggs for the 4th picnic.
Kristen Chidsey
Happy 4th! I am glad this recipe worked for you. Enjoy the deviled eggs.